HAPPY EASTER!

Transformation

One of the themes that we think about at Easter is transformation.  Jesus was dead, and He came back to life again.  He was buried, and He rose coming out of the grave.

That idea of change is even found in some of our traditions:  eggs are decorated so they become bright and colourful, a festival for worship of the sun was adapted for worship of the Resurrection of the Son, and Spring flowers are arranged to remind us of new life arising out of what seems to be lifelessness.

This is an important theme because Jesus’ resurrection is a historical event with lasting transforming results.  Because Jesus died and rose again:

• Relationship with the Creator of the Universe moves from antagonistic conflict to reconciliation (Romans 5:10).
• Through belief in Christ we can experience spiritual transformation in our lives (2 Cor. 5:17).
• God changes our hearts, from being stony hard and cold to be a heart that is responsive to the good things God desires for us (Ezekiel 36:26).
• We change from finite thinking to having everlasting hope (Romans 12:2; Psalm 139:23-24)

So at Easter we celebrate not only the resurrection of Jesus that made this possible, but also the transformation that God has done and is doing in us.  That transformation continues as we read the Bible and get to know Christ better.

Prayer Points

• Our team’s vision prayer includes the idea of transformation.  Will you pray it with us this week?
• Please pray for short-term team from Calgary as they prepare the lessons and activities for the July 3-7 camp in Baozhong.
• Praise the Lord that our niece was baptized Easter Sunday.  Please pray that God will help her to keep growing in her faith.
• Please pray that leaders will have faith and vision as partnership covenants are being finalized with two churches.
• Please pray for us as we try to complete important tasks prior to our scheduled May 22 departure.