What’s it all about?

People around the world are commemorating what for many, is the most important period of time in history – the Easter season. Some have given up something for Lent and look forward to having that special something back once the season is past. Many are buying candy and items to fill Easter baskets, dying eggs and organizing egg hunts, shopping for new clothes, and making reservations for that special Easter meal. Others anticipate visits from extended family and friends, and time off of work and school!

Pastors and worship leaders prepare for multiple services and greater than usual number of attendees, as some people return for their first visit since Christmas. And somewhere in the hustle and bustle of it all, just like at Christmas, we pause to remember what it’s all about.

What it’s NOT about is the eggs, and candy, and baskets, and new clothes, and special meals, and holidays. It’s not even about temporarily doing without something for a short period of time. There is nothing wrong with all of that. It is part of the joy of celebrating.

BUT

What it IS about is the greatest gift ever given to mankind, and the ONE who gave it. It’s about making a way for us to be in relationship with our Creator, about having our sins forgiven, and being adopted into the family of God. It’s about conquering death and giving life to those who will believe and receive Him.

The Apostle Paul spells it out in two short verses in 1 Corinthians 15: 3-4. “For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.”

Paul said it was of first importance. Nothing is more important than this! He said Christ died for a reason – for our sins. He died and was buried. He was confirmed to be dead. He was put in a tomb. But He did not stay dead! On the third day He rose again. And that, friends, that is what it’s all about. It’s about Jesus taking our place, dying for our sins, rising from the grave, offering to us the free gift of eternal life … LIFE.

It’s appropriate that we celebrate at this time of year, when trees are budding, and flowers are pushing up through the earth. Signs of life are all around us, reminding us that although there was the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ on the cross of Calvary, LIFE follows death, and we can have life if we follow Him.

Have you received the gift He is offering you? A gift is not yours until you receive it. Receive it and thank Him today for so great a salvation.

Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Romans 10:9-10 “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by confessing with your mouth that you are saved.” In verse 13 he writes, “Whosoever will call on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

May this be your happiest Easter ever!

Blessings,

Ruth

Why Easter?

People around the world celebrate Easter. Many enjoy time off to celebrate with family and friends, chocolates, egg hunts, special dinners, and maybe even a church service or two. But for the believer in Jesus Christ, Easter is a time to remember and acknowledge what Christ did for us.

Easter changed everything!

Easter would not be possible without GOOD FRIDAY – the day Jesus died.

His death was Necessary. Sin separated us from God.

“But your iniquities have separated you from your God; And your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear” – Isaiah 59:2.

A holy God cannot excuse sin, and according to the Scriptures, someone had to die. (The wages of sin is death… Romans 6:23) “…without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness for sin” – Hebrews 9:22.

Death was necessary for the forgiveness of sin.

Responses to the crucifixion varied. Some grieved. Soldiers gambled. Some jeered, mocked and hurled insults. And some believed He was who He claimed to be!

His death was Voluntary. He gave His life.

He could have stopped the whole thing – at any time! When arrested in the garden, He told His disciples that if He asked, God would send legions of angels to defend Him – Matthew 26:53. Jesus also said, “… I lay down My life that I may take it again. No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down of My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again…” – John 10:17, 18.

His death was Temporary. He did not stay dead.

The women who went to the tomb were told, “He is not here; for He is risen as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him” – Matthew 28:6-7. It is recorded that many others saw Him after He rose from the dead. (1 Corinthians 15:6)

On EASTER we celebrate, rejoicing that He conquered death and rose from the grave!

His Resurrection was Necessary – for us to have eternal life!

“If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” – 1 Corinthians 15:17.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life” – John 3:16.

“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live'” – John 11:25.

His Resurrection was Miraculous.

Other resurrections recorded in Scripture were performed by someone for someone else and were followed by death again.

“…Christ having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that he lives, He lives to God.” – Romans 6:9-10.

His Resurrection was Permanent. Unlike others who were raised from the dead, Jesus died once and rose, never to die again!

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them” – Hebrews 7:25.

Because of His necessary, voluntary, temporary death our sins can be forgiven, and we can be reconciled to God. Because of His necessary, miraculous, permanent resurrection we have HOPE (sure certainty) of a future eternal life with Him. And this brings us JOY and PEACE and FELLOWSHIP with God now.

Hallelujah! What a Savior.

How will you respond to the cross and the empty tomb?

Happy Easter,

Ruth