Gregory S. Athnos

The Easter Jesus and the Good Friday Church: Reclaiming the Centrality of the Resurrection Gregory S. Athnos

We live on this side of the Resurrection of Jesus, yet we act as if we are on the far side of his crucifixion. We have become so firmly planted in the sacrifice of Jesus that it has become, by default, our entire landscape of practice and confession, to the detriment of the Resurrection. Staring into the Cross from the Good Friday perspective makes it difficult to see beyond it. It consumes us. It blocks our vision. Even though we understand in our minds there was a Resurrection Sunday we continue to stand in our hearts on Crucifixion Friday. Are we missing life in the brilliant light of the Resurrection? Try to imagine the profound transformation from the disciples' broken spirit on Good Friday to their heart-stopping joy Sunday evening. Transformation was truly so wrenching there could never be a return to their pre-Resurrection world. They began to see the Cross through the lens of the Resurrection, every time. The risen Lord became their launching pad for faith, and from that glorious platform they reached back and embraced his crucifixion. It should be the same for us. "The Easter Jesus and the Good Friday Church" explores Biblical evidences to support the centrality of the Resurrection, and teaches how to read the New Testament with 'Resurrection eyes'. Questions are raised and answered: What did the disciples believe about Jesus? What convinced them? What was the first message of the Church? What was its effect? What constituted the Apostle Paul's 'Gospel'? What did Jesus have to say about his Death and Resurrection? What is the Cross without the Resurrection? What difference does the Resurrection make?