Focus '14-Modeling Jesus-Entry #15

Hi Friends!

During the month of May 2014 we will be focusing on the above theme which in reality is the life theme of Christianity.

Our primary verse for this series is Romans 12:1 which is written below for your careful and prayerful consideration.

Each week we will be focusing on a specific area to collectively minister to the needs of others as we seek to truly and properly worship our great God.

Each member of our ministry staff will be sharing a message during this series: pray for all to be used of God to encourage the church to live sacrificially in service of our Savior and Lord Jesus.

God's Peace,
Jeff

Focus '14-Modeling Jesus-Entry #14-Jesus Has Risen!

JESUS HAS RISEN-SHARE THE GOOD NEWS

Read the Story from Matthew 28 below

then click on the link for a fascinating depection of the Resurrection

 http://downloads.cbn.com/cbnplayer/cbnPlayer.swf?s=/vod/MW131v2_WS

Matthew 28 (NIV)

28 After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb.

2 There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to the tomb, rolled back the stone and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like lightning, and his clothes were white as snow. 4 The guards were so afraid of him that they shook and became like dead men.

5 The angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid, for I know that you are looking for Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here; he has risen, just as he said. Come and see the place where he lay. 7 Then go quickly and tell his disciples: ‘He has risen from the dead and is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him.’ Now I have told you.”

8 So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 9 Suddenly Jesus met them. “Greetings,” he said. They came to him, clasped his feet and worshiped him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go and tell my brothers to go to Galilee; there they will see me.

 

Happy Easter and God's Peace,
Jeff

Focus '14-Modeling Jesus-Entry #13-Easter Week

Hi Friends!

One of the last things Jesus said from the cross was "It is finished." Jesus finished things like the fulfilment of the Old Testament Law and nearly 400 Old Testament Prophecies. He disarmed our adversary and ultimately paid in full (finished) the death penalty for our sins by His grace.

"It is finished" but Jesus is not finished with you!

 

Jesus is alive!

 

Three days after being crucified and buried in a tomb Jesus arose from the gave!

As you think about what this means for a Christ-follower I want to encourage you to consider a life scene in the first century church. After the Apostles Peter and John had healed a lame man, they responded to questions from the crowd with these words.

"Know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed" (Acts 4:10 NIV). 
 
Isn't reassuring to know that the power that healed this lame man in the 1st century is available to anyone who puts their faith in Jesus Christ in the 21st century? And what's more we continue to see God healing people in the name of Jesus Christ today: often physically but always spiritually.

(Ephesians 1:3 NIV) says "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." Our heavenly blessings are assured because Jesus finished His earthly work on cross with an empty tomb.

 

My prayer is that you will not allow physical pain, relational conflict, financial challenges, the loss of a loved one, or any other life issue to cripple your faith? I pray you will look to the cross and realize what Jesus has finished for you and then look to the empty tomb and see He is not finished with you!

 

Happy Easter my friends!

 

God's Peace,

Jeff

Focus '14-Modeling Jesus-Entry #12

Hi Friends!

As we continue our series "Life for All" where we've been examining the 7 life-changing statements of Jesus from the cross, my heart was drawn in Spirit to the following Scripture.

1 John 3:16 (NIV)

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

The past several days have been filled with numerous opportunities for each of you to sacrificially love your brothers and sisters as Jesus does. Thank you for doing so as unto the Lord!

If I can personally befriend you in a way that blesses you and your family and honors Christ, please share your need by clicking the following link. jeff@connectionscc.org

It is a privilege to serve a church family that is willing to lay down self-will for God's-will and the good of His people. Continue to abide in Christ and His Word and love in His Spirit.

God's Peace,
Jeff