Easter ("Ishtar") was the ancient Babylonian pagan spring-time fertility festival (with rabbits and eggs) which the Roman Church borrowed (for financial and religious compromise reasons) and allowed to be mixed in with the Judeo-Christian "Feast of Firstfruits" (which according to the Law of Moses always falls on the first day of the week following Passover).  God's Word explains Jesus Christ (Yeshua Ha'Mashiach in Hebrew) is the "Firstfruits" of the Resurrection ... given as a living example of what is to come. 

Messiah’s Death and His Resurrection were described and foretold by the Jewish Prophets in the Tanakh (Old Testament) hundreds of years before Messiah stepped forth from Eternity ("from of old, from everlasting"- see Micah 5:2).  And His Death (as the Sacrificial "Lamb of God") and His Resurrection both fell on the exact days the Biblical (Jewish) Feasts (which were given as prophetic foreshadowings of the Messiah) were being celebrated by the children of Israel.

WHY DID GOD ALLOW (and arrange) for His Son, the promised Messiah, to die in such a way?

BECAUSE Messiah's (Christ's) CRUCIFIXION solves our SIN (and Hell) problem with God.  The excruciating torment of the Cross represents Hell and He bore our punishment for us (as our “substitute”) and His Blood was shed so we can be "washed clean" of all our sins and guilt.  Only then can we be "clothed" in His perfect righteousness (which allows us to enter into the Kingdom of Heaven and come before the Throne of God.)

BECAUSE Messiah's (Christ's) RESURRECTION solves our DEATH (and Hell) problem.  All who sincerely believe Jesus (Yeshua) was raised (resurrected) from the dead the third day (and place their faith and trust and love in Him) will live in the Kingdom of Heaven (filled with peace and beauty and laughter and joy and excitement) in new (resurrected and "perfected") bodies FOREVER!!! 

If the MAIN object of the joy and happiness found in your heart this week comes from the awesome hope and promise of God, which is given freely to all who will simply love Him and sincerely place their trust in Messiah's (Christ's) Death and Resurrection (to save us into Heaven) … then you do have the assurance, hope, and promise of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.

But, if the ONLY object of joy and happiness found in your heart this week comes from the Easter Bunny, colored eggs, jelly beans, a big family dinner, or partying with friends … then you probably do NOT yet have the assurance (or hope) of eternal life in the Kingdom of Heaven.    (The assurance of life in Heaven  ... it's NOT too late!!!)   

   "For God so loved the world

     that He GAVE His only begotten Son,

     that whoever BELIEVES (trusts) in Him      (to trust in Jesus alone to save us from our sins and from Hell)

     should NOT perish (in Hell)

     but have everlasting life (in Heaven).

     For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world,

     but that the world through Him might be saved (into Heaven).

     He who believes in Him is not condemned (to Hell);

     but he who does not believe (in Jesus Christ)

     IS condemned (to Hell) ALREADY"     (Take a moment to consider these words … the implications are staggering!)

     (John 3:16-18)    (Jesus greatly LOVED us to save us ... all God asks is that we love Him for all He has done for us.)

   "For by GRACE you have been saved (from your sins and from Hell)

     through FAITH (in Jesus Christ),

     and that not of yourselves;

     it is the GIFT of God,    ("Grace" is getting something we don’t deserve…we can't earn this gift of life in Heaven)

     NOT of works,     (We cannot enter Heaven through any “good deeds” we have done ... or think we have done.)

     lest ANYONE should boast."    (We are told it’s a gift from God … we just have to thankfully (and lovingly) receive it.)

     (Ephesians 2:8)       (God's Promise ...)  

Please Remember . . .

The Kingdom of Heaven is available to every man, woman, boy, and girl in this world, no matter who they are, where they live, how old they are, or what sins they have committed.  It is freely offered to any and all who will receive it.  That is the "Good news" ('gospel' in Greek.)  Simply learn of Jesus (Yeshua), the promised Messiah, invite Him into your life as Lord, believe He died on the Cross for all of your sins and rose from the grave (proving there is a Kingdom of Heaven ... and a Hell).  Learn of Him and believe in Him . . . for He was the only one who has ever loved you enough to substitute Himself for you on the Cross.  He shed His blood, suffered, and died on the Cross to pay for your sins and to save you from your sins and from the utter loneliness, darkness, and torment of Hell, if you will accept it, believe it, and trust in it ... it's God's Promise!!!