A Book About Jesus

A pastor led a Bible study for some new people in his congregation. The church had sponsored a group of Laotian immigrants and was helping them make the U.S. their home. These folks had been attending his church, but didn’t know much about the Christian faith. The pastor aimed to teach his new friends foundational Christian principles through the study.


One week, they read a passage about Jesus calming a big storm. The pastor began to interpret the scripture for the new attendees. He described how Jesus calms the figurative storms of life. He described how Jesus eases the challenges that arise in relationships and finances and careers. His Laotian friends gave him a blank look.

After an awkward pause, one of the students asked, “Do you mean that Jesus actually calmed the wind and sea in the middle of a storm?" The pastor thought the Laotians doubted the miracle. He insisted that they not focus on the particularities of the story, but see how Jesus might help them during hard times. They gave him another blank look.

Another student interrupted the silence. She said, "Well, if Jesus calmed the wind and the waves, he must be a powerful man!" The group of students nodded the heads excitedly and began talking with one another in Laotian. They were struck with the wonder of Jesus’ character.

The pastor realized that, in trying to teach the foundations of the faith, he had forgotten one of its most foundational principles: the Bible is about Jesus. The Bible isn’t as much about our lives as it is about Jesus. The pastor realized his friends understood the scripture better than he did.

As you go through this week, hold onto the most foundational point of the Bible: Jesus. As you read the scriptures, you will see His incredible character revealed in a lot of different ways. Before you begin to interpret what He means for your life, simply get to know Him and His power.

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.