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Our journey as Christians through the ups and downs of life can be as grueling as hiking a tall mountain. But when we rely on the help and support of Jesus, we know that he will carry us through ever scenario we may encounter. Over time, we too, come to realize that God is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work wihtin us. We can persevere because of him.
Anytime the word Hope is mentioned in a Christian context, it must always be mentioned that we do not mean here some kind of wishful thinking or chance possibility. When we say Hope is Christian circles, we mean a sure and solid confidence and joyous reality on the horizon. There is nothing tentative about it. It is part of who we are as God’s children.
God’s love manifests in our lives through the words and works of His people. When Jesus said He came to give us life abundant, He was not necessarily talking about money or things that the world deems important. He was speaking about receiving more and more of His love— to be blessed to overflowing so that it ends up pouring out in the lives of others. As we move closer to the cross of Christ, may we take on an attitude of gratitude for each word spoken and each deed done with love from the Father.
God’s love for us is not based on conditions. His love never changes. May we be reminded that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). That is how God demonstrated His love, His unfailing love for each one of us— for you. You may be thinking that God could never love you because of what you have done. God’s love is not based on what you have done but is based on what Jesus did on the cross. One thing in this life you can be guaranteed of is that God’s love is unfailing.
If you know Jesus as Lord and Savior of your life, then you are a witness to what He has done for you. Your life, your marriage, your work, your actions, your statements all ought to bring to light the love of Christ. However, we often feel like the disciples looking on at Jesus in the courtyard of the Sanhedrin afraid to speak up, afraid to stand up, afraid to give our lives for the Gospel. Join us this week as we walk into the courtyard with Peter and find the courage to be unafraid witnesses for Jesus today.
This week, we are traveling about 2 miles east of Jerusalem to the small village of Bethany. There are about a dozen references found in the Scriptures of this town. It was the home of Simon the leper, it is the place where Mary anoints the feet of Jesus. It is where preparations start for Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem. But most of all it is probably best known for being the hometown of Jesus' good friends, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. And, we too can look at Jesus as our friend.
We begin our Lent Series, Places of the Passion. We will be walking in the footsteps of Jesus, visiting places where HIs passion took place to learn more about His sacrifice for us. We begin in Jerusalem, the city of peace to understand the Prince of Peace. His coming to rescue humanity from its sin and offer those who believe true peace.
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WORSHIP GATHERINGS:
Sundays at 9:00 a.m. or 11:00 a.m. 835 Riverside Avenue Torrington, CT 06790 See our regathering info here PHONE (860) 482-4705 OFFICE EMAIL [email protected] |