Don’t be Afraid, Christ is Risen!

The late Adrian Rogers was known to say, “Without the resurrection Christianity topples like a house of cards.”  Praise the Lord, Christ is risen!  May the Lord empower you to preach the Gospel boldly this Resurrection Sunday. 

Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”

As this weekend approaches, here is a favorite testimony from the mission field:   

The Good Friday service in Dampara Baptist Church, Chittagong, Bangladesh, was packed. Little children sat on the floor in the aisles and across the front of the church. Rows of people stood in the back, craning their necks to see the crucifixion scene as depicted in the "Jesus Film." 

Weeping and gasps of unbelief could be heard in the shocked hush as Jesus was crucified. As the Bengalis watched, they were feeling the agony of Jesus' pain and the disappointment of the disciples. 

In that emotional moment, one young boy in the crowded church suddenly cried out, "Do not be afraid. He gets up again! I saw it before."  

A small boy's encouraging cry gave new hope to the viewers of the film. "He is risen!" is the cry that gives new hope to all.

Worship the risen and living Lord Jesus. Preach the glorious Word of God. Let’s reach our neighbors and the nations with the Good News of Jesus!   

Finally, I ask that you pray for one another as you prepare to preach and serve all across this mission field.  The risen Lord Jesus has entrusted His gospel to us as His ambassadors.  Please pray for one another as we serve our Risen Lord. I pray our SBC of Virginia family of churches will have a blessed Resurrection Sunday. You are not alone!

Your brother in Christ,
BRIAN AUTRY