
“He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen. Come, see where his body was lying,” Matthew 28:6 (NLT).
“The apostles testified powerfully to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and God’s great blessing was upon them all,” Act 4:33 (NLT).
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay,” 1 Peter 1:3 (NLT).
What Jesus did on the cross for us, His sacrifice for us and the cleansing of our hearts, is above and beyond anything we could ever deserve. It was a gift born of complete and unadulterated LOVE.
And, friend, we know that the story doesn’t end there. Three days later, following His gruesome and humiliating crucifixion, Christ rose from the dead. Though I have been a Christian for many years, this significant victory still amazes me. Aside from Jesus Christ, no other figure in history has ever conquered death.
As we approach Easter, I find myself in constant gratitude that by His “great mercy” we have been born again through Jesus Christ. His victory over death is what sets Christianity apart from all world religions. Friend, we have a gift worth more than anything this world could ever offer us. In fact, as Scripture indicates, we have a “priceless inheritance.”
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by His great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay,” 1 Peter 1:3 (NLT).
One of our ministry friends sent in the following testimony that includes a sweet Easter story involving the sharing of Christ’s love. She writes:
“Only days before the big event, we had no idea who, if any international students, would attend the annual Easter celebration put on by two mega-churches in area. In spite of our doubts, we arranged for a passenger bus to transport students from one of the nearby campuses bright and early on Easter morning. Meanwhile, behind the scenes, a young student from Germany whose heart had begun to soften and tune in to God’s presence, set out to personally invite other students everywhere she went! Regardless of whether she knew them or their religious beliefs, Hilda boldly reached out to draw others to this event. Lo and behold, by Easter morning, 55 international students filled the passenger bus we had reserved! Out of this group of 55 who heard the Easter message that morning, a handful began attending our weekly Friday night International Christian Fellowship and Bible study event. Hilda continued her quest, and invited unbelieving students to Sunday evening worship, as well. Due to her efforts, our numbers have increased and Hilda has transitioned to become a member of our leadership team. Her passion for reaching out and making Christ known among the nations has led many into our midst who, before, might never have come.”
Hilda’s fervent love for the Lord led her to boldly reach out to others. I love how the love for her Heavenly father not only blessed her life, but radically changed those around her. Think of all the people who now know of His “priceless inheritance” because of Hilda’s passion.
This Easter, let us celebrate the new life He has given us. Let’s celebrate the fact that no matter what earthly circumstances we face here in our temporary home, He has created a “priceless inheritance” for those who believe.
“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is by his great mercy that we have been born again, because God raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Now we live with great expectation, and we have a priceless inheritance—an inheritance that is kept in heaven for you, pure and undefiled, beyond the reach of change and decay,” 1 Peter 1:3 (NLT).
For More Information
Learn more about the Son of God by reading ISI’s “Who is Jesus?” informational essay.
Want to learn more about how you or someone in your church can help launch a powerful, local outreach to internationals? Please visit our site at to get started in a greater world missions impact right from your own community.