EASTER PROMISES

Well, Easter has come and gone so now what?? Does it mean that we just go back to regular time in the church and wait for the next big event??

No, Easter is just the beginning of a new relationship in which Jesus has entered into our lives and we are called to live into His faith that has been given to us . When we look at world history, it resembles a cosmic chess match of moves countermoves to determine the destiny of humankind. Just looking through the old testament, we can see the battle between God and Satan over and over again. One makes a move and the other one counters.

Then there seems to be a 400 year break between the old and new testaments. It must be God’s turn be- cause then God enters into humanity . Satan again tries by tempting Jesus in the desert and trying to sabotage his mission. Satan thinks he has won when Jesus is crucified on Good Friday; But, God again shows Satan that he is no match when God raises Jesus from the dead . God has made the real definitive move. And if that is not enough, He makes sure that this act is not just something that we celebrate “in remembrance” but rather God makes sure that every time we celebrate it, we are celebrating it as if it is the first time. It is as if Jesus is again rising from the dead to show us how much he loves us and how special we are.

Evidence of God’s loveHow often do you say, “I Love You!” to your children? Daily, every time they leave the house? However it happens, you recognize that these words are not the only evidence of your love. Kids understand it better when our actions back up our words. Your ability to meet them in the areas where they are struggling or need comfort, We all understand love through action. God understood this and so He lovingly provides for our needs and lends us his wisdom and direction every day. But the real evidence came at Calvary when God laid everything on the line to demonstrate his love for us.

Proof of God’s forgivenessWhen you go shopping for something, you pay for it and get a receipt. This receipt validates the pur- chase. If there is ever a question the receipt proves the payment. According to scripture, Christ’s resur- rection serves as a sort of a “receipt” from God to prove that our sins are forgiven. This side of heaven is where we will always deal with the consequences of sin. But we need to realize that the eternal bill has been paid. We do nothing to earn eternal life.

Restoration of relationshipJesus came to restore our relationship with God his Father, and once he has done that there is nothing that can take us away from the love of God. Our relationship has been restored to its original state. The state that it was in before Adam and Eve broke it. The relationship that God intended us to have.
It is this relationship that drives us to want to Glorify God in all that we do and say –everyday. Every time.
So this Easter is the opportunity to draw closer to Jesus, to His Word, and his teachings. Jesus has come to invite you deeper into the relationship he has wanted to have with you for all eternity.
 
Easter is the invitation “ no matter where you are at on your journey of faith Jesus wants you to receive the gift of a new perfect relationship with him. “ 
May The Lord Bless and Keep You, Rev. Stephen W. Barch