"He is not here, for He is risen as He said."

"...Christ died for our sins, according to the Scriptures,

He was buried and rose again the third day..." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4

Today we celebrate the Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ,

for if He is not risen,

             we have no hope,

             no future, 

             no cause for rejoicing.

But because He DID rise and is alive today,

ever interceding on our behalf,

            we are not disheartened,

            discouraged,

            or afraid.

Despite what is happening in the present,

The future is secure!

Alfred Henry Ackley expressed it in this well-loved hymn,

                        

                          HE LIVES

I serve a risen Savior, He's in the world today;

I know that He is living whatever men may say;
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer,
And just the time I need Him, He's always near.


Refrain: He lives, He lives, Christ Jesus lives today!
              He walks with me and talks with me along life's narrow way.
              He lives, He lives, Salvation to impart!
             You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.


In all the world around me I see His loving care,
And tho' my heart grows weary I never will despair;
I know that He is leading thro' all the stormy blast,
The day of His appearing will come at last.

Refrain

Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian, lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ the King!
The hope of all who seek Him, the help of all who find,
None other is so loving, so good and kind.

Refrain

He IS risen! Hallelujah!