It’s the week before Easter which in many Christian
traditions is considered the holiest week of the year. Yet it’s hard to find Jesus’ resurrection in
the middle of all the colored eggs, chocolate bunnies, and new clothes. Yes, I admit I’ve been out shopping for some new
springtime apparel to wear during these glorious and sunny 80 degree days. I’m also trying to remember and celebrate the
“reason for the season” and the greatest gift of God’s grace given to an
undeserving mankind.
The Case for Christ made its debut in movie theaters last
weekend. It is a very well made and dramatic portrayal of the life of well-known
atheist, Lee Strobel, and his investigative journey to debunk the death of
Jesus on the cross and the reality of the resurrection. His marriage and career
was almost destroyed because of his obsession to prove that the whole Christian
narrative was a delusion.
I had
previously read his book with the same title, but seeing the movie brought his
journey into clearer focus. The love and
prayers of his wife played a vital role in him finding the truth in the midst
of his determination to deny the existence of God and the evidence of Jesus’ empty
tomb. I highly recommend this movie to
all my blog readers during this Easter season.
Our country has a changing religious landscape where most
Americans don’t believe the USA is a Christian nation. This is a belief shared by both Catholics and
Protestants alike. Many feel that those
who profess their Christian beliefs have been demonized and, at best,
marginalized in recent years.
Those of us who have professed belief in Christ have a
wonderful story to share with those around us.
That story can be shared through words, as well as deeds, and prayers
offered on behalf of other people. Lee
Strobel found that he couldn’t prove or disprove the good news of Jesus
intellectually, but when he realized he didn’t have all the answers, the love
of God reached down and found him.
I found the following quote in the magazine Facts & Trends, written by Alvin
Reid and published by LifeWay.
“Don’t buy the negative rhetoric: Our society has not
suddenly plunged into an abyss of secularism and atheism, leaving a culture of
spiritually walking dead with no interest in the claims of Christ. You and I live in a mission field. Life is a mission trip—take it, and start
today!”
Happy Easter
