From the Pulpit: People everywhere know Christ has risen!

It is now just a few days after the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Everyone in town agrees he died and was buried in a tomb. But now, confusion reigns, rumors are everywhere. And the people gathered in the city of Jerusalem all seem to be holding their breath, wondering what story to believe.

The soldiers who were watching the tomb are telling the same story as the chief priest and the elders. They claim that the disciples came during the night, stole the body while the guards had fallen asleep. Matt. 28:11-15

Mary Magdalene had gone to the tomb. She claims to have actually had an encounter with Jesus. She returned and told everyone, but they refused to believe her report. Mark 16:9-11

Two others were walking in the country. Christ appeared to them, revealed himself. They had hurried back to the city of Jerusalem to tell as many as they could find, but they did not believe either. Mark 16:12-13

A full week later, Thomas was still struggling. The others tried to convince him, “We have seen the Lord.”  But he said, “Unless I see the nail marks in his hand, and put my hand in his side, I will not believe.” John 20:24-27

Well, in the days to come, that unbelief would turn into joy. He showed himself on so many occasions, to so many people, the truth became undeniable. According to I Cor. 15:6, “After that he appeared to more than 500 of the brothers at the same time.” People everywhere knew that Christ had Risen!

Today, 2,000 years later, some may still struggle with the idea that Jesus is Alive. And I pray for you this Easter season. If this is you, and you are not sure, I pray you will have your own encounter with the Son of God. And that you will believe and embrace Jesus Christ as Lord.

God bless.