The Name Death Could Not Hold

Christ is risen! Happy Easter!

I'd hoped to be writing this from a château in Normandy today, at the celebrations of the centenary of the Apostolic Church in France. However, in the Lord’s good providence, injury has prevented me from going anywhere further than I can hobble a few steps at a time. Some Belgian and Scottish friends who are there to preach this weekend though have sent me some pictures of the book launch for the first volume of the French translation of Apostolic Theology though, so that has added to the joy! (None of my English books have ever had a book launch!) 

The translation has been a huge project undertaken by the Apostolic Church in Belgium and France and the publishing house of the French and Swiss Apostolic Churches, Éditions Foi et Victoire. It’s been a huge investment of time and energy, and I’m very thankful for those who have driven the project and taken part in it. The Belgians are now raising money distribute it in the francophone countries of Africa. 

On this side of the Channel, our church in Sunnyhill (in Poole in Dorset) released a hymn for the glory of Good Friday and the victory of Easter Sunday. I really love it and have been listening to it on repeat through the weekend. Here are a few of the verses:

There is a name that climbed the cross

To pay my debt, this was the cost.

A name of love, mercy and grace;

A name that died to take my place.

There is a name death could not hold,

A name that caused the stone to roll,

A name that sets the captive free,

A name that stands in victory. 

And, of course, as the chorus tells us, this name is glorious name of Jesus. Here's the lyric video, but you can find the links for it on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music and iTunes via Sunnyhill here.

Anyway, enjoy the rest of your Easter Week!

Christ is risen. Jesus is alive. And the risen Jesus is saving people!