Easter Sunday

Today is Easter Sunday. It is one of two Christian holidays that many people go to church, even if they don't the rest of the year. Unfortunately, the true meaning for the celebration has become hidden in other activities.

For much of my life, Easter egg hunts and egg laying rabbits have been associated with Easter. It may be fun to watch kids run around and gather eggs in someone's house or lawn, but it has nothing to do with the holiday. Sadly, even the "church" has forgotten what we celebrate.

After three years of ministering, Jesus was betrayed by one of His disciples and arrested by the Jewish council. In an illegal trial, He was determined to be guilty of blasphemy in claiming Himself as God. Jesus had very clearly demonstrated He was the predicted Messiah to come and was God in flesh. However, He wasn't what the leaders wanted and was turned over to Pontius Pilate.

Pilate found no guilt in Jesus, nothing deserving of death, but he give in to the mob's demand and had Jesus crucified. He died on what's known as Good Friday, and rose again on Easter Sunday.

Studying the Old Testament, it clearly predicted Jesus' life, sacrifice, and resurrection. Jesus was the only good, or perfect, person that has ever lived. His death on the cross paid the debt for sin that no other person ever could. Now, all who repent from sin (lying, theft, hatred, lust, blasphemy, etc.) and trust in Jesus alone for salvation, not our works, will be saved. That is the clear message this world needs and should have been preached from every pulpit this Resurrection Sunday.

Unfortunately, Steven Furtick from Elevation Church, has been recorded as saying he will say nothing of the resurrection or Christ's blood shed for our sins. This has long been a group of people that call themselves a church, but isn't the case at all. Others include Bethel and Hillsong, groups that only teach a feel-good message and not from Scripture.

As you go through this day, be sure to remember why we celebrate and be sure to come to Christ for forgiveness while possible. This week, six people died in a bridge collapse just while doing their regular job. We never know when our time to leave this life will come, and we can't afford to wait or change the message.