Each spring, people around the world celebrate Easter in various ways—some attend sunrise services, while others host egg hunts and distribute candy-filled baskets. However, Apostolic Pentecostals celebrate differently. For us, an Apostolic Easter celebration transcends holiday tradition; it reflects our daily walk with God and serves as the foundation of our salvation.
We don’t just celebrate the resurrection of Jesus as a historical event—we rejoice in its living reality. And that difference? It shapes everything.
Easter Isn’t Just a Day—It’s Our Doctrine
For us, the resurrection isn’t a seasonal message. It’s the core of our gospel, rooted in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. That’s why our worship isn’t just reflective—it’s responsive. Our repentance, our baptism in Jesus’ name, and our infilling of the Holy Ghost are all direct reflections of the resurrection power at work within us.
“That I may know him, and the power of his resurrection…” – Philippians 3:10 (KJV)
We don’t wait for Easter Sunday to celebrate the risen Savior; we live in that victory every single day.
A Celebration of Victory—Then and Now
Yes, Easter marks the moment when death was defeated and the grave lost its power. But it also points us forward to the promise of eternal life. Because He rose, we too have the hope of rising again and spending eternity with Him in heaven.
This moment is not only reflective; it is prophetic. It confirms the ancient words of Isaiah, David, and Hosea. Jesus fulfilled the prophecies, conquered the grave, and opened the door to our salvation.
“O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?” – 1 Corinthians 15:55 (KJV)
Worship That Doesn’t Hold Back
If you’ve ever attended an Apostolic Easter service, you know—we don’t do quiet reflection. We do victorious worship. The tomb is empty, the promise is alive, and our response is heartfelt praise, powerful preaching, and a call to action. We often witness souls baptized and filled with the Holy Ghost because Easter is not just a commemoration—it’s an invitation to step into the resurrection life.
“Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.” – Psalm 100:1–2 (KJV)
We don’t worship out of habit—we worship in triumph. And we do it with joy, volume, and passion—because He’s alive, and we know it.
Priorities, Not Prohibitions
Some Apostolics choose to abstain from Easter traditions like bunnies, baskets, and chocolate eggs—and that’s completely fine. Others, like my family, have participated in those lighter traditions while keeping the main thing the main thing: Jesus Christ.
When my children were small, they got Easter baskets—and yes, the Anthony Thomas chocolate-covered peanut butter egg remains a family favorite. But our first focus has always been the cross, the empty tomb, and the living Savior.
Having fun is fine. But Jesus must come first.
Living the Resurrection Today
The story doesn’t end at the tomb. We are called to walk in newness of life. That’s not just poetic—it’s practical. The resurrection power that raised Jesus is available to us now, through His Spirit.
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death… even so we also should walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4 (KJV)
Our Easter message isn’t “He rose.” It’s “He rose—and so can you.”
You’re Invited to An Apostolic Easter celebration
If you’ve never experienced an Apostolic Easter, I invite you to join us at Calvary Apostolic Church in Westerville, Ohio. Come and see what resurrection power looks like when it’s alive in worship, in preaching, and in people just like you.
Jesus rose from the grave so that you could rise from whatever holds you down.
Let’s celebrate that together.
Recommended Reading on Scott’s Thoughts:
- 🐣 Dad Joke Resurrection: Easter Edition for GenX Dads
- Understanding Biblical Context for the Journey to Salvation
Credits:
Credit: OpenAI helped create my article outlines and generate the imagery. Grammarly fixed my writing errors, and Quillbot makes everything better.