Your Easter Resurrection Joy

[Benjamin Phelps]

If Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith  (1 Corinthians 15:14)

Christ's death to save us and his victory of resurrection is the focus and foundation of the faith of anyone who claims to be a Christian.  If Christians do not recognize, preach, or believe in Christ's Easter resurrection, then they are quite frankly wasting their's and everyone else's time.  But it is even worse than that.  If Christ had not been raised, then-

if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins. Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ are lost.  If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied. (1 Corinthians 15:17-19)

But every day, especially on Easter (tomorrow, April 17) we celebrate and stand in the truth of Christ's work and what it means for us both now and in future.  Our sins are removed.  We have sure hope in this life and for the next.

But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For since death came through a man, the resurrection of the dead comes also through a man. For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive. (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)

This news is too good to pass up!  This good news is worth celebrating!  What better thing can could we do with our time tomorrow morning than to hear, learn, and celebrate the greatest day of the year with God's Word and God's people?

Do not be misled: “Bad company corrupts good character.” Come back to your senses as you ought, and stop sinning; for there are some who are ignorant of God—I say this to your shame. (1 Corinthians 15:33-24)

So come! Join in the good company of believers.  If you have fallen out of the godly habit of worshiping with fellow believers (Hebrews 10:25), what better day to return than on Easter?  If you are ignorant of what God says and what he promises and gives you, what better day to come and hear the good news?  When you need the strength and encouragment to battle against sin, where else can you find it than in the Word of God?

But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.  Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.(1 Corinthians 15:57-58)

We have Easter worship tomorrow at 7:30 AM and 10 AM.  There will be an Easter egg hunt at 9:15 and and a brunch potluck following the 10 AM service.