ⓒ 2006 WATV

April 16th was the Day of Resurrection, on which we commemorate Christs rising from death and receive the promise of a resurrection to life. The original name of the Resurrection Day in the Old Testament was the Day of Firstfruits. On the day after the Sabbath after the Feast of Unleavened Bread, the priest waved a sheaf of the first grain before God. Jesus Christ fulfilled the prophecy of this feast by rising from the dead as the firstfruits of those who had fallen asleep on the Day of Firstfruits, the day after the Sabbaththe third day after His crucifixion.

Mother gave thanks to Father for giving us a living hope by breaking the power of death and rising from the dead and letting us know our origin and our heavenly Parents as well as our brothers and sisters. She prayed for us to fully understand the value of salvation and strive for more blessings like Jacob. She also wished all Her children, who have hope for resurrection and tranformation, to live a godly life by spreading the fragrance of Christ and run the race toward the kingdom of heaven without pursuing worldly desires.

ⓒ 2006 WATV

During the worship service, Chief Pastor Joo-Cheol Kim said that Jesus resurrection is a historical landmark testifying to the fact that we have eternal life and death no longer has dominion over us. He emphasized, We were once destined to die, but have been raised with Christ. Now, we should put off our old self with its sinful practices and offer the parts of our body to God as instruments of righteousness (Ro 6:13).

He also emphasized obedience to Gods will for us in this age, saying, On the day when Jesus resurrected, Jesus appeared to two disciples on the road to Emmaus. Then He took bread, gave thanks, broke it and gave it to them, and their eyes were opened. Likewise, in this age God opened our spiritual eyes through bread on the Day of Resurrection. Now, we are to fulfill our mission in obedience to the command of Jesus, Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.

Many people observe the Resurrection day with boiled eggs according to the pagan custom. However, the people of God celebrate this feast by breaking bread just as God has taught them. This year, too, the members of the Church of God celebrated the Day of Resurrection and gave thanks to God for giving them the living hope of resurrection and also reviving their faith. They prayed that they would fully obey Gods command to Save the whole world!