October 29, 2026

---

Sunday begins what many call “the month of thankfulness,” as November rolls into town! And goodness, it seems like time has flown quickly as we are already moving towards the end of 2026!

These next three weeks we’ll spend some time in the Heartbeat unpacking Matthew 28:1-10. Yes, this is a passage we normally reserve for Easter, but I think it reminds us of three monumental reasons to be thankful every day: the resurrection, the angel's message, and the commission to go. Stop reading this article right now and go read these verses.

Welcome back! The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of our Christian faith. It is THE event that separates Christianity from all other religions, and it is THE reason we can have hope in the face of death. The resurrection is not just a historical event, but a transformative reality that gives us a reason to be thankful every day.

In Matthew’s account, two women (Mary Magdalene and the other Mary) went to visit the tomb where Jesus was laid, expecting to find his body. Instead, they found an empty tomb and an angel who proclaimed, "He isn’t here! He is risen from the dead, just as he said would happen." This proclamation is the foundation of our faith. Jesus, who was crucified and buried, had risen from the dead. He had conquered death, not just for Himself, but for all of us who believe in Him.

This is a testament to God's power and love, showing us that God has the power to overcome even death, the most formidable enemy of humanity. It also shows us the extent of God's love for us. God loved us so much that He sent His only Son to die for our sins and then raised Him from the dead to give us the hope of eternal life. This is a love that is beyond our comprehension, and it is a love that should fill us with gratitude every morning we arise to face the day.

Because Jesus rose from the dead, we have the hope of eternal life. We know that death is not the end, but the beginning of a new and glorious life with God. This hope gives us the courage to face the challenges of life, knowing that our ultimate destiny is not determined by the circumstances of this world, but by the victory of Jesus over death. Our time on earth is brief, temporal. But thanks be to God for the gift of an eternity with Him and those we love!

Jesus had predicted His death and resurrection, and it happened just as He said it would. This should assure us that we can trust God's promises. If God was faithful in raising Jesus from the dead, He will be faithful in fulfilling all His promises to us. He is who He says He is: faithful, compassionate, just, loving, a loyal Shepherd and more!

Because of the resurrection, we know that this life is not all there is. We are living in the light of eternity, and this should change how we view our lives and the world around us. This promise can give us a sense of purpose and direction, infusing our lives with a sense of meaning and significance that goes well beyond the grave! Hallelujah!

The resurrection is a monumental reason to be thankful. It is a reason to celebrate, not just on Easter Sunday, but every day of our lives. It is a reason to live with hope, joy, and gratitude, knowing that we serve a risen Savior who has conquered death and given us the hope of eternal life. Amen.

My prayers are with you!

Plan a Visit