It’s exciting to see things coming together in many ways for the Easter season at Emmanuel. Not only is the outdoors greening up and reminding us of the power of resurrection, but there are exciting things going on in our lives through Sticky Groups, men’s and women’s Bible studies, and through our Victory sermon series on Sunday mornings.
We had an interesting and worthwhile discussion of God’s power last night in the Sticky Group I attend. “Be of good cheer ; your faith has made you well” (Matthew 9:22). The take-away for me from our discussion is that all of us need healing from something in life, whether physical, emotional, or “healing between the ears” ! God’s power is available to us, and we can take courage because we know we are loved by an all-powerful God.
In 2 Corinthians 4, the Bible tells us why we should be encouraged by our human frailty. “We have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves” (2 Cor 4:7). God uses us despite our weaknesses so that the only possible explanation for what we are able to accomplish is that He did it.
Paul finally stopped trying to yank out his “thorn in the flesh” when Jesus told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2 Cor 12:9). Paul concluded, “When I am weak, then I am strong” (12:10).
Can we trust an all-powerful God ? Can we surrender ourselves to His plans and control ?
This coming Sunday we’ll discuss another one of the Lord’s victory commands – from the story of His walking on water. Part of living the victorious Christian life is being aware that the Lord is always present. “Be of good courage,” He said as He approached the fearful disciples in the boat, “It is I” (Matthew 14:27).
Easter Opportunities
We have a very special Easter weekend coming up.
Friday, April 3 : “A Night of Remembrance.” Due to seating limitations, you will need to sign up in advance for this Good Friday service and meal. Please contact Lee or Keely Pettijohn if you want to come.
Sunday, April 5 :
8:15 – 8:45 “Victory” service, led by our youth.
9:00 – 9:30 Breakfast (No children or adult classes this morning.)
9:30 – 10:00 Baptisms
10:15 – 11:30 Easter Worship
Sunday Adult Classes
David Kiser’s class will begin a new study in the Book of Romans. Anyone interested in studying this very important letter of the Apostle Paul is invited to attend at 9:00 starting this Sunday.
My “Discovery Bible Study” will not meet exceptionally this Sunday. We will have a final study Sunday, March 29, at 9:00. Beginning Sunday, April 12, I will lead any interested adults through Emmanuel’s 301 course, “Discovering My Ministry.” If you haven’t been through this class yet, you should really consider joining us. This is a class where we will discuss how God has gifted us in various ways for serving Him, and how you may be able to plug into practical ministry opportunities at Emmanuel. Mark your calendar for Sunday, April 12. (This is a 4-week course).
Leave a Reply