Few could argue that we are living in a time of high stress. With dwindling trust in our commercial food sources, healthcare, government, education system, etc., the need to constantly be discerning and on guard can feel heavy.

As Christians, what’s happening around us is no surprise since the Bible spells out humanity from beginning to end. Matthew 24 tells us to expect wars and rumors of wars, nations rising against nation, famine, disease, earthquakes, and false prophets trying to deceive us. And that we’ll be hated because of our belief.

But it's still a lot to handle. With everything coming at us, and knowing there is more and worse to come, how do we get up in the morning, face the fear and uncertainty, and still find joy in our circumstances?

The answer is simple: Easter.

Easter is hope. Because Jesus walked out of the grave, hope is alive and forgiveness is real. That's how we not only keep going but have peace and purpose. It’s the secret that needs to be shared.

There are people we encounter everyday who are struggling from the weight of the world, looking for exactly what we have. An invitation to church could be lifechanging. Statistics show that more than 80% of people who are invited to an Easter service will say yes. You read that right, 80%. That’s an even higher statistic than for those who will say yes to church for Christmas.

Once you decide on a person to invite, you might hesitate—thinking surely that person knows where to find a church and just would go if he really wanted. But would he? Put yourself in his place for a moment. Maybe you have no idea how a service works, when to arrive, where to park, what to sit, what’s expected of you. Now imagine if the person who’d invited you, offered to pick you up, sit with you, and even get coffee with you afterward. Easy peasy.

And that person you decide to invite? There's a high probability he'll say yes, And not only that, but that he’s been searching for hope, for truth—to know that Jesus is real and how easy it is to believe and be forgiven.

That’s the good news, the hope, that all need to hear. Invite someone to church this Easter.

‍

‍