Significance of Easter

What's so great about Easter? (Not the chocolate bunny or jelly beans...) Yes, I know Jesus is alive, but what else? Why is it significant...

It couldn't have stopped at Good Friday. I see the point of the cross as clearly as a newly windexed glass window, so why is Easter harder? After all, it's certainly a happier event - death isn't exactly rainbows and flowers! It wouldn't have been a miracle. If Jesus had simply died, there wouldn't be any strong foundation for our faith. Christianity is based solely on two events: the cross, and the grave. Just imagine what it would have been like: to physically see Jesus die on a cross, and then see Him alive 3 days later. Little did they know He was speaking of His body when He referred to "temple."

John 2:19 (NIV)

"Jesus answered them, 'Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days.'"

Everyone must have been dumbfounded. Even Jesus' disciples who thought they knew the Messiah. But it's not what they expected. Expectations can be dangerous. The Jews thought He would save them from the Romans. They wanted a temporary salvation. But God had a larger purpose - one that would save all of humanity for generations to come! You see, Jesus is alive, therefore we are too!!! :)

Luke 20:38 (NIV)

"He is not the God of the dead, but of the living, for to him all are alive."

The BEST PART about Easter - and Christianity, in general - is Jesus' victory. About a month ago, I gave a speech by Billy Graham for public address in Speech Team. He gave the speech 3 days after 9-11.

"The cross tells us that God understands our sin and our suffering. For He took upon himself, in the person of Jesus Christ, our sins and our suffering. And from the cross, God declares "I love you. I know the heart aches, and the sorrows, and the pains that you feel, but I love you." The story does not end with the cross, for Easter points us beyond the tragedy of the cross to the empty tomb. It tells us that there is hope for eternal life, for Christ has conquered evil, and death, and hell. Yes, there's hope."

You see? Jesus has conquered death! That's why, "He's ALIVE," is so vital! If we choose to place our trust in Him, and believe in that He rose from the dead, we too can be alive, and experience freedom. The Gospel really is good news. If it wasn't, the disciples wouldn't have risked their lives to share it. If it wasn't, missionaries wouldn't be so bold. If faith wasn't something worth believing in, then I certainly wouldn't be so enthusiastic about it. In fact, my entire life would be different. It would be void of purpose, and I would spend eternity in Hell. Can you see why I am so thankful for the cross and the empty tomb? Can you truly SEE?

I jump up and down out of joy - because my Savior is alive! I praise His name with music - because He has overcome sin. I can't help but share the good news with everyone I meet - because this message is the only thing worth living for. My prayer is that you might have faith. Yes, it takes a HUGE leap. But Christ died for you. He rose from the grave in 3 days, and brings HOPE for every lost soul! Amen - we are victorious!!!

Happy Easter! :) Its message should bring you joy everyday.

1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (NIV)

"When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: 'Death has been swallowed up in victory.'
'Where, O death, is your victory?
Where, O death, is your sting?' The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

This song is currently my FAVORITE!!! I hope you enjoy it as well - it seems like the appropriate happy, uplifting Easter song. ;)

1 John 5:3-5 (NIV)

"This is love for God: to obey his commands. And his commands are not burdensome, for everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God."

When I first read this, I was stunned. Isn't it just fantastic?!? WE (Christians) can overcome the WORLD!!! There you go: I can be queen of the world! ;) But let's not get a big head - only by the power of the cross, and Jesus Christ. Amen -for Jesus is risen!

-Gorgeous live oak tree picture taken by Bubbly at Baylor University in Waco, Texas. :) I figured a tree is a universal symbol for life - and Jesus brings us life! Happy Easter. :D