Happy Easter from the Dr's Johnson & Pastor Sam

There have been many wonderful steps in my journey but serving as an ETBU 'Visiting Professor' this year has certainly been one of the best. When on this gorgeous campus 4 days each week I am fortunate to office in Scarborough Hall, where I find myself sandwiched between the offices of two dear scholars - Professors Rick and Warren Johnson - or, as I prefer to call them, "The Dr's Johnson."

Now Rick (on my right, and best known as "Slick Rick") is my junior by 2 years - and I take especial delight in informing my students that he is so old that he was my Old Testament professor when I was at seminary. And this is true! And Warren (on my left) is my junior of about 9 years, and I take equal delight discussing with him such complex things as Pauline authorship of New Testament letters and texts, as well as thoughts on which Beatle's Album represents the Liverpool quartet at their best.

But, and this is my point, the most amazing thing about these two scholars is not their relationship to me, the Beatles, or their thoughts on the Old Testament or the Apostle Paul, but their acceptance and love of me and all others, as well as their faithful call to their profession. East Texas Baptist University is fortunate to have such as these two - examples of persons possessing of Christian character, which I have found marvelously evident campus-wide. They, like all who serve here, have made me feel at home. And...I do! This 'city boy' come to the country has found here a setting where Christian scholarship and untiring commitment at readying students toward true 'Kingdom Purpose' still exists. And... it has been an absolutely wonderful experience for me.
In Chapel Worship on Wednesday of this week, our Provost and University Vice President, Dr. Tommy Sanders, reminded us of what this week really means. "Christ is Risen," he said. "The God of the Universe has stepped from heaven to earth offering himself - His blood - as our sacrifice."  "And, more, to set in us an eternal hope by conquering providing us life."  For... "He is Alive and coming again!"

After reminding us of all this, Dr. Sanders next taught us 2 Greek words, then required we turn to our neighbors to speak them - Christos Anesti. He next taught us the appropriate reply. Our response in Greek was to be - Alithos Anesti!  Then explained that these words translate simply as, "He is Risen" and "He is Risen Indeed."  For surely, Tommy finally declared, "He has."

As I thought about this and listened to these 1100 or so young adults echoing that which for centuries has inspired millions of faithful gone before, I could nothing less than simply rejoice. For Tommy was right. Christ is risen. For you, for me, and for all who would receive Him. People just like the Dr's Johnson and me.

For, it is true -

Christos Anesti - indeed!