I don’t know about you, but in the midst of marshmallow peeps, chocolate marshmallows, jellybeans, and Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Easter 2017 was a blessing to my life! God really reminded me of why Jesus had to die and why I can have tremendous hope because of the Resurrection. Between our six services this past weekend, we had over 1,300 people come through our doors! There were at least 18 people who indicated that they prayed to receive Jesus for their salvation! God was so kind to bring us dozens of new visitors and people who got to worship Jesus and hear a clear presentation of the Gospel. They were also blessed to be loved on by all of the wonderful saints at The Rock.
It was also good to remember that there are TWO ways the Bible says you can get to heaven. Yes, two!
“Plan A”: Earn it. Unfortunately, in order for this plan to work, you need to be perfect. And, none of us are (Romans 3:23). Unlike the Baseball Hall of Fame (where failing seven out of ten times gets you into the elite club), you have to bat 1000 with God. No sin, ever. Good thing there is a plan “B”.
“Plan B”: Trust Jesus Christ. Here’s the Good news — Jesus has already paid your way to heaven!
All we need to do is to repent and trust Him for our salvation. It says in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith-and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-not by works, so that no one can boast.” God’s redemption is by grace through faith. Not religion, but relationship.
I like this quote — “The Christian is not somebody who accepts a religion. A Christian is somebody who has a relationship with God.” Amen.
I am so thankful for the opportunities that God gives us every weekend at The Rock – especially a weekend like Easter. I’m so blessed to be laboring with such wonderful, faithful, and joyful servants like you!
Now, go eat some Peeps!
Bill
Posted in A Word from the Pastor