Credit Bananna-Mei Art
James and John had spent considerable time with Jesus, yet apparently were still blind to who Jesus really was. Blind Bartimaeus, on the other hand, recognized Jesus from afar.
Credit Bananna-Mei ART
Preaching Mark 10:32-52 last Sunday, Pastor Eric quoted from narrative written by Rick Gamache (pastor of a sister church). It's a vivid rendition of the events surrounding the crucifixion. You can read the entire account here.
"This is the Father’s cup: omnipotent hatred and anger for the sins of every generation past, present, and future—omnipotent wrath directed at one naked man hanging on a cross."
Photo Credit Bananna-Mei Art
Easter Sundays have become for us at Sovereign Grace a blend of an annual New Years Eve, Birthday, Anniversary, Christmas, Fourth of July, National Hug a Cat Day holiday-ish celebration.
Every Sunday is about the resurrection of Jesus. That's why we gather on Sundays. No duh.
However, this one Sunday every year (Easter Sunday) we intentionally celebrate us. The new life we share together because of our new shared life with Jesus. We draw a direct line between the realities of the resurrection and the realities of our congregation. We live because Jesus lives, not only personally but collectively as well.
This is what the All-You-Can-Eat Donut Buffet and Easter Photo Booth were all about. Our way of marking our life together with some fun memories. Big thanks to everyone that made it possible, including Kelsey, Robbie, Kristin, Rachel, Scott, and Anne. You guys went above and beyond and slightly sugar-coma inducing :)
Roger preparing for Easter after work - Friday, April 3
One of the best things about our church is the variety of volunteer, servant-leaders that minister to us publicly every Sunday. We aren't the only ones who do this, but it sure makes our Sundays special. It's a like a parade of friends, each taking their turn to spur on greater love for Jesus.
Some weeks we see upwards of 6 or more volunteers leading different parts of our service, and this doesn't even account for the musicians, ushers, and other supporting roles. All of this comes at a real cost...we are only seeing the final product. People have been preparing all week in private. The public moment is the tip of the iceberg.
Thank you. All of you. Thanks for making our Sunday worship service some of the best 2 hours in Orange, CA every week.
To Jerusalem He set His face,
Before all things were formed,
to come and save the wretched race,
that all his justice scorned.
To Jerusalem He set His face,
A way before him now prepared,
and the will of God embraced,
A world so long by sin ensnared
To Jerusalem He set His face,
God among us come to dwell,
Who pierced the ends of love to trace,
the very joy that heavens tell
To Jerusalem he set His face,
and so gazed his knowing eyes,
On the cup that He would taste,
that would bring his own demise
To Jerusalem he set His face,
And walked He hither still,
In submitted stride and pace,
To His Father's perfect will.
To Jerusalem he set his face
as he descends upon the hill,
as "Hosanna" sings the sovereign grace,
that would cause his blood to spill.
To Jerusalem he set his face,
Against that fated mount,
where he came to all disgrace,
And his blood flowed as a fount.
To Jerusalem he set his face,
God now hanging on the tree,
and here the Father now forsakes,
His Son to die and bleed.
To Jerusalem he set his face,
As he bore our griefs and pains
Who now stands to plead our case
and wash all our crimson stains.
So now sinners come and see,
And set your face alike,
Look now to him who sets you free
To your bleeding sacrifice.
We love to make memories on Easter Sunday. It's the perfect day to celebrate our new shared life together, as we celebrate the indestructible life of Jesus. This year we bring you the worst-best-gastrological idea yet...
Join us during the Sunday School hour (class is canceled on Easter) for donuts and fellowship. Invite your friends if they are donut-friendly. The early bird gets the chocolate sprinkles.
*Parents, please supervise your own children. We aren't responsible for spontaneous donut meltdowns. :)
Be sure to stop by the photo booth in the lobby before or after church this Sunday. Let's make sure we don't forget what we looked like on Easter 2015.
