Keeping Your Head In The Game

I want to depart from my usual blog format which tends to be a bit lengthier and substantive and is designed for serious reading.  Whenever possible and when it’s called for, I wanted to do a “Monday Morning Musings” piece - reflections on all that happened and all God did on Sunday.  I thought that Easter would be the best time to kick this off as it has a “Super Bowl” of Sundays kind of feel to it to begin with.  I know I’m like a proud father but, first, let me say what an incredible blessing and honor it is to serve with such faithful people of dedication and excellence.  It really astounds me and makes me look far better than I really am!

Easter morning we witnessed another miracle!  No, not the raising of the dead, but the incredible numbers of people who come to church on Easter Sunday!?  Where do they all these people come from (and where do they all go)?  Nevertheless, I simply view this as a great opportunity to preach the glorious Gospel of Christ to them again and hope that the Holy Spirit will penetrate their hearts.  The real issue was not the numbers but the presence of God that was present.  You’re playing on your home field, and you’re playing on Easter, which most people have no real argument against, and it’s like the Holy Spirit loves to pour it on!  It also helps when both the kid’s choir and the adult choir, minister before you preach.  The kid’s choir is simply too much!  They put an incredible amount of work and practice in to each time they perform.  No wonder Jesus said “a little child shall lead them” because they completely disarm people with their innocence (some are a standup comedy routine), but they are dead serious about wanting people to get saved!  Then, the adult choir is just simply anointed.  It makes me think what a heavenly choir of 10,000 times 10,000 and 1000's of 1000's is going to be like.  Overwhelming is the word that comes to my mind.  Talk about setting the stage for the Word to go forth! Thank you to both.

“The literal, historical, bodily resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead is the vindication of Christ’s saving work on the Cross.  The issue is simple - no resurrection, no Christianity.  For this reason, believe in the resurrection of Christ is essential in order to be a Christian the Resurrection represents the Father’s complete satisfaction in the obedience of the Son – even unto death.  Sin and death do not have the final word.  Indeed, they are defeated through the saving work of Christ”

In our Evening Service was the final presentation of the play, “The Alabaster Jar.”  What a fantastic performance.  In my mind it would rival any professional production that you’d pay money to go and to see.  It was masterfully scripted by Pastor Fred Rubi, and with an incredible cast they presented such a moving account that revolved around (Lk.7:36-50) the story of the sinful woman who found forgiveness at the feet of Jesus.  The music that accompanied and played a major role in the presentation was phenomenal.  Much of it was Ladino music.  Until the play, I had no idea what that was.  It is basically Sephardic music which has its roots in the musical traditions of the Jewish communities in medieval Spain.  The meanings of the words were also portrayed on the screen which helped; but I can’t say enough about the quality and the anointing of their performance.  The musicians, the singers, the actors, the people who worked behind the scenes are to be applauded.  The last two Easter plays we’ve done, “He’s Alive” and “The Alabaster Jar” are both of such high quality that we may take them on the road next year in some fashion.  Again, my hat is off to all that made this work, and if there were a curtain call I’d be calling for an encore!!