A Fruitful Few Months -- Continued

Confirmations at St. Patrick's, Smyrna, TN

Dedication of St. Peter's, Frankfort, KY

Confirmations at St. Andrew's, Versailles, KY

Ordination of Joey Fitzgerald at Truro Church, Fairfax, VA

Palm Sunday at Holy Cross

Renewal of Clergy Renewal Ordination Vows

Dedication of St. John's, Americus, GA

Speaking at Mt. Berry Church, Student Ministry at Berry College

A Fruitful Few Months

It has been a busy view months of ministry. Below a picture journey of what I have been doing.

24 hour Prayer Vigil at Holy Cross, Loganville

Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper

Lay Eucharistic Ministry Training

Feb. 19 -- Bishop Visitation at Christ the Redeemer, Conyers

One of Five Lenten Clergy Days: Loganville, Versailles, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Augusta

Workday at Holy Cross

Confirmations and Ordinations at Holy Family, Hendersonville, TN

Easter from John Stott

From John Stott during this Easter Season:  


The resurrection of Jesus Christ also assures of God's power.  For we need God's power in the present as well as his forgiveness of the past.  Is God really able to change human nature, to make cruel people kind and sour people sweet?  Is he able to take people who are dead to spiritual reality and make them alive in Christ?  Yes, he really is!  He is able to give life to the spiritually dead and transform us into the likeness of Christ.

Berry College and the Mountains

I spent a day last week trying to get my legs back into hiking shape.  After spending a couple of hours hiking up a mountain (what we call a mountain in Georgia), I was huffing, puffing, sweating, and really ready to find the top.  I heard a noise behind me and turned around to see some guy "running" up the mountain.  He had his running shoes on and a little backpack carrying his water with a convenient hose to drink when he needed to.  I was very impressed -- and put in my place!!

There is nothing like getting out in God's creation away from the city noise, cars, cell phones, and computers.  I always feel refreshed and renewed after a good hike in the wilderness.

Sunday night I was able to speak at the Mt. Berry Church, the student church service at Berry College located in northwest Georgia.  Chaplain Jon Huggins leads a tremendous ministry with college students.  The fellowship was excellent and the student worship band was incredible!!  Preached on the resurrection appearance of Jesus from John 20:19-24. Check out http://www.mountberrychurch.com.

The Resurrection Myth?

          Many scholars and academics dismiss the life of Jesus simply because of the resurrection; that is, that after He was crucified on a Roman cross, there was no way he could have came back to life three days later.  It doesn’t fit with their worldview which ignores any kind of supernatural possibility, or a miracle, and they will not even look into the greatest story ever told – the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus the Messiah.

The place where Jesus was laid in the Tomb

            As the Church throughout the world begins to celebrate Easter Day and then the 50 days of the Easter Season, what should we say to those who question whether or not this is some myth made up by legends and misguided fools?  John R.W. Stott writes a concise summary: Firstly, the tomb was empty, and no adequate alternative to the resurrection has ever explained the disappearance of the body.  Secondly, the Lord was seen, and the appearances do not fit with what we know of hallucinations. Thirdly, the disciples were changed people. Only the resurrection can account for their transformation from doubt to faith, cowardice to courage, and sorrow to joy.

            The Apostles taught in the New Testament that because Jesus rose from the dead that all who believe in him may receive forgiveness of their sins (Peter – Acts 10:43; John – 1 John 2:1,2; Paul – 1 Corinthians 15:17).  Jesus himself even said the night before his death – “This is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins (Mt. 26:28, NIV). 

This was the purpose of his death and resurrection – to bring forgiveness of sins.  Many people are shocked when they hear this, but it is why we celebrate Easter.  If he had not risen, then his life and death would have been a sham.  He would have been no Messiah!

BUT he did rise from the grave, and because of this, all who come to him by faith may receive pardon and absolution.  None of us can mask or hide our sinfulness although we try very hard.  Our guilt, pain, and separation from God can only be resolved in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.  There is nothing like his forgiveness.  There is nothing like his peace. It is tangible and real, and it transforms your life. Without the resurrection this would have not been possible.