Resurrection Sunday Still Matters

The literal, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ is the linchpin of the Christian faith.  It doesn't matter which denomination or slant you derive your Biblical understanding from, Easter Sunday is a big deal.  It is perhaps, the biggest deal.  In my humble opinion, it is even more important than Christmas and Good Friday.  It is the key to understanding how we fit in to God's overarching view of salvation, eschatology, and theology.  The resurrection of Christ is like God's approval stamp on the life and ministry of His son.  It's akin to the angels in Heaven announcing through a megaphone: "God has come into the world, and you need to listen to Him!"  

I won't spend much time debunking the liberal claim that Easter represents a "spiritual resurrection" only, since there is so much information and historical data out there which points to the fact that it actually (physically) happened two-thousand years ago.  If people adhere to the idea that Easter represents a spiritual awakening only, then they are missing the main thrust of God's plan.  Namely, that those who believe in Him will never parish, and will also have eternal life (John 3:16).  

If we think back and imagine other historical events that shaped history, it's easy to see how timelines can overlap and build upon each other.  Take for example, the invention of the printing press in the middle ages.  This incredible machine was responsible for reproducing the Bible for others to read and pass down through the generations.  Today, this amazing book has been translated into roughly 736 languages across the globe.  Imagine the impact this has had on faith conversions and evangelism.  Regular everyday people can now read the Bible for themselves, without depending on a bishop or cardinal to interpret the Scriptures for them.  It revolutionized our faith.

In the same way, Easter Sunday is our annual reminder that Jesus came to Earth, spread the Gospel message, and then died and was resurrected to save us from our sins.  There is much less fanfare in our country over Easter than for the Christmas shopping holiday, but the resurrection is no less important.  If it hadn't  happened, churches would have nothing to talk about.  They would be like social meetups or country clubs.  

1 Peter 1:3 says, "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!  In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead."  And dead in our sins we would be, if it wasn't for our Lord and Savior.  

John Wesley (founder of the Methodist faith) once said that he feared someday the church would end up mimicking the appearance of spiritual fortitude, but without any real power behind it.  Some have argued that this is where many lukewarm churches are today.  Great music, entertaining liturgy, but not much of a Gospel message.  Churches that don't preach Christ crucified are in this boat I think.  And it's a comfortable boat: a lot like a cruise ship - sailing through an  ocean of lukewarm water.  But it never actually reaches a spiritual destination.

The captain makes sure never to pilot the vessel into dangerous choppy water, so the passengers don't know what fighting for their faith looks like.  Just an endless voyage in a comfortable floating bubble, guided by human beings instead of the Holy Spirit.  For boats and ships like this, Easter Sunday means just dinner with the family and maybe watching some sports on television afterwards.  Maybe some good praise band music at church if they are lucky (if they attend service at all).  

But for Christ centered churches, the resurrection drives and motivates them.  It's like Superbowl Sunday for the faith.  The sermon is important, and the music exists to help drive home the Gospel message and assist us in worshipping the Creator.  These churches are repeating the megaphone message from the angels: "Wake up world, and acknowledge the King of Kings!"  

So if you attend church on Easter Sunday, remember the sacrifice that Jesus made on our behalf, so that we could have eternal life.  Ruminate on the notion that Christ removed the sin barrier stopping us from reconciling with a Holy and just Lord.  And then, by all means, go home and enjoy dinner with the family and some television afterwards.  There may even be an egg hunt; but not before you praised and worshipped God for the empty tomb.  

Then don't get back onto the lukewarm cruise ship.  Let it stay docked idle in the harbor.  Pray for those who are funneling back up the ramp and onto that ship though.  Ask God to show them a better, spirit-driven life based on the resurrection.  And remember that Christ's offer to you and I for salvation is always open.  We need only answer back, and allow Him into our boat.  God is a much better captain.  

.