Why Jesus came to us?

In our communion liturgy as we consecrate the elements, we say: "Take and drink, this is the new testament of my blood, shed for the forgiveness of all your sins..."

What is new here?

The old testament, or covenant, required the spilling of blood.  Sacrifices were required and blood was shed for the sins of the people.

When Jesus met with His disciples on the Thursday night of what we call Holy Week, Jesus institued a new testament or covenant.  It also required the spilling of blood.  But it would not be the blood of lambs and other animals.  It would be His blood! Jesus would be the once and for all time sacrifice, sufficient to cover the sins of the whole world. 

Jane Fryer captures this idea in the "Today's Light Bible," when she writes, He (Jesus) had to come to us; we could not go to Him.  The old covenant wasn't flawed, we were.  We could not keep God's commandments.  We could not even want to do that.  (page 1671).

So, carrying out the will of His Father, Jesus came down to us from heaven, lived the perfect life we could not and did not want to live, suffered for our sins on the altar of the cross, paid in full for our redemption, and opened the gates of heaven to all who would believe in His one atoning sacrifice.

Makes you want to celebrate Easter that much more, right?

The Fruit of the Spirit

In 1988 our family moved from Mesa to Missouri.  Like any move there are always adjustments to make.  But we didn't realize just how much we would miss fresh oranges.  Fortunately, Sherri's Aunt Jean came to the rescue.

Arriving at our doorstep each December would be a full box of fresh Arizona oranges.  For days afterward the only sound you would hear around our house was, "Mmmmm goooood!" The oranges were a delicious treasure.  Aunt Jean's gift was a blessing beyond compare.

When you arrive at the doorstep of a sick friend to provide a meal; when you stand at the doorstep of a troubled friend to offer compassion and help; when you stand at the doorstep of a mourning friend to give comfort and love, you are demonstrating the fruit of the Christian faith that the Holy Spirit produces in and through us.  God uses you to be a blessing beyond compare to others.  And your faith is the Lord is nurtured as you trust more and more in your Savior God for forgiveness, new life in Christ, and salvation.

Galatians 5:22-23 reads: But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.  Turn to the Lord and pray, "Lord Jesus, by Your Spirit, create in me fruit of faith so that I might be a blessing beyond compare to others.  Amen."

A prayer to Jesus

My Lord Jesus, You are the first fruits of those who fall asleep, the first God raised from the dead.  You are the first flower on the tree of a new life.  And You have made us shoots on that tree so that we, too, will blossom like You.

Bo Giertz, "To Live With Christ," page 296

Still celebrating!

The Easter lillies have been taken down but the Easter celebration goes on at Life in Christ.  On the second Sunday of Easter we read of Jesus suddenly appearing before the frightened disciples as they gathered behind locked doors.  Jesus greets the disciples with the words, "Peace be with you."  But there is one disciple who won't be at peace until he sees and inspects Jesus himself.

Come and learn more - today at 5 pm or tomorrow at 8, 9:30 and 11 am.  The 8 and 11 am services include traditional hymns; the 9:30 service features modern Christian songs.  All services are built around the liturgy, God's Holy Word.

Join us this weekend and be a part of our continuing Easter celebration!

The bored meeting

After a long, dry sermon, the minister announced that he wished to meet with the church board following the close of the service.
The first man to arrive and greet the minister was a total stranger.
"You misunderstood my announcement. This is a meeting of the board members," explained the minister.
"I know," said the man, "but if there is anyone here more bored than I am, then I'd like to meet him."

From "Cybersalt" website

One surprise about life

Sometimes what we think we need isn't what we need at all, and what gets thrown in for good measure is that which fills our hearts,

Phillip Gulley, "Home to Harmony," page 16

TBT - A Word to Parents

From Apirl 27, 2012

As parents and grandparents we should never underestimate the influence we have upon our children and grandchildren.  They watch us carefully.  Our words soak deeply into their heads and hearts.  Studies indicate that even our teens watch and listen to us, yes, even when it seems that they have tuned us out.  Our example matters!

I don't know who penned the poetry below but the message is one worth pondering:

To hear my child at prayer, what a thrill it is to me!
There's a sweetness in the moment, as he speaks on bended knee.
And yet my heart is smitten, at this touching moment I see,
Has his faith and trust in prayer, depended much on me?

As I see him fold his hands, and bow his head to pray,
I trust he'll always love the Lord, the way he does today.
Then I hear a voice within me, speak in solemn words and true, 
How he lives a life of prayer, depends a lot on you.

So I kneel next to my bed, and lay my hand upon him,
After he has voiced his prayer, I add my own petition
May my son recall one day, that his father daily raised,
His voice to thank the Lord, and make the sacrifice of praise!

Dads and Moms, do you think much about the example you are setting for your kids? Do they see you in prayer? Do they find you reading your Bible? The next time you are tempted to "veg out" in from of the TV, try something different.  Gather the kids together and tell stories.  Talk about a favorite family vacation.  Share the funny story you heard.  Read Bible stories to your kids.  Tell them what Jesus means to you.  Share your faith in God and encourage your kids in their walk of faith.  Most of all, ask the Lord to fill you with His Spirit and His love so that you might always be that Godly example that your kids and grandkids need to see.