The Gospel Times recently talked with several pastors about how believes should prepare themselves for Easter. Below are some of the responses translated and posted on China Christian Daily (CCD).
In the year 2016, Easter Sunday will fall on March 27th. Easter is an important holiday for Christians when they celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. However, many Christians do not know now to prepare themselves for Easter. Here are some suggestions from various pastors around China.
Rev. Piao Guifeng (Panjin Church, Liaoning) suggests that Good Friday is as important as Easter. If you don't observe Good Friday, Easter becomes a regular holiday. It is easy to lose the spiritual meaning of the holiday when you ignore its content.
Believers should meditate on the path of the cross that the Lord walked during Holy Week, says Rev. Piao. They can have their daily devotions, but they should also pay attention to the season of the church year. When churches stress the significance of the resurrection, believers can understand more deeply the meaning of suffering and resurrection.
Rev. Wang (Jinan Church, Shandong) tells CCD that the congregation gathers every day during Lent. There is worship and the preaching of sermons, and the people devote themselves to serving in the church. Many members gain a lot by gathering together to thank God for his salvation and repent of their sins.
He says, "Although regular services are canceled during Lent, it is more meaningful because believers commemorate the sufferings of Jesus Christ together."
Rev. Gao (Hailaer Church, Inner Mongolia) suggests that Christians should pay attention to how they celebrate Easter. Hailaer Church offers a Bible study class for new believers during the period between Christmas and Easter. There are also daily services including sermons, worship, Biblical plays, and baptism during Holy Week.
Original article: 多位牧者教你如何预备复活节 (Gospel Times)
English translation: Pastors' Suggestion: Here’s How to Prepare for Easter (China Christian Daily)
Adapted and reposted with permission.
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