Easter Blessings from The Church of the Firstborn, B'ham!
We celebrate Easter as memorial to remember the Death and Resurrection of Jesus and serves as a reminder for all that the Lord has done for all mankind and may you have a wonderful Easter.
The Meaning Of Easter
Many people are wondering what Easter actually means, as the true meaning of Easter has been lost.
What I can tell you is it isn't about cute little fluffy chickens, nor does it have anything to do with Easter bunnies. It isn't even about Easter eggs, although an egg can represent 'new life' because new life hatches from the egg, and Jesus was resurrected on the third day - giving us new life in Him.
But just like Christmas, the real meaning has been forgotten. For those of us who are Christians, we understand what Easter is all about. But for those who haven't experienced this 'new life' in Jesus, I want to share with you the Easter story.
In Old Testament times, the priest would bring bulls, goats or a spotless lamb without any blemishes to be sacrificed as a sin offering for himself and for the people.
The blood would purify and make atonement (forgive, make amends) for their sins. This was the old order of atonement.
When Jesus came, He was a representation of the sacrificial lamb to take away the sins of the world. He was the final sacrifice. We no longer have to sacrifice animals to make atonement for our sins. Jesus has done this once and for all. It's His blood that cleanses us from all sin. He was crucified on the cross (the form of execution in those days).
The sins of the world was upon Him, yet He was without sin and blameless. He bore it all. This is why Jesus is referred to as the 'Lamb of God'. He was bodily resurrected (came back to life) on the third day. He appeared to many - eating and drinking with them. He appeared to them for 40 days, then ascended (went up to) Heaven. Read about it here in Acts 1:1-11 © By M.S.Lowndes
Through His death and resurrection, Jesus paid the price for our sins.
Sin separates us from God, but through Jesus, we are reconciled back to God.
For many Christians, Easter is focused on one day – Easter Sunday.
For others, Easter begins with Good Friday when Jesus Christ was crucified. Some begin their Easter reflections the week before Easter, on Palm Sunday.
Those who follow the liturgical calendar prepare their hearts for Easter throughout the season of Lent (the six weeks before Easter).
No matter when you start preparing for Easter, the idea is to repent of sin and grow closer to the Lord as you consider his journey to the cross.
Below is an Easter week Devotional focusing on Holy Week. It takes readers through the week of Jesus’s journey to the cross day by day.
I pray this encourages you to think about His life, His death, and His resurrection in a new and meaningful way.
Happy Easter!!
(Content Provided by Julia Belnavis)
Are you ready to accept the gift of eternal life that Jesus is offering you right now?
Can you agree with these statements?
I acknowledge I am a sinner in need of a Saviour - this is to repent or turn away from sin
I believe in my heart that God raised Jesus from the dead - this is to trust that Jesus paid the full penalty for my sins
I confess Jesus as my Lord and my God - this is to surrender control of my life to Jesus
I receive Jesus as my Saviour forever - this is to accept that God has done for me and in me what He promised
If it is your sincere desire to receive Jesus into your heart as your personal Lord and Saviour, then talk to God from your heart:
Here's a Suggested Prayer:
"Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner and I do not deserve eternal life. But, I believe You died and rose from the grave to make me a new creation and to prepare me to dwell in your presence forever.
Jesus, come into my life, take control of my life, forgive my sins and save me. I am now placing my trust in You alone for my salvation and I accept your free gift of eternal life."
If you have trusted Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, CONGRATULATIONS!! YOU ARE NOW A CHILD OF GOD!
please let us know. We want to rejoice in what God has done in your life and help you to grow spiritually.