I love Easter and the celebration of the new life and new hope we have because of the resurrection.

However . . .

The day after the very first Easter, many things were the same as the week before.

• The self-indulgent and pleasure-seeking King Herod was still on the throne.

• The evil empire of Pontius Pilate, Caesar, and Rome was still in control.

• The hypocritical Chief Priests still ran the exclusive religious club in Jerusalem.

• And the disciples of Jesus, though profoundly encouraged by their risen Savior and Lord, were still trying to figure out what's next.

Yep, the disciples' lives were forever changed, but the culture they lived in was still broken and dark.

Without question, all Christ-followers are rescued from the “dominion of darkness”  because of the empty grave. But our struggle against the "powers of this dark world and spiritual forces of evil" is far from over.

Easter settled the war's victor, but it did not stop the battle.

In fact, for over 2,000 years, the conflict continues to rage.

• Self-indulgent and pleasure-seeking rulers still serve themselves rather than the people.

• Evil empires abound.

• Hypocritical religious leaders are everywhere (at times, I am one of them).

How then should we live in times like these where humans haven't truly changed all that much since Easter 33 AD?

Let's do what Peter and the other men and women who followed Jesus did:

• Keep your eyes on THE King. He won. He wins. End of story.

• Impact your evil culture by boldly proclaiming the good news, by radically loving the unlovely, by serving those who don't deserve it, and by selflessly loving one another no matter what. Do that. A lot.

• Own your brokenness (i.e., those areas in your life where you say one thing but do another). Remember, God lifts up the humble but opposes the proud, so don't be a pompous person or leader.

If you began your new life in Christ on Easter—welcome to the family!

If you've been walking with Jesus for decades—thanks for being a part of the family!

But don't kid yourself (or let the enemy fool you into lethargy or despair)—you're on a battleship now, not a cruise ship. 

Whether Jesus returns tomorrow or a thousand tomorrows from tomorrow, there's still a lot of work to be done—so get to it, my friend, and don't grow weary in the battle.

Fight on.

Literally, billions of lives are in the balance.

"Since millions of faithful have gone before us

and they're watching us now,

get rid of what gets in the way of finishing well.

Keep your eyes on the One who started something new in you

and who will help you grow in your faith.

Jesus suffered for you,

and He lives for you at the side of the Father.

Remember, He fought the battle against death and won,

so don't quit or lose heart in your daily struggle with darkness."

Hebrews 12:1-3 (Bubna Paraphrase)