Marcia Keagy, Margarett Romo, Maria Marrero, Melinda Young, Melissa Felvus, Melissa Martin, Melissa Oaks, Melody Whitsel, Merica Burris Mills, Michael Clark, Mona Lindemuth Turner, Nicki L Teague, Nora Hershey, Nuri Schoch, Patricia Perez, Patsy Arnett, Patty Coulter, Rachael Brazier, Rebecca Smith, Rogulyn MamaEagle Krenn, Rowena Welch, Ruby Chalmers, Ruth Argo This week’s sermon for Church Without End is Why A Christian Should Never Celebrate The Lord’s Resurrection By Calling it Easter. Please re-share! There are now approximately 25,000 people worldwide holding fellowship meetings in their own homes, chapels and anywhere they can gather to meet. Brothers and Sisters around the world, are holding over 1000 meetings weekly in 43 countries. They are gathering to hear these very same sermons that I preach in my own home! As we say at Church Without End, “If you want to change the world preach the gospel! Let the change you want to see in the world start with you. We are in this ministry for the outcome not the income! We are each called to share the truth that we have within us. To some it is like the flickering light of a candle and others it is like a lighthouse beacon. No matter how much light you have~LET IT SHINE! Be the hands and feet of the body of Christ! Contact me to find out how you can help to spread the message of Christ in this dark and dying world. It is not about me it is not about you it’s all about Christ!” Why A Christian Should Never Celebrate The Lord’s Resurrection By Calling it Easter. This week at Church Without End we will be looking at the pagan truth behind Easter and why we as Christians should NEVER call it Easter, (Easter is the name of a pagan fertility goddess; and calling the holiest of days after her just pays honor to a pagan goddess). As Christians we instead should call it RESURRECTION DAY or something similar that honors our Savior Jesus Christ. Most of you know by now that at Church Without End we try to tear down man-made traditions and get back to Biblical truths taught by Our Heavenly Father and Jesus Christ. We try our best to always show people the Biblical facts. Sadly today there are millions of religious people but relatively few Christians. What do I mean by that? Many people follow their churches, denominations and religious leaders blindly, Instead of following Jesus. They believe what they believe without knowing why. I challenge each of you to ask people sometime, “Why do you believe this or why do you believe that?” Sadly almost always people will tell you it’s, ‘because Mom and Dad taught me’, ‘Grandma Said’, ‘Pastor ____says’, etc. etc. They believe it simply because they were taught to believe it. Quite often when you even show someone what the Bible says they will refuse it because, ‘I have always believed this way’ or ‘it’s what I’m used to’. Trust me I know I have been there most of my life. Those religious habits can be harder to break than the strongest of addictions!!! That is why Jesus himself warned us to not blindly follow others, especially the religious leaders who have their own self-interests at heart. I challenge you to do a brain swipe of all your culturally imposed or personal biases of who Jesus is and what he taught, pick up your Bible, read it, pray over it, study it and live by it. Hopefully youll find the relevance of Jesus for your life and break free from man-made doctrine and religion. Many people have no idea but Easter, is a day that was started, as a pagan holiday. It was a day started, in reference to the aligning of the moon. The term Easter does not come from the Bible, but rather the name Easter comes from the ancient Anglo-Saxon fertility goddess of spring. Despite having its roots in paganism, Easter was a pagan festival that professing Christian leaders came to embrace as their own. Christian religious leaders believed the only way they could persuade the pagan world to accept Christianity was by adopting many of the rituals these new converts held dear. WE DO NOT CHANGE CHRISTIANITY TO CONFORM TO THE WORLD. CHRISTIANITY CHANGES THE WORLD TO CONFORM TO CHRIST!! Is Easter Christian? The simple answer is NO. Despite all its beauty and pageantry, Easter is pagan to the core. Many of its symbols and traditions do not honor Christ or His sacrifice. On the contrary, they actually mock it. It is important to understand that nowhere in the New Testament do we find Gods Church celebrating Easter. What they did was remember the Lord’s Sacrifice and “The Last Supper” by what we call Holy Communion. Mans attempt to replace Gods festivals and Holy Days with customs that come directly from the pagan world represents an act of arrogance. Galatians 6:7-10 New Living Translation (NLT) Page 894 7 Don’t be misled—you cannot mock the justice of God. You will always harvest what you plant. 8 Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith. Christians all over the world, try to celebrate this day for the right reason but often in the wrong spirit. We as Christians are to celebrate RESURRECTION DAY, not Easter. This is the day set aside to celebrate the rising of our Lord, and savior Jesus the Christ of Nazareth. We need to stop just teaching our kids about a bunny, hopping from place to place bringing candy, and eggs. It is good to have fun with our children, but, we shouldnt lie to them. We teach our children not to lie to us, so in turn we shouldnt lie to them. Let them have fun but teach them what the season really means….True love, crucifixion, death, and salvation. We need to stop going out and spending a lot of money on clothes, for the wrong reasons. People go and get outfits, to be seen and look cute. The clothes will be bought, for one day in the year; some people will not even put that outfit on ever again. Some people go to church, just to be seen, and to say, I went to church on Easter. This is not what the day is all about. Let us open our Bibles and read what “Resurrection Day” is all about…… Luke 23:26-49 page 806 & 807 New Living Translation (NLT) The Crucifixion 26 As they led Jesus away, a man named Simon, who was from Cyrene, happened to be coming in from the countryside. The soldiers seized him and put the cross on him and made him carry it behind Jesus. 