PASTOR'S CORNER

  Mark 16:1-8 Here we are, on the Lord’s Day, when many on this day 2000 years ago, were still trying to make sense or recover from sadness to what was done three days earlier.  We know this is true because the people on the road to Emmaus  revealed their grief and confusion to the un-be seen resurrected Jesus, “That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation that you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still, looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And t

  Matthew 27:15-25 Let’s go back to the time of Jesus’ arrest as  He stands on trial before Pilate and the Jews.  But first we must put ourselves in the shoes of a  notorious killer named Barabbas .  The courts, the legal system of the day finds this man guilty of:  Murder and a theft, an insurrectionist. (Luke 23:25; John 18:40)  He is an anti- Roman revolutionary, an independent rogue. (a rebellious person who is against the government)  He was a great threat to his fellow countryman.  His sentence for his crimes is punishable by DEATH.  Barabbas was scheduled for execution.  According to Roman culture this was only reserved  for the worst of criminals.  The Jewish people forbid this form of punishment; because they thought this was cruel and barbaric practices.   The Jewish people also believed this to be a curse from God. Moses wrote, "And if a man has committed a crime punishable by death and he is put to death, and you hang him on a tree, his body shall not remain al

  Romans 12:1-2   Therefore…. present bodies as a living sacrifice?  “Therefore” is a very important word because it speaks of what was previously said as it relates to being this living sacrifice.  “Therefore” is instructing us in orthodoxy , which manifests into orthopraxy , or practical dedication .  “Therefore”, live as living sacrifices, this is our required service.  “Therefore” is to encourage and strengthen our faith, as we live in a broken world system.  Paul begins this sentence with “I appeal to you” or “I urge you, or “I beseech you”  This word means “to come alongside, to help or give aid, admonishing or encouraging.”  Jesus referred to the Holy Spirit as a Divine Helper (also translates Comforter, Counselor, Helper)  In His Upper Room Discourse when Jesus was about to be betrayed He uses similar language to encourage His disciples. “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever,” John 14:16.  Just as Jesus was sending us a