What Happened? Why Did it Happen? So What?
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“If Christ be not risen, then your faith is in vain.” I Cor. 15:14
“I want to know Christ and the power of His Resurrection.” Phil. 3:10
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Remember! Tell Me the Old, Old Story
We’ve heard it so often, the story about an “Old Rugged Cross on a hill far away, the emblem of suff’ring and shame.” But that was a long time ago.
And we’ve seen so many Easter sunrises and celebrated His beyond-belief resurrection so many times that it is easy to take it for granted. Because it happened a long time ago.
Review! Who Was This Man?
And also, despite all the evidence, including the personal testimonies of so many eye-witnesses, the questions continue to be asked.
Was He really the Son of God, as He claimed? Did He really perform all those miracles – turn water into wine, feed thousands of people with a few fish and a little bread, walk on water, heal the sick, and raise the dead?
And even if He was who He said He was, so what? What does that have to do with me and how I live today?
Respond! What Are We to Do?
Many people have asked that question throughout history and continue to do so, even when the evidence is all around us.
For if Jesus had not risen, He would have been just another rabble-rouser still lying in an unmarked grave, like so many leaders before and since. And our world would look much, much different.
But because He did rise again, we even mark our calendars from His birth. Schools, hospitals, and churches have been built in obedience to His call. Even whole countries – like our own — have been so clearly and dramatically shaped by His life, by His teaching, and by His resurrection.
Throughout history, real people – just like us — have responded by “turning the world upside down” because of their faith and their good works.
Those inspired followers include William Wilberforce, who brought slavery to an end in Britain; William Booth, who founded the Salvation Army; Mother Teresa in India; and so many, many others who have made such an incredible imprint on the pages of history.
Therefore, because He lives, His call on us and on our lives is clear. Our faith is not in vain.
The Resurrection! Where Faith and Culture Meet
That’s what Dr. John Sloop, Pastor Paul Fiske from the Aletheia Church in Harrisonburg, and I will discuss at the Crossroads tomorrow on AM radio WSVA (550) at 8:30; WHBG/ESPN (1360) at 9:00; and WNLR (1150) at 11:30, and on WSVA/FM (92.1) at 8:30. You can also listen online HERE anytime.
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From the Crossroads Team, for a Wonderful Easter, because He Lives! Laus Deo!
Dean