It’s kinda dark out there -- man, it's Friday. No worries, Sunday’s comin’!

Isn’t it Good Friday today? Human love runs out, that's why there's war and divorce. This is why you need God's selfless agape love. Listen, 

I love REZ-day, the account of the bodily Resurrection of Jesus in Matthew 28:1-10, Luke 24:1-12, and John 20:19-31. Man, I love this Lord of glory!

“Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” ~ John Stott 

The Greek word translated “It is finished!” was a very familiar word back in that day. Bankers used it when the final payment had been made on a debt. Jesus completely paid the debt we owed, and it will be remembered against us no more forever. Hallelujah, what a Savior!

My debt was paid in full on that tree! Yep, you and I put Him up there. God the Father put him up there too.. for you1 

It was because of our own sins that Jesus went to the Cross. But now the cradle, the cross, and the grave of Christ are all empty. Yay God!   

 The crown (John 1–16). Jesus and Pilate had been talking about a kingdom, so it was only right that the King have a crown. It was meant for mockery, but it preached a message, for Jesus was wearing the consequences of Adam’s sins (Gen. 3:17–19). But a crown is a sign of victory. He has overcome!

The cross (17–27). Jesus started out bearing His own cross, but then Simon was drafted to carry it for Him (Mark 15:21). We are not told why, although tradition says that Jesus fell and could not carry it. Considering all He had been through, that is not difficult to believe. Criminals carried the cross as a sign of guilt, and Jesus was not guilty!

The conquest (28–42). “It is finished!” was the cry of a conqueror. Jesus accomplished what all of the old covenant sacrifices could not do (Heb. 10:1–18). The prophecies and types were fulfilled and the sacrifice for sins made once and for all forever. It was not a martyr that Joseph and Nicodemus put into the tomb; it was a victor.

 The Cross is all about how God's perfect love, and perfect justice met up, but it didn't end there, cuz Jesus overcame death and the grave for us! God and Rez-day (Easter) -- all about life after death for you and me. God has a great purpose for your life. He wanted and wants you alive today for a purpose. So many dead inside today and causing death. God can protect, He can help, He can resurrect the dead and he wants to use you. 

He did it all for you. God loves you and has a good plan. Just like he had for Peter who blew it.. yeah, who really blew it bad but then got restored. 

“Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Feed My lambs.”

He said to him again a second time, “Simon, son of Jonah do you love Me?”

He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.”

He said to him, “Tend My sheep.” Read John 21:15-21

Like Pete needed it, do you also need to be restored? I’ve sinned, have you? God forgives. That's why Calvary happened -- no cost to you or to me. Greg Laurie asks.. Need another chance at Easter?

 Says...Peter’s biggest error was in denying the Lord three times before Christ was crucified. But Jesus forgave Peter and recommissioned him. This tells us three things about Easter.  

Easter is so personal. Notice the angel said to go tell the disciples and Peter. Jesus reached out to Peter individually. By the way, you can insert your name there. Go tell the disciples and _______. You know it right. Yes it was for Peter too. And Easter is also for you personally. 

Easter is so practical. Why do you think Peter was singled out? Because Peter needed a special word of encouragement. Maybe you need that today as well. 

Easter is so powerful. The day and date ain’t powerful but Jesus is. He not only forgave Peter, but He recommissioned him for service again. And God will do the same for you. He will forgive you and then you can start this new relationship with Him again. 

Easter REMINDS US that God is alive and He gives people second chances in life. 

Jesus the Stranger (John 21:1–4). Don't let him stay that way for you. When Peter returned to the old life, he took six other men with him. Their work was in vain (15:5) because the Lord was not with them. How kind He is to come to us when we have disobeyed Him and have failed in our work!

Jesus the Master (5–8). When Jesus takes charge, failure is turned into success; and the difference was only the width of the ship! You never know how close you are to victory, so admit your failure and obey what He tells you to do. He never fails.

Jesus the Host (9–14). It took six men to drag the net (v. 8), but Peter did it alone when Jesus gave the orders (v. 11). We should always remember that “God’s commandment is God’s enablement.” Did the fire of coals remind Peter of his denials (18:18ff.)? Did the miraculous catch of fish remind him of his call to service (Luke 5:1–11)? How kind of Jesus to feed Peter before dealing with him about his sins!

