We are now in the middle of Holy Week. It is called Passion Week and is leading us to Easter Sunday where we celebrate the resurrected Savior who conquered death and the grave. To get to Easter, we must move through darkness and suffering in the upper room as well as experience the crucifixion of our Lord on Good Friday.
On Thursday we will be coming together to experience the agony and culmination of the price that is to be paid for our sin. Suffering is a big part of life. It is as if suffering of the soul is like oxygen to the lungs. There is no way to escape it. I think of the families of the ones who were killed in the school shooting in Nashville just this past week. The Pastor’s daughter was one of the victims who was trying to pull the fire alarm. Suffering is unavoidable when you live in this world. It can come at many different levels. Jesus says, “I have told you this so that you will have peace by being united to me. The world will make you suffer. But be brave! I have defeated the world!” John 16:33 (GNT) Peter gives us insight into suffering and affirms the fact that it is inevitable. Look at the hope he gives us. “And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” 1 Peter 5:10 (ESV) I am so glad to know that just as suffering is inevitable, so is the grace of God when you turn to Him. We can know that when we give God our suffering, that the Holy Spirit comes to our aid and restores us. We should expect suffering to come but not allow the enemy to talk us into making that a part of our identity. Just as Jesus experienced the agony of sin, rejection, and suffering, we too can cling to the old rugged cross and find comfort in the arms of God. This will not last forever. There will be an end to your suffering. I want to encourage you to walk with us on Thursday as we have our Upper Room Experience. Come at 5:30pm, 6:00pm, or 6:30pm and prepare to open your heart to God and embrace the suffering that leads to the ultimate sacrifice for our sin. Just remember, Easter is coming! As we gather for Easter Sunday services, we will be announcing our Legacy offering total, our Children’s ministry direction, and most of all, celebrating that Jesus is alive! Don’t forget that breakfast will happen from 10:00am – 11:00am in the Family Life Center. Overflow will be set up to accommodate your Easter invitations. What are you waiting for, invite that person that the Lord has laid on your heart. What a great day it’s going to be. Joy in Jesus! Pastor Mike
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Rev. Mike McClurgSenior Pastor, Findlay First Church of the Nazarene Archives
March 2020
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