May 2019...

Dear Friends -

Easter Sunday is just past. Did you know this is the season of Easter. “Eastertide” helps us remember that the resurrection of Christ changed everything. The life we live, the hope we share, the purpose of life, all are changed because we live in a world changed by Easter.

What has Christ done in his resurrection?

1 Pt. 3:21b “(we are saved) by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” Jesus’ atoning death and resurrection can’t be separated, even though they are distinct. Jesus’ death atones for sin, his resurrection brings new life.

We have new life. Romans 6:5b,6b “...we will certainly also be united with him in a resurrection like his....that we should no longer be slaves to sin.” Paul didn’t say we won’t be tempted. He said we are no longer “slaves” of sin, owned by and controlled by it.

We are sanctified. Romans 6:13 “...offer yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life; and offer every part of yourself to him as an instrument of righteousness.” All of our lives the Spirit of God works to transform us so that we are purified, expressing the fruit of the Spirit, and seeking God.

Christ intercedes for us. Romans 8:34 “Jesus Christ who died... is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.” Do you know someone who really prays and gets answers? Think of Christ interceding for you at the throne of the Father!

We will be glorified. Here is the ultimate expression of salvation. We will be raised to eternal life, and transformed. 1 John3:2 “...when Christ appears, we shall be like him, for we shall see him as he is.”

And finally, all of God’s creation will be redeemed through the work of Christ. Romans 8:21 “...creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” Christianity teaches that God will redeem all of his creation. There will be a new heaven and a new earth. God will live with his people: he will be their God and they shall be his people ... and death and mourning shall be no more, because the old order of things will pass away. (cf Rev. 21)

See what a great salvation God has given us in Jesus Christ, and find peace and joy in him.
 ~ Pastor Byron

A Note on Church Security –
Our church is working to make Grace a safer place. Seven members of Grace recently attended a church security seminar. They have also met with a security expert here at the church. He has seen our facility and made recommendations to increase safety. There will be some changes, but every change will be properly approved, carefully explained, and is intended to make Grace a safe place for everyone. Thank you for your understanding.

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