We took a few pictures before we left for worship today and wanted to share them with everyone.
I also wanted to take this time to remind everyone of what today is really about. In our "cultural christianity" it is so easy to get caught up in playing the world's idea of holidays. But this day is our day! The day our Saviour was raised from the dead and gave to us the gift of eternal life! How sad is it that even in our churches, the message of this day is overshadowed with Easter bunnies, egg hunts, and candy. We have allowed the world to decide for us what our children learn about these holidays. I just wanted to remind everyone that we are not called to give our children alternatives to the worlds Holidays in which we turn their idols into religious symbols. We are called to be salt and light. We are called to be "set apart." It is ok to stand against the tide and not allow the pagan rituals into your house.
This Easter, just as Christmas Santa, there was no Easter bunny at our house. There were no eggs and no baskets. Some of you may think that we are depriving our children of "fun" but we believe we are giving them the best thing we can which is the knowledge and truth of Christ and his love for us. We never want our children to be confused about the truth of God's love and sacrifice for us. The reason we can have any kind of "fun" is because of the new life he has given us.
So my challenge to everyone today is this... Take a stand! You do not have to do what everyone else is doing. Your family may not support you. You will be persecuted but remember... "Count it all joy to suffer..." I rather begin teaching my children NOW that many times when they do the right thing.. They will do it alone.. Christ died alone.. Remember that..
I pray that today and everyday, you feel the blessings of our Glorious Risen Saviour! I pray that each of us takes the time to meditate on just what our Christ did for us! He chose to die for us. No one took his life he gave it freely! He prayed for the Cup (wrath of God) to pass him by but submitted himself to obedience even to death. Are we that obedient? Not if we can not even take a stand against the worlds traditions...
Have a blessed Resurrection Day! We love you all! And we pray for you consistently.
P.S. Please also remember all those who are away from home and family on this day. Remember our missionaries who are sacrificing their time and comforts to spread this gospel to a lost and dying world. Remember also our troops who are sacrificing their time, comforts, and lives to protect our right to worship our God.
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