If the Easter story is real then it has an important meaning. One that extends from life on earth into eternity. It is this hope that millions of followers of Jesus live for. Many have died for. And why if the Easter story about a resurrected Savior is real, it should get your attention. Here are three meanings for you to consider.
If The Easter story is real it means God is pursuing you
The Easter story presents a radical idea. One you won’t find in any other religion or spiritual philosophy. That an Almighty God created you and loves you so deeply he came to earth in human form to tell you. Even more, demonstrated that love through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Other world religions and spiritual philosophies require you to pursue or placate a god. Unravel a spiritual mystery, or by your own effort, acquire some form of Godhood. Only in Christianity does God reveal himself, pursue you and declares it in his Word.
So if it’s real, then maybe you should stop running from, or ignoring God. And turn to meet him.
If the Easter story is real it means God has a plan for you
There’s a serious reason God is pursuing you and not waiting for you to reach him. Because you can’t. Scripture says it’s our sin that separates us from God. And only God can solve the problem.
That’s why Jesus came. To sacrifice himself and set us free from sin. It’s God’s eternal plan for you. To experience his freedom, forgiveness and to follow Jesus in a spiritual life of meaning and significance.
But it’s something you must want. Ask for. And receive from Jesus, the resurrected savior.
And when you do he leads you on a new path. Not always easy or pain free. But purposeful, joyful and totally worth it.
If the Easter story is real it means God has a future for you
But it’s not automatic. You must respond to God. Ask for a relationship with Jesus, and follow him. And the journey he leads you on is everlasting. In fact, one of the last things Jesus told his disciples on earth is that he was going ahead to prepare for them.
Because if Jesus was raised from the dead and appeared on earth in a resurrected body, then you can trust his promise that he will resurrect you too.
Easter was the fulfillment of Jesus’ mission. His crowning achievement. And while much of the world has mixed opinions, emotions, and beliefs about the Easter story, followers of Jesus are celebrating.
And why we proclaim with excitement on Easter Sunday: HE HAS RISEN INDEED!
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and freelance copywriter. He publishes humorous Christian drama, books and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus is recorded in the Gospel of John. It’s one of many extraordinary miracles performed by Jesus during his three year ministry. And has important lessons for us today.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus teaches that God’s timing is always perfect
Mary, Martha and Lazarus of Bethany are mentioned several times in the New Testament. And it’s clear they had a special relationship with Jesus. So it seems odd when a messenger rushes to tell Jesus that Lazarus is critically ill, Jesus didn’t leave immediately and go to him.
Instead, he stays where he is and shows up in Bethany four days later!
Why?
A possible reason is because there was a common belief that when someone died, their soul hovered over the body for three days hoping to re-enter it. But finally left for good when decomposition started. Martha confirmed this had started when Jesus arrived and asked them to open the tomb. She warned that by now there would be a bad odor.
This means when Jesus brought Lazarus back to life, no one could claim a hovering soul managed successful re-entry. But rather, the resurrection of Lazarus was solely by God’s miraculous power. It shows that God’s timing is perfect. And we can trust his timing in our lives today.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus teaches that God’s miracles are not about your faith but his power
We all have moments when we struggle in our faith. Implore God for a miracle. Ask him why? And even though Mary and Martha both believed in Jesus, this was a moment they struggled too. They fully believed Jesus could have healed Lazarus while he was alive and sick. But weren’t so sure when Jesus talked about raising him from the dead.
Martha deferred to the end of time when God would raise all believers. But Jesus talked about the present.
And what further complicates the matter is we have this tendency to mistakenly believe God works based on our level of faith. He will answer our prayers if we just have enough of it.
But Jesus didn’t require a certain level of belief in this Bible story. Or chastise Martha for lacking it. He simply affirmed her belief in him. And in this case–whatever that amount– was enough.
Because it’s not the level of our faith that is important. But God’s omnipotent power.
The death and resurrection of Lazarus teaches God uses our circumstances to Glorify his name
In John 11:14, Jesus appears to demonstrate divine knowledge because he knows Lazarus already died. And perhaps it helps explain why he was not in a hurry to leave. And in John 11:4, he reveals the purpose for it: So the Son of God may be glorified through it.
In other words, God had a plan and was already working to carry it out. Although it didn’t look like it, considering Jesus’ lack of action.
Mary and Martha had a plan too. Get Jesus to Lazarus before he died. Because they knew Jesus could heal him. But God’s plan was even better. Because it glorified him in a spectacular manner. And led even more people to believe in Jesus.
