Does Easter Excite You? Does Christ Excite You?

We Americans sure love our holidays. We spent more than 13 BILLION dollars on Halloween costumes, candy, and decorations last year. Thanksgiving has become synonymous with family, food, and football. And things have gotten totally out of control when it comes to gift-giving and outdoor lights during Christmastime. What about Easter? Do you know when it is? Does it excite you that Easter is around the corner? Despite what the world says, there is no greater holiday than Easter. Let me repeat - There is no greater holiday than Easter!

Celebrating Easter is about celebrating the Risen Christ. Jesus lived a perfect life, laid down His life on Good Friday, and came back to life on Resurrection Sunday, proving once again, HE IS GOD! Do others see us excited about this? Is it clear to others that we are alive in Christ? Let's be sure to share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone we can. As followers of Christ, we want Heaven crowded. We want others to know God and have peace and joy in a life that can be full of challenges. Let's not be quiet about Easter and what Christ did. Let's be sure to give God the glory. 

1. The Resurrection proves that Jesus is the all-powerful God victorious over sin and death. We can trust Him.

2. The Resurrection confirms that God's wrath was satisfied and our debt was paid in full. Those trusting in Christ are forgiven of their sins.

3. The Resurrection assures followers of Christ that we serve a living Savior who mediates and intercedes for us. We are to be envied.

4. The Resurrection guarantees the future resurrection of born-again believers. We are alive, and a new and perfect home is being prepared for us.

I hope you believe this. If you are struggling in your faith, unsure of who Christ is, or just have some questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'll do what I can to listen well and point you to our Savior and living hope, Jesus Christ. 

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?" John 11:25-26

Teach Your Kids About Passion Week

Do you know Passion (Holy) Week begins on Sunday and culminates on Easter - Resurrection Sunday? Do you know what Passion Week is? It's the final week of Jesus' earthly life, during which Christ's suffering brought God the ultimate glory. Jesus showed His passion for us by dying on the cross, paying the price for our sins, and satisfying God's wrath. Through Christ's death on the cross, we are given access to God, and our sins are wiped away. Peace and joy in this life can be attained despite the suffering we may endure. Incredible! All one needs to do is trust in Christ as Lord and Savior. 

Perhaps you prefer looking at cute bunnies (I don't) and eating Cadbury Creme Eggs (I love those things), but Passion Week is something we must teach our children. During Passion Week 2,000 years ago, the greatest crime of all time happened - Christ's crucifixion. That's not the end of the story, though. During Passion Week 2,000 years ago, the greatest miracle of all time happened - Christ's resurrection. We should be shouting from the rooftops about Passion Week. To help you better understand the events of Passion Week, below is a list of what took place during the most important week in history. I hope you discuss this with your family, remembering Christ's sacrifice and celebrating Christ's resurrection. To God be the glory!

• Palm Sunday is the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem. Jesus came humbly on a donkey as prophesied by Zechariah 450-500 years earlier. The Jewish crowd praised Jesus, shouting Hosanna, which is from the Hebrew language, meaning "Save us!" They spread palm branches on the road and waved them. The palm branches symbolized victory, and the people believed Jesus would deliver them from Roman rule. 
• Holy Monday, according to Matthew 21:12-22, is when Jesus cleansed the temple again, acknowledged the praise He received from children, and cursed a fig tree. 
• Holy Tuesday, according to Matthew 21:23-25:46, is when Jesus' authority was challenged by the Pharisees and Sadducees, and Jesus spoke His seven woes against the scribes and Pharisees. Jesus also delivered the Olivet Discourse when He spoke about end times. 
• Spy Wednesday, according to Matthew 26:6-16, is when Jesus was anointed with an expensive ointment, and Judas Iscariot conspired with local authorities to betray Jesus.
• Maundy Thursday is when Jesus celebrated the Passover, the Last Supper, with his disciples. Maundy comes from a Latin word meaning commandment. On this night, Jesus washed his disciples' feet, showing us how to love and serve one another and commanding us to do the same.
• Good Friday is when Christ was crucified. This was good because God demonstrated His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). We don't need to face God's wrath in Hell; we can have a relationship with God now and worship Him forever in Heaven.  
• Holy Saturday is the day when Jesus "rested" from His work providing salvation to those who follow Him. 
• Easter or Resurrection Sunday is when Jesus rose from the grave, conquering disease, death, and destruction; sin, Satan, and suffering. Jesus came back to life. He died for us, He lived for us, and He is alive today. He is risen. He is risen, indeed! Do you believe this? Let's share this good news with all creation! 

