Happy Monday to all! Yesterday, we worshipped our Savior who willingly gave His life for us. We learned from John 12 that just as we face decisive moments in our lives that change us forever, Jesus faced such a moment in His life on earth that would be the most pivotal event in the history of the world. Jesus faced the cross with all its horror and pain to provide a just forgiveness for the sins of those who would believe. Without His just sacrifice for us as our Substitute suffering the penalty that we deserved to suffer for our sin, there would be no forgiveness. We learned that this decisive hour Jesus faced brings salvation to those who believe. We learned that the decisive hour Jesus faced glorifies the Father. We learned that this decisive hour Jesus faced revealed God’s righteous judgement against our sinful wickedness. Our sins deserve God’s wrath, so God poured out His wrath on His own Son to provide a just payment for our sins. We learned that Jesus’ death on the cross totally defeated our enemy and God’s enemy, Satan. Finally, we saw Jesus’ defeating the enemy and revealing that salvation and victory over sin comes to us through His suffering. We are to follow Jesus in being willing to suffer for Him and for others. We conquer not through power but through suffering and sacrifice. Instead of refusing to embrace the horror of the cross, Christ Jesus willingly embraced the decisive hour of His crucifixion, the purpose for which He came into the world.
We will have a Good Friday Communion service this Friday evening, April 3, 2026, at 7:00 PM. Also, next Sunday on Resurrection Sunday, April 5, we will have an Easter Breakfast at 9:30 AM during our regular Bible Study hour and a Resurrection celebration service at our regular worship time of 10:45 AM. Invite a friend!
During the month of April, we will be taking up the Annie Armstrong for North American Missions. All the money given goes to reaching people and starting churches all over North America.
The EMBC Annual Business meeting will be held after worship on Sunday, April 12.
Remember to keep praying continually for each other. None of us know fully the burdens our brothers and sisters in Christ might be carrying.
Love being your pastor!
Bob Ray, Pastor, East Madison Baptist Church