“Now on the first day of the week Mary Magdalene went to the tomb early, while it was still dark, and saw that the stone had been taken away from the tomb … as she wept she stooped down and looked into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain … “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.”
“Now when she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?” She, supposing Him to be the gardener, said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him away, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” Jesus said to her, “Mary!” She turned and said to Him, “Rabboni!” (which is to say, Teacher). Jesus said to her, “Do not cling to Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father; but go to My brethren and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.’ ”
“Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord, and that He had spoken these things to her.”
John 20:1,11-18 NKJV
So Mary Magdalene became the first post-Resurrection evangelist.
“Easter, for the Christian, is the most joyful season. It is the time when men recognize anew the reality of the Resurrection. It is the day, when believers review the triumph over the tomb, and witness the overshadowing of the tragedy of Calvary. It is the moment to lift heads and voices and acclaim: GLORY! GLORY! HALLELUJAH!!”
“The music of Easter is different … in lyric and melody. It is the ultimate Christian message … the story of God’s love personified through Christ for all to see … the perfection of a redemptive plan designed by the Creator of all things … the climax of The Sinless Life; His Atoning Sacrifice; His Eternal Victory! As you listen to the Word through song, bask in the refreshing fullness of God’s magnificent love. Make this Season sing for you. Remember! Easter is because Christ Lives!”
While on staff with Word in Waco, Texas, one of my tasks was to write backliner copy for music albums, including the copy for the album “The First Easter.”
Saturday, April 19 at TTT is “Hosanna Highway – The Resurrection.”
“Until the day in which He was taken up, after He through the Holy Spirit had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen, to whom He also presented Himself alive after His suffering by many infallible proofs, being seen by them during forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:2-3 NKJV
Dr. Earl Radmacher, NKJV Study Bible editor, wrote: “Taken up refers to Christ’s ascension, the end of His earthly ministry. The apostles … to whom He also presented Himself alive: The resurrected Jesus presented Himself ‘not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God,’ in the forty days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension … Jesus gathered His apostles together and commanded them not to leave Jerusalem … The Greek word translated ‘infallible proofs’ speaks of ‘convincing, decisive proof.’ Christian belief is not built on speculation or myth but on the sovereign acts and words of God incarnate in the time-space universe. The kingdom of God was the central topic of discussion between Christ and His apostles during the 40 days between Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.”
Hosanna Highway continues at TTT April 26 with “The Great Commission” – “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” Mark 16:15 NKJV
It concludes May 3 with “The Gospel Everywhere” – “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.” Acts 8:4 NKJV
Now it’s our turn to keep going with the Gospel. TTT Christian Youth Ministries uses every means and media possible to share the Gospel.
Implementing the STRATEGY “Small Town Rural America Target: Evangelizing God-given Youth,” evangelistic youth efforts take the Gospel to Illinois, Indiana, and Kentucky communities through Fair Share at county fairs and street festivals.
Leading Youth evangelism training is available for students (ages 10-19) and adult youth workers Saturdays May 10 and June 14, challenging and equipping to clearly communicate Christianity, preparing to go to Tri-State counties this summer.
Let’s keep Telling The TRUTH: inviting everyone to “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ,” knowing Easter is because Christ lives!