Pastor's Heart

"Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulcher, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them. And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulcher. And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord." Jesus. (Luke 24:1-3) The early church celebrated Easter and Pentecost as the two major high holidays. Christmas comes much later. The resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ was and still is the center of Christian faith. There have been many who have tried to dismiss the fact that Christ Jesus died and rose again, but even more who have had life altering experiences because in their heart of hearts they believed that Jesus lives.

Something wonderful and mysterious happened in Jerusalem that day that started a chain reaction that literally changed the face of society. Where hardened Jews like Paul became missionaries to the gentiles. The power of Christ's resurrection reverberates even today. I for one am living proof that Jesus lives. He has changed me completely. I may not have been there when the stone was rolled away, but I was there when Jesus saved me and rose within my heart. I am reminded of a story told by Peggy Key. She tells of how on her way to Easter morning service, her young son at the age of 3 asked what was so special about Easter. Peggy replied, "It is the day that Jesus came back to life." Her son then asked quite profoundly, "Will he be in Church today?" That is the challenge I set forth to you this month. To live your life as if you truly believe and expect Jesus to be in Church, in your home, at work, everywhere you go. Is Jesus alive and well and living in your heart?

May God bless you and yours,

Rev. William G. Sewell