Dear Brethren,
While we do not completely agree with the traditional way the world celebrates “Holy Week”, highlighted by its religious festivities and rituals,and culminating with the observance of “Easter Sunday” today, we nonetheless seize the opportunity to CONTINUE sharing the message of the Cross and the Resurrection link ed with the occasion’s relevance.
The word “Easter” is actually a mistranslation from the Greek word “Pascha” or the Passover. It is not of Christian origin. It is another form of “Astarte”, one of the titles of the Chaldean goddess. It is a pagan festival being merged by religion with Christianity. It was not instituted by Christ. There are only two ordinances instituted or ordained by Christ for the Church to observe. They are Baptism, and the Lord’s Supper. In these ordinances, we are reminded of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ, not only during “Holy Week”.
Our Lord Jesus Christ died once, and resurrected once, and for all! Herein is the Gospel set forth, and the Resurrection (Greek-Anastasis) is the basis of the victory that is available for us believers, through our Lord Jesus Christ. Paul virtually says in I Corinthians 15:14 that the Resurrection is the Cornerstone of Christianity. It is hopeless if Christ did not raise from the dead. But the fact and truth is, as the Apostle Paul confidently declares in I Corinthians 15:20, “But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.”
My dear brethren, because Jesus lives, we CONTINUE to live also. His purpose for us is still unchangeable. His power in us is still available, and His promises to us are still reliable. Jesus Himself affirms in John 11:25-26, “I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?” Indeed, because Christ lives, He has the power to give His life for us and bring us ultimately to Glory to reign with Him forever. Likewise, because He lives, it makes it possible for Him to live in our hearts, enabling us to CONTINUE living for Him with an unwavering confidence of facing tomorrow.
All By God’s Grace and For God’s Glory!
Pastor Gerry Nable