The Story of Easter

THE STORY OF EASTER

CHRISTIAN COMMENT (Gisbo
e Herald)
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“If Christ is not risen, our faith is in vain.” (1Corinthians 15:14)

The story of Easter is well-known to us: Jesus was crucified, died, and was buried. On the third day, God raised him from the dead. What may not be so well-known is what the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ means for us today.

Of all the incredible things within the story of Christ - the service and ministry to the poor and needy; the challenge to the privileged and the corrupt; the preaching of salvation; the miracles of healing and forgiveness of sin - it is the end of the story that holds the most powerful message for us. You see, Christ was not merely crucified. If that was the end of the story, then all we would have is a message of suffering and pain. Christ did not merely die. If that was the end of the story, then all we would have is a message of darkness and lost hope.

The story of Easter ends with an act of ultimate power - God raised Jesus up from the dead, and restored him to ete
al life. The message for us is clear: Even in the darkest hour, God is able to resurrect. God is able to renew. God is able to bring new life. At the point when we feel that our dreams have faded, when we feel that we will forever be trapped by our own mistakes, God offers us forgiveness and hope.

Our God is a God of second chances. Even while we still walk this earth, we can live a resurrected life. We can turn things around, and start again.
The message of Easter is hope. The message of Easter is life. May you, your loved ones, and the ones God surrounds you with be renewed in the hope that Christ gives us. May you live a resurrected life.

Rev Don Tamihere
Nikora Tapu - St Nicholas Anglican Church
Wainui Beach“
"I'm just a pencil in the hands of God." - Mother Teresa

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