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In the midst of all that is happening around us in the world, it is vital that we remember the real message of Christianity - that God sent His Son, Jesus to die for our sins.
At Easter we remember Jesus' death on the cross and we celebrate His resurrection from the dead on Easter Sunday.
Two thoughts for your reflection...
First, a TV program looking at how Christian groups helped during the floods in Queensland.
Secondly, a poignant reflection about Jesus and the meaning of His death and resurrection by Elizabeth Kendal.
Easter program - Christian Television Australia
CTA Easter TV special looks at the flood recovery in Queensland
"Christian Television Australia's Easter TV special, to be screened nationally at midday on Good Friday (April 22nd) on the Seven Network, looks at how one organisation is helping with the flood recovery in South East Queensland. "There was a wonderful and immediate response from Australians to help those affected by the devastating floods," said CTA CEO and the program's Producer/Director, Martin Johnson. "What we wanted to do in this program is look at the on-going support after the event given by Scripture Union, a non-profit youth and children's organisation, through their school chaplains," he said.
Program host Karl Faase travelled to Ipswich, Toowoomba and towns in the Lockyer Valley such as Grantham, Helidon and Hatton Vale.....
Read more on the CTA website.
(Click here for the FREE radio version.)
Easter Reflection
Elizabeth Kendal, who writes for the Australian Evangelical Alliance Religious Liberty Commission (AEA RLC), has written this reflection which urges us to consider Jesus...
EASTER REFLECTION
By Elizabeth Kendal
When contemplating persecution, consider him. (Hebrews 12:3)
* CONSIDER HIM *
Does persecution bite;
does fear consume your night?
Consider him.
Does tribulation strain;
does mocking sore inflame?
Consider him.
Consider him who crown of thorns did humbly wear; [Scripture: see end note 1] Despised, rejected, spat on, was stripped bare; [2] Unrecognised, object of scorn, Unfair! [3]
Consider him. (Hebrews 12:3)
Can those who hate you strike;
take jobs, possessions, life?
Consider him.
Can government forsake;
injustice overtake?
Consider him.
Consider him who bore the blows and took the lash; [4] Falsely accused, betrayed, abused in purple sash; [5] At Golgotha, nailed to a cross, with Satan clashed; [6]
Consider him. (Hebrews 12:3)
Does righteousness take fright;
does hope fade out of sight?
Consider him.
Does fear grip heart and head;
strike hands and knees like lead?
Consider him.
Consider him who with his gaze on heaven's home; (Hebrews 12:2) Endured the cross, despised the shame for promised throne; (Hebrews 12:2) Consumed with love, propelled by faith alone; (Hebrews 12:2)
Consider him. (Hebrews 12:3)
When evil seems supreme,
and rest seems like a dream;
Consider him.
When enemies grow bold,
when shrouds seem to enfold;
Consider him.
Consider him whose violent death bruised serpent's head; [7] Who third day, shroud removed, rose from the dead; [8] Arisen, King of Love victorious, as he said; [9]
Consider him! (Hebrews 12:3)
'. . . let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.' (Hebrews 12:1c-3 ESV)
Scripture References:
1 Mark 15:16-20
2 Isaiah 53:3; Matt 27:28-30; Psalm 22:18
3 John 1:11; Luke 22:63-65; Psalm 22:6; Isaiah 53:9
4 Matt 26:67; 27:26
5 Matt 26:59-60; Luke 22:47-48; John 19:2,5
6 John 19:16-18; Matt 27:39-44; Heb 13:12
7 Gen 3:15; Col 2:13-15; Rev 5:6-14
8 John 20; Isaiah 25:7,8
9 Matt 12:40; 16:21; 17:22,23; John 2:18-22 |
