"He Ascended"

Just 50 years ago, Time Magazine released its weekly issue with its most iconic cover, posing the question, "Is God Dead?" The first disciples were asking this same question when they saw their Lord die by way of Roman Crucifixion, but now it is the testimony of Christians everywhere that, not only did the God-Man rise from his grave, but He is alive even now in Heaven as we await His sure return. Why does the eternal life of Christ matter, and what are the consequences if Jesus is not presently alive?