Can you believe it?

Our first Easter service is a week from tomorrow! Yes, our Thursday night service on April 2nd is our kick off of an incredible weekend. Here are a few things you need to know:

1-If you’re thinking about getting baptized at any of our Easter services, please let us know ahead of time. You can email me at John@community.cc. Let me know which service you think you’re be “taking the plunge” for Jesus!

2-The people you’re inviting may be a little nervous about showing up and walking into a church building. Plan on meeting them outside and walk in with them. Introduce them to others as they make their way in to the service.

3-We need your prayer. Please take some time right now to pray for all that will be happening, all our Change Makers serving, for me as I preach the Gospel and for all those who will be introduced to Jesus!

“When he heard this, Jesus replied, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.’ Then he added, ‘Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to be merciful; I don’t want your sacrifices.’ For I have come to call sinners, not those who think they are already good enough.’” (Matthew 9:12-13 NLT)

Thank you Brian!

We were all blessed, encouraged and challenged this weekend as Brian Hunt came and shared with us the beauty of our being the “Light of the World.”

“We were never meant to be stuck in the dark, but to live in the light.”

There were a handful of great take-a-ways from his message. I will remember this one for a while.

If you missed it, please go watch it now!

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14-16 NIV)

You don’t have much time!!!

We’re just two weeks away from Easter weekend! TWO WEEKS!!

That means you and I have got to get those invite cards in the hands of our friends, co-workers, classmates, family, neighbors……

Take some time to pray right now for those opportunities, then get out there and INVITE!

“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:18-20 ESV)

What does Salt and Light have in common?

As we make our way through the Sermon on the Mount in our weekend services, we get to these two pictures Jesus gives us: Being SALT and LIGHT. Both are intended to make this world a better place. Both are intended to help others see the light and love of our God as we do His will.

Today, read through these verses as paraphrased in The Message. It might, if this is a familiar passage, help you see it all with new eyes.

“Let me tell you why you are here. You’re here to be salt-seasoning that brings out the God-flavors of this earth. If you lose your saltiness, how will people taste godliness? You’ve lost your usefulness and will end up in the garbage.

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:13-16 MSG)

A life worth giving away!

Jesus’ words in Matthew 16 have a real power and punch to them. If we want to save our life…we have to lose it, or give it away. What does that mean?

We said this weekend we’ve been made in the image of God…made on purpose for a purpose…and we have a high capacity for making a difference in this world. It’s all very true, but we have to be willing to share what God has given us. Our life is to be a gift to help others.

Clinging to stuff and wanting more and more is the opposite of God’s plan.

When we share our life and gifts and time with others, then we find joy, purpose, and real life. We get the experience of God flowing through us!

To get there, we have to take up that cross of self-denial and get to work giving our life away to benefit others.

“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?” (Matthew 16:24-26 NIV)