Jesus the Shepherd (15–17). The most important thing in ministry is loving Christ, for all ministry flows from that. Peter the fisherman was also to be a shepherd and care for the lambs and sheep.

Jesus the Lord (18–25). By saying, “Follow Me,” Jesus reinstated Peter as an apostle. But Peter turned around and took his eyes off the Lord (Matt. 14:30), and Jesus had to rebuke him. The next time you are tempted to meddle in somebody else’s ministry, ponder Christ’s words: “What is that to you? You follow Me!” (v. 22).

Then Peter followed the Lord closely right into the excitement of the book of Acts!      

Why do we celebrate?

Do you still wonder about Easter?

What is an Easter Vigil?

How was the date for Easter determined?

But isn't Easter a pagan holiday?

Why is the truth of the bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ so important? 

How will our resurrection body be different from our current body?

What is Holy Saturday?  

Where was Jesus between His death and resurrection?

What is the meaning of Easter? 

What is the origin of the Easter bunny and Easter eggs?

He is for you, sinner. He is for me too (a saved sinner). God knew exactly what He was getting when He chose Peter. Jesus knew Peter better than he knew himself. And God knows you better than you know yourself. But He chooses you anyway. • Life goes so much better when we listen to Him and, most importantly, do what He tells us to do. • Easter is about hope, and because Jesus died on the cross and rose again from the dead, we have hope. He died so we could know that we would live forever in Heaven. 

APPLICABLE ACTIONS FOR US ALL: Easter is about new beginnings. It’s about second chances. This can be the day when your life changes course and God takes your story and adds new chapters to it that are a whole lot better than the chapters you’ve been writing previously. But you must come to Him and say, “Lord, I’m sorry for my sin. I thank You for dying on the cross for me and rising again. Now I want to know You in a personal way.” You can learn more and do that at KnowGod.org

Today we have fake news, real news, scary news and Good News. Man, when ya hear and see the bad news, all have sinned, it sure makes ya appreciate the Good News.  God forgives. HE'S A MASTER OF MAKING A MESSAGE OUT OF A MESS. Humbly turn and ask Him. Happy Easter to you! 

Very dark at week's end, and it grew so quiet—but Sunday speaks!

Human love runs dry; history proves it—wars rage, homes fracture, hearts grow cold. What we lack is what God is: agape—self-giving, relentless, holy love. That is why the Cross stands at the center of everything.

“Before we can begin to see the cross as something done for us, we have to see it as something done by us.” — John Stott

It was our sin that nailed Him up there—and yet it was His love that held Him there.

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The Cry That Cleared the Ledger

When Jesus said, “It is finished!” (John 19:30), He used a word common in the marketplace—paid in full.
No balance remains. No debt lingers. No record stands.

“Hallelujah! What a Savior!”

The cross is where perfect justice and perfect love embraced—justice satisfied, mercy unleashed (Romans 3:26). What centuries of sacrifices could only foreshadow, Christ fulfilled once for all (Hebrews 10:1–18). This was no martyr’s whisper—it was a conqueror’s shout.

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For You. Again - The Crown (of Thorns), the Cross, the Conquest, Then a Different Crown 

• The Crown of thorns (John 19:1–16): Meant to mock, yet it proclaimed truth. He wore the curse of Adam (Genesis 3), but the crown also foretold victory.
• The Cross of wood (John 19:17–27): Carried as a sign of guilt—yet He was guiltless, bearing ours instead (2 Corinthians 5:21).
• The Conquest of victory (John 19:28–42): “It is finished!”—sin defeated, redemption secured, eternity opened.

The cradle is empty. The cross is empty. The tomb is empty.
Christ is risen—and reigning.

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Resurrection - It's Not a Mere Holiday Among Others—It's About A Person

REZ-day isn’t about a certain date in history. Yep, it really happened, and there were many eyewitnesses. It’s about a living Savior (Matthew 28; Luke 24; John 20).

As the old hymn says:

“Because He lives, I can face tomorrow…”

This is not sentimental hope—it is historical, bodily resurrection. And it changes everything.

Peter failed loudly—denied Christ three times. Yet the risen Jesus sought him personally:

“Go, tell the disciples—and Peter…” (Mark 16:7)

That one name changes everything.

