'Because Christ Lives'
by Pastor James Scarborough, Donalsonville Assembly of God

Such a lovely time of year this is with all its beauty bursting forth with fresh life. Most days are warm but not overly hot; the nights are refreshingly pleasant. What a great atmosphere in which to observe an outstanding event on the Christian calendar Easter, the resurrection from the dead of Jesus Christ. This event alone is enough to separate Christianity from all other forms of religion. Little wonder that so many have tried so hard for so long to disprove this foundational element of the Christian faith. Yet they have all failed.

That which Christ did for humankind through His death and resurrection was not just to give theologians something to write about and skeptics something to talk about. Instead it was for the personal and eternal good for all who will receive His offer of eternal life. Because He lives, we have opportunity to know and experience life in a new way, both now and in eternity.

As the time drew near for Christ to die on the cross, He prepared His followers for what was to come. The words that He used in John 14 to bring them comfort and reassurance, and to prepare them for His departure, have indescribable benefit for us today.

Because Christ lives, we can now know God personally. Few of us know persons who would be considered as of high standing or described as celebrities, but that does not need to make us feel in any way underprivileged as we remember that it is nothing short of amazing that the God Who created heaven and earth knows us personally and has invited us to know Him. That relationship between God and man was made possible through what Christ did in His death and resurrection. Notice what Christ said about the relationship that exists between Himself, the Heavenly Father and His followers: "If you really knew Me, you would know My Father as well. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him" (John 14:7, NIV). Not a relation- ship to be taken lightly! ship to be taken lightly!

Because Christ lives, we can experience abiding peace. Listen to the words of Christ in John 14:27, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." What a comfort to know that no matter how tumultuous life may become, the followers of Jesus Christ can have a deep peace that nothing can take away.

Because Christ lives, there is not only a place being prepared for His followers, but there is a way to get there. Most of us have heard the words of John 14:6 more times than we can recall: "Jesus answered, "I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me." He is not merely one way among many alternate routes to heaven, He is the one and only way. He paid the price for our sins, so we can have access to everlasting life.

As you observe Easter, do not let the real meaning fail to impact your life. It is more than a good sounding story; it is the living truth that still affects the lives of all who will believe and accept

what Christ purchased cept what Christ purchased

for us with His own blood. for us with His own blood.

His empty tomb means that His empty tomb means that

you, by believing upon Him, you, by believing upon Him,

can have a full life.