In a world dominated by acting, fantasy and photo editing; the real me can be difficult to know. In many cases that is precisely what we want because the real me is not very nice.

Do you find yourself fighting desperately to have a good attitude? Does true love seem like a fleeting thought from days gone by? Are you constantly pretending to be civil? All of these are realities of our sinful, fallen, human nature. Much effort, energy and money are invested in trying to reform these depressing and negative behaviors. Is there really any hope of lasting healing and change? Is the “Power of the Resurrection” real?

The power of the resurrection is not a positive thought we repeat, a favorite memory verse or a ticket we purchase. It is not merely attending a church service, going to a Christian school or being kind to your neighbors. The power of the resurrection does come at a tremendous sacrifice, it involves a great exchange and requires raw humility. Experiencing the power of the resurrection requires death.

The willing death of Jesus the Christ on the cross at Calvary provided the opportunity for the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ to raise Him from the dead. The death of our selfish, willful heart is required to be spiritually alive, or born again. New birth shines light into our dark cold hearts. In this new birth our sins are forgiven and the very Spirit of God enters us. He heals and changes the very core of who we are. All across this great town of Farmville, lives are being changed by the redemptive power of the gospel. The simple message of faith in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins. Lives changed by a reformation of the heart, where only God can cleanse and wash.

My wife Sherri and I are so blessed to serve alongside some very special ministry leaders in this wonderful town. On behalf of all the ministers of the Lord Jesus Christ serving in our schools, prisons, pregnancy centers, hospitals and churches; we encourage you to join us on the “Road to The Resurrection” as we prepare to celebrate the greatest event in human history, the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ!

MARV FISHER is the pastor at Calvary Chapel Farmville and chairman of the Farmville Area Ministers Association. He can be reached at pastor@ccfarmville.org.