Pastor's Page

March 2010

Dearly Redeemed In Christ,

Grace to you and peace from God our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.

Now that we our in the midst of Lent, it's especially important that we emphasize the truth that God loved the world so much that He sacrificed His Son, Jesus Christ in death on the cross of Calvary as payment for our sins. Jesus said to His disciples, in the 13th chapter of St. John's Gospel:

"A new command I give you; Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you love one another" (John 13:35).

"A new command?" But it's actually an old one! Moses, in Leviticus, was directed by God to speak His commands to His people: "Do not seek revenge ... but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord" (Leviticus 10:18).

Notice that Jesus augmented His command by saying, "as I have loved you." How did Christ love us? He loved us enough to leave the glories of heaven. He loved us more than earthly power and status and honor. He loved us more than He loved His own human life.

So how are we to love each other? As Christ gave sight to the blind, made the lame walk, and healed the sick, so did His followers. So should we today. With the love of Christ in us, we visit the lonely, provide food for the hungry, and share our financial resources in order that the Word of God might be preached and bring many to salvation. Loving others as Christ has loved us means that we should be willing to lay down our lives for them. And know one needs to know, because He knows! So as you live the Gospel, remember to love each other.

Before we know it, we will be celebrating Easter. Easter is the high point in the church year. Here is where Christ willingly "gave" His life through His love for us so that we may enjoy life with Him in heaven on that glorious day when He calls us by name into His heavenly kingdom. I'm especially looking forward to Easter Sunrise this year at Zion. We will have a special service that, I pray, will open your heart and eyes to the richness of His love for each of you.

May our gracious and loving Lord send His Holy Spirit upon you to reveal to you, in His most divine way, the peace that He has won for you.

Your Servant In Christ,

Pastor Patterson

Soli Deo Gloria (To God Alone the Glory!)