By Chipo Martha Bute
In his 2021 Easter messages Bishop Mutendi emphasised the salvation that Jesus Christ gave through his death on the cross, calling this access to divinity that humanity was granted.
He explained that back in Christ’s time on earth, Zion was a preserve for the children of Israel who, ironically, did not accept him as their Saviour.
Had it not been for his death and resurrection, which birthed Christianity, the world would still be captive to sin and iniquities.
Through Christ’s death and resurrection men could now partake in the divine favour of everlasting joy and salvation, the Bishop taught.
He also spoke on God’s boundless love as read in Luke 4 vs. 18, saying through the cross Jesus manifested immense love.
“Christ was spotless, yet he took upon himself the burden of sin.
“He had to fulfill his special mission of granting people access to salvation, holiness, and blessings through experiencing heartbreaking grief, death and resurrection,” Bishop Mutendi explained.
He is the sacrificial lamb who amid suffering remained loyal, obedient, and humble, the Bishop added.
By doing this, Christ the Lord granted us access to things our hearts desire, but only if we ask in his name, he explained.
The Bishop urged Christians at large to reciprocate this love and to be sincere in doing God’s will.
A heart that receives Christ should despise sin and delight in good deeds, advised the Man of God.
Talking about Judas Iscariot, who was consumed by guilt and eventually committed suicide, he advised church members to handle anxiety carefully, no matter how dreadful our sins appear.
We must always turn to Christ, who can save fallen souls. His love surpasses even that of a mother’s sympathy for a wayward child, he added.
The Easter services were held from 28 March to 4 April with church members in different parts of the world gathering in small groups, in compliance with Covid-19 protocols.