Death Became Us, Life Becomes Us

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be a zombie? To die and then come back to life? What would that be like? What got me to ask myself these questions is the story of Lazarus. Now he wouldn’t really be considered a zombie, but technically he was. He died and 4 days later was raised from the dead.

The main question that keeps brewing in my head is “How would Lazarus live his life after his resurrection”? Would he dig up his savings account out of the field and buy a new donkey so that he could do the traveling he’s always wanted to do? What about trying all the things he never got around to doing in his previous life? Or would he find a wife and start a family?

If you think about it; we as Christ follower’s are all zombies. A breed of zombies that don’t hunger for flesh but for the Spirit. We were raised from the death of sin and made alive in Christ. “But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.” -Ephesians 2:4-5. We are all given a “second chance” at life when we hand it over to Christ. No longer are we dead! As Dora the Explorer would say it “Can you say “Celebrate”? Very Good!” I fully believe that when Lazarus came out of that tomb; the very first thing he did was rejoice and praise his Lord and Savior. If his faith wasn’t very strong before, it would be powerful now.

God can do some amazing things in our lives if we just let Him. For me, it was the scare of cancer that pushed me over the edge. My faith became real and is continually growing inside of me. There is no regrets, only dedication. He is my life because before Him I didn’t have one. We’re alive, every breath is new, every heartbeat is precious, every sight and sound is breathtaking. We live. Now live like it.

Interview with a Zombie!?

RevoMag: What’s your name?

Zombie: Auhhh…

RevoMag: So, Auhhh… what’s your favorite color?

Zombie: Brains…

RevoMag: Interesting… do you have any hobbies?

Zombie: Braains…

RevoMag: I see… Do you live near by?

Zombie: BRaAINSs!

RevoMag: I’m starting to think that is all you can say or that you have a serious problem with obsession… WHAT are you doing? Uh..should you be breaking out of those chains!? Your making me a little nervous Mr. Zombie. DON’T COME ANY CLOSER! I’M WARNING YOU! IF YOU TAKE ONE MORE STEP I’M GOING TO HAVE TO CALL THE AUTHORI…….

(10 minutes later…)

Zombie: Good afternoon, RevoMag, I’m afraid the last journalist is currently indisposed at the moment and I will be taking her spot.

So, madam, do you remember anything?

Madam: Auhhh…

Zombie: Good.

One of the Greatest Things

Cassie with two of her children, Alex and Zoe

One of the Greatest Things
by Cassie Riley

There have been many amazing things that I have been able to be a part of during the course of my life; events that have truly taken my breath away and moments that will last in my memory for a lifetime. I have a top ten list of these wonderful things, and included in that list is my ministry. I remember the day that God began to tug on my heart about leading the kid’s ministry for Revolution Church. It was a bit scary to think that God wanted ME to work with children. I can also remember thinking, “No can do, God. You must have the wrong person.” But none the less, I answered His call and Kidopolis is truly one of the greatest things that happened to me. Without it, I don’t think that I would be complete.

You’re probably thinking I must be out of my mind, but I assure you that I am not. I simply discovered the person God designed me to be. Every week I look forward to teaching the kids about Jesus. Each day my mind is filled with thoughts about how to make the ministry even better. I desire in my heart of hearts that children enter into a lasting relationship with Christ. This is not an easy task, but it is so worth the effort. It can be very intense sometimes, and yet I find that because I am serving in the capacity that God designed me for I am energized and eager to serve each week. So my question for you is, “Are you serving in your energy zone for Jesus?” “Are you listening to His call?” If not, you’re missing out on one of the greatest things in your life.

1 Corinthians 12:4-6 “There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work.”

What’s Orange Leaf?

What’s Orange Leaf?
By Shea Clark

Recently I was introduced to a magical place called Orange Leaf; a self-serve yogurt parlor. When you go in, you will notice 1) it’s always busy 2) there is a beautiful wall with self-serve yogurt machines in them that any sweets lover will drool over 3) they have awesome toppings including kiwi, strawberry, candy, and brownie that you put on as much as you like 4) the prices are amazing 5) while enjoying your new love you realize that all the songs playing are Christian. After realizing this, my husband decided to find out if this is a Christian company and the answer is no, but the owners and the managers are. So they decided to play all Christian music. You can find this Orange Leaf on the corner of Tyler and 21st street in Wichita next to the Warren Theatre in that area with the new world’s largest IMAX opening in the near future. So be sure to check out my new regular must-stop if you are ever in the Wichita area. Also here’s a fair warning: you will always self-serve yourself more than you realize.

History of Easter Symbols

History of Easter Symbols

By: Destry Jackson

That most famous symbol of Easter, the Easter bunny, originated in the German province of Alsace during the time when the Holy Roman Empire still controlled the area.  In German, the Easter bunny is called the Osterhase, and is the Easter counterpart of Santa Claus at Christmas.  The Easter bunny arrives at the houses of little children on the night before Easter, and leaves little baskets of candy and colored eggs for the little ones.  The baskets are always hidden in certain areas of the house, ranging from the kitchen to the parlor.  It was considered a great treat for the children to go and find the Easter baskets first thing in the morning on Easter.  The first edible Easter eggs were made in Germany in the 19th century, usually made of sugar and pastry.  Also, one of the reasons that the bunny was chosen the symbol of Easter is that Easter is in the early spring.  In the early spring, rabbits are known to go a little ‘mad’ as they start their main mating season. This is the origin for the old saying “mad as a March hare.” There are a few reasons for the Easter eggs dyed with bright colors.  In the earlier Catholic Church, people were not allowed to eat eggs during the Lent season, so Easter was the first day that they were allowed to eat eggs again.  Many of the people would dye the eggs in order to remind themselves of the sacrifice of Christ and his resurrection on Easter morning.  Especially in the Eastern Orthodox Church, the colors of bright red and green were the most popular.   Red stands for the blood Jesus shed for us on the cross, and green stands for the new life in Christ and the new life in the earth at the beginning of spring.  Eggs also are ancient symbols of fertility and the new life of the earth at the beginning of spring. When celebrating Easter with your families this year, just give a thought or two to the reasons why we have the symbols connected with Easter.  Many people have asked why we have the Easter bunny and Easter eggs.  Well, now you know why.  Have a great Easter and God bless!!!