By Rev. Robert “Bob” Fruge’

People have marginalized the position of Jesus within the main Christian holidays. To many, Christmas is extra about giving and receiving items than the delivery of the Savior, and Easter is now centered on baskets and sweet. Santa and the Easter Bunny have turn into the central figures of those holidays, however the fact is that neither vacation would exist with out Jesus. He’s the explanation we rejoice each Christmas and Easter.

We name the Friday earlier than Easter Good Friday, however nothing that occurred to Jesus on that day may very well be known as good. He was taunted, mocked, spat upon, scourged, and crucified. Three days later He arose and is now seated on the proper hand of God.

The primary 10 verses of the 20th chapter of John inform of Peter and John operating to the tomb as a result of that they had been advised the physique of Jesus had been stolen. John was youthful than Peter, and he arrived on the tomb first. The next is my model of an article I learn a few years in the past. It’s one thing that might have occurred.

John and Peter operating to the tomb

John tells Peter, “I’m going to run forward and see if what now we have been advised is true. Your age will hold you from maintaining with me.”

John arrived on the tomb first however didn’t enter; he stooped down and regarded in and noticed the burial garments.

When Peter acquired there, he didn’t cease however went into the tomb. As he handed John, he stated, “That’s the difficulty with you younger people, you by no means end something.”

When Peter got here out of the tomb, he gave the impression to be joyful and excited, and John requested why. Peter stated, “John, the serviette that lined His head was folded.” John requested, “So what?”

Peter stated, “John bear in mind once we had been eating at Bartholomew’s? When a visitor left the desk and easily threw his serviette on the desk, the servants cleaned the place setting. When Bartholomew left the desk, he neatly folded his serviette, and the servants left all the pieces in place as a result of they knew he was coming again. The folded serviette tells us Jesus is coming again.”

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That’s the central message of Easter. Not solely did Jesus die to pay our sin debt, however He promised that sooner or later He would return for individuals who have positioned their religion and belief in Him as Lord and Savior. When individuals have a look at the state of the world as we speak, Christians know that the Lord’s return is imminent.

Easter emphasizes the distinction between Christianity and plenty of different religions. We do not need to die for our God; He died for us. Not solely did He die for us, however He offered the present of everlasting life to anybody who would settle for it. Salvation is free; it can’t be earned.

Easter is God’s final show of unconditional love for the individuals and the world He created. This love is clearly said in John 3: 16 -17; “For God so cherished the world, that He gave His solely begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, however have everlasting life. For God didn’t ship the Son into the world to evaluate the world, however that the world is likely to be saved via Him.”

This Easter could your life be crammed with the enjoyment, happiness, and the love of God.

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Rev. Robert “Bob” Fruge’ is pastor of Grand Lake Neighborhood Church, 954 Freeway 384 in Lake Charles. Contact the church ofice at 337-905-8000.

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