Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!
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Christ is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

by Pastor Mark Schumm on April 04, 2026

Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!


But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead, the first fruits of those who have fallen
asleep. 1 Corinthians 15:20

The fact of the resurrection is the central miracle of the Christian story. The early church boldly confessed that Jesus had triumphed over death! The earliest explanation of the
resurrection account assumed that the tomb was empty. The disciples insisted that they had seen the living, breathing resurrected Lord. The changed lives of these disciples and
the conversion of Saul of Tarsus pointed to the powerful work of a Savior who was living, reigning and resurrected.


Because Jesus rose, we have the promise that we also will triumph over death and the grave. Paul refers to Jesus as the first of fruits of the resurrection. In the Old Testament, first
fruits were the initial offering of the harvest. The people of God returned the first of their crops as an acknowledgement that all of their produce belonged to the Lord. It was also a
confession that they believed that there would be more crops coming in the future. The early church confessed that there would be a future harvest. Those who died in Christ
would rise from the grave.


For Christians, death is like sleep. We do not fear death for it is not the final word. The Bible often refers to death as sleep. In the same way that we go to sleep knowing that we will
awaken the next morning, Christians close their eyes in death confident that they will be raised. And the promise of the resurrection is glorified bodies and the eternal presence of
Christ!


Easter changes the way that we look at life. Jesus is in control. And he continues to rule over this world. In the midst of change, confusion, and challenge, he provides direction
and guidance through His Word and Spirit. He gathers us together to hear His Word and praise His name. He unites us together at His table as we eat and drink His real presence.


And Easter changes the way we look at death. Death (while it is still not our friend) is our entry into everlasting life. And we face life in this world with confidence and hope. Christ Jesus, God’s own Son came down, His people to deliver. Destroying sin, He took the crown from death’s pale brow forever: Stripped of power, no more it reigns; an empty form alone remains.
Its sting is lost forever, Alleluia! (Christ Jesus Lay in Death’s Strong Bands, LSB 458)

Rejoicing with you in the hope of the Resurrection!


God’s Peace,

Pastor Mark Schumm

About the Author
Pastor Mark Schumm

Pastor Mark joined the Calvary team in July of 2025. He experienced a nomadic childhood, moving between Indianapolis and Omaha, NE several times before settling in Indiana to attend Purdue University. There he met his wife, Joan. They have one son, John, who lives with his family on the north side of Indianapolis. Pastor worked as a process engineer for ten years in the food and chemical industry before attending Concordia Seminary in St. Louis. He and Joan have served congregations in Tucson, AZ, Madison and Green Bay, WI and Farmington Hills, MI. While not at church Pastor enjoys gardening, tracking down grandchildren at their sporting events and brewing beer.