Easter is:

• Personal — God calls you by name.
• Practical — He meets you at your lowest point.
• Powerful — He forgives and recommissions.

At the fire of coals (John 21), where failure once burned, grace now restored. Three denials met by three affirmations:

“Do you love Me? … Feed My sheep.”

Failure is not final when Jesus is present.

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When Jesus Steps In

• As Stranger, He finds us in our wandering.
• As Master, He turns empty nets into overflow (John 21:6).
• As Host, He feeds us before He corrects us.
• As Shepherd, He calls us to love Him first.
• As Lord, He simply says: “Come".. "Follow Me.”

And that’s enough.

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The Hope the World Can’t Manufacture

George Barna and his group consistently show many professing Christians wrestle with doubt, purpose, and identity. The issue isn’t information—it’s transformation.

The resurrection answers the deepest human ache:
You are not abandoned. You are not finished. You are not beyond redemption.

“Our old history ends with the cross; our new history begins with the resurrection.” — Watchman Nee

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The Better Chapter Begins Today

God is the Author of life, who rewrites ruined and dead stories. He takes ashes and makes something alive again (Isaiah 61:3). He gives beautify for ashes even. 

You don’t clean yourself up first, Sport—you come and let Him do that.
You don’t earn it—you receive it as a free gift.

“Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me…”

Would you pray something like: “Man Lord, I’ve sinned and hurt You, but I am sorry for that. Thank You for dying for me on that lonely cross. Thank You for rising again. I do want to know You—personally, intimately. Please forgive me cuz I do repent in the best way I know how. In fact, right now I come.. by faith, I open the door of my heart to you. Please come in to rule without rival as Lord! Please use me for Your glory.”

"God proved His love on the cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, 'I love you." ~ Billy Graham

Because of the physical Resurrection of Jesus fir us, it'll eventually be the death of all death.

---

Friday was bad, but good for us! Sunday spoke! 

Christ died for you!

Christ was put in a hole in the ground.. for you.

Christ rose for you.

Christ calls you—by name.

Let's all celebrate Easter Sunday! 

Come as you are. And He is still makin' good messages out of bad messes.

Got stress? God gets it. He understands your struggles and frustrations. It's Easter-time -- come with your honest doubts if you have any! You'll be welcomed with open arms.

Ms. Charlotte Elliott became so angry, stressed and frustrated. She had been raised in a Christian home, but she had so many conflicts and doubts inside. She wasn't at all sure of her relationship with Christ or where she'd go. So what'd she do? She got real... got totally honest and penned her feelings down in the following words. Charlotte wanted assurance inside regarding Jesus loving her just exactly as she was.

"Just as I am - without one plea,
But that Thy blood was shed for me,
And that Thou bidst me come to Thee,
-O Lamb of God, I come! (to Christ: Godlife.com/gospel)

Just as I am - and waiting not
To rid my soul of one dark blot,
To Thee, whose blood can cleanse each spot,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - though toss'd about
With many a conflict, many a doubt,
Fightings and fears within, without,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - poor, wretched, blind;
Sight, riches, healing of the mind,
Yea, all I need, in Thee to find,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - Thou wilt receive,
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve;
Because Thy promise I believe,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - Thy love unknown
Has broken every barrier down;
Now to be Thine, yea, Thine alone,
-O Lamb of God, I come!

Just as I am - of that free love
The breadth, length, depth, and height to prove
Here for a season, then above,
-O Lamb of God, I come" ~ Charlotte Elliot (Lyrics)

"However, those the Father has given me will come to me, and I will never reject them." John 6:37 nlt

Right here and now at Easter-time, how can I too gain an assurance of my salvation?

"All that My Father gives Me will come to Me; and the one who comes to Me I will most certainly not cast out I will never, never reject anyone who follows Me." ~Jesus, Jn. 6:37

 

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Happy Resurrection Day to ya! It's about real life -- experience that kinda power and relationship first-hand, not religiously and second hand.

 On a hill far away, stood an old rugged Cross..

The emblem of suffering and shame.

And I love that old Cross where the Dearest and Best

For a world of lost sinners was slain.

And when I think that God, His Son not sparing,

Sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in;

That on the cross, my burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died to take away my sin.

