When I was growing up in the late ’70s and early ’80s, I knew a few things about Easter. I knew that I was going to be decked out in a sweet new blazer and tie, complete with a butterfly collar and penny loafers. I knew that we’d take pictures around the blooming azalea bushes in the back yard while trying to avoid the bees. I knew that we would hunt for plastic eggs stuffed with chocolate footballs and pastel colored M&M’s. I knew that we would go to a church service that I didn’t really understand and then spend the afternoon with the family. I also knew that the Bible said that God loved the world so much that “he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV) I knew who Jesus was and that he was crucified for the forgiveness of sin and that the day he rose from the dead changed the course of human history. These are things I knew because that’s what I had been taught. What I didn’t know was that there was so much more to it. What I didn’t know was that Easter was about more than just me and my eternity. It’s about more than getting to heaven or avoiding hell. What I didn’t know was that Easter was actually the climax of a love story between the Creator and his creation. It’s a story that began the moment we decided to trust ourselves more than God. It’s a story about God putting on flesh in order to do for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves. It’s a story about redemption and forgiveness and the restoration of our relationship with Jesus. What I didn’t know was that a real relationship with Jesus would change everything. It would change me, the way I see the world, my relationships, and even the desires of my heart. What I didn’t know was that there would be unexplainable joy in actually knowing Jesus and being in a relationship with him. These are things I didn’t know, but now I do. But these aren’t things I know because of something I’ve been taught. These are things I know because I’ve experienced them for myself. And
honestly, one of the primary reasons I’ve experienced these things is because of the people I’ve chosen to surround myself with. This is why it’s so important to be a part of a life-giving local church. God uses our relationships with other people to grow our relationship with him. Perhaps you’ve experienced this as well. If so, then I’m speaking to you. If you’ve had an authentic encounter with Jesus, then you know what a difference he has made in your life. You also know that he’s worth sharing, because you’ve got good news. You have access to something that’s better than anything this life has to offer. This is why we have to take advantage of every opportunity to invite people to our Easter services. Sure, I could’ve addressed this article to those who aren’t currently involved in a local church. But I don’t know that an article and a front-page spread would be enough. But your personal invitation may be. “As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:15 NIV) What if everyone who reads this article invited someone to join them for an Easter service somewhere? What if you did that? And what if you took them to a place where their experience was more important than your own tradition? A place where they have permission to belong even before they believe? You might just become a part of the incredible story of life-change that God is writing on their life. Here’s my challenge and I’ll leave it at this. If you have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, my encouragement for you is to invite someone to join you on Easter so that they have an opportunity to experience what it is you already know. Don’t just attend somewhere because it’s Easter and definitely don’t do Easter alone. Instead let’s Easter together, and may Jesus be glorified! – Trip Healey, Lead Pastor Ridge Church
If you don’t have a church you call home, we would be honored to have you with us at Ridge Church. We meet at Wetumpka High School and our services are at 9:00am and 10:30am. We look forward to meeting you!
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