We are moving our Christian worldview study Thinking Like a Christian to Wednesday nights 7pm at the church. This best fits our fast-changing whacky schedules; we may move it back to Thursdays later in the summer but for now Wednesday night is the night. Our next section to study is on Psychology so come ready to psychoanalyze the pastor (scary thought).

It takes a cross to gain a crown: Easter 2015

Receiving the outcome of your faith the salvation of your souls (1 Peter 1:9)
The consummation of faith is salvation. Salvation is possible only because of the cross of Christ. Victor in this life and in eternal life is possible because of the resurrection.
The cross is necessary because of sin. Resurrection is necessary because of the triumph of righteousness over sin.
The only path to victory is through the cross and the empty tomb; they go together and cannot be separated in our Christian experience. It takes one to receive the other; therefore we will suffer in this life.
We are now currently receiving (before our full inheritance) the “end of our faith’” that is, the goal or culmination of our faith. As we grow in faith we begin to gain a sense of the timelessness of our salvation: the past, the present and the future start to blend together in the glory and the blessing that salvation brings.
Each day brings us closer to the final realization of what salvation will bring. Each trial gives us more faith which gives us more joy and hope that is becoming more like our full inheritance. Therefore we begin to welcome trial so we can experience more of the benefits of our salvation today. All of this is certainly cause for “inexpressible joy.”
What the resurrection means:
·         The priceless emotion of hope
·         A protection and shield in persecution
·         Daily joy under pressure
·         Growing in trial, not shrinking or regressing
·         A joyful soul
·         The final culmination of our faith in joy and glory
 
It is not just this life, is it? Is this all there is?
No; there is “more to come”

More that is glorious and wonderful beyond our wildest dreams

The good stories of hope and heroes and “ever after” are true; dare we believe them?
 

We know this because of the resurrection

Therefore we live - in hope, in faith, in love and in joy
Have a joyous Easter!