Saying, the Lord is risen indeed…. Luke 24:34

Religious traditions abound. Every major religion has them. Christians are no different. As our Easter tradition approaches, it impresses me to focus on its critical influence and examine its affect on my personal life.

Apostle Paul of the Bible warned in 1 Cor. 15:12-20 that if the resurrection of Jesus Christ didn’t occur, Christianity would lack a true base and only qualify as a fairy tale. Everything a so called Christian believed in would make a fallen Humpty Dumpty look whole. We would be left with faith in a man named Jesus, a deceived or crazy person. There would be no hope for salvation, forgiveness, or heaven. Reality for people in this life would be reduced to where it belonged —- making the best of it, much like a kangaroo, a weeping willow, a gnat, or an invisible bacteria.

As one about to celebrate Easter, I know in my heart that Jesus Christ is alive today! It’s not as a result of my religious upbringing, listening to priests or ministers or even by my reading the Bible. My belief comes from a personal encounter I had just over 16 years ago. The Lord met me on the shoreline of the Pacific Ocean where I was lost, directionless, and dead in my sinful self. There was no experience of a booming voice, parting of the waters, or a leaping fish with a bill board. My open heart and God’s simple loving presence was enough!

My life has changed dramatically since then. People who knew me at that time and know me now, friend and foe alike, will all agree something significant happened to alter my nature. If you’ve had a similar experience or not, please don’t dismiss me as some loon—just take a deep breath, have a little patience, and read on.

The testimony I offer is uniquely mine, much like a finger print. It is not an isolated testimony, however, as millions of others over the ages and in all parts of the world have had similar transformational or resurrecting stories to tell. They too have had personal encounters with Jesus Christ, the God of Christians and Heaven. Some may say, sure – now I’m describing a flock of loons. Or, if Truth be known, part of the flock of the Great Shepherd and Resurrected One we’re about to honor.

I submit to you that our foundation is firm because Jesus overcame sin, death and the grave when He arose from His burial spot. He lives in me and many others who believe and Christianity stands as the only valid means whereby a lost sinner like me can reach the God of Heaven.

Our preaching of the kingdom gospel has power unto salvation, our faith is real and our witness is true! Jesus lives and we stand vindicated in our faith and in our claims concerning Him. It is not a waste of my time to trust Jesus. It is not an exercise in vanity this Easter season for me to believe in the One called Jesus. He rose from the dead, He lives in me, and because He lives—my faith lives also!

1 Cor 15:20; Col 3:1; Rev 1:18