Greetings to all the saints who share new life in Christ Jesus,

Many of us probably think of this day as tax day (even as for this year the date of filing has been moved to a later date). But as Christians, today is our 4th day of Easter in celebration of Christ's resurrection, an event that changes the way we are to understand our relationship with God and with each other. The risen Christ is with us preparing us to live according to God's promise of eternal life and to  bear with one another by and through the example of Christ's love for each and every one of us. As the Apostle Paul encourages us: "It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me." He adds regarding both the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ: "For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are CONVINCED  that one has died for all; therefore all have died. And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them" (1 COR 5:14-15).

Now more than ever should we focus on living in the manner Jesus would have us live. Communities throughout the world are coming together, clinging to God's promises, as they share their resources and hope with one another: sharing food and shelter for medical personnel, contributing volunteer hours at food banks and day care centers, donating and distributing needed supplies. The list goes on. We might call them, "Good Samaritans," a connection that refers back to a parable spoken by Jesus of an individual who took the risk to extend help to another in need (Luke 10:25-37). Jesus calls upon us to be neighborly in like fashion. All in need are found worthy of God's love in and through Christ. This in turn moves us by faith in the direction of obedience, as Jesus shares, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28).

The power of God revealed in the resurrection of Jesus is cosmic and eternal, eclipsing all pretensions of power that seek our earthly attention, from nation to creed to possession. Again the Apostle Paul proclaims: "... the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. God put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every named that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come" (Ephesians 1:19-21). 

Paul adds this prayer for us: "I pray that, according to the riches of his glory, God may grant that you may be strengthened in your inner being with power through his Spirit, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith, as you are being rooted and grounded in love" (Ephesians 3:16-17).

Prayers, thoughts, and blessings as we walk by faith, Pastor John