Believe It or Not - We've Got the Power

On Easter Sunday we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus. This feat is what separates Christianity from other religions. We serve a Risen Savior! Have you ever thought about the power of the resurrection? Just rolling the stone away took tremendous power, not to mention bringing the dead back to life. It was a power packed event for sure.

I'll be preaching this week from a scripture that changed and empowered my life. It's found in the first chapter of Ephesians. I want it to change your life as well. Believe it or not, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in our lives too! Wow, what a difference knowing that truth brings. You have access to more power than you'll ever need to overcome this life, and yes, even your death. Let that truth sink in, access that power and live in victory.

Get your Easter outfit ready, invite someone to join you and come celebrate not only the resurrection of Jesus, but your own resurrection. Let the power that raised Jesus raise you to new life. Believe the good news - we've got the power!!!

Rev Sandy

Palm Sunday - Who is This?

As Jesus made his way into Jerusalem, he drew quite a crowd. It was a mixed crowd of followers who shouted, "Hosanna, blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord!" and others who were asking, "Who is this?" The world hasn't changed so much some 2000 years later. Faithful followers of Jesus will gather all around the world this Sunday to remember the triumphant entry that begins our journey through Holy Week. Still others wonder who is this Jesus and why is this week so important.

This is one of two times each year when people's hearts and minds are open to meet this Jesus whom we love. Are we ready to tell them? Do you have an answer if someone asks you about Jesus? How do we tell the old, old story of Jesus and of love yet make it relevant to our time in history? These are great questions to think about as we move towards Easter.

I missed being with you last week and look forward to bringing the message this Palm Sunday. It's a great time to invite someone to come and here the good news of Jesus. Remember, the chance of them saying yes is greater too. So take courage and extend an invitation and the Holy Spirit will take it from there.

Rev Sandy

Lent - A Time for Dependence

After a wonderful celebration with our Black History service Sunday, we return to our Lenten journey. First we were reminded that Lent is a time of learning. Last week Rev Sara Sills reminded us that in times of challenge we need to get our praise on, and we did as we worshiped together. This Sunday we will focus on Lent as a time of dependence. When Jesus was in the wilderness he depended on angels to minister to him and the Word of God to protect him from giving into the temptations offered by the evil one.

Our text this week comes from the fourth chapter of Hebrews. It's another one of cherished texts. It helps us remember that like us, Jesus was tempted in all things. We too can depend upon God to send people and angels to minister to us. We too can use the Word of God to withstand the temptations of the evil one. But my guess is we spend more time praying for the temptations to be taken from us.

I challenge you to consider the value of wilderness experiences. It is in our times of struggle that our soul matures. Perhaps that is why the Spirit lead Jesus into his wilderness - to grow his soul to prepare him for public ministry. I also challenge you to listen for and consider your call to ministry. Are you willing to walk in the wilderness to prepare for what God is calling you to do? Cornerstone needs more people who are mature and ready to say yes to ministry.

At the meeting of the Board of Directors last Sunday, the Board moved to keep me on during this time of transition. I am honored to work with Cornerstone as long as God allows. So, I hope to see you in church this Sunday at 10:45am. Think of someone who's in the wilderness and invite them to come share in the good news - they don't have to walk alone. We're all in this together.

Rev Sandy