Easter Sunday! - He Has Risen!

In Jerusalem there is a place called Gordon's Calvary. It is outside the Old City of Jerusalem and includes a tomb dating back hundreds of years… possibly to the time of Christ. It's believed this tomb is a pretty decent depiction of what the tomb of Jesus may have looked like in 30 AD. Although historically there is no exact account of where Jesus' tomb was actually located we do know that Jesus’ body is not there!

He is risen! The tomb of Jesus… wherever it was… is empty! Not because his body was stolen, but because he rose from the dead! Jesus appeared first to women... then the Apostles... then to more than500 believers at one time. The Scriptures record that Jesus gave "many convincing proofs” that he was alive. That was almost 2,000 years ago. Ever since then… every year… Christians celebrate Jesus’ resurrection. But as wonderful as that it, Jesus’ resurrection is not the only thing Christians celebrate! There is more cause and reason to celebrate than just that He was resurrected. The greater celebration is yet to come… because one day Jesus will come back to earth the same way he left. Yes… Jesus is alive! And for that we celebrate. But the greater celebration is that Jesus is coming back! And when He returns it will be in power, glory, and majesty! The next time Jesus is on earth He will be Ruler, King, and the Sovereign Lord who will crush all His enemies and bring rewards for all those who long for His appearing! Now that's something worth celebrating, not just today, but everyday of the year! But the truth is so many don't celebrate that truth daily. They wait to do it twice a year. Which was so evident this morning as our church swelled to over 318 verses the usual 150-200. Our pastor even shared to the many visitors that they were invited to come back next week as well. I sat and pondered for a while and then wondered if any of the 100 or so would be slightly convicted by their lukewarm Christianity. Especially since we conducted our service the same way we do every week. Do you think they were aware that all the regulars knew who they were?... Or that Christianity has very little to do with getting dressed up and going to church on Easter?... I hope so! My prayer is that our many visitors realize all they're missing out on and hopefully begin to see all God is doing, not just today, but everyday of the year. So from our home to yours, we wish you a blessed Easter Sunday , but more importantly we hope you make a point to celebrate Christ's resurrection, not just today, but throughout the whole year!