I encourage you to read about Passion Week in Matthew 21-27, Mark 11-15, Luke 19-23, and John 12-19. Just do it!

And God raised the Lord and will also raise us up by his power. 1 Corinthians 6:14

There is NO Greater Holiday!

What would you say if you were asked what the greatest holiday is? I'm not asking what the most popular holiday is or your favorite holiday, but what is our greatest holiday? Did you answer Easter? I don't think most people would put Easter at the top of their list, but without a doubt, Easter is the greatest holiday we have. Easter is only days away (March 31st), and this day should be the year's biggest party! 

So what's the big deal about Easter?  Easter commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the World. If you need help understanding why that is so significant, below are five reasons explaining why there is nothing more special. 

1. Jesus' resurrection proves He was our sinless Redeemer, showing power over death. Believers in Christ do not need to fear death since we will be resurrected and live eternally in Heaven. A sweet home is being prepared for us in a perfect place free from mourning, crying, and pain. 

2. For Christians, Christ's resurrection means our sins are forgiven, and we are made right with God. We don't need to put our heads down thinking about how we've committed all these crimes against God. No. We can put our heads up and thank God that our debts have been paid, and He sees Christ in us! 

3. Because Christ resurrected, we who trust in Christ will get resurrected bodies in Heaven. We will sing, dance, and enJOY an incredible life in Heaven with bodies that won't ever get sick or injured. No more ACL surgeries, root canals, or broken bones. Woo!

4. Christ's resurrection affirms that Jesus is the prophesied Messiah of Israel (Isaiah 53) and the King and Lord of the New Jerusalem, the City of God (Revelation 21). We can trust that the Scriptures are true. They are inspired, inerrant, and infallible! 

5. The Resurrection of Jesus means we can proclaim His good news to the world. It's at the very heart of the Christian faith and message. HE IS RISEN! Let's share this incredible truth with everyone we can! HE IS RISEN, INDEED!

Easter is the greatest holiday and something we should celebrate every day! Are you doing that? If not, let's change that. If you would like to discuss this further or have a question about what it means to follow Christ, don't hesitate to drop me a line. I would love to hear from you and do what I can to point you to our Risen Christ. To God be the glory!

"If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." Romans 10:9

Cherishing Christ This Easter Season

Easter is just around the corner - April 9th to be exact. According to a recent survey by Statista.com, Easter ranks as the 11th most popular holiday in the United States. Mother's Day (#3), Labor Day (#7), and Halloween (#10) all outranked celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. Something isn't right here. Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) is a time to rejoice in Christ's victory over death, disease, and destruction. It's a time to rejoice in Christ's victory over Satan, sin, and suffering. Jesus paid the price for our sins and rose again to reconcile us to God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, there is hope. Followers of Christ will spend eternity in Heaven and have peace and joy in this life despite the life storms we face. Praise King Jesus!

We, of course, are to cherish Christ each and every day; however, Easter is a special time of remembering His resurrection and the life we have in Him. So how can we cherish Christ this Easter season? Below are four simple ways to cherish Christ more during this Easter season. Just do it!

1. Read, study, and talk about Easter. Here are several passages to choose from: Genesis 22:9-14, Matthew 28:1-10, John 20:19-23, Romans 5:6-11, 8:3-9, and 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. 

2. Watch Easter videos. Igniter Media has a variety of powerful short videos pertaining to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you do an Easter search on RightNow Media, you'll find several excellent choices.  

3. Worship at a church service and invite others to join you. What better time is there to worship with others than at Easter? Pastors know that the sanctuaries typically have more people on Easter Sunday, so they typically pull out all the stops. 

4. Lead Easter-themed family devotions. Don't know where to start? Check out some of these resources: A free 8-day Easter devotional guide from Lifeway, Easter-themed books recommended by Tim Challies, and Resurrection eggs.

So, how will you cherish Christ this Easter season? I would love to hear what you've done, what you're doing, and what you're going to do!

