Yesterday was my 27th Easter Sunday. My 19th as a Christian. My 5th as a husband. My 3rd as a dad. My 2nd as a pastor. I believe it was the most joyful Easter Sunday I've ever experienced. Here's five reasons for this (in no particular order):
1. I spent it with my wonderful Meredith, my crazy Elias, and my sweet Lillian. That I get to enjoy this family free from the guilt and condemnation of all my past sin is overwhelming.
2. I observed fruit from a little over a year of feeding my flock from the Bible. As I looked out over the Dulin's Grove congregation, I saw men and women who have grown in the new life secured for them through the resurrection. There has been a lot of repentance and growth in faith since last Easter.
3. I enjoyed a deeper understanding of the gospel. God gave Meredith and me a breakthrough in our understanding of what it means to be justified by Christ and it transformed our Easter celebration.
4. I witnessed genuine joy among the congregation. I sensed that the church was truly joyful, not just because of the festive atmosphere, but because Jesus is alive and so are we who cling to Him.
5. I enjoyed Christian fellowship. It's fun to hang out with friends and family; but it's enriching to the soul to enjoy Jesus with fellow Christians.
