2018 Easter Pastoral Letter

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain.

–1 Corinthians 15:58

 My dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

As we reflect on the actions of the women early on Easter morning, the grieving women walking towards the tomb and feeling disheartened. They were not thinking about who was going to remove the stone that blocked the tomb. They just wanted to anoint Jesus’ body.

When they arrived at the tomb the women found the stone removed. They must have been astonished at what they had found. Then they were greeted by an angel that made the announcement that Jesus had been raised from the dead. I am sure they were all overjoyed. This was the good news that Jesus had preached and now they were experiencing.

The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is a glorious reality. It is reality that we can all experience on this Easter morning.  Because Jesus is risen from the dead, we know that all God’s promises will one day be fulfilled, and this is the reason the Apostle Paul encourages the Christians in Corinth to remember that their “labor is not in vain.”  As we commit ourselves to the purposes of God, this truth sustains our faith even in the face of the most overwhelming challenges.

The fact that Jesus is risen from the dead, that He was victorious over death and sin, is reason for us to celebrate. It’s that fact that gives us joy despite our circumstances and through whatever we may face. What happened on that first Easter day still brings us joy and it still changes lives today.

I hope that you will celebrate the resurrection of Jesus, that you will be filled with joy no matter what your circumstances, no matter what you face. Rejoice and sing and celebrate our Resin Savior, the One who is still changing lives today.

Sincerely yours in Christ,
 
Trevor D. Alexander +

Rev. Dr. Trevor D. Alexander

True Vine Church, Senior Pastor

Southwest Texas, Reginal Overseer