What your church gets wrong about Easter: Part One
What your church gets wrong about Easter: Part One
Years ago Norman Grubb rightly stated, "You can't live the Christian life." Unfortunately, most people who observe Easter are unaware that the New Testament says the same thing.
What is even more unfortunate is that in a few short weeks perhaps millions of people will walk into a building on a Sunday morning and sing a few songs, watch a Passion play, listen to a story about a stone removed from a tomb, and leave relatively unchanged.
They will listen to the words of the angel being read, "Why do you look for the living among the dead" (Luke 24:5), and secretly wonder to themselves why all these rituals seem so lifeless.
Many will buy a new outfit for the occasion, perhaps have a family photo taken in the process, exchange a few handshakes and hugs, and then come Monday morning go back to their normal routine as if nothing special really happened.
In fact, a recent Rasmussen survey found that 78% of Americans believe Jesus rose from the dead. For most though, they just don't think it matters to their life. This is because they have only heard part of the story.
Yes, Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected; the gospel accounts make this clear. But what is the rest of the story? In the coming weeks we will unpack the full picture and how much of it is missing from so many sermons and Bible studies and churches.
Because until you and I understand what Norman Grubb fully meant, the faith life that is meant to be easy and joyful will be filled with frustration, regret and an overwhelming sense of failure.
Easter goes far beyond the events that took place on a hill outside of Jerusalem 2000 years ago.
You and I can't live the Christian life, we were never meant to because there is only one who can. But to know this by experience you have to understand the rest of the gospel.
The Apostle Paul stated, "We are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died" (2 Corinthians 5:14).
Another time he put it this way, "You died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God" (Colossians 3:3).
And lastly he shared, "I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live" (Galatians 2:20).
Can there be any doubt what Paul is trying to say? Jesus' death on the cross was your death and mine. His resurrection was yours and mine as well.
The implications are staggering, and have nothing to do with religion, not even what most people call Christianity.
What is the rest of the gospel? Hold on tight as we uncover what Jesus and the apostles really taught and the Church has always known but all too often failed to convey.
Tired of religious strife? Excellent, you are closer than ever to the truth. So let me ask the question again, "Why do you look for the living among the dead?" See you in part two.
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