Good Morning!  I hope you are still as pumped up from Sunday’s service as I am.  I can’t get that one song about “The Power of the Cross” out of my head.  I’ve been singing it all week.  Didn’t our choir do a great job?  In fact, I have heard many favorable comments about how well the service blended together: from the Bell Choir to Communion to the closing song.  God truly met with us.  It was great to see so many guests (attendance was 135).  You did a wonderful job inviting.  I am looking forward to this coming Easter Sunday.  We are expecting it to be a great day of celebration.

             During this Holy Week I would encourage you to reread the gospel accounts of the crucifixion.  Think about what Jesus had to suffer.  Remember that He did that just for you.  For instance, I was reading yesterday in John’s gospel, chapter 19 and verses 23-24, where the soldiers cast lots for Christ’s robe.  I was reminded that Jesus suffered the indignity and the shame of hanging naked upon the cross.  He gave up His robe so that I might wear a robe of righteousness.

             Once when I was in college a group of us went to Fort Lauderdale over our Spring break.  One night we decided we were going out for the best steak we could find.  We asked around and everyone told us this certain restaurant was the best.  It was expensive, but we didn’t care.  We were on vacation.  We even called ahead and made a reservation.

             But when we arrived, they wouldn’t let us in.  The maître de pointed to a sign on the door that said COAT AND TIE REQUIRED.  We explained that we were college students on vacation and we didn’t bring a coat or tie.  (I seriously doubt if a couple of my friends even owned one)  We explained that we were a bunch of rednecks from Virginia…but it still didn’t get us anywhere.  The rules were the rules and they were unbendable.  You couldn’t enter without being properly attired.

             We were just about to leave and go get a pizza or something when evidently this maître de had an attack of conscience.  He said, “Well, I guess there is one thing I can do.  Wait here.”  He disappeared for a few minutes and came back with four of the ugliest clip on ties and sport coats you’ve ever seen.  The one I got was lime green and about three sizes too big.  So we clipped our ties on to our T-shirts and put on our coats and went in.  I’m sure we looked quite unusual, but we were given seats.  And the steaks were great!

             Now in some ways that story was repeated at the cross.  You and I were not properly attired for heaven.  Without a robe of righteousness we could not enter into eternal life.   Our tattered garments were stained with sin.  We had no way of getting new ones.   So the one who made the requirement also provided the garment.  God couldn’t lower the standard…a rule is a rule.  Yet, he was too kind to send us away.  He did for us what we could never have done for ourselves…he provided us with a robe or righteousness and invited us to sit down at His table.  As you enjoy the blessings of being a child of the King.  As you think about how great it is to know that your sins are forgiven.  As you think about the freedom from bondage and the peace in your heart...remember, that those blessings came at a price.  That price was paid on an Old Rugged Cross.  Throughout this week I’d encourage you to remember the cross and be thankful!

 Have a great week!
Pastor Barry

 Holy Week and Easter Events
Good Friday Service    7:00 PM
Sunrise Service            7:30 AM
Easter Breakfast          8:15 AM
Sunday School             9:30 AM
Easter Egg Hunt          (during the last 10 minutes of Sunday School)
Morning  Worship         10:45 AM