April 4, 2010 by Worship Director.

Celebrate the Risen Christ!

Today’s Scripture:    John 20:20

…the disciples were overjoyed when they saw the (resurrected) Lord.

Easter is all about LIFE: new life, whole life, abundant life, redeemed life and restored life.  It is life triumphant over death forever.  I like to hear a Christian tell me “I am going to live forever.”  On Easter we are reminded that the struggle between life and death is over.  Jesus said, “He who believes in Me shall not die.”

The resurrection of Christ gives us this new life. When I see lives that were broken and torn to pieces - now restored and experiencing joy and contentment - I see the power of the resurrection. I see despair rolled away, opening a new path to hope. I see delusions rolled away, along with its “I wish…” and “I need…” mentality. The resurrection teaches us that we can shed our shrouds for everyday living, working, relaxing clothes.

Like the disciples, we too will be overjoyed when we see the resurrected Christ. The resurrection reminds us that miracles do happen in our lives everyday.

Prayer Starter

Lord and Risen Christ –
Thank you for the miracle of the resurrection.
May we also rise to a newness of life. 

- Rev. Gilbert Davila

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April 3, 2010 by Worship Director.

Easter Celebrations at Austin First Church of God April 4, 2010

Sunrise Service 8:30 am in the beautiful Outdoor Worship Center
Please dress appropriately for the weather

Sunday School for Adults and Children 9:45 am

Easter Worship in Music, Multimedia and the Message 10:45 am

 Join us!

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April 3, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:    John 14:6

Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.
No one can come to the Father except through me.

Read Romans Chapter 5

The Way

Jesus said, “I am the way…” to get to the Father.  In the Spanish version of the Bible the word “way” is translated “camino” or road. This gives the idea that Christ is merely a path to walk on to get to the Father. So many consider Christianity as a road or religion; do this…don’t do that, and hopefully everything will work out in the end. I think Christ had something completely different in mind.

He did not come to teach religion, He came to give life - - life abundant! The Way to the Father is not an external path to follow, but rather an internal one in which Christ guides us daily from within on how we should think and act. If we obey His leading, there can be no doubt that our final destination will be at the Father’s side for all eternity.

Prayer Starter

Jesus, my Guide -
Help me walk the path that brings me closer to You.

- Rev. Paul Jones, Missionary to Bolivia

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April 2, 2010 by Worship Director.

Today’s Scripture:       John 19:17-18

So they took Jesus, and He went out bearing His own cross, to the place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha.  There they crucified Him…

Read John Chapter 19

A Cross to Bear

We know the story well. He was crucified between two criminals, a sign sarcastically proclaiming Him “King of the Jews,” while soldiers divided up His clothes. His concern and care for His mother, His power and authority that shook the earth, convinced even the solders that He was truly the Son of God.

To neglect the sacrificial death of Christ is to ignore the central symbol of the Christian faith.  The cross cannot be removed from Christianity. If we want to reach the world for Christ, we must find the cross God wants us to bear.  The apostle Paul tells us that God has redeemed and created us anew for the purpose of good works. There is true fulfillment and joy in helping others to experience forgiveness at the cross of Calvary.

Prayer Starter

Lord -
For the gift of Your Son and salvation to all that believe in His name, we give You thanks.

- Rev. Gilbert Davila

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April 1, 2010 by Worship Director.

Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday celebrates the night Jesus had His ‘last supper’ with His closest friends,
implementing the practice of communion and footwashing.

Today’s Scripture:     John 17:20-23

My prayer is not for them alone.  I pray also for those who will believe in Me through their message, that all of them may be one, Father, just as You are in Me and I am in You.  May they also be in Us so that the world may believe that You have sent Me. May they be brought to complete unity to let the world know that You sent Me and have loved them even as You have loved Me.

Read John Chapter 17

Answer to Prayer

These lines are from the prayer Jesus prayed just before He was taken prisoner and then to the cross.  He said He was praying not only for the disciples present that day, but for all of us who would believe through their message – that includes you and me.  He prayed that we would live in unity.  He prayed that all the world would know that God the Father loves us even as He loved Jesus.  We can be the answer to His prayer.

Prayer Starter

Holy Lord and Sacrifice -
As You prayed, may we respond to Your desire.
Help us live Your prayer in our world today.

- Sue Breland

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