Pastoral Messages

EASTER MORE THAN ONE DAY: A SEASON…A LIFESTYLE

There are questions you answer with your lips. There are questions you answer with your life.

The disciples, seeing the Master with their own eyes, were exuberant. Jesus repeated his greeting: "Peace to you. Just as the Father sent me, I send you." Then he took a deep breath and breathed into them. "Receive the Holy Spirit," he said. John 20:20-22, The Message

The period of time following Christ’s resurrection and leading up to Pentecost is referred to as "Eastertide." Christ remained on earth for forty days following his resurrection. He appeared to the disciples and many others and gave many proofs that he was alive.

During this Eastertide we have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to ask and answer intentionally, as individuals, congregations, and communities some of the most pertinent questions of our faith. Are we actually demonstrating the resurrection of Christ? How are we demonstrating the resurrection of Christ? Whose Body do we claim to be? We must answer these questions for ourselves. We must answer these questions to others, especially those who have good reason to doubt that such a thing is possible or real.

There are questions you answer with your lips. There are questions you answer with your life.

Eight days later, his disciples were again in the room. This time Thomas was with them. Jesus came through the locked doors, stood among them, and said, "Peace to you." Then he focused his attention on Thomas. "Take your finger and examine my hands. Take your hand and stick it in my side. Don't be unbelieving. Believe." Thomas said, "My Master! My God!" Jesus said, "So, you believe because you've seen with your own eyes. Even better blessings are in store for those who believe without seeing." John 20:26-29, The Message

May you continue this journey empowered by the Holy Spirit to believe and to answer boldly each day to Christ’s resurrection.

Greetings to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ!