Never Alone

Easter: The Right Side of Eternity

Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? 

I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. 

Isaiah 43:19

Spring is here and a new season of optimism in is full bloom. Thanks to vaccinations and “herd immunity” our children will soon fill our parks and schools. Young people will play sports and churches will gather without hesitation. As our nation’s reopening begins, many are experiencing a new sense of freedom.

All true and lasting joy, however, is sourced from the ancient message of Easter – the power of the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is truly “Good News.” And like my mom used to say, “Some news is so good it must be told!”

During this Covid Captivity, I’ve been consuming more than my usual diet of pod-casts and Youtube videos. I’ve learned some new tech skills and, thanks to some sacrificial volunteers who love Jesus, our church’s reach is now far beyond the walls of the building in which we gather. We praise the Lord for more open doors to tell people about Jesus this Easter season!

Many churches have greatly increased their audience size by mastering the art of online messages. A few, however, have squandered this opportunity by attempting to make messages more palatable. The line of thought goes like this; “The culture has shifted so it’s time for us to adjust our messaging to something a little more sensitive and a little less, well . . . insulting.” But if the goal is to reach millions of more people with only a partial gospel, then all our efforts are in vain. (1)

The frequently stated fear is that we will be caught “on the wrong side of history.” Truth be told, history is “His-story.” Jesus is the unchanging Lord of history. (2) I’d rather be found with Jesus on the wrong side of this “crooked and perverse generation” than on the wrong side of eternity without Him. * (3) 

Along with Pilot in the crucifixion narrative, our culture seems to be shrugging its collective shoulders and saying, “What is truth?” When we reach this point, the message of salvation is lost. Easter reminds us that Jesus is not one of many paths to truth, He is The Truth and the only way to salvation. (4)

Once again this Easter, we will celebrate Jesus; the Seed who was planted in the ground, and who has now borne the fruit of eternal life! (5) When received, the message of His death, burial, and resurrection produces the joyful fruit of salvation, eternal life, and a love relationship with God. When peace with God is established, our relationship with Him bursts forth with the beautiful colors of “righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” (6)

I choose to follow Jesus. I’d rather be on the wrong side of history than the wrong side of eternity. Human history is just a breath; eternity is forever. This Easter, I hope you’ll choose to follow Him too.

Happy and Joyful Easter!

Pastor Steve

1. I Corinthians 15:12-19
2. Hebrews 13:8
3. Philippians 2:15
4. John 14:6
5. John 12:24
6. Romans 14:17

* The elders of Centerpoint take their stand on the inerrant Bible. The primary content of our preaching and teaching will always be exposition of Scripture, centered on knowing “Christ and Him crucified.” (I Corinthians 2:2) For more, see “What we Believe” on centerpointsimivalley.com