He is Risen!
Dear Church Family, Friends, and Guests,
I'm personally so happy you're here today, and have chosen to worship with us during this sacred time in season. We collectively welcome you! And we pray God's presence will be felt as we remember and recount God's acts on our behalf.
Happy Easter weekend! The global Christian family celebrates Resurrection Sunday, saying, "He is risen, He is risen indeed!" Hopefully, these words find voice and meaning among we who are Sabbatarians today, for no moment could be more important than the resurrection. As the Apostle Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:9, "If we who are [abiding] in Christ have hoped only in this life [and this is all there is], then we are of all people most miserable and to be pitied." That's how confident the Apostle was.
As most of Christendom holds services this entire week—and we do just this one service—I've chosen specific themes that remind us of the sacrifice Jesus makes in both His incarnation and in the laying down of His life in crucifixion's horrors and shame. I also wish to point to the love that carries Christ through the pain and to a point whereby humanity is reconciled to God, once for all. Not only this, but how we must live out that same love, same forgiveness, same healing presence. And finally, of course, the glories of Christ, as resurrected. We have the witnesses present and past that make up our collective "cloud" of witnesses to this great truth. (Hebrews 11:1-2).
As Adventists, everything about our future is determined by this path that Jesus has trod, from living our ministries in incarnational ways - embodying the person, love and grace of Jesus Christ - to taking up our own crosses as we follow him, for in Bible speak - "no servant is greater than his master." (John 13:6).
On a practical level, this is a time to accept that God's love is for you, grace has landed at your doorstep, and community is to be found alongside those who wish to live in the light of the resurrected Lord. In this context, such acceptance means embracing our unique and challenging setting, the vital importance of compassion-based ministries, and our ongoing efforts to create a safe and accepting place for people from very different journeys than our own. For those of you who are here, my challenge is to hold on—and not grow weary of doing good. For those of you who have been active in times past, re-engage with renewed commitment to our unique mission and calling, as well as participation in the structures and with the leaders that support the same. And for those of you who have not yet accepted Christ, or chosen to serve, today is the day, for He is risen! He is risen indeed!
May the world know we are Christian, truly that, by our unity and our love. Amen!
Pr. Greg