PASTOR'S PAGE

Message from the Pastor:

The Tidings                            

A Newsletter of St. Paul Lutheran Church – Picayune, MS  March 2008

The Day of Resurrection

(1 Pet 1:3-9)  Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In His great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, {4} and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade—kept in heaven for you, {5} who through faith are shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. {6} In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. {7} These have come so that your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. {8} Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, {9} for you are receiving the goal of your faith, the salvation of your souls.

Happy Easter!

            Welcome to the focal point of the entire church year.  We have arrived at the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, the day we have waited to celebrate the entire year.  It is the privilege of the people of God to be able to celebrate with their brothers and sisters throughout the world and with all of the saints who have gone before them in the faith. We celebrate because the Christ of our faith has won for us the forgiveness of sins and a place in His father’s House for all eternity.  He has done this by His resurrection from death and the grave.  Death could not hold him and because of His victory, we can also claim victory over death and the grave.

            This month we once again give praise to God for our new birth into a living hope all because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.  In our Baptism we were tied to His death and what he has now done for us by His suffering on the cross.  In our baptism we have also been tied into His return to life and now look forward to our own resurrection and eternal life.  This is only possible through the relationship that we now have with the Son of God who has granted our place in His father’s kingdom by His act of sacrifice on the cross and His victory over the grave.

            As you celebrate this season may you be renewed in your hope for eternal life and may you be strengthened by the gospel fulfillment in Jesus Christ.  Here are some suggestions for your celebration:

-          Take time to remember your own baptism vows; take time to discuss what baptism means to you with your family (perhaps what you remember of the ceremony that was performed for your kids or other family members).

-          Take time to read again the passion story of Jesus found in any of the Gospels and then read of His victory over death.

-          Attend church with your family; bring a friend or extended family member, discuss the joy of salvation with your family over your family meal that day.

Take time to remember the one who has made your salvation possible – any new family tradition started this year may feel uncomfortable at first but can be a wonderful addition to your family traditions as you celebrate Easter.  Remember that because of this day we claim victory over death forever.

You are Loved!     Pastor Brad