Resurrection Day – Why is it Significant?
The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the foundation of the Christian faith ( 1 Corinthians 15:14ff). If there was no resurrection, Christianity is a hoax, and we are wasting our time. But the truth is, the event of Jesus’ resurrection is incontrovertible. Professor Thomas Arnold of Rugby, a world-renowned historian, once said that Christ’s resurrection from the dead is the “best-attested fact in human history” Professor Thomas Arnold, for 14 years a headmaster of Rugby, author of the famous, History of Rome, and appointed to the chair of modern history at Oxford, was well acquainted with the value of evidence in determining historical facts. This great scholar said: "I have been used for many years to study the histories of other times, and to examine and weigh the evidence of those who have written about them, and I know of no one fact in the history of mankind which is proved by better and fuller evidence of every sort, to the understanding of a fair inquirer, than the great sign which God hath given us that Christ died and rose again from the dead First, the resurrection is one of the major evidences that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. Paul affirmed that Christ is “declared to be the Son of God with power . . . by the resurrection from the dead” (Romans 1:4). Second, Jesus’ resurrection represents an assurance that we can have forgiveness from our sins. Paul contended: “If Christ hath not been raised, our faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). The reverse of the apostle’s affirmation would be this: if Jesus was raised, sins will be forgiven when we obey the gospel (Acts 2:38; 22:16). Third, the resurrection tells the world that the kingdom of God is ruled by a living sovereign. The founder of Islam is dead and his bones lie dormant in the earth. But the founder of Christianity—sixty years after his death—appeared to John on the island of Patmos and said: “I am the first and the last, and the Living one; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive for evermore” (Revelation 1:17-18). Fourth, Jesus’ resurrection proves that physical death is not the termination of human existence. God, who is the giver of life (1 Timothy 6:13), has the power to reanimate the human body. Christ’s triumph over the grave is Heaven’s pledge to us that we too shall be raised. This is why Jesus is referred to as the “first fruits of them that are asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20,23). Fifth, the Lord’s resurrection previewed the ultimate victory of Christianity over all its enemies. In the book of Revelation, Jesus is depicted as a lamb that had been slain, but was standing again (5:6). This same Lord was “the lion of the tribe of Judah” that had overcome his foes (5:5). Christians too will overcome as a result of the Lamb’s sacrifice and victory over death (cf. Revelation 12:11). The resurrection of the Son of God should be a constant reminder to us of these wonderful biblical truths. We honor our Master’s victory over death—not once a year, but every day!
UPCOMING EVENTS
April 18th:
Good Friday Services
Please come out and see the presentation of the play Nails on the Cross featuring our Drama, Music and Dance ministries.
April 19th:
Annual Easter Egg Hunt - Jesse Owens Park
Come out for fun food and fellowship!
April 20th:
Resurrection Day Services
Please come out and attend our Resurrection Day Services on Sunday. Pastor Antione Garrett of the Love of God Missionary Baptist Church will be speaking at 6:30am and Associate Pastor Dandridge at the 11:00am service.
April 26th:
Totally Committed to Christ Program
Please come out and support our Praise dancers on Saturday the 26th. The service will feature praise dancers from other churches throughout the city.
April 27th:
Spring Musical at Holy Light
The Music Ministry of Holy Light will have the annual Spring musical. Please come out and support our Music ministry dept.