I see the resurrection as an event in Jesus' life, and an important element in Jesus' promises to his followers. But I see the resurrection as a lesson - before accepting Jesus as our savior we are dead in sin. We have no hope of an eternal life, nor of the blessings of God nor of heaven. Jesus became sin and died in sin. Three days later he was risen from the dead, pure and without sin. He was then taken to heaven and seated at the right hand of God. This story is important to me as it is a promise by example: If we accept Jesus as our savior, and live by the teachings of Jesus, then our past sins are absolved; we are able to ascend into heaven after leaving earth.
Jesus as a "living" being is different from the resurrection. I see Jesus as a counselor and confidant. While he's not a tangible person, you can still talk to him, tell him of your problems and worries, and also pray for blessings on others. Sometimes you get answers, sometimes you have to wait. But you have to be listening. I experience Jesus as a "living" person often.
Now for a little witnessing.
About a month ago, I was let go from my job. This brought about a few emotions. Panic and worry were among the highest ones, but relief and joy were in there as well. Worry was natural, as we worry in situations like that, but I knew and my wife said, "I know God will take care of us." About 5 days after getting let go, I had some work and some income thanks to people I know. However I kept praying to Jesus, praising him and God for getting me out of the unfavorable situation, for the work I had, and that God and Jesus would come through for us.
Two Sundays ago, things were heating up for me. I picked up some more work as a contractor, but it still wasn't enough to cover what I was making. I kept praying for guidance on what to do, resolution on the job situation, and praise for the blessings I had received. I also prayed that I just know when I'd get the answer to my job situation. "It's in your hands, Lord, but you know we humans aren't good at waiting and fret at uncertainty." I got an answer to that prayer right after I prayed it. Jesus didn't speak directly to me, but I felt and knew that it would get resolved that week. That Friday, I had a job that was really excellent, contract work. I agreed to it, but also had potentially 2 full time job offers coming in soon. I was conflicted. So I prayed and sought the guidance of Jesus.
Do I go on my own as a contractor, which is a big risk with big rewards, or do I play it safe with a full time position with some down sides and might make me slightly less happy? I prayed for a week on this: What do I do?
The answer I got came in the form of two sermons and a missionary. Jesus was telling me what I needed to hear, but I still had doubt. Finally, Jesus shut down the doubt with the missionary. The missionary talked about risk and faith. The missionary said if you take a look at some of the writings of Paul, and how he talks of faith. Take faith and replace it with the word risk. The passages read the same. The missionary then said that you cannot show your strength in faith, without great risk. That solidified it for me. I needed to take this risk, because I knew that God will take care of me. I knew I had to take that risk, and so I took it.
That was Sunday. Since then, I turned down one full time job offer, which turned into a possible contract. Another job offer came in and is still pending as a contract. A contract I had been working on became longer term, and the Big Contract I was given is going extremely well, and has the ability for a long-term relationship. I am blessed with too much work now.
So when people ask if Jesus is "living," I say he is very much alive and influencing lives today. He is a mentor and friend. You can speak with him, and he will speak back. You can praise him for blessings, and honor him by following his teachings, and he will bless you and guide you through life. Jesus will speak back to you as well. Not always directly, so you have to be listening, and be willing to listen.
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