Easter: The Reason We Have Hope
By Rev. John B. Sorensen
Evangelism Explosion International
Two thousand years have passed since Jesus hung on the cross and opened the door for us to spend eternity with Him. Today, His death and resurrection continue to transform lives around the world for all eternity. He promises that when we put our trust in Him alone, we will spend eternity with God in Heaven. And therefore, we have hope.
Hope is never more present than it is at Easter. Every year, we are reminded about the pain and suffering that Jesus endured for us on the cross. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8b, NIV). We get to experience His joyous resurrection on Sunday morning – knowing that His resurrection proves He paid our way to Heaven (1 Corinthians 15:22, John 14:19).
This is the message of the Gospel. It is not just good news – it is the best news! Easter reminds us of the reason we have hope—and that is something to celebrate. But what do we do with that hope?
Good news is meant to be shared. I’ve had the privilege to watch the faces of thousands of people change when they realize that they can know for certain that they will spend eternity with Jesus in Heaven. Their eyes brighten, sometimes with tears, and they can’t wait to pray and invite Christ into their hearts. Many have waited a long time for someone to give them a reason to hope. As believers, we have that reason. Paul tells us to “always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have” (1 Peter 3:15, NIV). Not everyone will accept it, but many will. For that reason, we are called to share it.
How can you share the hope that you have in Jesus this Easter season?
Tell others what Easter means to you. People are typically very open to having conversations about holidays throughout the year. As others share about Easter egg hunts for their children or the big Easter dinner they are planning to have with their family, we have an open door to share the true meaning of Easter and why we celebrate it every year.
Invite someone to join you. Even if someone has never stepped foot in a church, Easter Sunday may be the perfect time to invite them. The Easter story is the Gospel message. Many churches hold special services, plays, and musicals to present that message in a clear way. Invite them to join your family for dinner and share with them what Christ has done in your life personally. Everyone loves a story, and your story may be just the one they need to hear to know that they, too, can experience hope.
There are many opportunities to share the reason for our hope throughout the year, but Easter may be that perfect reason to share it with someone today.
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Rev. John B. Sorensen, D.D. is the President/CEO of Evangelism Explosion International, headquartered in Arden, N.C. EE has been a leader in equipping Christians to share their faith for more than 50 years. For more free tips and resources, visit evangelismexplosion.org, or follow John on Twitter, @jbsoresen.
Read more good Christian news from John Sorensen HERE
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