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For many, Easter brings to mind chocolate bunnies, pastel colors, and family brunch. It’s a joyful time—and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it. But behind the eggs and lilies, Easter carries a truth so powerful, it reshaped history.

In the Apostles’ Creed—an ancient confession of Christian belief—there’s a short but staggering line:

“The third day He rose again from the dead.”

That’s the heart of Easter.
Jesus didn’t stay in the grave. He rose. Literally. Bodily. Historically.

But what does that actually mean for us?

1. It means death isn’t the end.

We’ve all stood at gravesides. We’ve felt the ache of goodbye.
But Easter tells us: that’s not the final word.

The Bible says, “In Christ, all will be made alive” (1 Corinthians 15:22).
Jesus’ resurrection didn’t just defeat His death—it broke death’s grip on all who believe in Him.

If you’ve lost someone, or if you carry a fear of death in your heart, hear this:
Because Jesus lives, there is life beyond the grave. There is hope beyond the sorrow.

2. It means your past doesn’t have to define you.

The cross was where Jesus paid for sin.
The resurrection? That was the receipt.

It was God’s way of saying, “Paid in full.”
No more guilt. No more earning. No more shame.

Romans 8:1 says, “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”
You don’t have to carry your old story anymore. In Christ, you get a new one.

3. It means hope is alive—right now.

Hope can feel fragile these days. We carry quiet disappointments, buried grief, unanswered questions.

But Easter isn’t just about someday.
It’s about today.

It tells us that God still moves stones. That He still shows up in broken places.
That you’re never too far gone for resurrection.

One story in the Bible tells of two discouraged friends walking a road, thinking their story was over. But Jesus came near—risen, present, alive—and everything changed. We’ll talk more about them next week in church, but here’s the takeaway:

When Jesus draws near, hopeless hearts are rekindled with holy fire.

So… What Now?

Easter isn’t just a story to admire. It’s a truth to respond to.

The Bible says:
“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.” (Romans 10:9)

This isn’t about religion. It’s about relationship.
It’s about surrender. Trust. A step of faith.

Ask yourself:
– Have I trusted Christ with my life?
– Have I received the grace He offers?
– Am I living like someone who’s been raised with Him?

One Next Step

Whether you’re a lifelong believer or just exploring faith, here’s a simple invitation:
Live the resurrection this week.

  • Offer grace to someone hard to love.

  • Let go of guilt you weren’t meant to carry.

  • Pray honestly.

  • Choose joy, even when it’s easier not to.

Because Jesus lives, you can too.