As we celebrate Easter this year, there are a growing number of our neighbors who say that they believe in Jesus but cannot affirm the resurrection. In a recent study by the Barna Group, only "42% of Americans said that the meaning of Easter was the resurrection of Jesus or that it signifies Christ's death and return to life." Even more surprising is older research that indicated that 33% of Christian church leaders believe that Jesus was crucified but not physically resurrected from the dead.

The Apostle Paul's response to such thinking is strident. "And if Christ is not raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!" (I Cor. 15:17) He goes on to say "If in this life only we have hope in Christ"...If all we have is a religious tradition that doesn't have eternal reality... "we are to be pitied more than all people". The cross without the resurrection makes the Christian faith a colossal waste of time.

Why does the resurrection matter? First, the resurrection of Jesus demonstrates that the cross was a victory and not a defeat. Secondly, Jesus' resurrection defines his power to forgive sin and to give eternal life to all who turn away from sin and live by faith in him. Finally, the resurrection declares that this present world matters to God! The living God made a bridgehead into this world with his healing power and all conquering love. Through Jesus, God has dealt with evil and now is at work by his Spirit doing for us and for the whole world what he did for Jesus that first Easter.

So, Paul nearly shouts "But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead...and God has put everything under his feet!" Come and celebrate Jesus!


Blessings,
Pastor Jim

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