Got some full deadness and a tomb ya need out of? I know an Expert to help with those kinda issues. He came out of that hole in the ground, got unwrapped into full freedom. He's alive, loves you, has a good good plan. Yep, and I was raised in a dead church that wanted me to trust that church, but it didn't help me get free from all my extreme partying and destructive habits. Come as ya are with a willingness to be transformed from the inside out. Yep, as you currently are to Jesus Christ.

"Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom." 2 Corinthians 3:17

Jesus paid it all,

All to Him I owe.

Sin had left a crimson stain,

He washed it white as snow.

::: Knowing God well and Making Him well Known! Need some help with that? Yep, gobs! :::

"God did not send his Son into the world to condemn it, but to save it." John 3:17 KurtwVs.medium.com

Happy Easter to you!

He was physically dead, but now is risen -- Christ is. The tomb is empty. Has an echo in there. 

You know euphemisms are a way to convey something without actually saying a specific word ..that may be considered too unpopular, too awkward, too blunt, or just too direct in our society. Like with the term, "Death." 

Did ya know our society has over 200 different ways to say or describe death and dying. Yup does! 

I often use the funny ways to refer to death.. with my friends.. but not when near those who have lost a loved one. Some polite Euphemisms etc for it are.. 

• Asleep
• At Home
• At Peace
• At Rest
• Kicked The Bucket
• Passed
• Expired
• Bravely Fought ___ (insert the applicable condition or disease)
• Called Home (It’s amazing how almost 100% think they were)
• Called Away To His or Her Reward (Some won’t like their reward)
  
• Deceased
  
• Reached room temperature
• Slipped Away Quietly
• Succumbed
• Swan Song
• Taken By ___ (insert the applicable condition, disease, or accident)
  
• Bereft Of Life
• Bid Adieu To Earthly Scenes
• Said Farewell To This World
  
• Entered The Regions Of Immortal Felicity
• Eternal Sabbath
• Exchanged Worlds
  
• Fought The Good Fight (in reference to 2 Timothy 4:7)
• Was Gathered To His People
• Gave Up The Ghost
• Got Their Wings
  
• Bought The Farm
  
• Cash In One’s Chips
• Is Checkin’ Out The Grass From The Other Side (Underneath)
• Climbed The Golden Staircase
  
• Dirt Nap
  
• Final Curtain Call
  
• Went Into The Fertilizer Business
  
• Became Worm Food
• Went To Davy Jones’s Locker
• Juggling Halos Now (..as if!)
• Was Just Stamped “Return To Sender”
• Kicked The Oxygen Habit
  

People just don’t want to say or think about that “D” word. Often, when theories of death and what happens after death are discussed, you might hear “We think..,” “We hope..,” but hey guess what.. the Bible uses these two words, “We know!” (See 2 Corinthians 5:1). I like that, cuz it’s kind of an important subject huh. Knowing is far better than guessing, and being ready sure beats almost ready. The Bible says... 

"Whoever has the Son has life; whoever does not have the Son of God does not have life. I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, so that you may know that you have eternal life." 1 John 5:12-13

We know our time on earth and our bodies on earth (as they are now) are temporary, and our permanent residence and a new body awaits each of us up in heaven. He’s your mansion builder. Is that a really big home there, or a new body for you?  

In his book “The Grave Robber,” author Mark Batterson says,

There is nothing wrong with wanting to live a long life, but death isn’t something we (spiritually reborn believers) dread. Death was defeated two thousand years ago. And to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. So death is something we can actually anticipate because it’s not the end. It’s a new beginning. And many miracles we hoped for on earth will finally be fulfilled in heaven.

Remember post-resurrection how Christ ate fish with the guys. Jesus still has a physical body today, and he can fly so to speak. Think about His ascension on up. You and I will one day have resurrected bodies like His body is, and we’ll get to do stuff he does. And one day soon the Rapture will happen. And one day after the Second Coming the third heaven that’s beyond the second heaven with all those stars will come down -- heaven and earth will become one here during the millenium here with him as our King. 

Take heart, believer. Be encouraged in Christ today. You can say the “D” word without any fear or doubt! Jesus chose to take up residence in His earthly body, and He willingly laid down His life so that He could be physically resurrected and then take up residence in you by His Holy Spirit. You are bought with a price, and at that moment when you turn (repent), and trust the Lord (believe with saving faith).. at the moment of your salvation, God, through His Spirit, takes up residence in your body, and your life is no longer your own. It’s His! You are a brand new creation. The old is gone and the new has come!