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6

Wick's 2020 Highlights

2020 was a wacky year, but 1 Thessalonians 5:16 says to rejoice always. Below are some ways that we rejoiced this year. If you're looking for more, here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019. Rejoice!

January - Josiah Lee plays in his first-ever organized basketball game as a member of the Huskies in an Upward Basketball league. I can't say enough about how Upward Basketball is a slam dunk.

February - Grace Noel and I go to Memphis, where she guest plays for an older Sporting SI squad in a college soccer showcase. She knocked in her first goal for the club, and the team left with two wins and a tie.

March - Schools close their buildings, and Megan and I start providing emergency remote learning. I tap into my Japanese side and create a YouTube channel for school purposes, and learn how to use Google Meet and Zoom.

April - I get the honor to give the middle school & high school Easter chapel talk at ECS. I continue to learn that I strongly prefer speaking to a live audience instead of into a camera. Despite my introverted ways, I really do like seeing people.

May - Megan and I find ourselves doing activities we haven't done in ages. Occasionally, I skateboard with Josiah Lee, and Megan and I visit the tennis courts. I don't ever remember as a 16-year-old getting sore from skateboarding. What happened?

June - Josiah Lee and I go camping and fishing at Beall Woods State Park in southeastern Illinois, and the entire Wickersham clan visits Gulf Shores, Alabama, at the end of the month. Everyone enjoys the beach, and to my delight, I catch several new species.

July - We make a stop in Montgomery, Alabama, and meet up with some old "China" friends. I also decided to accept a club soccer position that allows me to coach Josiah Lee and see him hit the back of the net and dish out some assists. 

August - I complete my third two-week course and earn an Evangelism & Leadership in Crisis certificate from Wheaton College, Megan's alma mater. My soccer squad loses its first three matches, but they win four of its six matches in October. HUGE improvement.

September - We are thankful to see Rosalie and Grace Noel competing on the soccer field together. ECHS has a dream season and goes 9-1-1 during the regular season and finishes with a #7 ranking in Class 1A. Rosalie served as one of the captains again and was named ISCA Academic All-State for the second time.

October - Despite nearly getting into a panic after I spotted a bear, we had a great time during our fall break in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. At the end of the month, ECHS wins the NCSAA soccer tourney, and Grace Noel is named to the all-tournament team.

November - Josiah Lee starts playing basketball for ECS, and I give a presentation about Eric Liddell at Faith Bible Church. Grace Noel has a match that Sunday morning, but we leave it early so she can hear me talk about the "Flying Scotsman." 

December - We celebrate Christ's advent with Megan's parents. Fred comes home from the nursing home on Christmas Eve, and we drop off some gifts with my parents. God is good.

My Eight Most Popular Facebook Pictures in 2018

Below are the most popular pictures taken and posted on my Facebook account (most via Instagram) in 2018. Here are my most popular pics from Facebook in the past years: 2015, 2016, & 2017. God has truly blessed us!

Bless the LORD, all his works, in all places of his dominion. Bless the LORD, O my soul! Psalm 103:22

Our first-ever ECHS soccer match resulted in a 3-1 victory. Rosalie did a great job as the starting right fullback.

Brace yourselves. This summer, Rosalie earned her learner's permit.

We purchased Josiah Lee his first pair of shoes with shoelaces. His patience and perseverance often impress me.

Megan took this pic of Grace Noel & Josiah Lee running alongside Rosalie at a XC meet and cheering her on.

Somehow, I ended up as Rafiki for the big reveal of this year's school musical: The Lion King. Many were amused. :-) 

We took a mini vacay to Nashville, Tennessee, during spring break.

We celebrated Easter at FEPC in Megan's hometown. He is risen!

I turned the big 45 this year, and we celebrated at one of my favorite restaurants in Evansville, Bandana's BBQ.

My Seven Most Popular Facebook Pictures in 2017

Below are the most popular pictures taken and posted on my Facebook account (most via Instagram) in 2017. Here are my most popular Facebook pics from 2015 & 2016. Lots of smiles and much to be thankful for. Enjoy.

Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD! Psalm 150:6

Rosalie completed 8th-grade at Evansville Christian School. 

We took a family pic at Megan's parents' home and celebrated Easter in Frankfort, Indiana.

