No ORDINARY Sunday!

The saints gathered early this Resurrection Sunday, anxious to get their praise on before the onslaught of C.M.E.s crowded the sanctuary later.  That’s what we humorously call folks who only come to church on Christmas, Mother’s Day and Easter!  But we had no idea what awaited us!  Sure we would get a powerful, thought-provoking, soul stirring sermon because our pastor is extraordinarily gifted and anointed in preaching.  We admittedly have become quite used to that!  But no one expected to become witnesses of such an astounding move of God on THIS day…a day we know from bible history was No Ordinary Sunday!

During Holy Week this year contemporary gospel songs were pushed aside to embrace the hymns.  Songs like, At the Cross, I know it was the Blood, What Can Wash Away My Sins.  We don’t hear or sing those much any more but this year we did.  I think it’s because spiritually attuned Christians realize that with all that is going on in our world and local communities, the Precious Blood of Christ and His work on the cross is the only thing keeping our hope alive.  Such was the thinking of our pastor as he took his text from John 20:9-17.  His sermon topic: Blessings of the Resurrection.

Methodically he gave his introduction encouraging us not to give up in the midst of trials but to think futuristically.  He drove hard a point in John 2:18-19 (the last thing I wrote before God’s manifested Himself in our service!)  After driving them out of the temple, money changers taunted Christ with these words: “What miraculous sign can you show us to prove your authority to do all this?” Jesus responded: Destroy this temple and I will raise it up again in three days.” He was talking about His human body.  About this time a beloved brother who had just led the congregation in hymns had a cardiac emergency right there in the choir stand!  Although he was rendered unconscious, service never stopped!  It was only enhanced by God's presence!

Pastor immediately called the saints to fervent prayer, church nurses flew into action; saints broke out in praise for the miracle we knew was coming, all this before the paramedics even arrived!  We got news that before he left the church grounds our brother was alert and responding to questions! What an illustration of God’s sovereignty and grace…dare any one challenge the Master as the money changers did...Prove Your Authority!  We saw it with our own eyes!  No this was No Ordinary Sunday..but then no Sunday for a Christian is ordinary..for each one is a celebration of the Resurrection Power of Christ…Do You Know this Power?  If not, don’t let another second go by.  New life is awaiting.  Jesus said:  “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matt. 28:18) and the Word assures “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.” (John 20:31).  Do it now.. It's as easy as ABC!

A - Admit You Are A Sinner (Romans 3:23)

B - Believe Christ Rose From the Dead (I Cor. 15:3-4)

C- Confess your faith in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord (Romans 10:9)