We had the pleasure to worship Easter morning at Southminster. The contemporary service is held in a social area, but I was pleased, as always, that a cross was visible. The praise team is exceptional, and I particularly enjoyed the solo of “Hold On” by the female lead. The signage has improved so much that I almost looked to see where it might be missing.
Dan Merry spoke on “Afraid of EASTER?” up till the original end of Mark 16:1-8 where the women were told at the tomb to go and tell the disciples – and Peter – that Christ is risen. The women left quickly but told no one because they were afraid. Dan also raised the question we all ask: did the disciples ever ‘get it’? Like the rest of us who mightily resist change, they got it.
There was a small table in the rear with a few toys to entertain the children, and my wife let me go sit with them at the end of the service to ease my withdrawal in missing my grands. J
On Good Friday we visited Fountain Park Church and walked through the “Meditations on the Cross.” It was well put-together and meaningful to me, and left me at the cross still wondering how could Christ come to die for a worthless sinner like me.
But while praying, a revelation of sorts came to me. When people thank me for my service in the Marines my response is frequently “I would have died for you.” Maybe I finally have come to grips with Christ’s sacrifice for me.
What a special joy to worship with our friends at Southminster on Easter Sunday!
We attended the 9 a.m. service called Crossings, which is held in Fellowship Hall. I always appreciate the relaxed, friendly atmosphere, and today I found the music to be especially uplifting.
Strangely enough, just this morning I read the resurrection story in all four gospels, so I was puzzled to see that he was preaching from Mark, as it seemed the most abbreviated of all. But, as usual, Dan made excellent points in the sermon founded on Mark 16:1-8 and called “Afraid of EASTER?”
The observation that especially got my attention had to do with the realization by Jesus’ followers that His resurrection changed everything and that nothing would ever be the same again. On the one hand I can’t help but say “Hallelujah!” to that. On the other, I recognize the dread of a future affected so profoundly by a single event. It is the end of one life and the beginning of something so totally new that one has no idea how to live that life or what to expect.
This dilemma was answered by several words in one of the songs this morning, “Mighty to Save,” specifically the words that refer to Jesus as the “author of salvation.” These words hit me powerfully…Jesus is the author of life itself, but not only the life we know – also the life we have yet to experience, the everlasting life, for which He gave His life for us to experience.
Change happens, and sometimes life takes unexpected turns, but God is the Author and He always brings light from the darkness.
Easter blessings!
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