Give praise to God, for you are fearfully and wonderfully made. The Bible declares that you are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10). Dwell in that beautiful truth. God specifically thought of you. God delights in you. God desires for you to love Him and to glorify Him with the life He has so freely given you.

As Paul tells us, death has no victory and has lost its sting because Jesus has conquered the grave!

“I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish.. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand.” John 10:28-29

Your Kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Not my will, Your’s is far better (Read more on heaven).

Because He lives and you are in His hands, you too, shall live forever! Secure!  

John 1:12 - But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God--

John 5:24 - Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.

John 20:31 - But these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

1 John 1:2 - And this is the life that was revealed; we have seen it and testified to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life that was with the Father and was revealed to us.

1 John 2:25 - And this is the promise that He Himself made to us: eternal life.

1 John 3:23 - And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us.

1 John 4:9 - This is how God's love was revealed among us: God sent His one and only Son into the world, so that we might live through Him.

1 John 5:11 - And this is that testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in His Son.

1 John 5:20 - And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true--in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.

God’s hands are big enough to bless you. Jesus would lay his hands on people and bless them. He does the same for you. Isaiah 62:3 says, “The Lord will hold you in his hand for all to see—a splendid crown in the hand of God” (NLT).

God’s hands are scarred to never forget you. In heaven, the only scars will be on Jesus. Do you think God can forget you? He has a constant reminder of you in his nail-scarred hands. The Bible says, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion for the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands” (Isaiah 49:15-16 NIV).

God’s hands are strong enough to keep you eternally secure. John 10:28-29 says, “I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish . . . My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father’s hand” (NIV. Rick Warren on hands).

Come to Jesus.. or come back to Him as you are. Clean your own life up and then come? No, better idea -- come to Jesus now as you are..but willing to be changed..willing to cooperate as He cleans you up. This fisherman catches his fish so to speak and then cleans em all from the inside out. Just know that His sanctification is a lifetime process. 

Once you turn, trust and put your life in God’s hands, then nobody can snatch you out of them. You may wonder, “Can’t a person just jump out?” How big and strong do you think your loving Father’s hands really are? Death can’t even take you away from God. 

1. What is the meaning of Easter? Yeah, what does Easter even mean?

2. What is the origin of the Easter bunny and Easter eggs? Due to the pagan origins of the Easter bunny and Easter eggs, should Christians participate in all that stuff?

3. Should Christians celebrate Easter? Should Christians observe the Easter holiday? Is Easter truly a Christian celebration?

4. Is Easter a pagan holiday? Does the Easter holiday have pagan origins? Does Easter come from paganism?

5. What are the origins of Easter? How did the Easter holiday originate? Where did the Easter celebration come from?

6. What is it really for.. Easter Sunday? What does Easter have to do with Jesus’ resurrection? shouldn’t Easter be called Resurrection Sunday?

7. Why do we celebrate Easter? Why should we celebrate Easter? Is Easter a holiday that is worth celebrating?

8. Who was Ishtar, and is there any connection between Ishtar and Easter? Is the word Easter derived from Ishtar or Eostre?

9. What is an Easter Vigil? Should..or How should a Christian observe an Easter Vigil?

10. How is or was the date for Easter determined?

11. Got some more Questions about Easter? Where did all those Easter traditions come from? Are they really necessary? Should Christians even be into all those?

12. Huh!.. What is Easter Monday? What happened on the Monday after Jesus’ death and resurrection?

13. Need an Easter Bible reading plan?

14. Should Christians celebrate Easter on Sunday? On a Sunday can Christians actually participate in the aspects of Easter that have pagan origins?

15. What is Pascha and how is that related to Easter? Why does Pascha fall on a different day than Easter?

16. Sup with the Christian and Holidays?

Is Jesus really physically alive now? Yep. Lots of eyewitnesses saw him post-tomb. 

Sup with all that prevents me from celebrating this Historical event that can impact my life today? 

What happens when you let the fleshly nature have its way? The flesh demands more and more and more. Never satisfied inside you. I say crucify the fleshly nature.

Just say NO to the flesh with its perv-passions. Instead, have red hot passion for the Spirit and His will for you. That’s way better -- God loves you! 

