Well today, we held four worship experiences: 7:00am, 8:20am, 9:40am, 11:00am. God was personal and amazing during each hour. The worship was electric, and I cannot thank our volunteers enough for committing to entire morning. I believe God was honored in our time together. I have not seen the final attendance count, but I think we got close to 2,500 people today. The best number was 17 people trusting Jesus as Lord!
We looked at Jesus last weekend moving from Friday to Saturday, and then Sunday. In the Old Testament in Leviticus 16, Israel approached God through sacrifices. The High Priest would take two goats on the Day of Atonement. The first goat would be sacrificed for the penalty of sin (Propitiation), and then the High Priest would place the sins over the second goat and then lead him out to the wilderness. The second goat was called the scapegoat [azazel = take away, or remove]. This represented God taking their sins away (Expiation). This all served as foreshadowing for what was to come.
FRIDAY = CRUCIFIXION
SATURDAY = BURIAL
SUNDAY = RESURRECTION
When we understand what Jesus endured and what he accomplished on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, we might finally understand it is time to live for Him. He became a perfect sacrifice once and for all by paying the penalty of sin (Propititation), and taking away our sin (Expiation).
“God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” 2 Corinthians 5:21
“He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, so that we might die to sins, and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.” 1 Peter 2:24
REFLECTION:
- We are accepted by what Jesus accomplished on the cross.
- Because of Jesus, we can live courageously, unselfishly, and for the bigger story (God’s mission)
- Do you love yourself more than your savior?
- What is the weight your under? Physically? Emotionally? Financially? Spiritually?
- Who or what are you putting your hope in?
- What needs to be put to death or buried?
He has risen indeed!
It was an awesome service, indeed!! The artist did a fantastic job illustrating what you were sharing with us, Pastor Todd!!
I mentioned to you yesterday that I just wrote a song…Thought I’d post it here for anyone that stops by!
God bless you and your family and thanks for all you do!
http://soundclick.com/share?songid=7453132
Thank you Pastor Todd the service was amazing as always and as I heard a lady in the hall say it was indeed a beautiful service. See you Sunday!
Pastor Todd,
Thank you so much for allowing God to lead you when you come before us every week!! It is such a blessing to be part of a church where the leadership is so open to God’s guidance. Yesterday was so awesome and Micah and the worship team did an awesome job as usual. As I went throughout the day I reflected on your message and stood in awe even more of the sacrifice that was made for us and how blessed we are to have such a loving Father.
It is hard to imagine how much thought and effort went into planning and coordinating Sunday’s services. Thanks to all who had a part in it. I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else but at our church where I look forward to an encounter with my Jesus every time. Pastor, your enthusiasm and passion for the Lord is so exciting to see and it’s contagious!
It was unfortunate, however, that we got to watch the teaser for Undercovers while our children were present in the service. As a result, we spent the whole trip home fielding questions from our children about the song lyrics, having to explain to them that some couples do indeed argue over petty differences. It saddens me to think that some husbands and wives trifle over things such as upraised toilet seats and flat screen TVs when there are bigger issues at stake, such as using the dish towel to mop up the spill on the floor or not replacing the soap in the shower when it’s used up or even putting the roll of toilet paper on the holder the wrong way! Clearly, many couples need this upcoming preaching series and we intend to hear every sermon. After all, we might learn something–to help us better assist these misguided couples among us.
Love to all our patient and hardworking staff!
I don’t attend your church, but after reading Katie’s comment, I wish I did – at least for the series on marriage.
On a more serious note, the question “Do you love yourself more than your Savior?” has stuck with me. At first glance, of course not! But what do my actions say? If I love Jesus more than myself, why do I worry about how I am treated when all that really matters is that He is lifted up? If I love Jesus more than myself, why do I get upset when things don’t go my way? My negative reactions are not pointing anyone to Jesus. As one friend used to say all the time, “Die, self!” I heard the analogy about good grapes producing perfect juice when they are pressed. I want the fruit of righteousness to come out of me when I’m squeezed. So my mission for this day is to guard my responses to the people God has entrusted to my care. May He get all the glory and honor and praise!
I am thankful for the talented pastors God has blessed us with here at Mount Ararat.
Thanks for joining the conversation. And Robin come anytime in May. You are always welcome. May God keep speaking!
I was blessed to attend all four Easter services. I could feel the presence of Jesus in every service. The message that took us from Friday to Sunday revealed a progression that we must take. Often we are stuck in the sin, and are willing to be stuck in that sin until it buries us. Once buried, there is no way out but through our Savior! Thanks Todd, for putting it in proper perspective. Thanks Micah, for the truly inspiring sequence of worship and message, worship and message. We all got to actively participate in the glory that is Easter!