I believe this Easter could be a most significant time for all of us. Certainly as we have prepared for the Passion of our Lord and have reflected upon the impact of being a Christian in today's world, we ought to be left in awe that we should be loved so much by God. Our eternal destiny has been decided in Him. It only remain for us to respond to the challenge he brings.

Writing this pastoral letter, I am stimulated by the outspokenness of Peter in the way he asked those difficult questions when Jesus explained he was going to Jerusalem and there die to make it possible for others to have life. Mind bending stuff! And yet this is not the whole truth, for the message of Easter truly needs the resurrection. Without that evidence of God's power, we would be left wondering whether it is not just a story without substance.

The late Rev Dr Donald English (twice President of the Methodist Conference) in his book on the Gospel of Mark reminds us of the impact the unveiling by Jesus of the purpose for his mission had on his disciples and the people of his time. Dr English rightly goes on to explain that the life of Jesus should never be treated with purely antiquarian interest.

The evidence is clear for us to reach the conclusion - Jesus is the Christ. The Easter message still is the unfolding truth of God's love. It still can have an impact today. Its importance is in our response which involves understanding Jesus in a way that tests the implications upon lives as Christians people. Ask yourself these questions:

• Does the teaching of Jesus ring true to life as you know it?
• When you protect your life from others does it lose much of its meaning?
• When you live openly to others is life enriched?
• Is life satisfying when taken at face value, or do you discern signs of hidden reality which suggest there may be much more?
• Does the ministry of the church say something about your own inner needs, crises and inner struggle?
• Is the totally self-giving love of Jesus a sea into which you could commit yourself by faith?

Have you made up your mind to be a disciple of Jesus?

God bless