This Is Outrageous!
22 April, 2011
For more information on Hillsong Church please visit hillsong.com and follow us on facebook.com/hillsongchurch and twitter.com/hillsongI love Easter and I deliberately spend time thinking about what this significant holiday means for me, for my children, my grandchildren, my friends and neighbours... my world.
Our faith is a risk, our beliefs are outrageous and bold and Easter brings all of that to the forefront. At Easter time, we're celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Think about it - we celebrate that a man came to earth and died for us all, He took our sin and shame and reconciled us to God. And we believe that this life-giving God burst from death into life and is still alive today... living in us. Outrageous, right?
These bold beliefs cannot be separated from who Jesus is and the message of hope that Easter brings. The mistake that we can make as believers is trying to persuade with reason the 'proof' that Jesus was actually raised from the dead, rather than introducing people to Jesus Himself.
In Matthew 11 when Jesus was asked whether He was the Messiah - He said,
"Go and tell them what you see. The lame walk, the blind receive sight, those with leprosy are cleansed, the dead are raised to life and the Good News is preached to the poor."
God requires us to GO. To take the miracle working power of Christ, the same power that raised Him from the dead and share it with others. Easter is not about arguing the death and resurrection and the history of what was accomplished 2000 years ago... it is about sharing the GOOD NEWS, aware that Jesus was and still is, in our midst. Put away quarrels and futile efforts of persuasion this Easter and share the free gift that is life with Christ. He is healing people, restoring people and bringing them into relationship with God for all of eternity.
As we gather this weekend in churches all across the globe, as we buy the chocolate eggs, organise the Easter menu and plan the school holidays for the kids, it is my prayer that we will not overlook the call of Christ to 'GO and tell them what we have seen'. I pray that as believers, we will reach out with all love and kindness, live intentionally and purposefully to show and example a living relationship with Christ... to 'tell them' will cost us little, purely because it cost Jesus everything.
Wishing you a blessed and happy Easter, and praying that the victory of His empty tomb changes your life, as it has mine.
Love, Brian
For more information on Pastor Brian including resources and upcoming itinerary please visit brianandbobbie.com and follow him on twitter.com/brianchouston and facebook.com/brianandbobbie
For more information on Hillsong Church please visit hillsong.com and follow us on facebook.com/hillsongchurch and twitter.com/hillsong
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