Happy Easter

Jesus is alive! He invites us to not only participate in His death but also in His resurrection.  The truth that Jesus was the first to be raised from the dead and experience everlasting life is an encouragement to us. 1 Corinthians 15 reminds us that we will experience everlasting life with Him and in Him.

On Good Friday, we joined with other nearby Alliance churches to reflect on the suffering of Christ.  Lorne was asked to read Luke 23:13-26 which describes being judged by Pilate. Thinking of Jesus as the Creator and the Lord of the Universe being willing to silently endure this humiliation is somewhat overwhelming.  He did it because of obedience to the Father and His own loving desire to redeem sinful people.

His victory over evil and death is proclaimed by His resurrection, according to the plan of redemption created by God.  Looking at it in any other way, it is an unexpected event.  Things do not usually happen that way.  But God loves to do the seemingly impossible.

May you once again be filled with the wonder of God’s love as you reflect this year.

Perhaps you will find this parable helpful in your reflections.

Praise and Prayer

• Lorne was thankful to talk with a friend last week.  He asked to hear one of the Bible stories that we had read previously.  Please pray that God will continue to work, helping him understand the gospel.
• Attempts to have a brief conversation with neighbours about Easter did not seem successful.  Please pray that God will create more opportunities.  May God help them to hear things that will convince them that they do not know all the answers about who Christ is.
• Praise the Lord that the Chiayi Alliance Church has been able to rent a meeting facility above the Farmer’s Bank. A Thanksgiving service to celebrate God’s provision is planned for June 3.