Hello FBC!
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. (Colossians 3:1-3)
Notice in this amazing passage our union with Jesus Christ! As we reflect on the events of the “passion week”, we are especially focused on Jesus’s death on the cross, and resurrection from the dead. And rightly so! These two major events are the foundation of the gospel message we believe and proclaim. But isn’t it incredible that here in Colossians, Paul reminds us that not only did Jesus die, but so did we! If we are His disciples, His followers, then we too have died. We died to our old sinful nature. We died to our old way of life. We died to ourselves. And now (isn’t this marvelous?), our life is not our own, but our “life is hidden with Christ in God.” And not only that, but just as Christ has been raised, so have we! We read about that in many other places in Scripture. But in this passage Paul uses that truth as the basis for his statement, “seek the things that are above.” It is because of our new (resurrected) life in Christ that we are called to become heavenly-minded instead of earthly-minded. May this week be a time when we take this message to heart!
Tomorrow night (Friday) is Experience Easter! Thank you for helping, for giving, for praying, and for inviting! Please pray that last-minute details come together. Pray for a great response from the people of our community. If you’d like to help with decorating that will begin at 9am tomorrow.
3 Days to Easter Sunday! The message will be from Psalm 24, entitled “Who Is This King of Glory?” It would be great to read that in preparation for this Sunday. If you want a little extra, read also the two chapters prior, Ps. 22 & 23. Those three Psalms actually tie together quite well. Last night I prayed that all of our regular attenders would have a very meaningful Easter Sunday. We often think a lot about all of the guests who will be here for Easter, but I want you all to know I haven’t forgotten you! I’m still praying for you by name this week, that God will bless you in a great and powerful way. But of course we will have a number of guests who don’t usually attend. So please continue to pray for the Holy Spirit to be convicting people’s hearts, and for the power of His Word to impact lives.
Remember that there will be two services, 9:00 and 11:00. I look forward to seeing you at one of them! I’m thankful for everyone who is involved in making this weekend a tremendous time of ministry to our community! I’m excited about what the Lord will do in our midst! Keep praying!
Raised with Christ, seeking the things above…
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael