Bishop's Message

Come, let us celebrate!

Lead image for Bishop's Message
Photo credit: Unsplash.com/HugoFergusson

On 20 April this year, Christians all over the world will celebrate Easter. We remember the virgin birth and hope of the world during Christmas, but more so than his birth, the resurrection of Christ validates, and is the foundation of, Christianity. It was the resurrection of Christ that showed the world God’s triumph over sin and death. Christ’s resurrection was the fruition of the hope that the world had at his birth.

However, when first faced with the fantastical news that Christ is risen, the disciples “did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense” (Luke 24:11 NIV). Even after three years of experiencing the life of Jesus and his miracles first-hand, the disciples doubted and could not comprehend that he was alive again. Later, when Jesus appeared to the disciples, they finally believed.

When we share the gospel with pre-believers, we do not only share that Jesus was born, or that he loves each one of us. We must also share that Christ triumphed over death and that is why we can have salvation and eternity with him.

In 1 Corinthians 15:14 (NIV), Paul states, “And if Christ has not been raised, our preaching is useless and so is your faith.” This is why the resurrection of Christ is central to the Christian faith and is celebrated with such joy.

The Apostles’ Creed says, “I believe in Jesus Christ, his (God’s) only Son, our Lord; who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried; he descended to the dead. On the third day he rose again; he ascended into heaven …”. The resurrection of Christ gives power and hope to our testimony, for if Christ has already defeated death, what else can stand before him? When we consider all that we face on this earth in the light of eternity, what else can overshadow this hope for our future?

So, brothers and sisters, whatever you may be facing today, let us celebrate the good news that Christ is risen!

Bishop Philip Lim was elected Bishop of The Methodist Church in Singapore in 2024. Previously, he served as a missionary in Cambodia under the Methodist Missions Society (MMS), and as Executive Director of MMS from 2012 to 2018.

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