Celebrate Easter?

Greater men than I have argued this debate, and far more eloquently than I can hope to at such an hour in the day. However, there is perhaps a point or two I am able to make. If we understand the ultimate call of Christian to "make disciples" (and few will disagree with me here) we understand that evangelism plays a role in the Christian life (note: a disciple is more than a convert, so evangelism only plays a role in this calling). If we consider a local church as a collection of Christians, then we might easily conclude that the church should be engaged in disciple making. This in turn could lead to a view that the church would be participating in evangelistic pursuits (at least from time-to-time). However, if we consider the local church to be a part of the Body of Christ (distinguished as The Church) then we will probably place a different emphasis on the local workings of a given church. We would assume the church would be involved in the same activity prescribed to the Body of Christ, which will include evangelism but bear some focus on the health of the believers in the Body, putting more of an emphasis on individual evangelism or evangelism ministries. These views are only slightly different, dealing mainly with a focus of purpose and ministry, yet they can impact the Sunday morning service.

There exists an idea that the Sunday services are designed for local believers, and I in great part subscribe to this idea. I am by no means opposed to the occasional evangelistic sermon, nor "altar calls", nor attempts to help explain the Gospel to non-Christians. I applaud these efforts, encourage them, and have even gladly taken part in them. I love it when a church can minister in these ways, but I do not believe this should be normal. I believe the church is more than a collection of Christians. I believe disciple making is a function each Christian should be engaged in, with the church functioning as support, but not the main player. I believe the church has other duties and responsibilities that cannot be duplicated elsewhere. Apart from a local church where will Believers congregate to worship God? Apart from a local church where can a gathering of Believers occur in order to strengthen their faith, offer encouragement, provide fellowship, exercise discipline, and "share all things in common"?

If we treat our Sunday services as times to accomplish these goals, understanding we get 4 opportunities in 30 days to partake of such offerings we might come to value our time differently. Thus we have my attitude toward the worship time illumined. I love the time I can have to come before my God and unashamedly worship in public with fellow believers. I eagerly look forward to the promise of a good sermon that will explain to me the mysteries of the Christian Faith, illuminating truth I had not yet discovered. I melt in the comfort of the prayers of the saints around me as we intercede on each other's behalf. The morning services have become to me a sweet fragrance being offered up to God, and I am loath to tarnish them. (Much of this is due to my blessed experiences in a small country church.)

Above any other Sunday Easter is probably the most sacred Sunday to me. On this day we celebrate the core, the very essence of our existence as a Body. I am a man in love with God, in love with His Word, and even in love with good doctrine (to be differentiated with dogma). Easter presents us with an occasion loaded with all three. This day is akin to the Big Bang of the scientific world, for in one seemingly little event a universe of doctrine, evidence, and truth is contained. The preacher is presented with a wealth of sermons in this one occasion. Indeed, the entire Christian Church springs forth from this event. This is a day in need of reflection, of understanding, of a comprehension of the reality of the occasion, and of celebration and much joy.

As much as I can appreciate the opportunity of having an audience unusually populated with visitors, having more non-Christians in a congregation than most any other time, I cannot help but feel robbed and cheated when this Sunday service is aimed at those who do not believe in the Christian Faith. Of all the days, this is not the one in which we should be overtly evangelistic. I say this not out of concern for the visitors who may be there against their will, but because this day is one of great celebration, and I especially want to avail myself of the Body and join in a spectacular statement of corporate worship and praise! Of any other day, this is the one I want to find myself among other believers to join hands — neigh arms — with a complete stranger, yet a fellow believer, and pour out our hearts, our voices, our very devotion to the God who died and rose from the dead, offering us salvation! Good Friday is a day to reflect on the pain of the event, a day to look into my soul and confess all my sin that nailed my savior to the cross; Easter is the day I do more than rejoice He arose from the dead, champion of my soul, victor over death, and a clear sign my sins are forgiven and I can join my God in His heavenly abode, when my earthly sojourn comes to its end.

Should we minister to the non-Christian? Absolutely. Should we have the occasional sermon which explains the Gospel? Yes, for even I need reminding, and can learn new things. These things are fine and wonderful, and I would be sad if they were altogether absent in a given year at my local church. However, on the truly Christian holidays let us accept the visitors, but let them see us rejoice in praise to our God. Let them see our hope, our love, our passion, and let them desire what we have. May we make them curious to know why we would pour our hearts in glad worship in spite of our circumstances. May we present a genuine faith that has touched our hearts. Let our praise, our worship, our actions, and our celebration be a witness to them, and the tool of our evangelism.

On a day such as this we should celebrate and rejoice. Do not rob the Christians of this opportunity, for it comes but once a year. We celebrate His resurrection each Sunday, but on Easter we have a connection with the past we do not otherwise have. On Easter let us invite our friends to a celebration of the resurrection of our Lord. Let them hear glorious praise, an inspired message filled with import of the day, the results, and the wonderful position we have because of it. Let us rejoice; let us remember and let us rejoice again. On this day we remember Jesus Christ rose from the dead.