The Power of Prayer - 5 Years Later

It's been since 2006.  We've been sending lots of prayers for a wonderful friend, a friend who was lost and didn't even know it.  It's honestly been sad, even depressing at times.  How can this good God of mine leave someone in the dark like that?

And then 6 months ago we moved away to another state, another side of the country - and still we prayed.

Nothing.  No knowledge.  No hope.

But God is a big God.  Sometimes I forget just how awesome He is!  After years of prayer and worry, I heard the amazing news!  God works in mysterious ways and in His own timing.  His love is a love I could never understand, and He loves this person.  And He saved this friend!  Praise the Lord!  Thank you, Jesus!

Easter Sunday

One of the things I've struggled with for a long time in the traditions I grew up in was understanding evangelism.  I was frustrated to read the great commission, Christ's call to spread the gospel, but not have the church act it out.  Once I left the church I grew up in, I tried many other denominations and I found that there are basically (this is a huge generalization, but valid) two types of traditions.

On the one hand, the tradition I grew up in stresses discipleship.  They want to make sure that Christians are acting Christ-like.  On the other side, the other traditions stress evangelism.  They want to see new believers come to know Christ.  The problem for most churches is the balance that must be had with both sharing the good news, and teaching Christians to obey His commands.

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Easter Sunday was an amazing day at my church.  Over 50 people were baptized into the Kingdom - and only God knows how many committed to Him for the very first time!  I was helping baptize up front, during the service.  It was an amazing experience.  Young couples, old men, entire families, dozens of people came out of the crowd in their sunday best to get baptized!

There is such a need in this area for the gospel, the good news, the understanding of love, acceptance and grace that comes with knowing Jesus Christ.  And I had joy unspeakable, watching lives be renewed, that I have never had before!  We will definitely followup with these new Christians as Christ commanded us, but what an awesome experience!  I can't imagine the rejoicing that happened in heaven this past Sunday morning!

Easter

The church is awash with anticipation for Easter week!  Us busy-bees are running around the halls, cleaning carpets, meeting to talk about meetings, and planning for plans.  I had four meetings in a row this morning already before lunch!  It's exciting!

I'm going to be busy with many different aspects that I've been asked to help with, from doing the welcoming at our 10am service on Sunday, to speaking on Friday night a small message about the cross.

The cross.  It's become so many things.  It can be inflammatory, artsy, used as decoration or jewelry.  It can be a religious symbol of freedom, reconciliation, and love or it can be a symbol of religious slavery, mistrust, hate, and intolerance.  And now I have to give a short talk on it?

All I know is that the cross is overwhelming!   I am not sure what to say, but a wonderful hymn came to mind that you might recognize.  I could say a ton here, spouting out a continuos stream of characters and words, but instead, I think that this song says it so much better:

And when I think,

That God, His Son not sparing;

Sent Him to die,

I scarce can take it in;

That on the Cross,

My burden gladly bearing,

He bled and died

To take away my sin.

Then sings my soul,

My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!

How great Thou art!

Then sings my soul,

My Saviour God, to Thee,

How great Thou art!

How great Thou art!