Hi ACC Parents,

Imagine bringing flowers to a gravesite to remember a loved one who has passed. Upon arrival, you see a huge pile of dirt beside a large hole on the ground. You check the tombstone or grave marker to make sure you are in the right place. You are! In your shock, you walk up to look inside the hole to find that the casket where your loved one was laid to rest is now open and empty! You look around wondering who took your loved one’s body. Your mind is racing and you are throttled with the mixed emotions of confusion, fear, anger, and sadness. You may be wondering “WHO WOULD DO THIS??”.

A little over 2000 years ago, a similar scene occurred when several women went to visit the tomb of their beloved teacher. They may have experienced the same confusion and emotions mentioned above. But, in this particular case, they were given the assurance that their Teacher is now alive.

Mark 16:6 (ESV)

And he said to them, “Do not be alarmed. You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen; he is not here. See the place where they laid him.

(Also Matt. 28:6)

Their Teacher, the Son of God, the Christ Jesus, rose from the grave to deliver all people from sin so that all can have a relationship with God the Father. But, that’s not all. He now sits at the right hand of God and prays on our behalf. It is no wonder that this amazing story of love and redemption has been called “The Greatest Story Ever Told”. But, these events are not just part of a story. It actually happened. JESUS IS ALIVE!

Romans 8:34 (ESV)

Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died – more than that, who was raised – who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us.

(Also Col. 3:1)

John 3:16 (ESV) 

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Teacher Francisco