Good Friday, why celebrate it?

Recently in one of my youth services I was asked by a teenager why we celebrate Good Friday, as this was the day that Christ died on the cross, something that many consider a sad event. (see note)  I'll even admit, when I watch the Passion of the Christ, which emphasizes the last day of Jesus' life and is very graphic in showing what he went through during his crucifixion, I am saddened and sometimes have to turn my head away.  It is very hard to watch and it's hard to think that something so horrible could be done to someone so perfect, the spotless lamb, the Lamb of God. 

The Bible doesn't instruct us to remember Jesus' death by one day but to honor his death by observing the Lord's Supper.  This is usually done by breaking bread and drinking wine (or grape juice).  The meaning behind it is to remember his death through the breaking of the bread, his body, which was broken for us, and the drinking of the wine or juice, his blood, which was shed for us.  All churches do this differently and at different times, but the point is to do it in remembrance of him.  To honor his death on the cross, his sacrifice for us, a sacrifice that we didn't deserve.  It was freely given.  I believe we should die spiritually everyday in order for God to cleanse us of our sins, to pick up and bear our own crosses so to speak.

So, why do we celebrate his death on Good Friday?  I believe we celebrate it as "Good" Friday because out of his death comes good.  Out of his death and resurrection comes life and salvation.  We celebrate Resurrection "Easter" Sunday because it represents Jesus' victory over death and the grave.  His ultimate sacrifice for our sins.  We no longer need to sacrifice animals in order to be cleansed of our sins.  He paid the price, the ultimate price, and through this payment we freely live.  He was the ultimate spotless Lamb, the Lamb of God.  I believe that is why we celebrate Good Friday.  Because out of this sacrificial act, this laying his life down for us, brings about so much good. Yes, it's saddening to think about his death, but his death was not eternal, he conquered the grave and claimed victory over sin in his resurrection.  A victory we now have because of his sacrificial act.  Thank God for sending his son to die on the cross for our sins.  I will celebrate Good Friday in remembering what a great sacrificial act Jesus' made for me.

John 3:16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

If you don't know Jesus and you'd like to know him, don't hesitate to ask or seek his salvation.  This Sunday we will be celebrating his resurrection at Beltline Christian Center in Alton, IL.  Come, join us in this celebration of salvation.  

-Nathan

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 *The actual day is debated but Mark 15:42 talks about the day of the crucifixion being on the day before the Sabbath which would have been Saturday, so we assume that it is Friday

Something new.....

This will be a post to just tell a little about myself.  My name is Nathan and I'm the Youth Pastor for IGNITE Student Ministries at Beltline Christian Center church in Alton, IL. I'm happily married for over 4 years now & I'm in love with God and my church. I'm also a drafter full-time at Magnesium Elektron USA.

I love teens and I love to see them grow in their walk with Christ.  I love to watch them find their calling in life and see them develop that calling in order to serve God with their full potential.  

I've spent many years in Youth Ministry, either as a youth member or as a leader or sponsor.  I just recently was offered the opportunity to become the new youth pastor for my local church, Beltline Christian Center.  I've gone to this church my whole life and have desired for many years now to lead youth in this type of capacity.  I'm learning through this process how much I can be stretched and molded for God's work.  Teaching and leading youth, especially the youth of today's generation is not always an easy task.  In fact, it's quite the opposite, but God gives strength and wisdom in this ministry and in my life and for that I am very grateful.  Without God I could do nothing to influence these teens and stimulate his calling in their lives.  

I'll try to post on a regular basis.  I titled my blog "I'm just sayin'" because I plan to use it as a platform to just throw my thoughts and opinions on certain issues and matters out there for others to see.  I hope that through this blog I can relate to young people and also give an encouraging word at times and at other times stimulate their thought process and help encourage them. 

1 Thessalonians 5:11 Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.

 May God bless all who read this.  

-Nathan

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