We took a family pic at IWU, where we attended the wedding of good friends we worked with in China.

2017-18 Evansville Christian School Faculty & Departmental Staff

Josiah Lee turned the big six in November. Time flies.

This summer, we enjoyed a few days in Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis, BBQ, & the Peabody Ducks. Fun.

We celebrated Grace Noel's 12th Gotcha Day at Orange Leaf. Yum.

Reviewing John Murray's The Atonement

Although The Atonement is only 34 pages and can be read in less than an hour, it's not light reading. Written by the Scottish-born Reformed theologian, John Murray, The Atonement covers important theological topics such as justification, predestination, propitiation, reconciliation, and redemption. These are topics I used to teach to international 6th-grade students in China; however, if you're unfamiliar with these terms, I wouldn't recommend starting with Murray's book. Murray taught at Princeton Seminary and helped found Westminster Theological Seminary before going Home to be with the Lord in 1975. His language is not from 2017, and it's of an academic nature. Murray defines the atonement as "the term that has come to be widely used to denote the substitutionary work of Christ which culminated in the sacrifice of Calvary." If that excites you, I recommend dropping 99 cents for the Kindle edition or four bucks for the booklet. The Atonement is divided into five short chapters and contains a preface, conclusion, a bibliography containing several works from the 1800s, a short biography of John Murray, and a description of Chapel Library Resources, the book publisher.

Reviewing Eric Liddell's The Disciplines of the Christian Life

Nearly seven years ago, I read an outstanding biography of Eric Liddell, the Olympic gold medalist whose life story inspired the 1981 "Best Picture," Chariots of Fire. I found Liddell's story to be of great interest since he served in my former home of Tianjin, China, during the first half of the 20th century. When Christianaudio made The Disciplines of the Christian Life available for free four years ago, I quickly downloaded it. I started listening to the book this year as part of my morning devotions, and it took no time to complete it.

Eric Liddell wrote The Disciplines of the Christian Life to help Christians grow in Christ through daily Bible study and prayer. Below you'll find the foundational topics showing that Liddell starts with discipleship. He gives a Bible reading plan with a recommended reading for each day of the year, with the readings organized into 12 chapters for each month of the year. Knowledge is not just given, but practical ways to live for God's glory. The Disciplines of the Christian Life is simple and straightforward, but should stir up some emotion. Prior to hearing Liddell's thoughts, Herbert S. Long provides us with information concerning how the book came about.

A Word by Herbert S. Long 15:30
Preface 30:56

Part Two: A Year of Discipleship:

1. January: God the Nature of God 8:40
2. February: The Life of Jesus 5:55
3. March: The Life of Jesus Continued: The Cross 10:40
4. April: God's Moral Law - The Law and Sin 9:56 
5. May: The Character of Jesus - Jesus Our Example 7:56
6. June: The Kingdom of God - The Kingdom of Heaven 9:15
7. July: God is Love 9:40
8. August: The Life of Paul - The Act of the Apostles 5:54
9. September: The Epistle to the Romans - Paul's Gospel - The Face of Christ, A Face for the World 11:25
10. October: The Holy Spirit 10:12
11. November: Victory, Victory Over Temptation 9:07
12. December: The Fellowship, The Church 8:17

Part Three: The Disciple and the Church 2:21

• Baptism - The Symbol 4:00 
• The Communion of the Lord's Supper 11:58
• The Three Great Festivals of the Church - Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving 6:29

If you want to hear from a servant of strong convictions who ran for Jesus, I recommend The Disciplines of the Christian Life. The paperback is only 160 pages, should you choose to read it.

For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure has come. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Igniter Media Easter Videos

This week I have been teaching about what happened 2,000 years ago - Passion Week. Tomorrow we will not have school since it's Good Friday, so today I'll show a few Easter videos from Igniter Media. I highly recommend taking a few minutes and checking out the videos below. He is good.

And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here but has risen. Remember how he told you, when he was still in Galilee, that the Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men and be crucified and on the third day rise." Luke 24:5-7

An Easter Message: Facebook Style

Doubt Has Long Been Part of Easter

Reviewing R.C. Sproul's The Truth of the Cross

Dr. Sproul has been instrumental in helping me live a cross-centered life. Aside from John Piper, no person has taught me more about the Son of Man. In Dr. Sproul's The Truth of the Cross, you get a 167-page survey of the atonement of the Author of our Faith. Below is how the ten chapters of the book are divided. The last chapter consists of nine thought-provoking questions.