What to do with the fleshly nature in me -- starve it to death, don’t feed it only to hear it yell for MORE. (Starve you? No, not you, your old nature that craves all that is not good for you). Feed your human spirit with the truth of the word. 

"For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16

“For a soul is far too precious to be ransomed by mere earthly wealth. There is not enough of it in all the earth to buy eternal life for just one soul, to keep it out of hell.” Psalm 49:8-9

"We know that we are of God, and the whole world lies under the sway of the wicked one. And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true.." 1 John 5:19-20.

And say NO to this corrupt world system, but say YES to the Jesus of the Bible. Do not be conformed to this world system. Die to self daily, live pure in heart, disciplined with Jesus as Lord, and come alive into God. Regardless of how you feel cuz feelings can be so fickle. Live in the word. Yes, intimately, godly, on-fire, obediently with JOY. Not religiously cold or luke-warm spiritually. (See Gal. 5:16-24, Rom. 12:1-2)

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45

I so enjoy Easter only cuz I love my time with Him. Think about it, if Jesus didn’t die on that lonely cross on Calvary’s hill for you and me, and if He didn’t rise again from the dead on the third day.. then nothing matters. We should just feast, suck down a lot of beer and party hardy. Sure, like a proverbial wild party animal (all that’d be moronic huh. Sin is never a good idea, cuz it destroys lives and God hates it). Come to Him now..candidly, bodly, humbly.   

"What good has it done me if, merely from a human point of view, I fought with wild animals at Ephesus? If the dead are not raised at all, let us eat and drink enjoying ourselves now, for tomorrow we die." ~ Paul, 1 Corinthians 15:32 amp

“Right after Jesus died on the cross: The earth shook, and rocks broke, and tombs opened, and many godly men and women who had died came back to life again. After Jesus’ resurrection, they left the cemetery and went into Jerusalem, and appeared to many people there.” Matthew 27:51-53 

It was dark out.. in and around that thin sliver of land. Man, better to be in than out. Yeah, Friday was beyond hard to take. So relentless, so much suffering, so uber-brutal, but then came Sunday! Let's take someone to church where they teach the Bible.

How has it been in your life, in your town, and country? Kinda dark or painful lately?

Sorry about that -- I hate that. Never wanna see anyone suffering or neglected. Check it out.. Jesus Christ is alive again, over 500 people saw him post-tomb experience. Yeah this Bible Jesus lives. He is there for you today. He hears ya when you call -- He is our ultimate JOY!  In Him, we have everlasting life! How have you felt joy in the Lord lately? 

Originally posted by metrocosmblog

God wants us to be joyful, to find love, joy and peace in His Son. Ask yourself.. am I finding joy in God at this time of my life? What is in the way of me finding Him?

That’s exactly what Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live." John 11:25 

Need a family who loves you? He does, Christ loves you more than all love you. Put it not off, turn and come to Him now just like you are. He’ll totally embrace and accept you. You don't need religion, you really need this relationship -- with the one Ress-day a.k.a. Easter is all about!  Facebook.com/shareJesus 

It's Easter and God's purpose won't fail. One day.. end? Nope!

He will never end.

His plan won’t. The truth won’t, eternity won’t, He won’t.. His Person 100% alive… won’t!

Christ can’t be stopped! Left that grave behind. Death is destroyed.

So many people here like calling all the shots – won’t give up chasin’ brief pleasures and what they want that’s of far lesser worth. Existing in vain. Sad! I was there before.

“Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’” John 3:7 (while you’re at it.. read all of John in the Bible just to be edified and for the context)

Christ is alive! Are you alive?.. don’t mean just existing. You can be fully alive today. In a moment!

No worries, God is not like United Airlines.. overbooking trying to get bucks, or kickin’ people out. Draggin' out the door. He won’t cast any away. Come, humbly turn.. to Jesus in faith.

What happend at the Cross and at that empty tomb?

A lot! Redemption happened. Jesus was murdered. A buy-back took place. A physical death and a physical Resurrection. For you! 

