The Easter Story - Three Steps to Freedom

The Easter Story itself is one that all Christians have been taught from the time they were toddlers through adulthood.  Even those who don't worship God at any other time but Easter are very familiar with the cross, the tomb and the resurrection of our beloved Jesus.  Christ died on the cross, was buried in the tomb, rose again three days later and that's that.  We go to church on Easter, hear the story once again, maybe cry a little, and move on with our lives with the same problems as the rest of the world; broken families, addictions and wounded offspring.  It's not working.

This year, instead of moving on, let's move in.  Take a closer look at the Easter story with us, and learn more about its intended provision of grace, mercy and healing for all believers.  The gift of the cross was intended to bring health and happiness to all of God's children.  It's time we reach out and accept it!

A Sad Story

The saddest part of the Easter story is not the painful, gruesome death and burial of Christ.  It is the fact that, for many of us, he is still hanging on the cross, wearing the crown of thorns, shouting "Father forgive them for they know not what they do!"

He's still hanging as long as we carry our own guilt, our own burdens and live a life separate from God because of our own condemnation.  He is helpless to move in our lives, bringing the victory to overcome our problems and addictions.  In other words, for many, He died for nothing. 

Before we realize our full potential as Christians, we must realize the power of the cross, the purpose for the tomb and the victory in the resurrection.  We must let Him down from the cross and do what He was meant to do:  free the oppressed, heal the sick, cause the lame to walk.  Hold out your hands and receive the gift.