1. The Necessity of an Atonement
2. The Just God
3. Debtors, Enemies, and Criminals
4. Ransomed from Above
5. The Saving Substitute
6. Made Like His Brethren
7. The Suffering Servant
8. The Blessing and the Curse
9. A Secure Faith
10. Questions and Answers

The Truth of the Cross is not fun reading, yet it was a book I wanted to read, and it is the type of reading we should all undertake. Although the topic is complex, Dr. Sproul explains the atonement in a way that many can understand. I'm thankful for Dr. Sproul and the impact he has made on me and on thousands of others. If you hold to an Arminian viewpoint, you may disagree with Dr. Sproul's take on various theological topics; however, I still strongly recommend The Truth of the Cross. Dr. Sproul provides solid Scripture references and logical arguments that everyone should consider - arguments that I wholeheartedly agree with and point me to the cross.

He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. Isaiah 53:7

Reviewing The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus VideoBook

During the summer of 2013, I dropped $46 for The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus VideoBook in order to have another resource for family devos. You can find this six-DVD set and workbook for $30 at www.goodseed.com. It is based on the Gospel of John and provides a good overview of the main message of the Good Book. John Cross, general director for GoodSeed, begins with creation and threads together essential Old and New Testament accounts. Two questions are focused upon:

1. Who is the Son of Man?
2. What is the good news?

As these questions are answered, nearly 1200 verses are provided. You get 11 hours of instruction divided into 15 chapters and 52 sections, with each section ranging between 4 and 27 minutes. Mr. Cross teaches a group of adults in a classroom setting, and at times, the instruction is provided at historic sites in Israel. At the end of each section, you are to pause the DVD and answer the workbook questions.

Over 70 visual aids are used, which I would like for my classroom; however, some people will probably find a few of the visual aids to be a little cheesy. The video could also use an update (e.g., music, font). Although Mr. Cross is not a dynamic speaker, he kept the attention of my kiddos (seven and ten years old at the time). If you use the video with children, I wouldn't expect them to listen unless they are regularly presented with the gospel message. The video is more geared toward adults who want to develop a Christian worldview or those who are open to learning about our Father's character and the nature of sin. Spanish audio and subtitles are options.

We don't plan on using The Stranger on the Road to Emmaus VideoBook again, but I'm glad I bought it. It served its purpose by bringing a change of pace to our family devos and helping us draw closer to the Stranger on the road to Emmaus.

Now that same day, two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem. They were talking with each other about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things with each other, Jesus himself came up and walked along with them; Luke 24:13-15

The Son of Man Tried, Crucified, & Buried

Jesus Tried, Crucified, & Buried: Coronation of the King (Mark 14:53-15:57) from Mark Wickersham

The 2014-15 Wickersham Christmas Break

Sometimes, when you think about being away from family in the States or about exotic vacations friends are taking in Southeast Asia, you can start believing your Christmas break wasn't so fun. I wish I could give Satan, the father of lies, a karate chop to the face. That would be cool. Thankfully, I don't need to do that 'cause the Son of Man has already given the death blow to the guy. Below are the ten most excellent things the Wickershams experienced during the Christmas break (and it ain't even over).

1. The kiddos went to a giant play place that was new to us and got their bounce on. Megan and I went on a date at a nearby bench - I brought us McDonald's.
2. Rose and Grace went ice skating with their friends at the Galaxy Mall. No bones were broken.
3. I watched The Hobbit with Rose (I purchased it quite some time ago, but just hadn't gotten around to watching it). Hobbit 2 is playing in our home this weekend, so I'll be ready for #3 when it's released in China later this month.
4. We received a warm greeting at a delicious restaurant we hadn't visited in a while.
5. We spent New Year's Eve at a Holiday Inn in a part of the city we hadn't really explored.
6. Grace and Josiah were super excited to buy some Lego sets with their Christmas money. The prices didn't get me super excited, but their smiles were worth it.
7. We went to a couple of special birthday celebrations (#16 for a TIS student and the big 40 for a colleague).
8. We rode the public bus and subway a few times and have a better understanding of how to get around in this massive city of millions.
9. We sang Christmas carols in our neighborhood and had our annual Christmas Eve gathering in our apartment. Some friends came over the next evening as well.
10. We celebrated the Son of Man's birth, death, and resurrection, and we continue to do so.

