by Carley Cooper
This is the final post in what’s turned out to be an Easter series. I didn't plan on doing this series, but sometimes God has other plans.
On Good Friday our church presented a multi-media concert event entitled “How Could You Say No?” It very clearly showed, without a doubt, the sacrifice that Jesus made for us, and why.
On Easter Sunday, to complete the story, we saw:
- the Easter story performed by the BFMC Solidground Youth in a shadow performance; not a word was spoken yet the message was shouted out loud and clear.
- monologues performed by people who played characters that were living at the time of Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection. Each person gave an incredible message, some even chose to dress in costume. They talked about their feelings and experiences, how they doubted in the beginning, and how they came to believe that this profit they’ve interacted with was indeed the Son of God. We heard from:
- an incredible performance by our very own Lynn Dyck who sang “He’s Alive”, which reinforced the simple message of the Bible “He’s alive and I’m forgiven. Heaven’s gates are open wide”.
one of the soldiers
Mary Magdalen
Peter, the disciple
Cleopas (Road to Emmaus)
and finally, Thomas (AKA: doubting Thomas).
“Thomas” explained that he wanted to believe; that Jesus had actually risen from the dead, after it was discovered His tomb was empty and the body was gone. But, the truth was that he didn’t believe. Like many people, even today, rising from the dead after 3 days seems like a crazy idea. It’s not possible, right? However, Thomas was curious enough to want to know more. He said he wouldn’t believe it until he saw Jesus, Himself, standing before him showing the holes in His hands, and the wound in His side. Thomas refused to believe until he saw it with his own eyes. So, Jesus did exactly that. That’s when Thomas became a believer.
So many of us are like Thomas. The difference is that Thomas had the opportunity, much more so than we do today, to talk with the risen Lord. He was able to see the truth for himself. Jesus said that Thomas was blessed because he believed because he saw. Jesus also said that those of us who believe even though we haven’t seen are even more blessed.
This led to a video that had been prepared showing people within out church family and around town giving a short testimony as to how they know, 2000 years later, that Jesus is real, alive, and that He is who He says He is. Below is that video. I think you will find it to be a blessing, as was the youth shadow performance, and the song “He’s Alive”.
Overall, as Christians it’s always wonderful and awesome to see and hear the Easter message. After all, it’s what life is all about for us. It’s a story we never tire of hearing, and gets more exciting every time. It was also a message that could help newcomers see and hear the truth about the great love God has for us. He loves me. He loves you. He knows you, even if you don’t know Him. He loves you enough to have sacrificed His son to save your eternal soul, to make sure you will spend eternity with Him in paradise. He loves you so much, that even if you were the only one who needed saving, He would have given the same sacrifice, suffered the same fate on the cross.
He’s waiting for you. Talk to Him today. It will be the most life changing conversation of your life. The most important decision you will ever make is to ask Jesus into your heart to be the Lord and Saviour of your life.
