I love reading the Resurrection accounts in the Gospels. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit each of the Gospel writers lends more light and insight to the phenomenal event of Jesus defeating sin, death and Satan on Easter morning. I love the words of Jesus where he says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26 The resurrected Jesus Christ is revealing Himself in Iran today. How could this be? Because Jesus rose from the dead and is presently alive at the right hand of the Father the Holy Spirit is doing Christ’s revealing work in Iran. Through the internet, cable television and word of mouth the Gospel is being preached in Iran and revival is happening. People behind the bars of an oppressive Islamic regime are experiencing the liberating power of freedom in Christ. They are experiencing the love of Christ rather then the bondage of Islam. The Heavenly Father is reconciling the world to Himself in Christ. These are exciting days to be alive. I was thrilled to read of revival breaking out at Asbury College a few weeks ago. I have read similar reports from other campuses around the country. Amidst the turmoil and chaos of our world the Holy Spirit is touching hungry hearts. On Easter Sunday we will focus on Luke 24. I find the words of the angels at the open tomb striking. “Why do you look for the living among the dead?” Luke 24:5 This statement addresses the folly of the human heart which seeks for life where there is none. Solomon gave us the book of Ecclesiastes to remind us there is no life in any earthly attainments, accomplishments or pursuits. There is only life in knowing, obeying and following God. “Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter; Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind.” Ecclesiastes 12:13 All of Solomon’s riches, fame, power, pleasure and prestige only deepened his despair. His emptiness pushed him back to knowing God. Like the ancient writer Augustine said, “there is a hole in the human heart that only God can fill.” We pursue many things in life. There was a catchy old country western song that said, “looking for love in all the wrong places”. That is a telling commentary that is similar to the angels words at the empty tomb. “why are you looking for the living among the dead?” Whatever you are looking for in life the answer is ONLY in the Risen Lord Jesus Christ. The reality of that Risen Christ is being experienced by thousands in Iran today.
We will celebrate our Risen Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday. Come join us. The Good Friday Communion Service will be at 6pm. The Sunrise Service is at 6:30am on Easter Sunday at Rockside Ranch. There will be no Sunday School on Sunday. Easter Celebration is at 10am. We have six people getting baptized on Sunday. There is room for more. Call the church office (467-3715) if you would like to be baptized in water. I will close with this prayer request. I tested positive for COVID yesterday. I will be in isolation until Saturday. I would appreciate your prayers as I prepare to preach from Luke 24 on Sunday. Thank you.
God Bless You
Pastor Drew
