Though the English word “Easter” comes from the name of a pagan feast in England, the celebration itself has no pagan roots. The Christian Easter is rooted in an actual datable event: the resurrection of Christ in the year 30 A.D.
The first celebration of Easter was not a yearly event but a weekly one. To the early Christians every Sunday was a mini-Easter. After Jesus’ death on the cross He first appeared to his fearful disciples on a Sunday. When Jesus reappeared to the disciples the following Sunday, doubting Thomas was there and fell to his knees exclaiming, “My Lord and my God!”
Jesus told Thomas, “You believe because you have seen Me. Blessed are those who haven't seen Me and believe anyway” (John 20:29). Christ died for us and was raised to new life! Believe and be saved, and become as blessed as an apostle.
The evidences of Jesus’ resurrection surround us. The early church thrived in the city where Jesus was put to death and now thrives around the world.
Jewish Christians began the Sunday worship. Though Saturday was the written-in-stone worship day for the Jews, the resurrection of Christ eventually caused Sunday to become the Christian worship day.
Changed lives are the greatest evidence. Any person can encounter the resurrected Christ by admitting they have a broken relationship with God, by believing Christ died to restore that relationship, and by confessing Jesus as Lord of their lives. Only believers know the reality of Christ. Receiving Christ brings hope and a new beginning that is out of this world.
| Philippians 1:29“For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him,” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) NIV. All Rights Reserved. |
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