What about Resurrection the week after Easter?

Easter Sunday 2012 is in the books. It was a great day at LFCN with doves being released in our “Son” Rise service, a tasty fellowship breakfast with other believers; a ton of kid’s participating in our egg hunt, a record attendance in our 11 am worship service, and seven baptisms. However, the week after people have gone back to their routines, responsibilities, and struggles of life without allowing the Resurrection
celebration to infiltrate the lives they lead.

I so want all of us to understand that Easter is so much more than a date on the calendar. Paul proclaimed, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection
from the dead” (Philippians 3:10). I must admit I don’t think I have come close to grasping the full understanding of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Sure I enjoy the realization that His resurrection brings salvation and removes the sting of death…….but does this realization permeate into all the
areas of my life? It is my prayer that the Resurrection of Jesus Christ will eradicate the dead areas of our
lives. It is my prayer that the unbridled presence of God will saturate, captivate and overwhelm our existence in order that our lives will boldly proclaim that we are “attaining to the resurrection” that raises dead things!

May it be so!

Stephen Willis

HE HAS RISEN

Early this morning while I was still thinking about waking up and getting out of bed the voice of my wife echoed in the darkness with the words..... "He Has Risen!" Nothing else needs to be said on this Easter Sunday morning because HE HAS RISEN INDEED!!!

Are you as wise as a 1st grader?

Recently, while I was on my living room couch my 7 year old Micah came up behind me and asked, “Dad why can’t I get baptized?” I smiled at him and asked, “Micah why would you like to get baptized?” He replied, “Because Jesus lives in my heart and everyone needs to know about it!” It was a euphoric moment for this father when his young son is demanding to be baptized, that others may know that the one true Living God dwells within him. In eight days I will have an opportunity to baptize my youngest son on Easter Sunday (April 8th). No doubt it will be one of the most memorable Easter Sundays of my entire life.

This morning I read in Matthew 11:25, “And Jesus prayed this prayer: ‘O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, thank you for hiding the truth from those who think themselves to be wise, and for revealing it to little children. Yes, Father, for it pleased you to do it this way!” (Living Bible, paraphrase) Yes, on April 8th the Father will be pleased as Micah proclaims that the Living God has been revealed to Him and his earthly father will be grateful that he serves a God that cares to reveal himself to 7 year olds.

Whether you are 7 or 77 there is still room in the tank for you on Easter Sunday. It could also be
the most memorable Easter Sunday of your life! If you will be in Lynchburg this Easter and you are interested in baptism you can contact the church office at 434.239.4943.

Sunday is coming!
Stephen