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What is Easter all about ?

Easter is the celebration of the accomplished Gospel! The Gospel is the ultimate Message, the ultimate good news that is wrapped up in this happening, the wonder of the universe-the incredible impossible and the incredible triumph. This is the celebration of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, and this means that Jesus was crucified; He died, and was buried and He rises, conquering death to give us life (Psalm 16:11; 107:09; Isa. 26:3; John 14:21; Gal. 5:16; 22-23; 1 John 1:7-9; 3 John 4).

It all started at an empty tomb on the outskirts of Jerusalem on an early Sunday morning nearly two thousand years ago. The women went back to the burial place to finish the death preparations of Jesus because they were unable to do so earlier due to the Passover. The Passover Sabbath went from Friday at sundown to Saturday evening. Thus, they had to wait to go to the tomb until Sunday morning. Their grief would have lasted for at least seven days, according to custom. It was radical, then, that the first ones to see Jesus arisen were the women. This is very important because in this time and culture, a woman's testimony was irrelevant. Jesus is validating women-their personhood, contribution, and worth! He counteracts the cultural norm here to make His point. To reveal Himself to the women shows that He is the One that is significant, not our traditions or beliefs. However, it will take several centuries for this reality to set in as far as the church is concerned (Luke 24:1; John 19:42; Rom. 12:1; Eph. 5:22-33; Col. 2:16-23; Heb. 12:28).

Easter Bible Study

Jesus Suffering and Resurrection Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25

The Crucifixion of Jesus!

The Passion of Jesus! Jesus' Crucifixion From A Medical Point of View! He did this all for me; He took my place; He endured, as an innocent Person, what I deserved as a sinner!

More here: Research Findings Why Churches Fail

Real, heartfelt, God exalting adoration must be the focus of the worship service. It must never lift up the leaders or be a performance to entertain. It is God who is the audience and we are the people who are to praise and glorify Him! We are still to make our services friendly and innovative, as there is noting wrong with plays and contemporary themes as long as the service glories Christ and is not a medium just to entertain the people. Remember, the congregation is the performer, the worship team is the leader, and God is the audience! Don't mix these up! This is where all of the church growth and spiritual growth principles come to their focal point--the reason for discipleship, and maturity. All that we do in the church--from faith, fellowship, and outreach to facilities--come to this point and reason: TO WORSHIP CHRIST! ( Psalm 138:1-4)