TITLE: EASTER: Fact and Fiction
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4
PROPOSITION: Many think Easter is a Biblical holy day.
QUESTION: Which?
KEY WORD: Facts

1. More people attend churches on Easter than any other day.

2. Churches of Christ do not celebrate Easter. Why?

3. Learn the Facts. Separate from the Fiction.

FACTS ABOUT EASTER:

1. Jesus died, was buried, raised the 3rd day = GOSPEL.

   1. 1 Corinthians 15:1-4

   2. Resurrection proves Jesus is Son of God – Romans 1:4

2. Easter as a “Christian” holy day began in 325 AD.

   1. Council of Niecea - 318 bishops met together

   2. First Sunday - after full moon - after vernal equinox

   3. Date will vary from just after March 20 – April 21

3. Easter (the word) is from “Istare”

   1. Goddess of fertility - pagan deity - sex goddess

   2. Came as spring arrived - things began to come alive again

   3. Chosen to symbolize the resurrection of Christ

   4. NOTE: Many “Christian” holy days were adapted from pagan cultures to try to include their customs into Christianity

4. Many traditions and customs developed

   1. Not related to religion at all

   2. Eggs, Easter bunny, All dressed up, white shoes

   3. Not wrong - like Santa Claus, birthday, 4th of July

FICTION ABOUT EASTER:

1. Easter is in the Bible.

   1. Acts 12:4 - “Easter” in the Bible = Passover (Gk. Pascha)

   2. All other occasions of “pascha” = Passover

   3. All other than KJV render the word Passover here

2. Must take communion.

   1. Every Sunday - “first day of the week”

   2. Early church - Acts 20:7

   3. This was 7 weeks AFTER Passover (20:6)

   4. L. S. and giving on 1st day of week.

3. Easter worship services must be special.

   1. Sunrise services

   2. Special songs, solos, choir

   3. Sermon on the resurrection

   4. All should attend on this Sunday

   5. Special plays, dramas

   6. MUST SERVE COMMUNION THIS SUNDAY ONLY