Easter? Bah Humbug?

Should Christians celebrate Easter? Last year on this blog I called Easter the most important Christian event so far. http://millennialdreams.blogspot.com/2009/04/most-important-christian-event-so-far.html

I Corinthians 15 says that if Christ wasn't resurrected, preaching is in vain, and our faith is empty and futile if He didn't rise from the dead. Certainly in my opinion His resurrection is something to celebrate, whether once a year on Easter, every Sunday or every day. He is the Savior, conquering death and covering our sins. He is not just a great example.

Recently I gave away most of our Easter bunny decorations. I had gone all out because it was the one holiday that the family came to our house. The granddaughter changed the purple cloth to the white cloth on the cross in the front yard on Easter and we had prayer and a short Bible reading before the main meal in the middle of the day. The granddaughter also got to go on an Easter egg hunt in the back yard, but I do believe she knew the real meaning of why we were celebrating Easter. This year the family plans have changed and I am glad to not have all those decorations. We will eat our usual first of the month shared lunch (pot luck, or pot providence) after the worship service. That will be our Easter Sunday, just like every other first of the month Sunday. Later in the day we are expected to get together with family. So very different from last year. I am okay with this. Just really like to enjoy fellowship on the "front porch" or wherever.

All Reformed believers do not agree about an Easter celebration. Consider this article about the pagan roots of Easter. http://www.apuritansmind.com/ChristianWalk/McMahonEaster.htm

Someone said on Facebook this week that Christ is holy but the week is not holy in and of itself. What do you think? Okay for a family time at someone's home? Have Easter candy? Decorate eggs?

Realized Millennialism

 I can't buy all that some postmill authors such as Greg Brahnsen say. Greg Bahnsen writes, "Thus we conclude that Reformed theology was launched with a postmillennial perspective, a heart-felt confidence in the promises of Scripture to the effect that Christ would subdue the whole world with the gospel. The dogmatics, commentaries, and prayers of Calvin form a beautiful and orchestrated presentation of an eschatological hope which would become a doctrinal distinctive and motivating power throughout the history of Reformed Christianity." But Calvin did not write on Revelation and I feel that Brahnsen is reading into Calvin's writings for his own viewpoint. Kim Riddlebarger says that amil is historical and so the opposing camps can claim any position from history when in history the terms postmil and amil were not used.

The choice between postmil and amil has been the underlying topic of this blog and finally I want to come out with my choice. I feel comfortable with amil, or "realized millennialism" after much reflection and reading Jay E. Adams' "The Time is at Hand" pictured here. It just doesn't seem that every day the world is getting better and better and that Christianity is being heralded all over the globe. 

Both postmil author Gentry and amil author Adams point out that Revelation had to have been written before 70 AD and here is where Adams gets his "realized millennialism". The kingdom of God is at hand we read in Revelation, happened shortly, and most (Rev. 1-19 and some of 20), but not all, of Revelation has happened.

Christ is on the throne on high and remains there until he puts all enemies under Him--with the last enemy being death, defeated at His second coming. This kingdom of God, the millennium which is only mentioned once in Scripture, really means an extended period. Christ can come at any time, and doesn't have to wait for the earth to be Christianized as postmil believe. This is my conclusion. Even so, Lord Jesus, come quickly.

Live at Christ Lutheran In Cape Canaveral:Angels and Demons

Angels and Demons




In this live studio audience edition of Radical Grace Radio, we talked about Angels and Demons, and what they do in our lives. And we talked about the Angel of the Lord.
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Live at Christ Lutheran In Cape Canaveral:Angels and Demons

Law and Gospel Confusion

Radical Grace Radio Road Show

For the first time ever, Radical Grace Radio is hitting the road. This Saturday Night at 6pm Radical Grace Radio is live at Faith Viera Lutheran Church. Pastor Gary Held is preaching at the service at 5pm, and Radical Grace Radio goes live, talking about the problems Christians face in the world of evangelism and unity.

Faith Viera Lutheran Church is located at 5550 Faith Drive, Rockledge, FL 32955, and you can phone the church at(321) 636-5504.






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