Christ is risen! He is risen indeed!

Yes, we celebrated Easter a few weeks ago, but we're just getting to Christ's resurrection in Promise Kingdom this week (Lesson #39). It's good to remember Christ's rising from the grave every day, isn't it? After all, it's an essential element in the gospel. Marty Machowski reminds us from our curriculum:

Jesus is no longer in the tomb! This is one of the most critical parts of the gospel. Paul said it like this: “If there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised. And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain....If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:13–14, 17).

Paul goes on to say in 1 Corinthians 15:20–23 that Christ is the “firstfruits” (the first to be raised) and that we will also be raised. If Jesus had died but not risen again, we would all be lost. The resurrection is not an add-on to the cross. It is an integral part of the gospel message without which the gospel would have no power!

Announcements

A few notes to keep in mind:

First, there are only two Sundays left for the kids to work on their current projects during craft time. Mrs. A would love for any children to come as early as 8:30 on Sunday and she can help them complete this special work of love.

Second, we plan to have an evacuation drill at the beginning of Promise Kingdom on May 17, weather permitting. Parents do not need to be involved in the drill, but we wanted to let you know.

And third, our annual all-church picnic will be after the service on Sunday, June 28, which will also be our last day of Promise Kingdom before summer break. If you have any ideas for the picnic or would like to volunteer to help, please let me know!

I look forward to worshipping with you on Sunday!

Pastor Jonathan