For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, then to the twelve. After that He appeared to more than five hundred brethren at one time, most of whom remain until now, but some have fallen asleep; then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles; and last of all, as to one untimely born, He appeared to me also. 1 Corinthians 15:3-8
The services this Easter weekend were wonderful! Many thanks to our ushers, Security and Communications Team, shuttle drivers, and all who made the service changes so smooth. A special thanks as well to our sound and audio guys for their great work. Such a weekend does not just happen...it’s a team effort.
The crowds who came are evidence of the fact we are not in a society that has forgotten about God’s gift of salvation. Resurrection Sunday still is the highest attended service in most churches in America. While there are those who seek to tear apart the fabric of faith that holds our nation together, the evidence is clear that Jesus is still Lord! Such evidence of faith is important in a time when attacks come from all directions seeking to take away our right to proclaim the saving gospel of Jesus Christ and the powerful truth of eternal life confirmed by His resurrection from the dead.
On another item, as I watched the congregation fill each service, my heart was filled with gratitude for the members of North Side who stepped forward in faith to provide our wonderful place of worship. The proclamation of the Word of God is enhanced greatly by the communication tools we have in our worship center. I pray that each time you see the seats filled you will thank God for the vision and gifts of those who have made this possible.
Resurrection Hope
Over the next year I will again be called on to preside at many funerals. It is a part of what I do as a minister of the gospel. Such a time is difficult for any family and words of comfort are seldom capable of giving much hope. For, you see, there is no hope in the words of men. There is only hope in the resurrection of Jesus Christ. That’s why Easter is so important to every day of the year.
But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-14
For that reason, while I will gather with families in sorrow, I will also be able to share with them an eternal word of hope because of Easter! Easter is celebrated every time a believer goes to be with the Lord. Christ is risen from the dead! Hallelujah!
Scripture to Claim:
But now Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who are asleep. For since by a man came death, by a man also came the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive. 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