Sure. It’s easy to read of a miracle like this and claim to trust God. Much harder when you’re actually struggling through difficult circumstances. But this story should gives us hope. Because it says God always has a plan. He’s working even when you can’t see it. Only asks you to trust and believe in him. And he will cause all things to work together for good. And his glory.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale.The Bible story presents an amazing miracle. And it’s not about the whale. In fact, we’re not certain it was a whale. But that’s another story. Here are four things the Bible story teaches us today.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It teaches the importance of obedience.
Obedience to God is consistently taught throughout the Bible. Scripture tells us to trust God. Exercise faith. And obey his commands. Usually presented as a choice we can follow or reject.
But the Bible story of Jonah and the whale is different.
God tells Jonah to go and preach to the city of Nineveh. Warn them to repent from their wicked ways. But Jonah doesn’t want to. And he tries to run away…or in this case sail away on a ship.
Typically when we choose not to speak up for God, that’s all there is to it. God finds someone else or other means to achieve his will. But in this story, God is insistent. He’s really serious about Jonah delivering his message to the people of Nineveh.
So God gently persuades Jonah to change his mind by sending a violent storm. And the sailors on the ship throw him overboard to save themselves.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It teaches that God often takes unexpected measures.
Enter the whale. The big fish. Massive, life form, ocean transport. Who saves Jonah from drowning by swallowing him and spitting him up on land three days later.
It’s a good reminder there is no place beyond God’s reach. Whether you’re running from him. Or feel lost and forgotten.
There’s no pit too deep. No place too remote. Sin too horrible.
And God will take unexpected measures to spread this news. He’ll use unlikely people, unusual circumstances, and unconventional methods. The whale, I’m sure you’ll agree, was pretty unconventional. And surprised both Jonah and the whale.
The point is, God is sovereign. He doesn’t have to use us in serving his purpose. He wants to. And we don’t have to obey. We get to.
It was an important lesson for Jonah. One we should learn too.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It teaches about God’s mercy.
Jonah finally obeys. Goes to Nineveh, travels through the city and preaches. Although it’s not a message of love and forgiveness. But of doom. Turn to God or face his wrath!
Not a message that would go over well today. And yet, the people of Nineveh repented and turned to God. Even the king who issued a proclamation for everyone to turn to God.
Therefore, God relented on sending a disaster on the city
And this makes Jonah mad! He even admits it’s why he didn’t want to go in the first place. Because he knew God was merciful and would forgive the people of Nineveh if they repented.
Seriously? Aren’t we supposed to celebrate when sinners repent? Welcome them into the kingdom of God?
And yet, perhaps there’s a little bit of Jonah in all of us. A tiny bit of satisfaction to see others get what’s coming to them. But thanks be to God he is not like us. Slow to anger and quick to forgive. His compassion never fails. And his mercies are new every day.
Lessons from Jonah and the whale. It teaches that people are God’s priority.
The amazing miracle in the story is not that a whale swallowed Jonah. That he survived it for three days. Or even that Jonah’s message pierced the hearts of a city’s entire population.
Rather, it’s the grace, mercy and love of an almighty God. Who takes extreme measures to reach a lost world with the gospel message. That all who call upon the name of the Lord will be saved.
And changed forever.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Planning church events with high attendance. If you are a pastor or church leader, planning church events is part of your job. Fellowship events. Mission events. Seasonal events. And more. Here’s how to maximize attendance when you do.
Planning church events with high attendance. There is a secret ingredient in planning church events that fuels high attendance.
It lurks beneath your congregational landscape like a giant underground spring. An awaiting gold mine. Gushing oil field. But just like other speculative ventures, you must prospect for it.
And you can’t always know for sure when you will hit pay dirt. You observe. Evaluate the landscape. Look for signs. Make educated guesses. Then pick a spot and dig. Sometimes it’s a dry well. But you might hit a gusher.
And what is the secret ingredient in planning church events that I’m talking about?
Felt needs.
Felt needs are generally represented in areas like career, relationships, health, kids, and finances to name a few. Church events planned around these areas often attract interest. For example, every church study I’ve ever planned on the topic of relationships has drawn a crowd. Especially among single adults.
So let’s get psychoanalytical for a moment.
Planning church events with high attendance. Felt needs are often what people think they need, not what they really need.
Of course you know that. So do advertisers and marketers. And they exploit it by convincing you that you absolutely do need something… the product/service they’re selling.
Think Beanie Babies, Energy drinks, Pet Rocks, Low Carb Diet, and the Hula Hoop.
Advertisers sold consumers on the idea their lives would improve with these products. People bought it…literally. And pay attention to how advertisers elicit emotion in their ads. Why?
Because when emotions are ramped up, rational decision-making shuts down. People buy on impulse because it feels right and good. Not because it is right or good.
