The 2019 Northeast Easter Retreat in Dover successfully concluded on April 21th after the closing service delivered by Pastor Anthony Chiu, from 1 Corinthians 15:1-6 and Pastor Eliana Kim delivered the intercessory prayer.
These messages of the resurrection of Christ remain together with us powerfully as we seek to live out our faith. Paul later in the chapter explains about the doubt and mockery of the faith that believes in the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Psalms 42:6-8, 16-18. David spoke of the mockery from his enemies because he trusts in the Lord. The most difficult time of David is when the enemies surrounds him and demands him to prove the might of the Lord, trying to break his faith.
The proof of Gods power is found in the resurrection and the commanding power that God has over this world and its order. Paul explained that the resurrection of the dead is essential for there to be a reason for man to have hope beyond death. Rather it would make sense to not face death and only look at life that is in front of us. But thank God the truth of the resurrection gives us the promise of eternal life to hope in beyond death.
Without the truth of Jesus Christ, there is very little value to find in this short time that we are alive.
Jesus met the disciples who were walking back from the path of faith to Emmaus because they only saw the disappointment on the Cross. But we should learn to see the power of love and the resurrection that has been revealed on the cross and given to us. The power to overcome death and difficulty in the world so that our suffering and sacrifice for the truth of the gospel will not lose value. In the face of the mocking and insults of the world, there is this overwhelming power of Christ and the new life that He promises to us.
The three day retreat allowed all participants to meditate deeply the meaning of Lord's suffering and the resurrection through lectures and activities formulated focused on the core themes.
OA churches will walk towards Pentecost commemorating coming of the Holy Spirit which empowered church revival and growth after Easter.
