It is still Easter (practically speaking) ...
Man... what a weekend we had last week!
Our Good Friday service included many first-time guests, great songs of praise, and an incredible message by a humble preacher...well, two out of three ain't bad!
On Sunday, our deacons did a fantastic job coordinating the Easter breakfast before service which allowed the pastors and other members to spend time with guests.
Then the service...whew, the music, videos, and truths from the Scriptures just left me in awe of the risen Christ in a fresh way.
On top of all of that, my heart was so encouraged to see guests everywhere as the result of relationships- not a giveaway (nothing wrong with that), not a special music group (nothing wrong with that), or an international evangelist (nothing wrong with that).
Just regular people who were invited by those who know them and care for them.
In recap, we enjoyed a fantastic, packed-out service!
But what about this Sunday? If last weekend felt like the Superbowl in terms of hype and attendance, then this weekend has the real possibility of feeling like the Probowl (for the non-sports readers, this is a game where all the NFL players who are not playing in the Superbowl go to play a meaningless game that is hardly watched or noticed).
Tomorrow's service will be a bit more "normal" in routine, service flow, and attendance...and that is not a bad thing at all or any less "special" than last weekend.
Consider:
Jesus is still risen
We still get to assemble as redeemed people
We will still praise Him through song
We will still get to give for the Gospel
We will still get to hear the Word with a hungry heart
We can still invite people
We can still be discipled and disciple others
We still have hope EVERYDAY
Re-read that list for a second. While there is no denying some of the cultural and historical ambiance that surrounds the celebration of Easter each year, may we not be lulled into thinking that many (if not all) of the elements that make it so "special" can make each day and week equally special.
Just think, if each of us gave the same attentiveness to prayer, evangelism, servitude, and anticipation for each Sunday what might take place in our journey with Christ and through relational evangelism?
It would be incredible to experience and ensure that the guests we see on Easter are followed up on consistently by us through hospitality, prayer, and intentional discussions.
What simple steps can I take to "have a weekly Easter"?
Let's begin with prayer...meaningful time with God, intercession for the singing and sermon at the assembly, petition for evangelistic opportunities with those around you, and bearing the burdens of your fellow church members.
Let's move on to exposure to truth...reading the Word each day, hearing the sermons at the weekly gatherings, engaging in the lessons at ConnectionGroups, and speaking about what God has revealed to us through His Word with others.
Let's move on to intentionality with evangelism...you invited some people to Easter and that is a great start (and feeling), so keep it up this week with the Kroger checkout person, your neighbor, your Easter guest, and your coworker.
Let's continue in resurrection victory...we remember Jesus' supreme victory over death so let's remember to let that impact us practically. We have hope about the present due to our certain future and we have freedom from our sinful impulses.
Easter is over...but is it?
Sincerely,
Pastor Paul