Evangelist D

            Yesterday was Valentine's Day, and many people no doubt received cards, gifts, or kind words from friends and family. But no matter how tender our expressions of affection can be, human love pales in comparison to Jesus' divine love, which He demonstrated by dying on the cross to save us. 

            Jesus lived a perfect life—one which was sinless and fully pleasing to God. He had no unrighteousness for which He owed payment (Romans 3:23). But we do. Until the Savior intervened, our destiny was fixed: we were headed for eternal separation from God. The Lord cared so much that He willingly set aside His divinity and became a man to live among people whose hearts were far from the Father. In fact, He even came to die on behalf of a world that rejected Him. 

            Today's passage describes the mystery of an innocent person dying in place of a guilty one. He questions who among us would volunteer to take on the justly deserved punishment of someone else. Perhaps we'd consider helping a righteous person, but Jesus was willing to help the guilty. He voluntarily became our substitute— taking on our sin-debt and enduring the penalty we deserved. God's wrath was poured out on Him for all our sins. 

            The Savior died on the cross so that we might enter God's family and live with Him forever. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, our status has been changed from outsider to child of God, from enemy to beloved, and from stranger to friend. No one could care about us more deeply than that.

Jesus is truly your loving friend and you are VERY VERY SPECIAL TO HIM!!!! 

Congratulations on your upcoming birthday.  May the good Lord grant your heart desires and keep you by His power as you continue to serve in His vineyard. What are your plans in the years ahead?

Remain abundantly blessed as you celebrate your birthday.

Pastor Hezekiah 

The Real Meaning of Christmas

A Christmas Poem by Joseph P. Martino Copyright© 2003

Two thousand years ago the King of Kings was born.

'The Lamb of God' later made to feel the thorn,

If his words are accepted and not scorned,

They will make us all reborn.

Though God's grace, Joseph and Mary presented

A gift to the world that day, which we can all repay,

by living the ten commandments each and every day.

Try to remember and keep in your heart and mind

Jesus's gospel while here on Earth,

Redemption not a life lived in constant mirth. 

Peace on Earth, good will toward man

Everyone should try it, whenever they can.

The Lord gave us the option and choice of 'free will,'

Now it's up to us to fit the bill.

So when you’re Christmas shopping for family and friends,

and money is tight at both ends,

Remember that the greatest gift of all,

Is your love of Jesus in the manger stall.

We wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed and Happy New Year.

Pastor Ken and Aminata