The Son of Man Raised

1. The Resurrection proves that the Son of Man is the omnipotent God victorious over sin and death. We can trust Him.
2. The Resurrection confirms that God's wrath was satisfied and our debt was paid in full. We are forgiven for our sins.
3. The Resurrection assures us that we serve a living Savior who continues to intercede for us. We are to be envied.
4. The Resurrection guarantees our future resurrection. We are alive.

Victorious. Washed. Prized. New. Let's make sure we are constantly sharing this good news of blessed hope.

12 Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. 14 And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain. 15 We are even found to be misrepresenting God, because we testified about God that he raised Christ, who he did not raise if it is true that the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised. 17 And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If the Christ we have hope in this life only, we are of all people most to be pitied. 20 But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

The Power of the Resurrection

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive. But each in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, then at his coming those who belong to Christ. Then comes the end, when he delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For God has put all things in subjection under his feet." But when it says, "all things are put in subjection," it is plain that he is excepted who put all things in subjection under him. When all things are subjected to him, then the Son himself will also be subjected to him who put all things in subjection under him, that God may be all in all. 1 Corinthians 15:20-28

Five Palm Sundays Ago

Megan shot this video of Rose and Grace gettin' crazy with their palm branches five years ago. Rose had been in our family for just over four months, and Grace was adopted only six months prior to Rose, making us a family of four. This morning I watched the video with the girls, and it brought giant smiles to our faces. God is good.
 


So they took branches of palm trees and went out to meet him, crying out, "Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord, even the King of Israel!" John 12:13

Rose Gets Dunked: Easter 2011

"Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life." Romans 6:3-4

A nearby hotel's swimming pool serves as a baptismal tub every Easter.

We took some pictures together before Rose's identification
with the Son of Man's death, burial, and resurrection.

After Rose shared a short testimony, I had the honor of performing Rose's baptism.

We are extremely thankful that Rose publicly proclaimed her trust in the Son of Man.
To God be the glory both now and forever.

Rose and others who were baptized stand in front of the TJIF congregation.

Reviewing Carol Heyer's The First Easter

This is one of the Easter books we currently have out for our girls to read. There are many positives about the book, but I do have some criticisms. As far as the favorable aspects of the book are concerned...

1. It begins with the Christmas story.
2. The artwork is excellent.
3. Children of different colors are seen coming to Jesus.
4. Jesus does not look like a white American.
5. Jesus is shown getting righteously angry.
6. Many Holy Week events are part of The First Easter - Palm Sunday, the temple clearing, temple controversies, the Last Supper, the Gethsemane prayer, the second Roman trial before Pilate, the crucifixion, empty-tomb witnesses, and the resurrection appearance to Mary Magdalene.
7. Important words like Magi, prophets, sin, Passover, disciples, priests and temple elders, blood, will, crucified, and tomb are part of the story.
8. Important places and people like Bethlehem, Jerusalem, Golgotha, Garden of Gethsemane, Golgotha, Caiaphas, Pilate, and Mary Magdalene are mentioned.

These are some of the negatives I found with the book...

1. Jesus looks a little feminine in the picture showing children running to Him.
2. There are no Scripture references, and the Scripture is paraphrased.
3. There is no blood shown when Jesus is wearing the crown of thorns.
4. Jesus is not shown on the cross, and three crosses are not next to one another.
5. Jesus' wounds are in the hands when many scholars would say his wrists were actually pierced.

Despite my criticisms, it is a nice book for young children. I would simply supplement the book with a Bible and discussion.

Passion Week

It is Palm Sunday, so I thought I would post a few articles that fit the season most appropriately.

What is Passion Week/Holy Week? by Got Questions Ministries - I encourage you to read Matthew 21-27, Mark 11-15, Luke 19-23, and John 12-19 this week.

5 Books To Read Before Easter - by Tim Challies - I have not read four of these books, but I hope to one day.

Make Holy Week Holy to the Lord by John Piper - "Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that his hour had come to depart out of this world to the Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." John 13:1