By Rev. Dr. John E. Warren, Sr. Pastor Eagle’s Nest Christian Center, San Diego, Ca.
So many times we are distracted at this season for one of several reasons: Celebrating the death and resurrection of Christ has been replaced with Spring Break, Easter Egg Hunts, and Sunrise gatherings. The latter being the closest one to the real reason for celebration.
The stark reality is that we are all born in sin, whether or not we choose to believe it. There are two sides in this battle called life. The one with God is only available through Jesus. In his own words, “No man comes to the Father except through the Son”, and the other side to which one automatically belongs if not through the acceptance and sacrifice of Christ paying the Sin Debt with his precious Blood.
The scriptures tell us that he gave of himself in three parts for those of us who accept him: He gave his back to the smiters, his soul went to Hell for us and he gave his Spirit to the Father to keep until he returned on the third day. His suffering is graphically portrayed in Isaiah 53, Psalm 22, and the Gospel according to Luke. In First Corinthians Chapter 15, verses 20 through 23, we read the following:
“But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. For since by one man came death, by one man came also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive. But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.”
We have been given the precious gift of eternal life through Christ. Let us not miss this opportunity by focusing on the deceptions and distractions of issues and circumstances surrounding us. Let us solemnly remember Galatians Chapter 3, verses 13 and 14, which states:
“That Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is everyone that hangs on a tree (the cross is wood) That the blessings of Abraham might come on the Gentiles (us not born Jews) through Jesus Christ that we might receive; the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
2 Timothy 3:16 tells us that all scripture is given “by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
Let’s keep these scriptures in mind as we approach resurrection Sunday and truly celebrate with renewed commitments to the faith.
