The 2018 Easter retreat started on the 29th day of March through the 1st day of April 2018, with the THEME ‘’IT IS FINISHED’’. The retreat started off on an exciting mode as brethren rejoiced during the praise and worship session.
The International Director, Pastor Isaac Olori gave the opening talk, expounding the meaning of the prayers Jesus made on the cross and its significance (Luke 23:34, Matthew 27:46, Mark 15:34). He explained that Jesus’ prayer ‘’Father, forgive them for they know not what they do” reaches even to the worse sinner. He said, no one under normal circumstances will pray for his killer in that manner, meaning there is no room for revenge as God’s children. The thief on the cross also benefitted from his mercies.
Speaking further, he said when Jesus declared “It is finished”, that was the summary of Easter. It was a declaration of victory not a cry of defeat. It was an announcement which heaven and earth needed to hear and that the effect of it is continuous, a sense of finality, nothing can be subtracted or added. He added that it was not a sign of resignation but rather He had accomplished everything He came for.
Other excepts of his talk can be found below:
Jesus accomplished His mission on earth and this meant the following;
- He fulfilled everything prophesied concerning him (Acts 3:18, Acts 13:28). If Jesus fulfilled everything about Himself up till death, then He can also fulfill that which concerns us.
- He fulfilled all the sacrifices and ceremonies (Colossians 2:16 -17), hence we do not have to carry out those rigorous sacrifices anymore.
Pastor Isaac Olori, concluded by reminding us that the perfect (Jesus) gave Himself for the imperfect (us). The phrase ‘’IT IS FINISHED’’ means ‘’paid in full’’ in business terms, this means that everything about our sins has been paid in full, we owe Satan nothing (Romans 8:33).
