This Sunday is the highest point of our Christian faith: Easter Sunday...Resurrection Day!

Without the resurrection, we have no Christian faith. Paul says, “And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain…And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1Corinthians 15:14,17).

But Christ has been raised, and for that reason we know who holds our present and our future. “But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep” (1 Corinthians 15:20). Because Christ has been raised, it is a guarantee that those who belong to him will also be raised when he returns in victory!

That is the message of hope we will look at this Sunday, as we dive into Mark 15:40-16:8. Be praying for our services and for everyone who will be present. Reach out to friends who don’t typically attend church and explain to them how much it would mean for them to meet you here for worship. Let’s pack the house and celebrate a risen Savior!

Please pray for me as I leave for a mission trip to the Middle East the day after Easter. This is part of my responsibility as a trustee for the organization our church generously supports, the IMB. At this point I am not allowed to be more specific as far as where I will be, but God willing I will be back the 1st of May and I will share a complete report with you. Please pray for a fruitful time, and know that on this trip I am not only representing the IMB, but also representing one of IMB’s biggest supporters – First Baptist Church of Suffolk, Virginia! You are a vital part of this trip, because of your praying and your giving to the work of the IMB. On this trip I will move throughout multiple countries and cities, meeting with and encouraging our workers, and as I do so I will serve as an extension of you. As I get to meet with and encourage believers in these places, and share the gospel with those who don’t yet know Jesus, you will be a part of it. The work of the IMB is your work as a faithful, supporting church. This trip will give our church an opportunity be more engaged in and more informed about gospel work in one of the most strategic and least-reached parts of the world. I’m already looking forward to sharing an exciting report with you!

After Easter, we will turn our attention to the Book of Acts. Beginning the first Sunday of May and running until the Holidays, we will be in a series called Empowered: A Study of Acts. Be reading over Acts in preparation, and be in prayer. See you on Resurrection Day!

By His Grace, For His Glory, To The Nations,

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.