Faithful Celebrate Resurrection At Easter Services

April 20, 2014

Easter morning sunrise services and special church services were held at many locations across the area Sunday morning.

One of the largest sunrise services in North Escambia was held in Molino as several churches came together for a community Easter morning sunrise service at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, celebrating with music and a message.

Other sunrise services were held in  Century, Atmore,Walnut Hill, Flomaton, Gonzalez and Cantonment. And thousands attended a Marcus Pointe Baptist Church Son-Rise Service held at the Blue Wahoos Stadium downtown.

The sunrise services celebrated the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, an important event to the faithful. According to the Bible:

Matthew 28:1-20

Resurrection Morning
1 After the Sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to view the tomb. 2 Suddenly there was a violent earthquake, because an angel of the Lord descended from heaven and approached [the tomb]. He rolled back the stone and was sitting on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his robe was as white as snow. 4 The guards were so shaken from fear of him that they became like dead men. 5

But the angel told the women, “Don’t be afraid, because I know you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. 6 He is not here! For He has been resurrected, just as He said. Come and see the place where He lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell His disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead. In fact, He is going ahead of you to Galilee; you will see Him there.’ Listen, I have told you.”

8 So, departing quickly from the tomb with fear and great joy, they ran to tell His disciples the news. 9 Just then Jesus met them and said, “Good morning!” They came up, took hold of His feet, and worshiped Him. 10 Then Jesus told them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell My brothers to leave for Galilee, and they will see Me there.”

The Soldiers Are Bribed to Lie
11 As they were on their way, some of the guard came into the city and reported to the chief priests everything that had happened. 12 After the priests had assembled with the elders and agreed on a plan, they gave the soldiers a large sum of money 13 and told them, “Say this, ‘His disciples came during the night and stole Him while we were sleeping.’ 14 If this reaches the governor’s ears, we will deal with him and keep you out of trouble.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this story has been spread among Jewish people to this day.

The Great Commission
16 The 11 disciples traveled to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had directed them. 17 When they saw Him, they worshiped, but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came near and said to them, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you. And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

from the Holman Christian Standard Bible

Pictured top and below:  A morning “Sonrise Service” at Pensacola’s Maritime Stadium Sunday (Courtesy photos, inc. Marcus Pointe Baptist Church). Pictured inset: The sign at Poplar Dell Baptist Church sums up the Easter story in simple terms. NorthEscambia.com photo, clicik to enlarge.


Comments

4 Responses to “Faithful Celebrate Resurrection At Easter Services”

  1. Honest John on April 21st, 2014 7:33 am

    Thank you Marcus Point Baptist Church for an outstanding SONRISE SERVICE honoring our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I know a lot of long hours and hard work was involved for this service, but what a blessing it was. A perfect way to start The Lords Day. A special thanks to northescambia.com for your coverage of all the Easter events, services, and the scripture you posted.

  2. alava on April 20th, 2014 7:56 pm

    We had a little over 100 this morning for our Sunrise Service @ Beulah Freewill its such a blessing to be able to praise and worship ! God is good

  3. redman on April 20th, 2014 4:48 pm

    I thank God that on Nov.10th 1991 I gave my life to Jesus!!!.I no longer run from God but I run to Him.For He is risen…….He is risen indeed!!!Blessed be the name of the Lord!!!

  4. catman on April 20th, 2014 7:17 am

    We had between 95 and 100 people at sunrise service this morning at Aldersgate U.M.C. in Molino. It was a great service thanks to all who came out for this blessed event.