Thursday, March 24, 2016

March 27, 2016


Welcome to worship with Eastminster on Easter morning!  A special welcome goes out to those who are visiting for the first time or returning to worship after an absence.  May you find joy, hospitality, faith and love as you encounter the risen Lord and relate with God’s community here.
Eastminster exists to glorify God, to know God more deeply and to serve God in the world.  Our mission statement is “Led by the Holy Spirit, Eastminster exists to invite into Fellowship, Equip for Service, Reach out in Support and Serve our World for Jesus Christ.”  It is our expectation that the web of caring relationships will continue to grow as new visitors, friends and members bring life to this community and to the world.  Let me know how Eastminster might enrich life with you.  Welcome again!

Easter is the most important day of the year.  It is a day when life conquers death, love overcomes fear, and faith grows from doubt.  The event of Jesus’ resurrection opens the pathway to God now and forever.  That event, two thousand years ago, is still being worked out in history.
The early visitors to Jesus’ tomb and his disciples were fearful and doubtful.  Many of us have been or are the same way.  We are in good company.  God’s love flows to us in different times and seasons.  That’s why community is important.  When we gather together, we remember together and we grow together… all in God’s design.

Amidst doubt and fear the question, “What if what they say is true?” arose.  It is a legitimate question.  If Jesus is God’s Son and the resurrection a validation of his divinity, what does that mean for my life?  Your life? Our lives together?
There are a lot of barriers to coming to Jesus Christ and a lot of power unleashed when the barriers are broken.  The women encountered a physical barrier that first Easter morning.  Mark 16:3 says “They asked each other, ‘Who will roll the stone away from the entrance to the tomb?’”  As we look at life, there are large “stones” ahead of us too.  Stones of health issues, job/financial security, social inequality, safety, mental stability, relationships, meaning and purpose in life.  We see that a Power much greater than the women rolled the stone away on Easter.  In the coming weeks, your pastors will be preaching on “Overcoming Barriers by the Power of the Holy Spirit.”  We will observe how God is a “stone mover,” a barrier breaker, a leader into New Life.  I hope everyone here today comes back next week, perhaps with a friend or family member facing a barrier who needs some hope, courage, inspiration, and a supportive community as it is faced and overcome.

He is Risen.  He is Risen Indeed!  Because He lives, we claim life, love and the faith that it all works out in the end.  That’s the Truth!
Blessings,

 Tim

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