A Word about the Deal Maker
Late last week, a friend from the past with whom I reconnected earlier this year, picked up his Austin, Texas phone, called, and greeted me with “He Is Risen.” My first thought was, “Who is this, Rip Van Winkle? You’re a bit late, you know! I mean, Easter was three months ago.” Actually, I don’t remember what I said; but it wasn’t “He is Risen Indeed.” I think it was, “Thanks.” How banal! But keep in mind two things. First, it was our first conversation since before Easter. And secondly, my friend is a deeply rooted evangelical Episcopalian for whom the truth of the person and deity of Jesus Christ is almost defiantly paramount! Remembering that, I figured out the reason for the Easter greeting.
How important an issue is this to you: the person and deity of Christ? I will tell you now that it is more and more a dividing point in American culture. We are living in a time when politically, the freedom of worship is applauded, but the freedom of religion is being attacked. People are into “Jesus,” but not the exclusivity of his claims. And what about you? How important is the person and deity of Christ to you; how does it affects you in the grid of your day to day life.
Well who did Jesus say He was? That question will occupy our Sunday thinking for the next five or six weeks as we look at His statements about himself in a series we’ll call, “The Deal Maker.” The bottom line reads that Jesus made some rather outlandish statements about himself like: I am the Truth; I am the Bread of Life; I am the Good Shepherd; I am the Vine. And this Sunday we start with the startling statement of the Savior when he simply said, “I AM.” I hope that you will be with us!
Things to keep in mind:
- Basketball camp for the kids is this coming week.
- VBS “Backstage with the Bible” and “GO FISH” concert – take the plunge! Sign up to help or get tickets for the concert now! We need about 15 more “guides” and set up team for Sunday, the 25th.
- There is very good reason to believe the new entrance to the church will be open this Sunday. I surely hope so!
From time to time - check out what is happening by going to www.gracevine.com, our church's WEB page. You'll find everything from downloadable sermons to the most recent schedule of events.
And I’ll see you in the pews!
Joe Bubar
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