What’s the Point of Easter?
We are right in the middle of the Easter season, and sometimes both adults and youth ask the question, “What’s the Point of Easter?”
According to Dr. Tony Evans, if you care about the sacrifice that Christ made, then you get the point. He was crucified, died an earthly death, was buried, and then rose 3 days later. If you care about all of this, you recognize Christ conquered death and redeemed us from sin. This is your invitation; He will forgive all your sins and grant you eternal life.
As we discuss with our kids what it means to honor Resurrection Sunday, we must recognize and convey that Easter celebrations are an important part of cultural expression within the African American family and church. Church services provide spiritual restoration, hope, and an opportunity to look forward while honoring the past.
As a church family, we immerse ourselves in customs that reflect our faith, our history, and even our creativity. While how we honor the Lenten season may differ, it is still a season that allows us to strengthen our family connection and deepen our spiritual relationship with God.
Many current church traditions are rooted in our African ancestry. Participating in a corporate fast, putting on new outfits to represent renewal and even using dramatic and joyful performances to retell the Passion of Jesus Christ through singing and dancing.
The account of Jesus’ resurrection can be found in all four of the Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each book (Matthew 28, Mark, 16, Luke 24, and John 20) tells a slightly different account of the Resurrection story from varying perspectives. Nevertheless, what remains the same across all books is that Jesus lay in the tomb where He was buried after his crucifixion and that His body was mystifyingly gone after three days.
What a mystery! In some accounts, Jesus Himself appears to people; in others, it’s the angels that bring the great news of His resurrection. No matter how the story traveled, Jesus' body was gone, and for 3 days following the crucifixion, even believers questioned whether He was the Son of God. In Acts 1 Jesus appeared to Mary Magdalene, the disciples, and other followers before finally ascending into Heaven. Indeed, it was no longer a mystery. In 1 Corinthians, 15:3-8, Paul explains the sequence of events when he says, “…“Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that He was buried, that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He appeared to Cephas, and then to the Twelve. After that, He appeared to more than five hundred of the brothers and sisters at the same time…”
This retelling is exactly the basis for our faith. The WORD was made flesh – Christ came to earth, took on the sins of humanity, and conquered death through Resurrection. This is the miracle—this is The Point: the Resurrection IS the point of Easter. Coming to Jesus Christ, acknowledging that we are all sinners and that we need a Savior. He has saved us and in that ‘saving’ HE has spared us from eternal judgment.
Resources – Study the Bible and all accounts of The Passion of Christ, His Crucifixion, and His Ascension
Scripture Resources: Romans 5: 6-10, 1 Corinthians, 15:3-8, John 3:16, Luke 22, Romans 10:9; The Books of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.
Need Counseling? Contact ESC Care Center @ 317-547-5483 ext. 144
The IGNITE Team
Please be aware of the following programming for children and teens at Eastern Star for March 2024.
Children’s Programming
Sunday School – Sunday School happens at the following times and locations: Fishers Campus – 8:00 am; Cooper Rd. Campus – 9:30am; Main Campus – 11:00 am.
Please note: Children's Sunday School will be at the Rock Community Center for Youth & Children (RCCYC) for those who attend the Main Campus.
Children’s Church – Children’s Church will be offered at Fishers and Cooper Campuses on the 1st and 3rd Sundays.
On the 1st, 3rd, and 4th Sundays, Children’s Church will be held at the Rock Community Center for Youth and Children (RCCYC) for those who attend the Main Campus
Children’s Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) – Children’s Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) happens at each campus on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. during Adult Bible Study. Come join us!
Teen Programming
Sunday School – Sunday School happens at the following times and locations: Fishers Campus – 8:00 am; Cooper Rd. Campus – 9:30am; Main Campus – 11:00 am.
Please note: Teen Sunday School will be at the Rock Community Center for Youth & Children (RCCYC) for those who attend the Main Campus.
Teen Church – 1st & 3rd Sundays, – Teen Church is in person at your select campus.
Teen Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) – Teen Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) happens at each campus on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. during Adult Bible Study. Come join us!
Rock City Mondays – Resumes MONDAY, March 4th, 2024. Every Monday at the Rock (RCCYC). Starting at 4:30 p.m. and ending at 8:00 p.m. Bring your teen to participate. ALL are Welcome!
Upcoming March Events
3rd Children and Teen Church on each campus
4th ROCK City Monday (first session)
6th IGNiTE Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) on each campus
11th ROCK City Monday
13th IGNiTE Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) on each campus
17th Children and Teen Church on each campus
18th ROCK City Monday
20th IGNiTE Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) on each campus
25th ROCK City Monday
27th IGNiTE Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) on each campus
Upcoming April Events
1st ROCK City Monday
3rd Children and Teen IGNiTE Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) on each campus
7th Children and Teen Church on each campus
8th ROCK City Monday
10th Children and Teen IGNiTE Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) on each campus
15th ROCK City Monday
17th Children and Teen IGNiTE Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) on each campus
21st Children and Teen Church on each campus
22nd ROCK City Monday
24th Children and Teen IGNiTE Discipleship Groups (Bible Study) on each campus
29th ROCK City Monday
Questions about ESC IGNITE Children & Teen Ministry? Email youthmin@easternstarchurch.org