Our oldest First Baptist sweetheart, Mrs. Gertrude Strickland, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday afternoon of Easter weekend. One of the favorite Bible passages of Mrs. Strickland’s daughters is John 11:25-26, which records Jesus saying to Martha,"I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die. Do you believe this?"
Do you believe this? Besides the empty tomb and the numerous accounts of Jesus sightings, the greatest evidence affirming the resurrection is the radical change in the lives of his followers.
- They were more harmonious. As the reality of the resurrection dawned on the disciples, there was less bickering as they served in a spirit of unity.
- They were more faithful. They met regularly, studying the word, breaking bread, and ministering to the “least of these.”
- They were more generous. They sold properties, shared resources and gave cheerfully and sacrificially to the work of the kingdom.
- They were more courageous. They did not live in fear of their own lives but proactively shared the good news.
For the living of these current days, as we welcome the resurrected Christ to the center of our lives, may we worship and serve together with greater unity, uncompromising loyalty, growing generosity, and extraordinary courage.
This Sunday we will share in the Lord’s Supper in both of our morning worship services. Also, during the midmorning service, we will share in the celebration of baptism of those who have recently declared faith in Christ and those who have come into our church family from other Christian traditions.
I look forward to seeing you on Sunday as we gather for worship and Bible study.
