It seems very hard to imagine, but I just celebrated 15 years of ministry at the church. I remember saying to the pulpit committee, “Please do not hire me if you do not like me because I’m going to be here for the next 20 or 25 years.” Well, almost there!! Now I hope it’s 30 or 40!

It is such a privilege to get to do what I do. Explain and teach the Gospel of Christ Jesus. I just wish it were easier. I mean, not just me, but all Christians, have to tell people, “you’re not a good person.” Who really likes or wants to be told that? We have to tell people that their sin is such an offense God that it is punishable by death and deserving of hell. That really isn’t what people like to hear. But it’s true. Sin separates us from God. Each of us. We are hopelessly lost. We are lovers of sin, selfishness, prideful and love to taste and touch and partake of God’s creation and never give any thanks… The Bible actually calls our hearts wicked and deceitful. That is why some people willingly believe that Jesus died on a cross, but it makes no affect in their lives. They still live their way and do their own thing. It’s a convenience for them that Jesus died, but they do not understand “why” He gave His life willing.

Unless we understand our sinfulness, we cannot understand God’s grace. I mean, we need to realize that there is absolutely nothing we can do to make ourselves a “good person.” Isn’t that annoying! People try all sorts of things to “make themselves righteous” to make themselves “worthy of salvation”. Yet, that will never happen. Salvation comes only because of what Christ has done. Works salvation cannot satisfy. Because no matter you’ve done, it’s not enough, you could have done more. No matter what you gave, you could have given more. But, relying on what Jesus has done. That He bore God’s wrath against sin upon Himself. All of God’s wrath so you and I could be pardoned. Set free. He did that so we could come to repentance. That means to turn from our sin, the very things that separate us, to cling to the foot of the cross and all that it means. The guilty can find pardon.

I hope this coming Good Friday and Easter season that is approaching soon is a time you’ll open God’s Word and read about this salvation. Read why the resurrection matters. Nothing to do with colored eggs, everything to do with God showing that His wrath against was satisfied and He proved it by raising to new life the very One that bore that judgement. Evidence that new life is available to those that have repentance towards God and faith in Christ Jesus.

Lots of things have changed at the church in 15 years. The inside and outside have certainly changed. We planted a new church. We’ve grown. But what will never change … Is the message of the Gospel that we proclaim. “For by grace you have been saved, through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.”