He Lives!!
He is Risen! He is Risen indeed!! What an incredible Easter Sunday! It was such a joy seeing so many folks. Meeting new people including children. The Worship service was powerful as we Celebrated Resurrection Sunday! Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make it such a special day. And for those who weren't able to make it, please know you were greatly missed. It is my prayer, personally and for our Church Family, that we take this positive, loving spirit that we felt on Easter Sunday and share it with our friends and neighbors. The Resurrection is really the starting point. Now we are to live, love, and share - just like our risen Savior!
Did you know that over 500 people saw Jesus after the Resurrection. He is alive! And we can have life with purpose and meaning because of Him. Everything that Jesus went through was for you and me. The arrest, the mock trial, the beating, leading up to Jesus dying on the cross for our sins. He became the sacrificial Lamb that took away our sin. We read in John 1:29, what John the Baptist says when he sees Jesus.
"The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look , the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!"
Jesus' death on the cross was brutal and painful. He died, paying the price, for the forgiveness of our sins. Our slate is clean because of Him! Hallelujah! What a Savior! But let us not stop at The Cross. The price has been paid. And He, through the Resurrection on that third day, gives us Life! Life that is eternal and life that is present - with purpose and meaning! But here is the thing. God does not force us to accept this gift of forgiveness, salvation, and life. It is a gift. His gift to us! But He is not going to force it on us. Instead, he lets us decide. However, He chose us. And His desire is for us to choose Him. It is my prayer that we all accept this incredible Gift of not just life, but The Life - Life in Christ! He LIves! And HIs desire is for us to Live through Him as well. Just like the old hymn says...
I serve a risen Saviour, He's in the world today
I know that He is living, whatever men may say
I see His hand of mercy, I hear His voice of cheer
And just the time I need Him He's always near
In all the world around me I see His loving care
And though my heart grows weary I never will despair
I know that He is leading, through all the stormy blast
The day of His appearing will come at last
Rejoice, rejoice, O Christian Lift up your voice and sing
Eternal hallelujahs to Jesus Christ, the King
The Hope of all who seek Him, the Help of all who find
None other is so loving, so good and kind
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life's narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart
So rejoice, and lift up your voice and sing...Let the whole world know that Jesus Lives! And you know because He lives within your heart! Hallelujah! What a Savior!! Now LIVE!
God is doing great things at FCC. It is so exciting. It is our goal to include monthly, and quarterly, "FCC Ministry Metrics". Our first ones are listed below. Thank you Lord! We give You Praise! Sunday morning we will look at one of the most exciting encounters that took place in the Bible after Jesus' resurrection. Let's keep the momentum going as we come together to worship and praise our Risen Saviour! I hope to see you on Sunday. And Always Remember...
You ARE Loved!
Pastor Lonnie
"More in '24"
(You can reach Pastor Lonnie by calling or text 615-496-2502 or send an email to lonniecastle@gmail.com)