You ain’t really your own at all. No, no.. “For you were bought at a price; therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 

“The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” Psalm 24:1

"But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, to those who believe in His name: who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.” John 1:12-13

God's Word is the only reliable guideline for living here. May I ask.. do you prayerfully spend time in the Bible?.. that's where the true story of Easter is found. Following your heart, without the leading of the Father's living Word, (Jesus or His Holy Spirit), that will only lead you to His judgement. Who wants that? And never judge Christianity by the imperfect examples that we have seen in history. Some were merely religious and lost and some were not. But judge it by Jesus Christ. Not one sin did He do. 

It should have been me.... between those two thieves. Am blessed more than I deserve really. 

Was out on my board next to a 4A surfer friend named Randy Ziglar this time of year.. and he shared the Gospel with me while we were out surfin' there in SoCal. Seeds were planted in my hard heart. Met the Lord that year -- in '77. Asked and was forgiven of all my wrongdoin's (sins) by the Lord. Didn't know my Dana Hills High School Football coach, Randy, was also the Saturday evening evangelist at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa too. That was where the Jesus' Movement was really breaking out. He knew his stuff and gave it to me straight. He lived it before me. The Lord used Randy in my life and He can bless and use you as well. Stoked-out after than, far more than before.  

“God often goes to the gutter to find the recipient for His grace. He lifts him out, washes him and transforms him - making him into a child of God fit for His kingdom. That is God’s grace.” ~ Chuck Smith

None can erase Christ’s finished work – none can nullify the resserectuon power of God’s word. Jesus is risen -- let's go tell! 

"Sometimes we make the mistake of thinking God uses only 'special' people the strong, the intelligent, the beautiful. We don't think He has a place for the rest of us. We are so wrong!" ~ Chuck Smith

He came, He helped, He healed, He died and He rose. God sent you a valentine—we call it Easter.

Feeling glad for Ress-day, yes for Easter today - feelin' loved. 

Thanks Jesus for Death and Resurrection!  

At the Cross your last breath, as you exhaled

Saying to God in your hands my Spirit I laid

What you did at the Cross, forever it will stay

You opened our eyes to reality till this day

We hold those memories close to our hearts

With love for your creation you bore it all

Will never vanish, even though generation departs Without asking for mercy, without a shout of call In the tomb where your body laid

What a joy it must have felt

Rolled with a stone, where all stood and prayed The stone rolled open, the tomb lay bare They all looked for you, but you were not there

So much he did for his creation, as he achieved

To see you in their midst, with fear, as they dealt He called out to Mathew who didn’t believe And proved to him, he had a sigh of relief For his ultimate sacrifice, plans to perceive

Now we can freely enter into his kingdom

He did this by rising from his death He reconciled man to God back instead Only his sacrifice upon that cross could bridge this gap Even though we sinned, cursed, spat and slapped

As we receive Jesus Christ, for he achieved us our freedom.

Don't you think it's time the people of this world think long and hard on Easter? I want them to know that they are loved as well. You know how sin is simply falling short, but God took care all that for all of us at skull hill. He cared and still does. Calvary was the place where the lights went out.. for a time on good Friday.. which didn't seem good for Jesus, but it was for people. It was the place where God addressed all that made people sad inside.

http://kurtwvs.tumblr.com/post/115546107873/clap-along-if-you-know-what-easters-about-n-how

Yes, Calvary is the place where God said to you, to me, and to the whole world I love you this much.. as He stretched out his arms as wide as possible!!!  

Today on a planet where everything that never seemed breakable before, but has really turned out to be breakable (cuz look around, it's actually broken).. hurts, sorrow, sadness and profound heartache seem to be everywhere.  Broken people with broken dreams n hearts need to hear the Good News of Easter-hope and grasp how radically loved they are. 

I just received word from our staff on the ground in #Niger that dozens and dozens of churches there have been destroyed--burned to the ground by Islamic militants. This picture shows a charred Bible in the aftermath, but can you imagine the international outcry if this were the Koran?

A photo posted by Franklin Graham (@franklin_graham) on Jan 27, 2015 at 6:12pm PST

Fortunately God has left us here to pray, to LIVE and to minister ..with His Resurrection power.. to many needy people.. just pointing them to Christ. Not to some religious leaders or to a denomination to to a religion. 

That's what Easter is all about, people without the God's good Solution who are needing answers.. coming Him n finding His Solution. Jesus, the Word of God is His Answer.. no matter what the problem or question or need is. He was dead but is alive today. He's not stuck dead on a tree at skull hill or all cold and buried away in a hole. No more. 

