Wild Rides
Good Wednesday to you,
Are you a rollercoaster fan? Well, hang on tightly because life is one big rollercoaster ride. It is filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, and it's totally unpredictable. While some folks like to ride rollercoasters with their hands waving up in the air, we all need something to hang onto for life’s ride. I highly recommend hanging on to faith in Jesus Christ.
This past week we looked at the first 12 verses of Hebrews 6 in light of Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem. Those early followers of Jesus were on the "rollercoaster ride" of their lives. They watched (and listened) as Jesus healed, restored and provided for thousands during His earthly ministry. While they cheered when He entered Jerusalem, they would be jeering less than a week later. Many people, who started on the journey of faith with Jesus, peeled off when the teachings about forgiveness, praying for enemies, service and sacrifice began to emerge in Jesus' teaching. The author of Hebrews suggests that it is impossible for those who came so close to ever come back to a right relationship with God. Fortunately, what is impossible for human beings is not impossible for God! (Matthew 19:26).
Given a solid foundation and a strong community, we can hang on in spite of what we see going on around us. God has promised to never leave us or forsake us, and nothing can separate us from God’s love that is ours in Christ Jesus.
We have entered "Holy Week," or "Passion Week," which is one of our "High Holy" times in the Church. This final week of Jesus' earthly ministry grieves us (because of the inhumanity of humans), but also gives us great hope. Tomorrow at 7:00 p.m., we will hold a Maundy Thursday service, reflecting on the sacrifice and service Jesus offered on our behalf. Please feel free to join us in-person or via the live stream. Remember to gather your elements, since we will also share communion with one another. It is an important event in the life of Jesus. We do well to remember the day prior to celebrating the Resurrection of Jesus come Sunday.
We will gather (in-person and online) on Sunday, looking at Hebrews 6:13-20 – the certainty of God's promise to us. "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure!" (Hebrews 6:19a).
Our first service (at 9:00 a.m.) has been growing faster than our second service (at 10:30 a.m.). While I do not anticipate filling the sanctuary at either service, I do expect larger crowds come Sunday. If you are able to attend the 10:30 a.m. service, I would appreciate it.
As always, I am grateful for all your prayers and support. Regardless of where you find yourself on Sunday, I pray you have a blessed Easter celebration with loved ones.
Grace and peace,
Pastor David
If you missed this Sunday’s sermon, click here to listen now.
