As Easter approaches, Christians around the globe prepare for a season of reflection, gratitude, and rejoicing. This powerful holiday stands as a cornerstone of our faith, reminding us of the defining events that shape our beliefs—the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Easter brings more than inspiration. It brings transformation, reminding us of the renewal that only He can offer.
At Amarillo Fellowship Church, this Easter we are embracing the theme “The Living,” inspired by Pastor Richie Brown. This theme reflects the heart of Easter: that Jesus is alive and calls us to live fully in Him. It invites us to rediscover what it truly means to be alive in Christ and to step into the abundant life that He promised. As we take a closer look at the Easter story, we reflect not only on history but on how it shapes our present and future.
The Foundation of Our Faith
Jesus’ death on the cross and His resurrection from the tomb are not distant stories. They are the very heartbeat of Christianity. These pivotal events shape every belief we hold, every hope we cling to, and every relationship we foster with God and one another. Jesus’ sacrifice was the ultimate act of love, bridging the gap between humanity and its Creator.
As a church family, we find deep meaning in celebrating this miraculous truth together. The resurrection of Jesus represents the victory of life over death, hope over despair, and love over loss. When we gather during Easter, we don’t just remember—we proclaim. We join voices past and present in echoing the words once shared among the early Christians: “He is risen.” And with joyful hearts, we reply, “He is risen indeed.” This celebration binds us in unity and strengthens our shared identity in Christ.
The Empty Tomb
In Luke 24, we read about the women who went to Jesus’ tomb at dawn on the first day of the week. Their intent was to honor His body with spices, a quiet gesture of love and grief. But when they arrived, what they found shook them— the stone was rolled away, and the tomb was empty. Their sorrow turned into confusion until two angels spoke a question that still echoes today: “Why do you look for the living among the dead?”
That question was more than a statement of fact. It was a declaration. Jesus had risen, just as He said He would. This moment invites all who hear it to reconsider where they are seeking life. It’s an invitation to stop looking in places of emptiness and start looking toward the One who offers life that never fades. The women were the first to witness this truth, setting in motion a hope that would carry through the ages.
The empty tomb stands not as a symbol of loss but of fulfilled promise. It reminds us that even when all seems lost, God is working behind the scenes in the most powerful of ways. The resurrection changes everything. It shifts our focus from mourning to joy, from fear to faith, and from death to life.
Life in Abundance
Jesus states in John 10:10, “I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” That promise challenges us to ask, what does a full life actually look like? Is it comfort, success, or fleeting moments of happiness? Or is it something richer, lasting, and rooted in something far deeper?
Too often, we chase things we think will fulfill us but leave us empty. Our schedules fill up, our goals push us forward, and distractions pull us in every direction. Even accomplishments and achievements fail to satisfy when they’re disconnected from a higher purpose. Jesus offers something entirely different—a life founded in peace, filled with joy, and overflowing with purpose that only comes from knowing Him.
Reflecting on this promise, ask yourself:
1. What am I filling my time and heart with right now?
2. Are these pursuits helping me connect deeper with Christ?
3. What does it look like to choose the abundant life Jesus described?
Reframing our values through the lens of this promise can help us align our lives more closely with God’s love. That realignment is where abundant life begins—not in perfection, but in direction.
Choosing Life
The Bible reinforces over and over that life is not simply existing. It is found in God’s hands. In Genesis 2:7, God breathes life into Adam, and in Deuteronomy 30, He sets before His people a choice: life or death, blessing or curse. These words echo into our lives today. God longs for us to choose the path that leads to Him, one of true peace and unearthed joy.
But that choice means we have to pause and consider. What things have we clung to that are holding us back from fully embracing this life? It could be fear, shame, distractions, or misplaced priorities. We all have areas that cloud our vision and prevent us from stepping fully into God’s love and purpose.
God offers us a way out of those prisons. He invites us to choose life:
1. By letting go of temporary fixes and leaning into lasting truth.
2. By trading our anxieties for His peace.
3. By looking beyond ourselves and stepping into His story.
Making this choice leads to a renewed way of living. It’s not about striving harder but receiving what God already offers. It’s about remembering that we are chosen, loved, and invited into something eternal.
Embrace a Life Fully Alive
Easter is more than a date on the calendar. It is a living reminder of the hope we carry every day. When Jesus rose from the grave, He proved that death is not the end, and He invites every one of us into that same victory. His life becomes our life. His victory becomes our hope.
Living fully alive means walking daily with that truth shaping how we think, love, and act. It brings freedom in place of fear, clarity in the face of confusion, and boldness to our faith. In moments of doubt or distraction, this truth pulls us back to center, helping us remember who we are and whose we are.
As we reflect on Easter this year, we invite you to explore this truth alongside us at Amarillo Fellowship Church. Let the message of resurrection restore your hope and restoke your faith. Walk with others who are also choosing life and encouraging each other along the way.
This season, we remember the Risen One not just in word but in action. We make the daily choice to live for something bigger, brighter, and more lasting than what the world offers. May this Easter be the beginning of a renewed understanding that through Christ, we don’t just exist. We live fully. We live boldly. We live free.
Join us at Amarillo Fellowship Church to strengthen your walk with God and rediscover hope this Easter season. Whether you’re looking to connect with others or simply need a fresh start, you’ll find encouragement and purpose here. Learn more about how our Church in Amarillo can help you live fully alive in Christ. We’re excited to celebrate this meaningful season with you.