“What is the Resurrection?
Easter is a global celebration when Christians around the world rejoice in Jesus’ resurrection. Jesus overcoming death is at the core of the Christian faith. Jesus’ death is significant because it became the death of all of humanity’s sins and ungodliness. Our own ways apart from God, our raising up of our feelings as our true selves as gods, on inner desires that compete against God’s design, all died on the cross with Jesus. And, Jesus being raised from the dead, his resurrection, is a triumph over death. In doing this sacrificial act Jesus released his followers from the power of sin over their lives. In doing this sacrificial act Jesus reunites his followers with God the Father. This is why Christians celebrate Easter because through Jesus you have a way back to God.
Jesus’ crucifixion is also a perfect illustration of Surrendering Fully, one of our life statements at Formation Church. Jesus says in Matthew 16: 24 that his disciples are called to “take up their cross.” Following Jesus’s example of literally taking up his cross, you too are called to surrender your will to God’s will, no matter the cost.
Our Story Teller, Brad Anagaran, gave us a powerful and deeply personal picture of what it means to surrender fully.
At just 21 years old, while on a mission trip to Nepal (his first mission trip ever), Brad was imprisoned for thirteen days – thousands of miles from his home in Los Angeles. In that cramped jail cell, Brad experienced what it truly means to suffer for Christ.
Brad Anagaran shares on Easter Sunday
Brad Anagaran
And yet – even in the darkness – God was at work.
God sent a pastor to share the jail cell with him and provide much needed encouragement.
He provided a Nepalese New Testament, a spiritual light in the darkness – along with a flashlight, literal light in that dark place.
God brought visitors from 18 hours away to encourage him.
And through the pastor’s wife, Brad received a message that pierced the heaviness: “I am so proud of you.”On Day 12, in his lowest moment, Brad cried out to God.
Think: Brad’s Good Friday moment.
Day 13 was silent.
Think: the Saturday of waiting before Resurrection.
Then came Day 14 – Brad was released.
Think: Resurrection. A spiritual new beginning.
That moment became a turning point, the start of something new that God continues to unfold in Brad’s life to this day.
Brad’s story reminds us that even in our darkest hours, God is near – working, shaping, preparing something far greater than we can see.”