Amen, Beverly.

Absolutely, Jonathan. Thanks for reading.

Thanks, Zeke. Hope it continues to be helpful to many. Have a great day!

Thanks, Tim.

Thanks for the comment, Colleen. Glad the article could be an encouragement to you.

Hey Ben, thanks for the comment. While I agree with some of the logic behind your comment, I think we need to be careful.

Number one, you're painting with awfully broad strokes and generalizations. I can't obviously comment on what others did this past Sunday from an evangelistic point-of-view any more than you. But I know how we handled the opportunity. We are always looking for evangelistic opportunities and do our best to take advantage of them. My sermon Sunday morning was on "gospel growth." I started with Jesus' statements in John 12:20-33 about his death and glorification. I then went to 1 Corinthians 15 and talked about those things that are of "first importance." I repeatedly emphasized how Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection are the basis for all gospel growth. In other words, I tied our planned subject into whatever preconceived notions visitors might have had and tried to teach the truth. I think that's a very biblical thing to do as you study the approaches of Jesus, Paul, and others.

That being said, I also believe in the importance of being distinctive. We are distinctive in that we don't observe Easter like so many in the religious world. I don't think we should be ashamed of that, but use it as an opportunity to teach the truth. I believe we can do that, and still care very deeply about evangelism.

Hi, Lisa. Thanks for the comment. If I run across any good articles or studies along those lines, I'll certainly pass them along.

While there are undoubtedly some "pre-Christian" traditions that live on, I think the vast majority of people are unaware of those links. I don't personally have a problem with hiding eggs in the backyard for kids to find or bunny decorations throughout one's house. I think most use those and things like them in celebrating Spring, nothing more. And I'm certainly all for families spending quality time together.

But I also think we would agree that there is a big difference between the "pre-Christian" traditions celebrating Spring that live on and the Catholic / Orthodox / Protestant twistings of the significance of Easter. The average Joe might not realize the pagan background of colored eggs, and that's probably OK. But he needs to realize what the Bible does and does not say about the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ. That is, as Paul wrote, of "first importance." We need to be truth-tellers about those facts.

Like I said, if I run across any material that speaks directly to your question, I'll certainly pass it along. Thanks again for your interest!

Hi Gary. Thanks for the comment on this huge issue. It sounds like we agree that the role of the church and the liberties of individual Christians in response to this issue are not the same. I, personally, would have no problem with you (or anyone else) "joining other groups of like-minded individuals and adding your voice to theirs so that our leaders understand that God's laws are important to us."

That being said, I think we must simply and consistently remind ourselves that above all, we serve King Jesus, whose kingdom is not of this world. That allegiance, above and beyond all others, must shape our thinking, actions, and speech. That was my primary concern in the Scripture references above.

Thanks again for reading and commenting!

Hey Stephen. In the past, I've used:

- You Version = <a href="http://www.youversion.com" target="_blank">http://www.youversion.com
- Logos = <a href="http://www.logos.com/iphone" target="_blank">http://www.logos.com/iphone
- OliveTree = <a href="http://www.olivetree.com/iphone/" target="_blank">http://www.olivetree.com/iphone/

So far in the "tinkering" process, the ESV app seems a little more user-friendly and a little easier on the eyes to read...at least on my eyes.

You have a favorite?

Thanks, Phillip. And "Amen," Nathan.