I know a man who was born to a poor family. His father was a laborer who never made a lot of money. His mother stayed at home and raised her children. Before he was born his parents had to move to a new town and start all over again. They knew no one there and didn't even have a place to stay. He was born in a barn because they had no money for doctors, hospitals or even a room at a motel.
Before he was two years old, his family had to flee the country because the government decided he was a threat to national security.
Finally the old regime fell, and his family was able to return home. Home was a small out of the way hick town that people assumed nothing good could ever come out of. He lived there for about 25 years. He never finished High School, and he had no trade school training. He went to work helping his father in his work, and he learned his father's trade.
When he was 30 he decided it was time to begin his own work and he became an itinerant preacher. He traveled around the countryside, on foot. He didn't own a horse, donkey, car or bicycle.
He taught people what he knew to be the truth. He loved people for who they were, not for what they could do for him, or how well they treated him, or how much they tried to find favor with him. He knew and understood all the motivations of their hearts, and he still loved them and still told them the total truth.
The problem was, he made enemies. Enemies in high and important places. These enemies decided he was a threat to national security, not to mention their own security, so they plotted to do away with him.
They succeeded, they thought. They brought him up on charges, bought off all the right people, got him convicted and executed. They thought all their problems were over, but in reality all their problems had just began.
His followers took over where he had left off, and soon there were thousands of them, each one spreading his teachings around the world. His words have influenced every one of our lives in one way or another. Some of us have given our lives into His control by receiving Him as our personal Savior. Others have totally rejected Him and all He taught. His life influences our laws, our moral code and the way we reckon time. He has touched everything that is now and ever has been and ever will be. He is Jesus Christ, My Lord and Saviour. He is the reason for Easter, He died for my sins, He rose again so I could live eternally and He is coming again to bring me into the presence of the Father forevermore.
Why don't you be sure you are truly celebrating Easter, and that you will be in Heaven for Eternity.
