VANTAGE POINT: 3 CROSSES = 3 MOTHERS

It is easy to overlook the fact that there was more than one mommy who wept at the base of a cross on the day our Lord was crucified.  Two men hung on either side of Jesus, and each of those men had a mother as well, a mother who had dreamed of so much more for her son. 

And that is why the cross of Jesus is so significant.  Jesus died so the men beside him might know forgiveness.  Jesus died so their mothers might know peace.  Jesus died for each of us who has ever experienced disappointment, frustration, heartbreak, and shame.  Jesus died that we might have life.

I invite you to gain a new perspective on the events and people surrounding the crucifixion of our Lord.  Click on the media player to hear the dramatic presentation, “Vantage Point: A Mother’s View” and the follow up message “The God of Comfort.”  May you be blessed and refreshed as gain a new glimpse of the cross.

 

On the Radar

Community Sunrise Easter Service at the Mustang Bowl, April 4, at 6:30 a.m.

“Beautiful One,” EFC’s Spring Women’s Event is coming Saturday, April 17.  Mark your calendar for this special time of fun and ministry.

Family Connection

Did you miss the Parenting Class?  If so, check out the resource station at the back of the sanctuary to get a manual and cd set.

Parents, be sure to check out the Worldchangers website.  We align our Bible curriculum from the nursery all the way up to our youth.  Access the Family Connection page on the website to bring your children’s Bible lesson home to the kitchen table. 

We also have all the info you need about RAMP, our ministry to youth in Sweetwater High School and Middle School and surrounding campuses, as well, at www.efcyouth.com.

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday, for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “Grace Like Rain” by Todd Agnew
2. “I Adore You” Jesus Culture version
3. “Healer” Kari Jobe version
4. “Revelation Song” Kari Jobe version

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, March 28, 2010, we will continue our dramatic preaching series, “Vantage Points” with a look at the cross from the perspective of a disciple of Jesus.

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THE VIEW FROM THE CROSS

The View from the Cross by Lillian Jane Neal

 

“Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross…”  –Hebrews 12:2

Special thanks to Lillian “Lightning Bolt” Neal for sharing this wonderful piece of art with us.  For order and usage requests contact efcsweetwater@aol.com. 

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VANTAGE POINT: PILATE’S WIFE

Each of us has a perspective, a point of view concerning the cross.  All of our lives have been influenced by the crucifixion of Jesus.  But, what did those early witnesses see?  What was the perspective of those first century merchants, craftsmen, soldiers, and politicians?

The Bible records one sentence written in a message from a politician’s wife, and we discover even from the safety of her vantage point, her life was impacted by this Messianic preacher from Galilee.

Mathew 27 records her story: 

¹¹ Meanwhile Jesus stood before the governor, and the governor asked him, “Are you the king of the Jews?”

“Yes, it is as you say,” Jesus replied.

¹² When he was accused by the chief priests and the elders, he gave no answer. ¹³ Then Pilate asked him, “Don’t you hear the testimony they are bringing against you?” ¹⁴ But Jesus made no reply, not even to a single charge—to the great amazement of the governor.

¹⁵ Now it was the governor’s custom at the Feast to release a prisoner chosen by the crowd. ¹⁶ At that time they had a notorious prisoner, called Barabbas. ¹⁷ So when the crowd had gathered, Pilate asked them, “Which one do you want me to release to you: Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” ¹⁸ For he knew it was out of envy that they had handed Jesus over to him.

¹⁹ While Pilate was sitting on the judge’s seat, his wife sent him this message: “Don’t have anything to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered a great deal today in a dream because of him.”

²⁰ But the chief priests and the elders persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas and to have Jesus executed.

²¹ “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?” asked the governor.

“Barabbas,” they answered.

²² “What shall I do, then, with Jesus who is called Christ?” Pilate asked.

They all answered, “Crucify him!”

²³ “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate.

But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!”

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he was getting nowhere, but that instead an uproar was starting, he took water and washed his hands in front of the crowd. “I am innocent of this man’s blood,” he said. “It is your responsibility!”

²⁵ All the people answered, “Let his blood be on us and on our children!”

²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them. But he had Jesus flogged, and handed him over to be crucified.

Click on the media player to hear a dramtic presentation of a view of the cross through the eyes of Pilate’s wife.

On the Radar

We will not have any church activities this Wednesday evening due to Spring Break.  We pray you enjoy a wonderful time with your family this week!

Family Connection

Parents, be sure to check out the Worldchangers website.  We align our Bible curriculum from the nursery all the way up to our youth.  Access the Family Connection page on the website to bring your children’s Bible lesson home to the kitchen table. 

We also have all the info you need about RAMP, our ministry to youth in Sweetwater High School and Middle School and surrounding campuses, as well, at www.efcyouth.com.

You Heard it at EFC

Been trying to remember one of those awesome songs we sang?  Here is our worship list from yesterday, for those of you who just absolutely need a copy for yourself.  You can usually find them for purchase on itunes.com.

1. “See His Love” Jesus Culture version
2. “Your Love Never Fails” Chris Quilala version
3. “You Gave Your Life Away” by Katherine Scott
4. “Here Is Love” Brian Johnson version

Sunday Preview

Next Sunday, March 21, 2010, we will continue our dramatic preaching series, “Vantage Points” with a look at what three different mothers saw when they stood beneath the cross.

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Scripture quotations taken from The Holy Bible : New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1996, c1984.

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