HEARTS ON FIRE
The Joy Of Celebrating The True Easter
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There are many books which argue for believing that Jesus rose from the dead. This book, however, argues from Easter being historical fact. It tells of an encounter with Jesus by two depressed and discouraged followers who had been there at the cross when he died. They had hoped that Jesus would be the long awaited Messiah who would use his miracle power to remove the Roman government and give them freedom to rule themselves. But now their hopes and dreams were crushed. Cleopas and his wife Mary were walking along to their home in Emmaus on that first Easter afternoon when the risen Christ, disguised as an ordinary stranger, came up from behind. He began a friendly conversation. At first he told tell why the cross was part of God's plan to bless His people. They wanted freedom from the Romans but God was bringing them find freedom from sin, guilt and fear of death itself. God's expectations were so much greater than a change of government. Then, reaching their destination of the village of Emmaus, Cleopas and Mary invited Jesus to come and stay with them. He accepted and at supper acted as their host and broke bread with them. Perhaps it was then that they observed the nail prints in Jesus' hands. God opened their eyes and allowed them to recognize their guest as the risen Christ. As that was taking place Jesus became invisible. They could hardly contain their joy. It was such life changing news that they rushed back to Jerusalem to tell their friends. Jesus had died but was alive again. This is a mystery story with an exciting conclusion. Imagine having several hours of personal study of the Scriptures with Jesus Christ as teacher! They learned that the Old Testament is actually all about him. He came to fulfill many promises of God and to undo the power of death and the fear of it. The death of Christ was no tragedy. Easter made it the greatest victory that was ever known. Living in the light of it is the secret of inner peace and joy.
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About the Book
We can hardly imagine what it must have been like to be a follower of Jesus for several years only to see him put to death on the cross by his own people. Cleopas and Mary had thought he was the long expected Messiah who would drive out the Romans and restore glory to Israel. Jesus had better and greater expectations. Paradoxically, his death would bring them forgiveness of sin and guilt. He would undo the power of death and by his resurrection guarantee them life eternal. The walk to Emmaus is one of the best parts of St. Luke’ gospel. There is mystery, devotion, loyalty, grievous disappointment and miraculous surprise. It reminds us that the gospel is all God’s doing. The only contribution we make is our sin. The story also tells us that Jesus is the theme of the Old Testament, not just the New. Multiple clues point to the kind of Messiah he will be. The challenge of this book is to see how important it is to make sure that the Christ we are following is the genuine redeemer whom God sent to be our Savior and Lord.
About the Author
Albert Lawrence has spent four decades in ordained ministry, in four states and with four congregations. He holds degrees from Episcopal Theological School, Cambridge, MA., and Luther Theological Seminary, St. Paul, MN. Al and his wife Dawn are retired and reside in the Woodlands, TX. His previous books are: The Original Christmas Gift, The Contentment You Long For, Homesick for Heaven.and Puzzling Paradoxes. These were made available by Amazon.com.