By Nancy Virden (c)2025
Someone asked me why we Christians celebrate a torture device. The cross is more than a symbol; it is how our Savior died. Because he did, I do not have to face eternal death; rather, I have everlasting life. The same is true of anyone, anywhere, who turns their hearts to Jesus and puts faith in him.
Death on a cross was torture for Jesus, and we take that seriously. Our hearts break for him whom we love, and at the same time, we rejoice for his chosen sacrifice. No one took his life, he gave it up freely so that we who believe on him as God-in-the-flesh can live.
That is why Good Friday is good, and when sincere believers wear the cross on a t-shirt or necklace, for example, it reminds them and others of this amazing work of God.
Easter Sunday (Resurrection Sunday) is when Jesus rose from the dead. Mary Magdalene and some other women saw him first and ran to tell the other disciples that he was alive. For Peter, who had denied Jesus, and for John, the matter was of utmost urgency. They ran to the tomb where Jesus’ body had been and found it empty. Later that day, two other disciples walked with him as he taught them about his role as Messiah using what we know of as the Old Testament.
His appearances to 500 people still hold the record for the most eye-witnesses and early recordings over any other literature. Written accounts were printed closer to the real-time event than other ancient writings. I cannot prove his resurrection; only the Bible can do that.
Sunday is the day after mourning and the day of great celebration. What is most often called Easter in America is the most important Christian holiday. Without his resurrection, we have no hope of a future with him in heaven. Without the resurrection (Christianity is the only major religion claiming this of their God), we have no reason to believe. I do not serve a dead or fictitious God. Jesus is alive and very active in my life.
To celebrate these special days, attend a church where these facts are prominent this weekend. If you have not yet put your faith in Jesus, do so. Read the account of his life in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. Talk about the empty tomb backed by facts and not assumptions. You can find this information easily enough on Christian websites. GotQuestions.org is a fine place to start.
Easter is to be celebrated. Join us in the wonderful mystery of God’s grace.
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Today’s Helpful Word
Matthew 28 :1-6
Early on Sunday morning, as the new day was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went out to visit the tomb.
Suddenly there was a great earthquake! For an angel of the Lord came down from heaven, rolled aside the stone, and sat on it. His face shone like lightning, and his clothing was as white as snow. The guards shook with fear when they saw him, and they fell into a dead faint.
Then the angel spoke to the women. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I know you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen.
If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. For a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room; in the EU, call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here.) Hope and help are yours!
Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.
NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional and speaks only from personal experience and observations. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
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