THE REAL REASON FOR CELEBRATING EASTER
Easter is a Christian holiday that celebrates the Resurrection, or return to life, of Jesus Christ and comes at the end of Lent. Jesus Christ had told people that he was the son of God, but some of them didn’t believe him, and some even felt that his ideas were dangerous.
During todays sermon, Pastor Richard OPEDARE gave the real reason for the season, spending time on the hurt and pain of our Lord’s parents who had to observe his crucifixion.
He reminded us of Mark 16 when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices, that they might anoint Jesus’ body only to find that Jesus was no longer there.
He spoke of the virtues of holding close to Jesus because “ He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.” Isaiah 53:5 NKJV
He admonished us to connect with the good things Jesus did, telling us not to fear. He said there may be pain but no one has experienced the pain Jesus went through for us and that that pain has been taken away leaving gain.
Pastor Opedare said Jesus died because of our sins which He took upon himself on the cross and thus our sins are wiped off.
He asked if anyone has experienced shame, pointing out that Jesus was not only called names, but was also stripped naked, beaten and was eventually crucified thus anyone trying to shame us should be reminded that about two thousand years ago Jesus took that shame away.
Likewise Pastor OPEDARE explained that guilt and addiction are no more because Jesus passed through these for us, and most importantly, because Jesus rose and like apostle Paul said he is risen indeed.
On poverty the pastor surmised this is not our portion and has been taken out of our lives forever.
Pastor postulated “If Christ has not risen would we have a voice?” He pointed out that in Matthew 27:62, “On the Day of Preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees gathered together to Pilate,” saying? “Sir, we remember, while He was still alive, how that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise.’ “Therefore command that the tomb be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last deception will be worse than the first.”
Pilate said to them, “You have a guard; go your way, make it as secure as you know how.”” Matthew 27:64-65 NKJV
He gave intermittent prayers to members of the Church both online and physically present throughout his spirit touching sermon.
Pastor OPEDARE ended saying we are no longer condemned because Jesus Christ rose.
After the pastors sermon the children also gave a presentation of beautiful and spirituality inspired songs and Bible verses.