27 A large crowd trailed behind, including many grief-stricken women. 28 But Jesus turned and said to them, “Daughters of Jerusalem, don’t weep for Me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For the days are coming when they will say, ‘Fortunate indeed are the women who are childless, the wombs that have not borne a child and the breasts that have never nursed.’ 30 People will beg the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and plead with the hills, ‘Bury us.’ 31 For if these things are done when the tree is green, what will happen when it is dry?” 32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left.34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.”And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.35 The crowd watched and the leaders scoffed. “He saved others,” they said, “let him save himself if he is really God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.” 36 The soldiers mocked him, too, by offering him a drink of sour wine. 37 They called out to him, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 A sign was fastened above him with these words: “This is the King of the Jews.” 39 One of the criminals hanging beside him scoffed, “So you’re the Messiah, are you? Prove it by saving yourself—and us, too, while you’re at it!” 40 But the other criminal protested, “Don’t you fear God even when you have been sentenced to die? 41 We deserve to die for our crimes, but this man hasn’t done anything wrong.” 42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your Kingdom.” 43 And Jesus replied, “I assure you, today you will be with me in paradise.” The Death of Jesus 44 By this time it was about noon, and darkness fell across the whole land until three o’clock. 45 The light from the sun was gone. And suddenly, the curtain in the sanctuary of the Temple was torn down the middle. 46 Then Jesus shouted, “Father, I entrust My spirit into Your hands!” And with those words He breathed His last.47 When the Roman officer overseeing the execution saw what had happened, he worshiped God and said, “Surely this man was innocent.” 48 And when all the crowd that came to see the crucifixion saw what had happened, they went home in deep sorrow. 49 But Jesus’ friends, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance watching. Luke 24:1-12 page 807 New Living Translation (NLT) The Resurrection 24 But very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. 2 They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance. 3 So they went in, but they didn’t find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 As they stood there puzzled, two men suddenly appeared to them, clothed in dazzling robes. 5 The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground. Then the men asked, “Why are you looking among the dead for someone who is alive? 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead! Remember what He told you back in Galilee, 7 that the Son of Man must be betrayed into the hands of sinful men and be crucified, and that He would rise again on the third day.” 8 Then they remembered that He had said this. 9 So they rushed back from the tomb to tell His eleven disciples—and everyone else—what had happened. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and several other women who told the apostles what had happened. 11 But the story sounded like nonsense to the men, so they didn’t believe it. 12 However, Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to look. Stooping, he peered in and saw the empty linen wrappings; then he went home again, wondering what had happened. Most people are somewhat familiar with the Easter story. - the lilies - the chocolate bunnies - colored eggs - White shoes, new hats and dresses. Religions have a way of glossing over the truth so that people participate in important things, and still miss the significance of the truth. Do not wear rose colored glasses today! The resurrection of Christ is the most important event in human history! From this moment forward we should refer to this holy day as “Resurrection Day”. It is the most important day in human history as it is the day of hope. This day represents our hope and triumph over death. Just as Jesus was resurrected from death into eternal life we are likewise promised the same! I challenge you today to go beyond the glaze of religion and embrace the truth. Four truths about Resurrection Day that can change your life forever: 1. God is alive! If Resurrection Day has anything to say at all it says that there is a God and He is alive and aware of the human condition. For some reason most of our society is bent on proving otherwise. On the radio recently I heard that a Christian group in Atlanta succeeded in getting the local school board to put stickers on the science text book stating that evolution is only a theory not a proven fact. A disagreement arose over this and it was taken to court where a judge ordered the stickers removed. Romans 1:20-21 page 857 New Living Translation (NLT) 20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see His invisible qualities—His eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. 21 Yes, they knew God, but they wouldn’t worship Him as God or even give him thanks. And they began to think up foolish ideas of what God was like. As a result, their minds became dark and confused. Quote: It is possible for a person to contend that a poem is nothing but black marks on white paper. And such an argument might be convincing before an audience that could not read. You can examine the print under a microscope or analyze the paper and ink but you will never find something behind this sort of analysis that you could call a poem. Those who can read, however, will continue to insist that poems exist. - Bruce Shelly Over the years I have learned that often the experts are guessing. From Social workers to Doctors to religious rulers – people are blind unless God gives light. 