Saeed Abedini, the 33-year-old American pastor imprisoned in Iran because of his faith, has been able to have an Easter message smuggled out to the world.
Abedini reportedly passed the message to family members who were allowed to visit him at the Tehran hospital where he has been held for the last five weeks.
The letter begins with wishing all a Happy Resurrection Day and then says that while he was praying in his hospital room, the Holy Spirit impressed upon him the massive number of Christians around the world today with a dead faith. That so many Christians around the world are not able to reach their spiritual potential because of their lack of faith.
Abedini goes on to say that most Christians want to experience the good things in life but don’t realize to experience the resurrection and glory of Christ we have to first experience death with Christ and die to ourselves and selfish desires.
Abedini was sentenced to 8 years in prison in January 2013 on charges that have no basis in fact. He had previously been harassed when living in Iran because he was helping home churches in worship and growth.
On this beautiful Resurrection weekend we wanted to wish you and your family a truly joyful and blessed Easter!
Thank you for your friendship!
Love,
“The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. He is not here; he has risen, just as he said…”
Matthew 28:5-6
Pastor Rick Warren released a video addressing his son’s suicide in one of the most direct manners since his death last year.
Warren told those viewing the video that the answer to everyone who has asked him how he and his wife made it through that difficult time in their lives was a simple promise: the promise of Easter.
Warren said that looking at the story of Easter through the lens of the three days is key for Christians working through the most difficult times of their lives. When we face tragedy, we’re facing the Friday when Jesus died and those following Him felt the loss of the one they truly loved. Once the shock passes, it’s like Saturday, where we look around wondering what to do and how to go on. Then Sunday arrives with a new hope because of the eternal life that arrives through the resurrection of Jesus.
He said that as Christians we will face those three days repeatedly over our lifetimes and that we need to focus on reaching the joy and victory that comes through our risen Lord Jesus.
Warren said the message he is delivering this Easter regarding his recovery from his son’s suicide and the importance of Christ’s resurrection is the most important of his entire ministry.
