From the Pastor

Why would anyone crucify Jesus the Christ? Do not be deceived: Not everyone wants relationships healed and good things to happen to others. Many in power and privilege like the way things are with little thought for those without power and position. May we not overlook indifference, because by our indifference we thwart the doing of good and the healing of relationships that God intends.

The Good News is that we are empowered by the Holy Spirit in Christ’s Church to demonstrate the kindness and favor of God to the world (Acts 10:34-43). Christ’s Church fosters the healing of relationships, especially with those from whom we are estranged and disagree with. As a Christian and follower of Jesus Christ, you are empowered by the Holy Spirit to do good and bring healing to the world. Resurrection is about life, restoration, reconciliation, and healing: Embrace it!

Christ suffered because he was obedient in choosing to love God and others. Even on the way to crucifixion, Jesus did not become hardhearted and bitter. In all his trials Jesus reverently submitted to God and God’s way of mercy, forgiveness, and compassion, but we humans have a tendency to reject and act violently against mercy and forgiveness. Jesus “learned” obedience (Hebrews 5:7-9).

If Jesus learned obedience, how much more should we? Through the Holy Spirit and by the example of Jesus Christ, God transforms us unto the image of God in Jesus Christ. In this transformation, we learn to obey God to the degree that we do it naturally and instinctively (Jeremiah 31:31-34). We are in the process of “learning” obedience as Jesus learned in the hope that the longer we are Christians, the more Christ-like we will become.