As people pour into churches for Easter weekend -- many for the first time this year (the second time will be Christmas) -- others would give anything to be able to go to church, to be in a loving atmosphere. But they're stuck at home sick. Or in some far away land where the nearest church is a 10 mile walk away. Or, worse still, they are not allowed to attend church. (Such is the case of some children I know.)
But thank God, knowing Jesus doesn't depend on going to church (although church-life is a vital part of growing). Knowing Jesus is about, well, knowing Jesus. Knowing His resurrection at work within. And sometimes, fellowshipping with His sufferings (Philippians 3:10) so that resurrection power is manifest.
Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus, the Son of God who died for our sins. It is the celebration of new life. Bunnies and Easter eggs are basically pagan traditions but to the believer, they reflect newness of life, life bursting forth, resurrection. But the world is still filled with people who have not heard of Jesus, or if they have heard of Him, they don't know who He really is. They don't know how deeply He loves them and what He can offer them.
In a world that's messed up on every level -- a world that's calling wrong right, black white and so on, people need a savior, the Savior. They need Jesus.
Church attendance is expected to be huge this weekend. But how many will come to really know about Jesus?
Read my article on why churches are full at Easter in
The Examiner here.
Copyright © April 2012
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