"A Word From Your Pastor [On Easter]
I can remember the mornings of rising to seek out the little goodies left by the Easter bunny. I must confess to you that there is still a thrill I feel about chomping into a sizable chunk of your basic chocolate chicken. I'm not wanting to deal a death blow to the traditional seek-and-find game of Easter Sunday morning; but I'm concerned that, in the midst of it all, we retain clear vision on the significance of the day.
It is a joyful experience to be part of a congregation among whom Easter is not a climax, but a commencement. It's the dawning or sunrise of God's destined purpose for us that is revealed through Jesus. It declares, 'My destiny is as certain as my Lord's... my security is as firm as His throne... my victory is as certain as His resurrection.' It's a time of resurrection and revelation (an unveiling); the discovering of life made possible through the final work of Jesus our King.
Life begins at Easter and flourishes there... while, for the world, the closest they come to the joy and rejoicing of this season is wrapped up in rabbits, eggs, and chocolate chickens. It might be stretching it a bit, but an egg is a great illustration of Easter, for, in time, it will bring forth into life. The resurrection of our Lord produces life-changing results - the cracking open of the crusty hardness of life and opens men and women up to the touch of our resurrected Lord.
Life begins at Easter and, oh, how that life thrusts us into new and rich direction. To those [of you] visiting with us [here] today, we extend greetings along with a short explanation of things we see springing forth in our midst because He lives:
The miracle of praise (Psalm 100:4)... the doorway to understanding God and His way for us. We spend much time in worship, singing and expressing thanksgiving and extolling the living God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The miracle of truth (John 8:32)... the foundation upon which durable living is built. We give great emphasis to the teaching of the Word of God. The liberating power of the truth makes possible positive hope for life.
The miracle of New Testament love (Ephesians 4:15)... a stark contrast to the traditional ritual or religious practice. Jesus Himself moves among us in love, working His healing, forgiving, fulfilling power through us. Anticipate the resurrection power and the life of Jesus to happen in areas of your life this day.
Pastor Ron"