This Easter, an estimated billion people around the world will gather—in churches, homes, huts, and villages—to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In just a few weeks, we will join this global communion to reflect on a message of hope for those who believe they are beyond hope.

Several years ago, I had a rare opportunity to revisit the altar of my boyhood church in Bowling Green, Kentucky—the very place where I first met God. My nephew mentioned they had remodeled the church and offered to take me there.

As we drove, I wondered what it would feel like to stand again in the exact spot where I first heard God's gentle voice calling me to accept Jesus as the forgiver and leader of my life. We arrived just as a youth event was ending. After waiting for the crowd to disperse, we introduced ourselves to the young 32-year-old pastor and entered the sanctuary.

Though beautifully remodeled, it remained essentially the same sacred space. I immediately looked to my right, about three rows from the back, to the place where I sat on Friday, October 30, 1981. The old pews had been replaced with padded ones, but I sat there anyway to reflect.

I was nearly 16 years old that revival night when Rev. Don Ballard preached about surrendering completely to God—body, mind, and spirit. Sitting alone, I questioned:

"How much more do I have to do for God before He'll accept me? I'm living a clean life. I'm trying to be truthful. I'm being a good person. I attend church regularly. What more does He want?"

I had never felt true peace, never felt qualified to be part of God's family.

Then Rev. Ballard quoted a verse I had memorized as a child that suddenly illuminated everything: Titus 3:5, "Not by works of righteousness which we do, but by God's mercy, He saved us."



In that moment, I understood the core truth of biblical Christianity: Christ ALONE is our Hope!

Sitting on that pew, I felt the same peace wash over me that I had experienced forty years earlier. I walked to the altar where I had knelt and prayed, "God, I want to be on Your program, not mine." I had opened my heart saying, "Lord, forgive my sin, lead my life, and I'm trusting in YOU ALONE."

I remembered the hope that flooded my soul that night.

Standing at that altar after so many years, I began to reflect on God's faithfulness throughout my journey:

• Finding a Christian wife in 1984
• My first pastorate
• The night of my ordination
• Two beautiful children who know God and His purpose for their lives

Looking at how richly God had blessed me, I became overwhelmed with emotion for several minutes. "It all started right here, on this piece of ground," I realized.

After a final prayer of thanksgiving, I rejoined my nephew, and we drove away.

A Message for Easter

Fellow pastors and church leaders, this Easter, many people will reluctantly enter your services—perhaps dragged by family or attending out of obligation. They'll listen to your message while thinking, "That's wonderful for all you good people, but I'm beyond hope."

This is where YOU step in! YOU get to remind them of Jesus' empty tomb! YOU get to proclaim this fountain of HOPE that flows continually to those who believe themselves beyond redemption.

Declare it with conviction: "If you think you're beyond hope, you're not!"

Sing it! Shout it! Loud and long!

May your Easter message resonate with the power of resurrection hope,

Pastor Steve