2. The resurrection shows us that God is a good God. Perhaps the greatest misconception on this planet is that God is an angry legalist looking for ways to “get” people. Let’s look at how contrary this is to the truth now in our Bibles. Luke 23:32-34 pages 806 & 807 New Living Translation (NLT) 32 Two others, both criminals, were led out to be executed with Him. 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed Him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on His right and one on His left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for His clothes by throwing dice. John 3:16-18 page 811 New Living Translation (NLT) 16 “For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. 18 “There is no judgment against anyone who believes in Him. But anyone who does not believe in Him has already been judged for not believing in God’s one and only Son. Some people say, “but Pastor Ron you don’t know what happened to me as a child. God allowed this horrible abuse to take place to teach me a lesson. – I am sorry to inform you that your experience is wrong and God is no child abuser! What about famines? You ask. I would suggest to you that there is more than enough wealth in most of the countries where people are starving; however corrupt rulers hoard it for themselves. If people would truly follow God they would help the poor. What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man a liar. Romans 4:1-8 Page 859 New Living Translation (NLT) The Faith of Abraham Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. 3 For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” 4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:7 “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight.8 Yes, what joy for those whose record the LORD has cleared of sin.” And now let’s turn to John 14:1-14 page 823 New Living Translation (NLT) Jesus, the Way to the Father 14 “Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. 2 There is more than enough room in My Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? 3 When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am. 4 And you know the way to where I am going.” 5 “No, we don’t know, Lord,” Thomas said. “We have no idea where You are going, so how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through Me. 7 If you had really known Me, you would know who My Father is. From now on, you do know Him and have seen Him!” 8 Philip said, “Lord, show us the Father, and we will be satisfied.” 9 Jesus replied, “Have I been with you all this time, Philip, and yet you still don’t know who I am? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father! So why are you asking Me to show Him to you? 10 Don’t you believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me? The words I speak are not My own, but My Father who lives in Me does his work through Me. 11 Just believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in Me. Or at least believe because of the work you have seen Me do. 12 “I tell you the truth, anyone who believes in Me will do the same works I have done, and even greater works, because I am going to be with the Father. 13 You can ask for anything in My name, and I will do it, so that the Son can bring glory to the Father. 14 Yes, ask Me for anything in My name, and I will do it! Still so many deny God because of worldly conditions and afflictions. Illustration: A man went to a barber shop to have his hair and his beard cut as always. He started to have a good conversation with the barber who attended him. They talked about so many things and various subjects. Suddenly, they touched the subject of God. The barber said: Look man, I don’t believe that God exists as you say so. Why do you say that? - asked the client. ”Well, it’s so easy; you just have to go out in the street to realize that God does not exist. Oh, tell me, if God existed, would there be so many sick people? Would there be abandoned children? If God existed, there would be no suffering or pain. I can’t think of a God who permits all of these things. The client stopped for moment thinking but he didn’t want to respond so as to prevent an argument. The barber finished his job and the client went out of the shop. Just after he left the barber shop he saw a man in the street with a long hair and beard (it seems that it had been a long time since he had his cut and he looked so untidy). Then the client again entered the barber shop and he said to the barber: ”You know what? Barbers do not exist. How come they don’t exist? asked the barber. Well I am here and I am a barber. No! the client exclaimed. They don’t exist because if they did there would be no people with long hair and beard like that man who walks in the street. Ah, barbers do exist, what happens is that people do not come to me. Exactly! affirmed the client. That’s the point. God does exist, what happens is people don’t go to Him and do not look for Him that’s why there’s so much pain and suffering in the world. Romans 8:35-39 page 863 New Living Translation (NLT) 35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean He no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death? 36 (As the Scriptures say, “For Your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”) 37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us. 38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. 39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Jesus had mercy on everyone who came to Him except for those who were trying to prevent people from coming to God. 3. The Resurrection tells us that Jesus is the only way. Although it is very popular theology these days to believe that Jesus is just one of many ways to get to God; it is apparent that He did not consider this to be the case!!! And let’s go back to John 14:6 page 823 New Living Translation (NLT) 6 Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me. Paul knew it….. as we see in 1 Timothy 2:1-7 New Living Translation (NLT) Instructions about Worship 2 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. 