Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026
What a beautiful Easter Sunday we had today at Loxa Presbyterian Church as we gathered to celebrate the resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
Today's message from Gary Stephen centered around Philippians 3:7-11, Hebrews 10:11, and John 15:1-5 — and what a powerful picture these verses paint when brought together.
In Philippians 3:7-11, Paul reminds us that everything this world has to offer pales in comparison to knowing Christ. Easter shows us exactly why. Jesus is not just someone to admire from a distance — He is the risen Savior, and because of Him, we can know the power of resurrection life.
Hebrews 10:11 points us to the reality that for generations, sacrifices were offered again and again, yet they could never fully take away sin. But Jesus changed everything. He became the perfect and final sacrifice once and for all. The cross was not temporary, and the grave was not the end.
And then in John 15:1-5, Jesus says, "I am the vine; you are the branches." Because of His death and resurrection, we are not just forgiven — we are invited into a living, daily relationship with Him. We are called to remain in Christ, draw our strength from Him, and bear fruit through Him.
That is the beauty of Easter:
Philippians reminds us that nothing compares to knowing Jesus. Hebrews reminds us that Jesus finished the work of salvation. John reminds us that because He lives, we can abide in Him and truly live.
Easter is not just about what happened to Jesus. It is about what is now possible because of Jesus.
Because He rose: we have forgiveness, we have hope, we have victory, and we have life in Him.
A heartfelt thank you to Gary Stephen for today's message and for faithfully sharing the truth of God's Word.
A very special thank you to Kay and Norma for the beautiful lilies on the altar today. They were a wonderful reminder of the beauty, hope, and new life we celebrate on Easter morning.
And thank you to Kay Hanley for the beautiful music that helped lead us in worship.
Please continue to keep these in prayer: Janice Hanley LaBougeois, Dana Shick, Joyce Warner, Kyle Walters, Sue Elliot, Ann Roley, Megan Symonds, Brendan, Jesse, Jeff King, Damien White, Karl Nelson, Emily's friend Jamie, Jodi Ellison, Jared, and Gary Stephen and his ministry.
Please also continue praying for our homes, our church, our community, our state, and our nation.
Today was a beautiful reminder that the tomb is empty, the cross still speaks, and Jesus is alive.
"But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ." — Philippians 3:7
"I am the vine; you are the branches." — John 15:5
All are welcome at Loxa Presbyterian Church. Sunday Worship begins at 10:30 AM.