Invite a Friend

In two weeks’ time, we’ll be remembering Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem as we celebrate Palm Sunday. This begins the important week on our calendar when we remember Jesus and his disciples in the Upper Room on Maundy Thursday. We think about Jesus’ crucifixion on Good Friday, and this leads us to the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection on Easter Sunday in three weeks’ time. Can I remind you that this is a great time to invite someone to come with you to our worship service? During this time of year, peoples’ attention turn toward the spiritual. It’s a great time to share what your faith means to you and to invite someone to come with you.

This late winter and spring, we’ve been going through the Gospel of John and look at the question, “Who is Jesus?” This is certainly one of the major concerns of John as he writes. I’ll remind you that John 20:30-31 reads, “Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not recorded in this book. But these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name,” (NIV). So John writes so that those of us reading will believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Christ.

We’ve seen several different ways that Jesus showed his identity to his disciples. Next Sunday, the sermon title is “He is a Criminal,” from John 17-18. I’ve chosen this title to be a bit provocative. It’s not what Jesus said about himself, but it is the accusation that was brought against him by the religious leaders. When they brought him before Pilate, he asked these religious leaders, “What charges are you bringing against this man?” They replied, “If he were not a criminal, we would not have handed him over to you,” (John 18:29-30, NIV). What does it mean for those of us who are followers of Jesus that he was accused of being a criminal and condemned to death? That’s what will be considering on Sunday.

You’ve probably heard about the devastating earthquake which took place this last week in Myanmar which also affected Thailand. I thought I would link MCC’s information on how to help. You can find MCC’s link here. Also, two of my former students, John and Janelle Knox are long-term missionaries in Northern Thailand. Their sending organization has started a fund to help in the relief efforts. You can read about this if you click here.

One additional reminder that in May we’ll be recognizing our graduates. Make sure if you have a high school, college, or graduate school graduate, you let us know so they can be included!

Hope you have a great week!

God bless, Brian

Scripture readings for next Sunday

ohn 18:1-14—What different emotions do you think Jesus’ disciples had when they saw him arrested?

John 18:28-40—How would you describe the accusation against Jesus here?

Isaiah 53:7-12—What does this passage prophesy about Jesus’ life and death?

Galatians 3:10-14—What does this passage teach us about what Christ did for us?