EASTER

It's the best time of the year! Easter is the reason for Christmas....the baby born to the virgin came FOR Easter Sunday. Easter is the holiday that distinguishes Christianity from all other religions. The God of Christianity is ALIVE, unlike Buddha, Mohammad, Confucius, etc. His tomb is empty! Even those religions that say they regard Jesus of Nazareth as a "good teacher", Prophet, or role model must overlook the fact that He SAID HE WAS GOD! As one author put it, "Jesus is either God or a fried egg" How could a good teacher, role model or prophet emphasize such a lie and still be called good! We don't all love and serve the same god, who just happens to have different names. The next argument is, "where's the proof" that this man did indeed defeat death. Well, it's true, there were no cameras 2000 years ago, but there were plenty of eye witnesses. And they were extremely careful to record what they saw. Any unbiased judge and jury would find the evidence convincing. People do not believe because they do not want to believe, not because of lack of evidence. So, not all religions are of equal value because not all can possibly be true. The world religions proclaim vastly different stories. We just can't have it both ways. And that concept is NOT politically correct.
Problems arise because over the years we Christians have added some extras to the story: lists of do's and don'ts, countless denominations, rituals and liturgies, prayers, requirements, building styles, right vs. wrong music styles, even dress codes. And if that weren't enough we've become judgmental and critical instead of loving and serving those that Jesus loves. Let's call it "church culture" or "religion" It doesn't have much to do with Jesus and it certainly isn't attractive.
Bottom line: Jesus came, lived a sinless life, died for the sins of the world and ROSE from the dead. He ascended into heaven, sent the Holy Spirit to indwell and empower believers until the timing is right for HIS GLORIOUS, VICTORIOUS RETURN.
The Bible tells us that Jesus was MAGNETIC...drawing all kinds of people to Himself. Folks from all walks of life were mesmerized by His freshness, acceptance, authority, purity, forgiveness, wisdom and love.
God in the flesh!! HALLELUJAH, what a Savior! I'm celebrating an empty tomb this weekend.