Why is Easter so important to the Christian church? Because it commemorates the death and then the life-after-death-is-beaten of Jesus Christ. Because of this historic event, any person can experience an awakening from the bondage, hopelessness and emptiness of sin to freedom, with the power to live life differently.
As Jesus said, ‘I tell you for certain that everyone who hears my message and has faith in the one who sent me has eternal life and will never be condemned. They have already gone from death to life’. Because Jesus has already made the journey from death to life, so can we.
In this edition, we introduce Evan and Jill. Because of Jesus, they are no longer living the lives they had for years—lives of chaos and emptiness. Although not even aware of looking for God, God sought them out, working in Evan and Jill’s lives individually, and making them stronger together.
When I think of Evan and Jill, some other words that Jesus spoke also come to mind: ‘Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest … learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.’
Don’t we all want rest for our souls? Don’t we all need to know God’s peace in our lives? This is why Jesus came to our world, to offer us the chance for a life re-connected to God—one of peace and fulfilment, of stronger relationships, of hope and direction for life. Of living for others, not just for ourselves.
Read the Bible as Evan and Jill did. Sign up for an Alpha Course or something similar that will explain the meaning behind the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Open your heart and mind to the reality that God loves you, that Jesus died for you, and that his life after death is your guarantee of a better way of living.
Christina Tyson
Editor
1 Peter 3:18 Contemporary English Version
‘Christ died once for our sins. An innocent person died for those who are guilty. Christ did this to bring you to God when his body was put to death and his spirit was made alive.’
1 Pita 3:18
‘Kotahi hoki whakamamaetanga o te Karaiti mo nga hara, te tika mo te hunga he, kia arahina ai tatou e ia ki te Atua, i whakamatea ko te kikokiko, i whakaorangia ia ko te wairua …’