Origins of Easter - April 6, 2025

Today's sermon explores the profound and often hidden origins of Easter, dissecting the customs and symbols that have evolved over centuries. With insightful references to biblical scriptures, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding and aligning tradition with the core Gospel message. From the Apostle Paul's prayers to early Christian celebrations, this sermon invites listeners to reflect on their relationship with God and the influence of ancient pagan practices on modern Christian rituals. As the sermon progresses, it delves into historical transitions, notably the Roman Empire's impact on religious observances, and calls to question the blending of Christianity with pagan traditions. This heartfelt message encourages believers to seek truth and authenticity in their faith, urging a return to scriptural foundations amidst contemporary challenges.

With Pastor Quincy Williams

Origins of Easter

Ephesians 4:17-19

Main Point: Do not worship the Lord God the way pagans worship their gods.

Live above what the world is! Stand tall, Be Strong in Christ Jesus our foundation.

• Before Christ

-God warns Israel not to worship the way of the pagans or to worship their gods.

^“ 31 You must not worship the Lord your God in their way, because in worshiping their gods, they do all kinds of detestable things the Lord hates. They even burn their sons and daughters in the fire as sacrifices to their gods. ³² See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.” (Deuteronomy 12:31-32)

-Throughout all the Old Testament the Israelites do not heed God nor His prophets’ warnings.

“Again the Israelites did evil in the eyes of the Lord. They served the Baals and the Ashtoreths” (Judges 10:6)

-It becomes a very redundant pattern of disobedience and repentance.

“The nation that turns from God will always turn to other gods. The reason is simple: when God is removed, the need to worship Him remains” Jonathan Cahn

• After Christ’s resurrection

1. The Early Church

-It wasn’t until after Jesus’ resurrection that He appeared to His disciples and instructs them to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” The disciples went out proclaiming the good news and baptizing those that believed.

-The early Christians emphasize the Passover Lamb and Christ’s crucifixion. They celebrated the Passover festival and the Day of the Resurrection which was known as the Day of the First Fruits

2. Roman Empire

              -Persecuted Christians, they were viewed as a threat to established order.

Emperor Constantine’s conversion to Christianity 312 AD. Granting religious freedom to all in 313 AD.

-In an attempt to push the expansion of Christianity, Constantine practiced incorporating pagan festivals into Christianity. To make it more acceptable and familiar to heathen worshippers.

-The Council of Nicaea 325AD addresses theological disputes within the Christian Church and to decide on a unified doctrine.

Syncretism-practice of combining different beliefs. It involves merging or assimilating different religious beliefs.

-All ancient pagan religions and the occult practiced today stems from Babylon. The first one world religion.

“It's interesting to note how often our Church has availed herself of practices which were in common use among Pagans. Thus, it is true, in a certain sense that some Catholic rites of Ceremonies are a reproduction of those of pagan creeds; But they are the taking of What was best from Paganism, the Keeping of symbolical practices which express the religious instinct Common to all races and times." John F. Sullivan 

• Guide for the Gentiles and Jews (Acts 15:28-29)      (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)

⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[a] of this world rather than on Christ. (Colossians 2:6-8)

-Our celebrating of Christ’s resurrection and conquering of death is not meant to be once a year!

Traditions- a long-established custom or belief that has been passed on from one generation to another.

“One person considers one day more sacred than another; another considers every day alike. Each of them should be fully convinced in their own mind.” (Romans 14:5)

Be a great witness to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit! Set yourselves a part, make it known to the world that you are a new creation in Christ the Messiah.

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