Friday, April 22, 2011

Sunday's Coming!

There is a famous sermon entitled, “It’s Friday, But Sunday’s Coming.” The Sermon points out that the cross Jesus endured on Good Friday looks like a loss at first appearances. Because the suffering of Christ’s cross looks like a loss, it is always important to remember that the victory of Resurrection Sunday is coming.

Today, Christians are remembering what Jesus gave on the cross. The Son of God suffered and was crucified for the sins of the world. His disciples were scattered, Roman soldiers mocked Him, He died, and was buried in a borrowed tomb. It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.

This Sunday morning is Easter and we at Faith Center will celebrate that the loss of Good Friday could not hold Jesus. The death and embarrassment of Friday was a part of Jesus’ resurrection game plan. On Sunday morning, Jesus rose from the dead as victor over sin and death. Because of that victory, we are not bound by sin and death. Because of that freedom, we celebrate. Jesus is alive and at work in the world. Jesus is Lord of all! Hallelujah!

Join us in celebrating this Easter Sunday. We will hold services at 9:00a and 10:45a. And, please remember: It’s Friday, but Sunday is coming!

Enjoying Sacrifice

Good morning and Happy Easter! It is such a blessing to have you be part of our worship services this morning. Today, we celebrate the fact that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, rose from the dead. Because of that resurrection, Jesus Christ is risen, alive, and Lord every day.

In preparation for this celebration, we have been fasting as a church family. We’ve given up small comforts like coffee or sweets to remind ourselves of our need for Jesus and His sacrifice on the cross. This morning, we break that fast as a celebration of His resurrection and Lordship.

Because Jesus defeated sin and death in His resurrection, He is Lord of everything – even the small comforts we have been fasting. With Jesus’ Lordship in mind, we hold the things we have been fasting in proper perspective. Coffee is not Lord, Jesus is Lord. Sweets are not Lord, Jesus is Lord. The things we have been fasting (coffee, sweets, et cetera) are blessings the true Lord has given to us to enjoy.

This Easter, as we declare Jesus as Lord, enjoy the things you have been fasting as a part of your celebration. Let the joy you find in a well-prepared cup of coffee or fun dessert remind you of every blessing the Lord has given you. In His resurrection, Jesus has given us freedom and in that freedom we celebrate. Knowing that Jesus is Lord, find joy in all of the things you have devoted to Him.