Speaking at Easter is exciting and also quite intimidating. It’s not intimidating because of the size of the crowd, but more the familiarity of the storyline. Hey people, guess what we’re talking about this Easter…!

What never gets old, however, is talking about Jesus and the life-altering reality of His tomb-conquering power. I can’t wait! God is still, always, faithfully up to something special in us day after day after day. So, while it’s familiar, it’s not dull. If it is, we’re not reading it right.

Here’s another verse I’ve been loving as I prepare. It speaks to God’s master plan that would eventually involve a cross and an empty tomb. I’ve read it in a number of translations. Here it is in the New Century Version.

Because of His love, God had already decided to make us His own children through Jesus Christ. That was what He wanted and what pleased Him, (Ephesians 1:4, NCV)

Because of His love. The Easter story is, after all, a love story. Everyone you invite gets to hear this simple truth: They are LOVED by God.

Now get back out there and keep inviting so these seats are filled with people who need to hear this!