Easter Reflections on Renewal

As we approach the highlight and pinnacle of Christian faith—Easter, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ—the victory over death and sin—our hearts are rejoicing in celebration. Christ has risen! Risen indeed!

For Christians, Easter is a time of reflection on the goodness and love of God that leads to the renewal of our spirit and mind. It was God’s plan for us to know Him and to love others as He does. And for that to take place, we need a renewal! “And I will give them one heart, and a new spirit I will put within them. I will remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh” (Ezekiel 11:19 ESV).

 Let’s look at the meaning of the word “renewal” in the Bible.

In the Bible, renewal signifies making something new again, often with a spiritual or moral connotation. It refers to restoration, transformation, and a fresh start, particularly in relation to one's mind and spirit.

Spiritual Transformation

The concept of renewal in the Bible often points to a profound change within a person, moving from a state of spiritual decay or unrighteousness to a state of righteousness and holiness.

Renewing the Mind

The Bible encourages believers to "renew their minds" (Romans 12:2), suggesting that through God's word and the power of the Holy Spirit, individuals can be transformed in their thinking and attitudes, aligning them with God's will.

Restoration and Rebirth

The idea of renewal can also imply a restoration to a former state of vitality or a rebirth into a new life in Christ.

• Ephesians 4:22-24: "to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness." ESV

• Romans 12:2: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by renewing your minds." ESV

To others, Easter is a tradition celebrated according to their family traditions and culture. I have been blessed to witness a spiritual revival growing up in Belarus. After 70 years of communist domination, where the Orthodox tradition was only nominally practiced, this spiritual revival led to rapid Church growth and mass salvations.

In my childhood, Easter was the only time in the year when the name of Jesus was mentioned. We greeted each other with a traditional greeting: “Christ is Risen! Truly Risen!” These words didn’t make sense without explanation, but people used them yearly.

Another popular tradition in our culture was baking Paska – a traditional Easter bread, and colouring eggs with onion skins. Orthodox tradition required parishioners to take a food basket to the priest in exchange for receiving a prayer of blessing and a container of sanctified water.

People thought they were protected and accepted by God by fulfilling the Church's requirements. People in Belarus and other Eastern European cultures lived without a renewal of spirit and mind until God came and made us spiritually alive. The communist regime fell, and the Bible, with explanations and practical applications, was preached to the masses in streets, stadiums, and homes.

The truth of the resurrection was the fundamental point of the renewed spirit, which brought the depth and revelation of the truth from the Bible. Religious traditions faded away in the light of renewed faith. The renewed mind led many new believers to adapt to different standards in life according to the Commandments and the New Testament practices. The nations of Eastern Europe had woken up from a deep sleep and embraced “renewal”.

What area of your life needs a renewal today? Is it your relationship with God? Perhaps it is your relationship with your spouse or children. Perhaps you are facing challenges in your employment or your health. There is hope and promise for you - Jesus is Risen! Death is swallowed up in victory.

• 1 Corinthians 15:55-58: “’O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?’ The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labour is not in vain.” ESV

God wants to renew all areas of your life. He wants you to live for Him and reflect Him in everything you do. He made provision through His Son Jesus for you. You have victory through Jesus Christ! Praise God for renewal!

What about those who are still bound by tradition and empty religion and who live with disbelief? How about those who are oppressed in war-torn countries?

We can pray for renewal and for a new beginning for their faith in God. Sometimes, we can go and share in person. But for the places we cannot go, we can always pray and share what we have.

May we be intentional in prayer about the unreached people groups today.

At Mission Partners, we are always being led to go to new places and new communities to meet with unreached families. We share the Good News of Christ's resurrection so that many souls will be renewed for eternal life with Christ.

We can’t do this alone. We do it together, with you. We look forward, with expectation, to a great harvest for the Lord in Belarus, Ukraine, Poland and Moldova this year!

“Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out labourers into his harvest.” Matt 9:38 ESV