From the Pastor's Desk:
According to a recent article entitled, "America's Top 10 Fears," more than half of U.S. adults are afraid of ... among other things ... illness, violence, saving for retirement, and government corruption. Without a doubt, the past couple of years have instilled fear in the hearts and minds of people from all walks of life, and throughout the entire world. From the war in Ukraine, to rising gas and food prices, to baby formula shortages, people today are afraid.
While Jesus was here on earth, He dealt with people's fears. From Jairus' daughter dying, to His followers facing hardship, ridicule, and persecution, He encouraged them with words such as: "Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you ... Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid."
For the Christian, we do not have to be afraid. We have hope ... a hope found in the risen Savior! When Jesus died on the cross He defeated sin. But when He arose from the grave He defeated death. "Death" ... man's greatest enemy was defeated! The hopelessness of struggles on earth, the hopelessness of death, were conquered when Jesus walked out of His tomb. That one event ... the greatest event the world has ever seen ... transforms our fears into hope. We have hope today through Jesus! As that wonderful song proclaims:
Because He lives, I can face tomorrow.
Because He lives, all fear is gone.
Because I know He holds the future,
And life is worth the living,
Just because He lives!
Pastor Randy