We've seen it.. His grave is indeed empty. And we have over 500 eyewitnesses of Christ alive.. physically resurrected! It was to that each of us sinners (me included) could come into a personal relationship with God. Repent and believe, dead inside to alive.. simple as that. 
 

The day the lights went out and the sacrifice of Christ's Cross.. it all points us beyond the Cross to the joy of heaven! Today there is joy in Jesus.

[God] made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. —2 Corinthians 5:21

"I am the resurrection and the life." —Jesus, in John 11:25

Christ's resurrection is the ultimate reason for our off-the-chain celebration!

 
People around you and me are waiting to be invited to Christ this Easter. Yes, they're waiting to be invited and perhaps to be picked up to go to a church that's alive cuz there's is one Easter Message they really need to hear. They are waiting for love. 

God has left us here because He really loves sinners and there is great joy and blessing in being apart of His Solution for them.. instead of becoming apart of the Problem. Too many are into that. 

He calls us to shine brightly with His Gospel during such a time as this. It's no time for us to stumble in the dark, or fall down, or quit, or stay down all discouraged inside. Why do I say this? Well, because even though so much is broken around us today, we as His Church still haven't arrived at the end of the story. There's a good ending ahead. We want none to miss out. 

That's why we want to make the most of each year, each day, and each moment while we are here. Our time is short. You believer, are called to biblically witness with your life, deeds, attitude and words ..of Christ and His Easter love. You don't need a special gift other than that of salvation for that. Calvary's Cross wasn't for nothin' - He said go. 

Why merely "try it" by faith (I mean in the flesh, half-hearted, or in presumption.. tryin' by your own strength to be and give witness of Christ's love) when instead you can be directed by Him to "do it" in Faith?

"Everyone has been made for some particular work, and the desire for that work has been put in every heart." ~ Rumi

But hey.. that doesn't mean you must live for work in any place cuz that would get kinda tiresome. Better to live for the Lord. God says, "For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope."  Jer. 29:11

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he may give it to you." ~ Jesus, Jn. 15:16

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 

Most people won't let the Bible get in the way of what they really believe inside, what they'll say and do.... sadly. How 'bout you? 

How much better a place would this world be if we did? Those who call themselves Christian leaders and believers might could, oughta (that's Texan - might should), really needta be the first to let the Bible do that in their lives. (Three fingers pointin' back at me here). Easter is as good a time as any to start. To have a new beginning.  

Things go better when Jesus is in your heart and Lord of your direction. The Bible says, "Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves."  Jam. 1:22. Non-doers who hear, resist and impede God's work will be judged and we don't want that for anyone.  

God is righteously angry when people do anything that impedes, blocks, or keeps children or others away from His son Jesus and His Gospel. But listen.. God is way-thrilled when His people obey Him in worship, in spreading His Gospel Message, and in practically serving to help others come to Christ ..on His terms. 

Do you feel kinda lost and all alone this Easter? Run to God's open arms. He will embrace you. He wants to go the distance with you, and take care of you. And no matter what hard situation you are now facing. He can handle it. 

Because of Jesus and Easter (the Cross and His empty grave), God still welcomes everyone who comes to Him by faith. So what are you waiting for? Come as you are. Now is as good a time as any! 

Man!.. a lot more than people typically think can happen in 72 hours. Three days and then over 500 people amazed.

 

“I Am He the liveth, and WAS dead; and, behold, I Am alive forever more, Amen; and have the keys of hell and death.” ~ Jesus

And what are you waiting for, believer? Are you prayin' for your pastor this weekend? Will you go? Will you tell? Will you invite? We have a Great Commission. He's sent us on a great mission.. even if it's just across the street. Important! God never said, “If the government or your government leaders will humble itself / themselves...” or “If Hollywood would humble itself...” or "If dead churches led by dead men would humble themselves.." Got some brokeness to your left or right? Are you feeling broke or needy? He promses, "..if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land." 2 Chronicles 7:14

That's four simple things for us to do, and three things that God will do for us. Therefore it's time we all ditch the ego thing, really grasp the true meaning of Easter, look away and cry out to Him for our Lands filled with broken people. May this Easter be one of healing, blessing and restoration for you and yours!