How many times have you bought something and later asked yourself: What was I thinking? And the answer is, you weren’t. You acted on impulse.
Tap into the most popular felt need to attract a crowd.
And the winner is self-improvement.
It affects every area of our lives and drives how we spend our time and money. Because it’s important to have the right…
Car
Clothes
Hairstyle
Cell phone
Breath
It motivates people that sign-up for church programs and events too. Yes, I know. They should sign-up because they want to engage spiritually, but that’s not always the reality.
Often it’s because they expect or hope to get something from the event. So when planning church events, focus your marketing message on benefits. Because you need to convince the reader it will add something positive to their life.
But wait, you say. What about when people serve from altruistic motives?
Those who truly follow Jesus will serve sacrificially in his name. But for some, it’s about giving back to feel good about themselves rather than a genuine love for Christ.
Of course, felt needs can be exactly what they appear on the surface. The person buying exercise equipment simply wants to promote better health. At the same time, felt needs can be symptoms of a deeper problem.
Someone registering for an exercise class struggles with gluttony. And the gluttony is due to anxiety… caused by stress… related to problems at work. I know, don’t over analyze everything. But keep in mind that people are complex and felt needs can be the symptom you see on the surface while the real issue is buried under layers you have to peel away.
So the next time you’re planning a church event, ask yourself what felt need it addresses and form your promotional message around it. If attendance skyrockets, it’s likely you hit the mother lode.
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
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Queen Esther saves the day. Queen Esther was an ancient, woman hero. As the Jewish queen of the Persian King Ahasuerus, she demonstrated courage and risked her life to save her people. Here are lessons for us today.
Queen Esther saves the day. God uses our influence to advance his kingdom.
Esther was a beautiful young Jewish woman. So beautiful that she was chosen as queen to King Ahasuerus, who ruled the Persian empire around 480 B.C.
In other words, she made it to the top. The pinnacle of privilege. And could now kick back and enjoy the ease and comfort of royal life in the palace.
Until her Jewish uncle Mordecai informed her that Haman, a top royal official had written a decree to kill all the Jews on the 13th day of the 12th month. Mordecai implored Esther to use her position of influence with the king to intervene on behalf of her people.
What would she do?
You and I have influence too. Because of a certain position or relationship. And God equips all of us with something–a gift, talent, skill or resource–that can be used to advance his Kingdom. The question is… will we?
Queen Esther saves the day. And teaches us the importance of wise counsel.
Mordecai doesn’t just rely on Esther’s good heart. He gives her good advice in the way of a caution.
Don’t assume that living in the palace is an automatic free pass from the same fate as your people. Also, remember that God is sovereign and can replace you to accomplish his will. But perhaps, God has put you in this position to serve his purpose.
Good advice for us too. God doesn’t need anything we have to offer. He can make things happen with the snap of his fingers. Or enlist someone else to serve his purpose.
But instead, he gives us the opportunity to participate in his kingdom work. And enjoy his blessing when we do.
Of course, this might require humility. A willingness to put aside our agenda. Admit our limited perspective. And seek Godly wisdom from other Christ-followers.
Queen Esther saves the day. And teaches that faith involves courage.
Esther, however, faced another risk. One that required courage. Because to enter the king’s inner court without being summoned by the king carried the penalty of death. If you did so, you were only spared if the king held out his golden scepter.
Could Esther count on that? The king had already cast aside one former queen. There was no assurance she might not be the next. And the same is true for us.
Really? I’m supposed to offer my gifts to God AND accept the possibility I might face the consequences of certain risks? And that’s supposed to bless me?
The answer is yes, but with a caveat. God never promises a happy ending in this life. And Esther accepted that possibility. The good news is the end of this life is the start of a better one. Where God always comes through. And the happy is forever after.
Queen Esther saves the day. And teaches that faith requires action.
Queen Esther decided to courageously, thoughtfully and carefully act. Using her influence to intervene for her people.
The king held up his golden scepter when she appeared in the inner court without permission. Granted her plea to spare her people. Went on to execute Haman. And elevated her uncle Mordecia to second in command of the empire.
A happy ending story.
Sure. It would be nice to have a roadmap of God’s will. Receive a sign from God on every decision. But God doesn’t work that way. You can pray. Seek wise council. Search the scriptures. But eventually you must trust God and act on faith. In fact, James says your actions actually show your faith. While Jesus simply says to follow him.
Where he guides you in the right direction.
About Chip Tudor:
Chip Tudor is an author, blogger and professional writer. He publishes books, humorous Christian drama, and thought provoking blogs from a Christian worldview.This blog is originally published here.
Looking for a Bible Study for yourself or small group?
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