War and the merciless slaughter of people around the world continues. Prices for food, gas and rent are skyrocketing with no end in sight. Many in our own community of Lake County don’t have roofs over their heads or enough food to eat.

It can be difficult to feel hopeful in a world that seems like it’s spinning out of control. But as Christians we must remember, we need not fear. We can be confident that God is in control. We can glean from Deuteronomy 31:8 that:

God is aware of all that is happening, all that has happened, and all that will happen according to His wisdom.

So, what can we do, amid the chaos? How do we prepare our hearts for the most transforming event on the Christian calendar: Easter, the celebration of the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ?

To gain answers and insights, Love in the Name of Christ of Lake County asked two local pastors about Easter and ways to renew our hope during these difficult times.

Meet Pastor Corwin Wong of Winthrop Harbor

Corwin Wong is lead pastor at First Baptist Church Winthrop Harbor (FBC Winthrop Harbor), a Love INC partner church since 2011. Pastor Wong joined FBC Winthrop Harbor in fall of 2021 and wasted no time getting involved in our community. He and his children jumped in to help deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to our neighbors last year. FBC members also volunteer at the Loved Twice Thrift Boutique and hope to launch a new kids’ clothing closet in the coming months, both supported by Love INC.

 

Meet Pastor Gerald Wilcoxon of North Chicago

Gerald Wilcoxon is lead pastor of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church of North Chicago, a Love INC partner church since 2012. Pastor Wilcoxon has been a member of the Love INC Board of Directors since 2017. Volunteers from Mt. Sinai Baptist are involved in several Love INC programs and services including New Hope Ministry, the furniture ministry and scheduling and delivery of items to neighbors. Mt. Sinai also runs a community clothing closet, called “Glimmer of Hope,” for which Love INC supplies clothing donations.

 

Q: What is the key message of Easter for Christians and the Christian church?

A: Pastor Wong: As the world continues to decay and fill with darkness, remember that our hope in Christ does not necessarily free us from the suffering in this world. However, it does free us from suffering God’s wrath and the punishment of our sins. Christians should not be discouraged by the continual suffering on earth but be encouraged by the eternal hope we all have through faith in the perfect Son of God who saves us.

A: Pastor Wilcoxon: The key message of Resurrection Sunday (Easter) for Christians and the Church is the resurrection of Jesus, which is the foundation of the Christian faith. It’s the birth, death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, it clearly states this promise:

Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain. For what I received I passed on to you as of first importance: That Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures…

Q: How should Christians observe the holiness of Easter?

A: Pastor Wong: I suggest the following ways for Christians to observe Easter: Read the Gospels, gather with your local church and worship on the Lord’s Day. Recognize that every Lord’s Day (Sunday) is in remembrance of Jesus’ resurrection and continue to live a life bearing the fruit of repentance. Finally, tell others about Jesus!

A: Pastor Wilcoxon: Be thankful. In this country, Christians can still come together to worship, praise and thank God for loving us so much that he sent his only Son to pay the ransom for our sins and reconcile us back to the Father.

Q: What message of hope does Easter hold for those who are not yet believers?

A: Pastor Wilcoxon: Three scriptures come to mind that give us a message of hope:

John 3:16 says, For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 10:9 says, that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Acts 4:12 says, nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Q: What is your church doing to prepare for Easter?

A: Pastor Wong: FBC Winthrop Harbor will start its three-week Easter sermon series on April 3. We will be preaching through: The Trial of Jesus (Matthew 26:57-68), The Death of Jesus (Matthew 27:32-54), and the Resurrection of Jesus (Matthew 28:1-15).

Also, FBC Winthrop Harbor will host a Good Friday potluck dinner where we will have a special guest, a Messianic Jew, who will present a teaching on the Seder (Passover meal) and how its elements teach us about Christ crucified. All are invited to attend – more information is on our Facebook Event here.

A: Pastor Wilcoxon: At Mt. Sinai Baptist Church of North Chicago, we will celebrate Resurrection Sunday with a program for our youth on Zoom^TM during our Sunday School hour (this technology has been a tremendous blessing to both our youth and adult church members during the Covid-19 period!). We will also celebrate during our in-person worship service. For more details, visit our Facebook page.

Q: What do you think is most inspiring about how your church celebrates Easter?

A: Pastor Wong: It’s inspiring to me that FBC Winthrop Harbor is willing to explore various ways of celebrating Easter. It’s a special time for our church family to come together on this historical holiday as well as a time to create a loving environment for anyone to come and hear the Good News.

A: Pastor Wilcoxon: [I believe] the fellowship shared with those less fortunate is the most inspiring part of the celebration at Mt. Sinai. We may share a meal, handwritten cards or small gifts. For our seniors, we give out baskets and blankets.

Church Partners Make Our Work Possible

Love INC of Lake County partners with 59 churches to provide support for our neighbors in need. Volunteers from partner churches donate their time, talent and treasure to meet our neighbors’ physical needs including blankets, beds, coats and more. We also strive to meet their spiritual needs through prayers and New Hope Ministry life skills classes. Through our programs and partners, Christ is transforming lives to look more like Him.

Interested in helping your church become a Love INC partner? Connect us with your pastor, mission team, or small group! Email us at info@loveinclakecounty.org to start the conversation. Please share this blog with your pastors and ministry leadership too!