On Sunday, Pope Francis delivered an Easter message of hope for those affected by the coronavirus, challenging world leaders to work together for the common good while addressing the pandemic.
On Sunday, Pope Francis delivered an Easter message of hope for those affected by the coronavirus, challenging world leaders to work together for the common good while addressing the pandemic.
In an Easter statement, President Trump encouraged that “No matter the circumstances, we will always celebrate Easter as a time of rejuvenation, rebirth, and a renewed sense of purpose and faith.”
He continued, “The coronavirus will not stop Easter. Even in the darkest hours, God’s abundant love and mercy are unwavering."
A Texas church found a creative solution in order to still host it's annual Easter egg hunt amid the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of meeting in person, in order to maintain social distancing recommendations, the church decided to host this year's egg hunt virtually, with the help of the popular video game, Minecraft.
Christians can have joy in a fallen world because the risen Christ is risen in us.
The best-known verse in the Bible declares, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16, my italics). In the moment we make Christ our Lord, we have eternal life. Not just when we die—right now.
He says to us in John 16:33b, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (NIV). Jesus spoke those words to his disciples prior to his death on the cross on Good Friday. He was claiming victory even before his suffering. He was looking ahead to his resurrection.
And because of Jesus’s death and resurrection, we can claim victory over our suffering as well.
In light of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic we are living through, the message of Jesus as a servant who willfully confronted death and suffering is all the more relevant to us. We can learn from his example as we minister to those who are suffering in these two ways:
Joel Osteen is teaming up with celebrities Kanye West, Mariah Carey and Tyler Perry to host a virtual Easter church service this weekend.
On Wednesday, Vice President Mike Pence noted in a press conference that the faith of millions of Americans during the Easter season is a source of hope amidst an uptick in the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths.
This year the Exodus story will mirror the experience of millions across the globe who are staying inside their homes, praying that death will pass them by and that God will once more provide deliverance.
The cross, sin, and repentance have never been popular terms even though they are at the heart of the Christian faith. Jesus Himself said that the cross would be offensive. Sadly, many today water down the gospel and avoid talking about the cross. They want the Bible to be more appealing and marketable. But truth is not marketable! We are to guard it, proclaim it, and defend it, but never compromise it.
