Jesus is our King...Through the Cross
The first Lenten season of the new millennium begins on Ash Wednesday, February 28. Lent is that season of the Church Year during which we reflect on the meaning of the events during the week of our Lord's life called holy. As we reflect, our deep need for a Savior is in sharp focus. The horror of sin's condemnation is meted out on Jesus, the King who rules from a cross. The King rules His subjects by becoming one of us, taking on Himself the condemnation our sin deserved, and dying so that we might live. Then we joyfully celebrate the Resurrection of our King, evermore trusting His promise: "Because I live, you shall live also."
The theme for our weekday Lenten services this year will be "Jesus is Our King...Through the Cross." During February, your area Elder will deliver a wooden cross to each family. This cross is the centerpiece of a display which will be completed on the Festival of the Resurrection. At every service, a different object will be available as a reminder of the theme. Each object will be added to your display. When the series is completed, you will have an attractive cross display which you will be able to use as a visual aid in sharing the Gospel with other's in your family and with visitors in your home. Even after this Lenten season is over, it is our prayer that your cross display will provide opportunities for you to tell about Jesus, the King who rules forever over His Kingdom which is eternal.
Many people are working together to engage all the members of Hope in an intentional congregation-wide proclamation and celebration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. As subjects of the King, this is the essence of our life. God grant that this Lenten season brings into sharper focus the life we share together in the Kingdom, as you make a diligent effort to attend each service.
Please pray for our congregation that during this special season of the Church's Year each of us through the means of grace will be strengthened in our trust and deepened in our appreciation of what it means that Jesus is our King. As His blood-bought, Spirit-gifted, grace-motivated disciples, we are eager to share with others what Jesus has done for us and also for them. Jesus is our King...Through the cross!
