HOPE is helping churches to make Jesus known this Easter with a new book, a short video and an explorers course.
Who Do You Say I Am? has been produced in response to the fact that four in ten UK adults do not believe Jesus was a real person (talkingjesus.org).
The large-format, illustrated paperback and the accompanying 4-minute film explore the question Jesus asked 2,000 years ago: Who Do You Say I Am?
The book takes readers on a journey of discovery with interviews, testimonies and quotes from the eye-witness accounts in the Gospels.
Author Catherine Butcher, HOPEs Communications Director, said: "I wrote assuming that readers will have little or no knowledge of the Bible, the evidence for the resurrection, or the impact Jesus resurrection can have in our lives today. My hope and prayer is that Christians will use the book as part of a conversation with their friends or family members, as they explore who Jesus is and what it means to follow him."
My hope and prayer is that Christians will use the book as part of a conversation with their friends or family members, as they explore who Jesus is and what it means to follow him.
The short film includes interviews with astrophysicist and theologian Revd Professor David Wilkinson, the new Principal of London School of Theology Revd Dr Calvin Samuel, and art historian Dr Helen Rufus-Ward, alongside footage shot in the Middle East in the places Jesus lived. Produced by CV, the film can be easily downloaded for churches to use in Easter guest-services.
The course, Life Explored, is a seven-session series featuring a combination of short films shot around the world, produced by Christianity Explored Ministries. Life Explored asks the question What makes you happy? and points to Jesus as the one person who can satisfy our deepest desires for happiness. HOPE is making three of the sessions available free to churches as a follow-up to Easter guest services. Download the sessions free
.HOPEs executive director Roy Crowne, said: "Show the film at your Easter guest service. Give the book as a gift, then invite guests to the Life Explored course.
"We need to be intentional about talking about Jesus and putting our faith into action. The dream is to see the church grow as God opens doors for the Gospel message."
HOPEs Easter plans are part of preparations for 2018 when HOPE is bringing churches of all denominations together to make Jesus known in villages, towns and cities. Easter is part of a rhythm of mission through the church calendar: Easter, Summer Fun Days, Harvest and Christmas seasonal opportunities to make Jesus known.
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