Easter Weekend 2026

Dear Northway Church,

Roughly twenty years ago, I picked up a copy of Newsweek magazine—back when people actually read words printed on paper. I bought that particular issue because the cover featured an artist’s sketch of Jesus standing outside the empty tomb, with a bold question plastered across the bottom: “Do you have to believe in the resurrection to be a Christian?”

The article inside included quotes from scholars who had concluded that the resurrection of Jesus never happened. They still identified as Christians, but rejected a literal resurrection. Instead, they embraced a metaphorical view—something like, “Jesus lives on in our hearts and minds.”

After reading the article, I let that question linger: Is it possible to be a follower of Christ and not believe in the resurrection?

I believe that salvation is by grace alone, and that becoming a follower of Christ requires confessing our sin and trusting in Jesus as Lord. But is it possible to confess Jesus as Lord while denying his resurrection?

I didn’t wrestle with that question for long, because Scripture gives us a clear answer. In Romans, Paul writes: “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” (Romans 10:9)

Why does Paul include belief in the resurrection as essential? Doesn’t he teach salvation by grace alone, apart from adherence to specific beliefs?

Paul’s words do not compromise salvation by grace—they clarify it. Salvation is by grace through faith alone, but it must be faith in the right person.

Faith in a Jesus who was merely a good man, a moral teacher, or an inspiring example is not faith in the Jesus of the Bible. If we follow a version of Jesus who is simply a better version of ourselves, but not the Son of God who died and rose again, then we are not following the real Jesus.

You cannot separate Christianity from the resurrection. It is not an optional belief; it is central to who Jesus is and what he accomplished.

This weekend, we will continue our apologetics series as we both celebrate and examine the evidence for the resurrection of Jesus.

Please remember the four opportunities for worship:

• Saturday at 6:00 PM

• Sunday at 9:00 AM and 10:30 AM

• Rescue Mission service at 10:40 AM

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If possible, consider attending the Saturday evening or Rescue Mission services to help make room in our more crowded Sunday gatherings.

I look forward to worshiping with you this weekend as we celebrate the One who has defeated death!

Your Pastor, Kevin