Easter Greetings

Greetings, CCC Family! He is Risen!

What exciting words from the angel at Christ’s tomb, proclaiming the resurrection!

Resurrection Sunday is a day of great joy for Christians.  It points to the triumph over death – but also points to the vertical and horizontal relationships of our faith.

Try to picture the 2 wood members of a cross this way.  The vertical line -- our connection to God -- is deepened and strengthened by Christ’s resurrection.  It reminds of God’s amazing love as He sent His Son to die for our sins and then rise from the dead. It gives us hope and the assurance of eternal life.   "And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins."  1 Corinthians 15:17 (NIV).   It also proves that Jesus conquered sin and death, making it possible for us to have forgiveness and peace with God.  As we pray, worship, read the Bible and obey Him, we grow closer in our relationship to Him.

The horizontal line illustrates our relationship with the world around us. As God’s love and grace IN you flows THROUGH you, you are able to love those in a lost and broken world – and also, love fellow believers.  "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."  John 13:34-35 (NIV).

Resurrection Sunday is a powerful reminder that we live and act as the hands and feet of Jesus in this world, demonstrating His love and compassion to others.

In my mind, this image of the cross makes Christianity theological -- but also practical -- as we connect our faith to real, everyday life.   As you spend time in with God this week, why not invite Him to deepen those connections.  It’s surprising what a difference walking close to Jesus makes in our everyday ‘horizontal’ relationships!

At CCC, our goal is to ‘experience God’s love and share it with others.’  As we share His love with others (horizontal) and that experience is all about the life-changing power of Christ within us.  He is Risen!

Easter Blessings,

Pastor Mark