2 Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. 3 This is good and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. 5 For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. 6 He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time. 7 And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth. In fact every one of us is infected by a blood disease called sin. By one man’s sin all humanity fell and by one man’s sacrifice all are redeemed. You must personally identify with that sacrifice, not just know about it. All other religions are works based, attempts by men to earn a place with God. Christianity alone is faith based; it alone is God reaching out to rescue men. Could it be a hoax? – 12 men died for Jesus without denying Him and His teachings. Do you really think they wouldn’t have denied Christianity if Jesus’ plan was not true? 4. The Resurrection shows us that God has a plan for each of us. The salvation experience is an individual one. It is between you and God, no one can make you do it. No one can stop you from doing it!!!! Jeremiah 29:11 page 596 New Living Translation (NLT) 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Take this home with you this Resurrection Sunday: God created you with a purpose. You have a Devine destiny to fulfill. - A life with meaning. - A life with passion. - A life with direction. - A life with Him. The temple veil was torn for you. Are you getting it? – You can. Conclusion: What is Resurrection Day? Resurrection Day is a time to celebrate and praise God for the return of Jesus, from the grave. It is a time to give thanks for His life, as well as our new lives in Him. Lets take our minds off Easter, and put it back on what the day really means to Christians all over the world. People may get mad at me, but I really dont care. It is time to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. The Bible says, cry loud, and spare not. Lift up your voice like a trumpet. If we are going to live for God, then lets be for real, and live 100 percent for him. For 99 and one half wont do. May God bless and keep you in this holy season. May I say, to you, happy, and blessed, Resurrection Day. Here are a few reasons to celebrate Resurrection Day. Matthew 28:5-7 page 760 New Living Translation (NLT) 5 Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as He said would happen. Come, see where His body was lying. 7 And now, go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead, and He is going ahead of you to Galilee. You will see Him there. Remember what I have told you.” John 3:16-17 page 811 New Living Translation (NLT) 16 “For God loved the world so much that He gave His one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent His Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through Him. Romans 10:6-9 New Living Translation (NLT) 6 But faith’s way of getting right with God says, “Don’t say in your heart, ‘Who will go up to heaven?’ (to bring Christ down to earth). 7 And don’t say, ‘Who will go down to the place of the dead?’ (to bring Christ back to life again).” 8 In fact, it says, “The message is very close at hand; it is on your lips and in your heart.” And that message is the very message about faith that we preach: 9 If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. Remember, its all about Jesus, the Christ of Nazareth. Celebrating is fine, but always remember that, Jesus is the reason for the Resurrection Day season. A final quote: She was the only one who believed Him. Whenever He spoke of His death, the others shrugged or doubted, but Mary believed because He spoke with a firmness shed heard before. And she believed because shed doubted before. Shed questioned His affection for her family when He hadnt arrived in time. Lord, if you had been here, my brother would not have died. But she saw that Jesus wept with her. And then He spoke. Lazarus, come out! And after four days in a stone-sealed grave, Lazarus walked out. As Mary kissed the now-warm hands of her just-dead brother, she turned and looked at Jesus. He was smiling. She would never doubt His words again. So when He spoke of His death, she believed. She carried the large vial of perfume from her house to Simons. It wasnt a spontaneous gesture. But it was an extravagant one. The perfume was worth a years wages. Maybe the only thing of value she had. It wasnt a logical thing to do, but since when has love been led by logic? Common sense hadnt wept at Lazaruss tomb. Love did. Extravagant, risky, chance-taking love. And someone needed to show the same to the giver of such love. So Mary did: She stepped up behind Jesus and poured out the jar. Over His head and shoulders. Down His back. She would have poured herself out for Him, if she could. The fragrance of the sweet ointment rushed through the room. Breathe the aroma and remember one who cares, the gesture spoke. When You feel forsaken, remember that You are loved. The other disciples mocked her extravagance, but dont miss Jesus prompt defense of Mary. Why are you troubling this woman? She did an excellent thing for Me. This wasnt the first time Hed defended her either. When her sister Martha demanded that Mary help with household duties instead of sitting at His feet, Jesus said, There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it.(Luke 10:42 NLT) Jesus message is as powerful now as it was then: There is a time for risky love. There is a time to sit at the feet of the One you love, to pour out your affections on Him. And when the time comes, seize it. - Max Lucado HAVE A BLESSED RESURRECTION DAY! God bless you, and may Heaven smile upon you.
Posted on: Sat, 19 Apr 2014 04:24:58 +0000