I don’t know about you, but in the midst of marshmallow Peeps, chocolate bunnies, jellybeans and Reese’s Peanut Butter Eggs, Easter 2019 was a blessing to my life! More than the delicious Easter candy, however, it was through our two-week Death to Life series, that God reminded me of why Jesus had to die and why the Resurrection gives us tremendous hope.
I was also truly amazed that we had over 1,670 people attend our services this past weekend (including the Sonrise Service). This is the highest weekend attendance in The Rock’s history (as far as I can tell). Wow! Over the past two weeks, we’ve had at least 25 people repent and pray to receive Jesus and 31 dear saints got baptized. God was so kind to bring us so many new visitors; people got to worship Jesus, hear a clear presentation of the Gospel and see many expressions of faith through baptisms. Everyone who came through our doors was loved on by the wonderful saints at The Rock Church.
Easter is also a great time to be reminded that there are TWO ways to heaven (yes, two).
Plan A is to earn it. Unfortunately, in order for this plan to work, you need to be perfect… and not one of us is (Romans 3:23). Unlike the Baseball Hall of Fame — where failing 7 out of 10 times gets you into this elite club — you have to get a hit EVERY time with God. No sin or failure. 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 (NIV), “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 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. Easter is so much more than bonbons and bunnies; it’s all about Jesus and what He did for us.
But, it’s still okay to eat those jelly beans!
I trust you had a Happy Easter ~
Bill
Posted in A Word from the Pastor