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Resurrection Sunday
By Guest Writer: Elder Vito Riddick
(member New Hope of Glory Pentecostal Church, Morgantown, GI)
As Christians, we celebrate many occasions that are significant to us. One such occasion is Resurrection Sunday, or Easter as it is traditionally known. Many churches have begun to use the phrase Resurrection Sunday, because the term Easter is not used in the original scriptures and it has not been biblically associated with the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The timing of the crucifixion and resurrection is powerful and meaningful. The resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, is the pinnacle of all things that matter in faith that establishes our relationship with God.
It is because of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection that we have salvation and hope. These are God’s provisions for the perfect sacrifice for man’s sins. If Resurrection Weekend had not occurred, we would be in a sad state. Only believing in Christ’s birth, life, death, burial, and resurrection is the requirement for salvation. Jesus’ death is the only payment for our sins. That is why we should celebrate this holiday.
No one else would make such a sacrifice, but Jesus freely did the ultimate thing a “human” could do; accept the punishment for the crimes of others, and we were guilty, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” Romans 3:23
(NKJV).
I have been blessed to have a pastor who preaches a traditional Resurrection Sunday sermon, focusing on what Christ did at Calvary. I think that is vitally important because there are people at the service who need to hear that sermon. My pastor has been blessed to preach the sermon in a new and fresh way each year and I have been at my church for the past 9 Resurrection Sundays. He gives us new insight every year and we are blessed each year.
This is one of the traditional holidays that people who don’t normally attend church, attend a church service. I often thought that practice was an atrocity, but in recent years, I have come to the conclusion that is an excellent opportunity for someone to hear the story of what Jesus did for us. It is a perfect time for a seed to be planted. So, invite your family, friends, and others to come with you to church on this special occasion, this may be the day they discover what Jesus did for them and give their lives to Christ.
Remember, this is one of the most important holidays of the Christian faith, if not for Christ’s death and resurrection, we would not have life and that more abundantly (John 10:10).
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In
this issue:
• resurrection sunday
• word from Pastor Miller, iii
• event this month
• upcoming events
• Bible verse of the month
• focus on ministry
• the GBF
WORD
FROM PASTOR PATRICK MILLER, III
This
month, we celebrate a wonderful time in the Christian life. It is
Resurrection Sunday. This is a time of rejoicing for every
Christian. It is the time we celebrate what Christ did for
us. We celebrate the most important act of love that anyone could
do; take our punishment to set us free. Had it not been for this
act, we would not have free access to God.
During this season, take time to think about what Christ did for
you. Don't let this just be another holiday that you take for
granted by buying new clothes, shoes, and food. Share the story of
Christ's sacrifice for us with your children and family. Make this
Resurrection Season different than any other season.
Christ is the Reason we have a new life.
For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
Romans 5:6-8 (New King James Version)
Be Blessed... Pastor
Miller, III
BIBLE
VERSE OF THE MONTH
If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.
Colossians 3:1-4 (New King James Version) |
