Sunday Words of Encouragement April 24, 2011

Is Resurrection Day real and relevant today? We hunt for eggs, give Easter baskets and wish Happy Easter, but do we stop and remember what we are really celebrating? Pastor's message today reminded us that the resurrection is not a myth but is supported by history.  The execution of Christ is historically recorded not only in the Gospels but by historians, Josephus and Tacitus. The resurrection was witnessed by an empty tomb (Matthew 28:1-15), the risen Christ was witnessed by at least 500 at one time (1 Cor 15:6) and a living Christ is witnessed by the Spirit living in the heart of believers, like me.

Without the Cross we are lost and would not know redeeming love.
Without the resurrection we are without hope and dead in our sins. (1 Cor 15: 12-18.)

This is one of the songs that we sang for our service this morning.
I particularly like it being an attorney and recognizing:
the punishment needed for crime,
the authority of the Judge,
and ultimately the pardon or paid debt.

The most wonderful thing to remember about Easter Week (from crucifixion to resurrection) is that Christ's sacrifice paid the price for us and gives us this ending for our lives:

A Verse for Today:

Mark 16:6 (New International Version, ©2011)

 ⁶ “Don’t be alarmed,” he said. “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.

I pray today that all may know the hope and joy of Easter.