Op/Ed An Easter Message by Rev. Eric Rey

After a long winter spring has finally sprung.  The spring season brings an end to plant dormancy and animal hibernation.  The spring season represents newness of life and new beginnings.  The spring season also is the time we celebrate The Resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ from the dead! T

This spring, Easter Sunday is on April 8.  As we get ready for Easter, I encourage everyone to open up a Bible to the beginning of the New Testament. There we find the four Gospels entitled Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Near the end of each Gospel is a historical record of the facts surrounding Jesus’ Resurrection from the dead. Read the 4 Gospel writers’ stirring accounts of Jesus’ resurrection in preparation for Resurrection Day. Do so individually and with family and friends. They are found in Matthew 27:62-28:20; Mark 15:22-16:20; Luke 23:50-24:49; John 19:38-20:31.

As we do, let’s reflect upon how Jesus’ Resurrection personally affects our lives. Further study of the New Testament, especially the Apostle Paul’s letters to the Romans, Corinthians, and Thessalonians, reveal that Jesus is not only risen, but we too are risen when we place our faith in Jesus. We are spiritually risen out of death in sin into new life in Christ (Romans 6:1-14; 10:8-13.) But that’s not all.

One day we will also physically rise from this body of death at The Rapture or The Resurrection whichever comes first (Romans 8:11; I Corinthians 15; II Corinthians 5:1-10, II Thessalonians 4:16-17.) Jesus’ Resurrection has happened! And it has changed the world for all time and eternity. Therefore, this Easter Season is a time for us to focus our hearts and minds on being thankful, joyful and hopeful! It’s time to celebrate Resurrection! Halleluiah! Jesus is Alive! Happy Easter!