Easter: The Basis of Our Hope

​Happy Easter Sunday!  Christ is risen; He is risen indeed! This is cause for great rejoicing among the saints.  The grave is empty.  Death has been defeated.  Jesus Christ has won

The resurrection is central to the gospel; without it we would have no hope.  While Jesus’ blood on the cross atones for our sin, His resurrection gives us power over sin and newness of life.  Paul reminds us of this vital truth in 1 Corinthians 15:16-19:

“For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised.  And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins.  Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished.  If in Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied.”

​Therefore, the empty garden tomb should hold special significance for the Christian.  It was here that Satan’s power was defeated, death’s hold was broken, and Jesus Christ arose in victory.  And because Jesus rose, we can rise and be born into a living hope of eternal life with Him.
 
As you celebrate our Savior’s victory today, I pray that you are filled with renewed awe and wonder, gratitude and thanksgiving, worship and praise.  May the One who raised Jesus Christ from the dead lift your spirit and fill your heart with His inexpressible joy and peace this day.  Come and join the saints in celebrating the risen King of Kings!

 “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”
~John 11:25b-26

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Agnus Dei with King of Kings
​by Michael W. Smith and Hillsong Worship

Alleluia, alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia, alleluia
For the Lord God Almighty reigns
Alleluia

Holy, holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
You are holy, holy
Are You Lord God Almighty
Worthy is the Lamb
Worthy is the Lamb
Amen

In the darkness we were waiting
Without hope, without light
'Til from heaven You came running
There was mercy in Your eyes

To fulfill the law and prophets
To a virgin came the Word
From a throne of endless glory
To a cradle in the dirt

Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, Three in One
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings

To reveal the kingdom coming
And to reconcile the lost
To redeem the whole creation
You did not despise the cross

For even in Your suffering
You saw to the other side
Knowing this was our salvation
Jesus for our sake You died

Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, Three in One
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings

And the morning that You rose
All of heaven held its breath
'Til that stone was moved for good
For the Lamb had conquered death

And the dead rose from their tombs
And the angels stood in awe
For the souls of all who'd come
To the Father are restored

And the Church of Christ was born
Then the Spirit lit the flame
Now this gospel truth of old
Shall not kneel, shall not faint

By His blood and in His Name
In His freedom I am free
For the love of Jesus Christ
Who has resurrected me

Praise the Father, praise the Son
Praise the Spirit, Three in One
God of glory, Majesty
Praise forever to the King of Kings