It’s Easter week and we are excited about all the opportunities that this season naturally opens. Over the past several weeks, we have dedicated time in our ESL class discussions to the Easter story. At the conclusion of class, we ask how many people have ever heard the Easter story before. So far, we’ve only had two people that had heard about the victory found in the Easter story! We are so thankful for the opportunity to share the life-changing gospel with people in Bellevue.

Over the past several months, God has given me several opportunities to preach at many churches in western Washington. The Landing Church in Bothell, WA is one of those churches. The pastor, Andy Brown, and I have formed a great relationship over the past months as we have relocated to the area. Andy planted The Landing Church about five years ago.  They have done a great job connecting and serving the east side of Seattle in the name of Jesus Christ. They have seen over 70 people come to know Jesus and have made great strides in making multiplying disciples. They have had a significant impact on this community and the Kingdom of God.

About a month ago, Andy asked me to pray for their family as God was leading them to transition to Alabama to care for his father-in-law. After many conversations and prayer, The Landing Church has asked me to step in as their interim pastor during this season of transition. As we continue with our vision to plant Awakening Church in Bellevue, we sensed God open this door for us to expand our reach. This Easter weekend will be my first weekend as the interim pastor at The Landing Church.

As Easter quickly approaches, we are drawn to 1 Corinthians 15 where we find one of the most detailed descriptions of the resurrection of Jesus. At the end of the chapter, Paul thanks God for the victory of Easter and immediately follows it up with three ways to live. As our vision is expanded, we’re focusing on these three ways to live!

But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.

1 Corinthians 15:57-58

3 WAYS TO LIVE BECAUSE OF EASTER

1. With Abnormal Stability

Steadfast and immovable are the words that Paul uses. Is my life a picture of abnormal stability? Is my life anchored in the good news of Jesus and His victory at Easter… or am I shifting with the winds of challenging circumstances, relationships, and realities of our fallen world?

The Empty Tomb teaches us that God is powerful, faithful, and willing. We no longer need to live in fear and doubt; we can stand on the Rock…He is stable.

2. With Long-term Activism

Because of Easter, we should be “always abounding in the work of the Lord.” This should push us to be hopeful, courageous, and motivated. If we actually believe that Jesus defeated death, and that He reigns in power, what should we fear?

Because of Easter, we believe in victory, transformation, deliverance, and abundant life.

3. With Real Hope

We must interpret life by looking through the lens of the empty tomb of Jesus. Because of the victory of Easter, we believe that our present work that God calls us to “is not in vain.” Paul tells us to root our heart in that truth.

In the darkest of circumstances, when God seems to be silent or even absent, we can have hope! May our celebration of Easter not be limited to a weekend. Instead, let our confidence in the Risen Christ shape our everyday lives.

Thank you for partnering with us as we pursue a life of obedience and faithfulness, dedicated to making the name of Jesus known around the world.

Please join us in praying for…

1. Our developing vision as God expands our ministry platform and reach.
2. The development of our new life rhythms as I step into leadership at The Landing Church in Bothell, WA.
3. For God to continue raising up partnerships and core team members willing to journey along side our vision to plant Awakening Church in Bellevue.