​Historically, Christians take time to solemnly observe the week proceeding Easter Sunday, calling it Holy or Passion Week. Indeed, these seven days were the most intense days of Jesus’ life and notably the most significant week in all of history. All four Gospels (Matthew 21; Mark 11; Luke 19; John 12) record the details of the dramatic events occurring during Christ’s final days on earth. In fact, the Passion Narratives of the four Gospels receive the greatest attention from the authors. The Gospel writers slow down during the last week of Jesus’ life, providing greater detail than earlier events of the Gospels. The slow down indicates the importance of what is happening.
Let’s not miss the importance of this week. If God, through the Gospel writers deemed it necessary to devote so much time to one week in the life of Christ, then we ought to give it our attention too.
In summary, Passion Week began with Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem and the “Hosannas” from the crowd that changed to cries of “Crucify Him” before the week was over as Ken Martin taught us this past Sunday. Reading the Gospel accounts, it looks like Jesus spent most of the week teaching in the temple area during the day. In the evenings, He spent time with Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany. During Passion Week the Sanhedrin plotted to kill Jesus, Judas Iscariot betrayed Jesus, handing Him over for arrest, different leaders tried Jesus in their mock courtrooms, He journeyed to Golgotha where the soldiers ultimately crucified Him, and gloriously God raised Christ from the grave on the first Easter Sunday.
I want to encourage you to take a step back and reflect on the events of this week. If you have children, take time each day to read the events that happened on that day of the week. Ask and answer questions together as a family; passing on the amazing story to the next generation. Most importantly, see your place in the account. Christ died as an atonement for sins—your sins, and by satisfying the wrath of God, He makes it possible for you to have a relationship with the Father. Our part? “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved” (Ro 10:9, NLT).
Plan to join us this Sunday as we celebrate the most important events in history: the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Be sure to bring your family and friends as we reflect on the price God paid to save us from our sins, remember Christ’s great love poured out for us on the cross, and celebrate the victory we have in Jesus Christ!

​I am finally back to the blog. Since I last posted, I finished up some school work. Now I can reclaim some of my time.
This past Sunday we had a fantastic time at Blainsport. We baptized four persons and received another eight into membership. All shared their testimonies leaving few dry eyes. I am still receiving comments about how inspired people felt following the worship gathering. I am grateful for the way God is moving in the lives of folks here at Blainsport.
Some exciting things are coming up. This Sunday Ken Martin from Weaverland Anabaptist Faith Community will be with us. He is steering our attention toward Matthew 21:1-11 as we celebrate Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday was the Sunday before Christ was crucified. On that day, the crowd of people proclaimed Jesus as king. Lamentably, the following Friday that same crowd called for His execution.
The following Sunday, April 21, is Easter. We begin the day at the church at 5:45 AM where we carpool to the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area. At Willow Point, the youth group will lead us in songs and Scripture readings as we watch the sunrise. One of the most spectacular verses of the Bible tells us “Very early on Sunday morning the women went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. They found that the stone had been rolled away from the entrance” (Lk 24:1–2, NLT). The stone was removed, and Christ was alive again. Seeing the sun coming up over the lake reminds us anew the miracle of the first Easter and the hope for all who trust in Christ as their Savior. If He lives, so shall we!
Please invite your friend and family to our worship gathering at 10:00 AM. Several people have been planning an unforgettable morning that you don’t want to miss. It will truly be a celebration for our Living Savior.
Now, catching up a bit, I want to let those who like to know what I am currently reading see my reading list. First, in the leadership category, I am reading John Maxwell’s new book, Leader Shift. It is pretty good. His recognizable writing style emerges for those familiar with his books. Many of the principles he highlights you can find in his other books. A second book I have my nose in during my free time is Ernest Hemingway’s classic For Whom the Bell Tolls. It takes me a while to read it since I continually research some of the historical activity going on as his book describes. It takes place during the Spanish Civil War (1936 to 1939). Not being knowledgeable of the war, I must dive into other sources to gain more insight. As a whole, I am learning a great deal because of all the extra research.