By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Sakumono, April 5, GNA – Christians have been urged to move beyond comparison, fear and past limitations, and fully embrace the new life offered through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Venerable Anthony Morkehchie Eiwuley, Parish Priest of Christ the King Anglican Church, Sakumono, said the resurrection was not merely a historical event but a present reality that must shape the identity, mindset and daily living of believers.
Preaching on the theme: “From the Grave to Glory: Living the Risen Life,” he said Easter signified a turning point in history, when death was defeated, Christ was risen and a new life begun for all who believed.
“Easter is not just a remembrance, it is a reality. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the foundation of our faith and the power for daily living,” he said.
Easter, celebrated by Christians worldwide, commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead three days after His crucifixion.
It is regarded as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, symbolising victory over sin and death, and offering hope, renewal and eternal life to believers.
The atmosphere at the Christ the King Anglican Church reflected the joy of the occasion, as parishioners clad in pristine white attire filled the church naves and galleries.
They sang hymns of praise, danced with enthusiasm and lifted their voices in praise and thanksgiving, celebrating the risen Christ in a vibrant and spirit-filled service.
Venerable Eiwuley noted that many Christians, although aware of the resurrection, still lived as though Christ remained in the tomb, failing to tap into the power and transformation it offers.
He likened this to a person who inherits great wealth but lives in poverty because they are unaware of what belongs to them.
“The power of the resurrection has always been available, but many have not discovered it. Easter calls us to live in the fullness of what Christ has already accomplished,” he said.
Living the risen life requires a shift in mindset, urging Christians to set their minds on things above and not be weighed down by past experiences or societal pressures.
He cautioned against comparing one’s life with others, noting that such tendencies often led to frustration and a loss of purpose.
“When you accept Christ, things change. You come to understand that you are not in competition with anyone. Life is not about running someone else’s race but living the purpose God has designed for you,” he said.
Drawing from the account of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb, he said the resurrection demonstrated the personal nature of Christ’s relationship with believers.
He explained that Mary’s encounter with Jesus changed when He called her by name, highlighting the importance of personal connection with Christ.
“In our confusion, in our grief, and in our fear, Christ calls us personally. And when He calls, everything changes,” he said.
Venerable Eiwuley, also the Provincial Secretary of the Church of the Province of West Africa, noted that the Easter message carried a strong assurance that difficult and painful moments could be transformed into meaningful outcomes.
Quoting the Psalmist, he said the “stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone,” explaining that what is rejected by society could be elevated by God for a greater purpose.
“Our rejection is not our end. Our pain is not our final story. God can turn our lowest moment into our greatest purpose.”
He said Easter represented “God’s great reversal,” where despair was turned into hope, defeat into victory, and death into life.
The Tema Central Archdeacon also highlighted the need for Christians to embrace the freedom that comes with the resurrection, warning that some believers continue to live in bondage despite being set free.
He compared this to a pardoned prisoner who chooses to remain in prison simply because it is familiar.
“Many are forgiven but still live in guilt; free but still live in fear; alive but still think like the dead. Easter calls us out of the grave, not just spiritually, but practically,” he said.
Venerable Eiwuley called on Christians to move from being mere witnesses to active ambassadors of the resurrection message.
He urged them to roll away the “stone of doubt,” leave behind the “grave clothes of sin,” and rise into the new life offered through Christ.
Venerable Eiwuley called for renewed commitment among believers to know Christ, live transformed lives and proclaim His resurrection power.
“Christ is risen. He is risen indeed. And because He lives, we too must rise and live the life He has given us,” he said.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe