An Invitation

There is a lot going on at my church, Greenville Christian Church (GCC) this week. With Easter being this Sunday there are several services to be planned for. Our Good Friday service will be at 7:00 (on Friday, of course), the women will host the Floyd County Women's Lenten breakfast on Saturday at 9:00 AM, and on Sunday, three services will be held: 8:00 AM, 9:30 AM and 11:00 AM. Sounds excessively busy doesn't it?

But isn't that what it's all about.... offering the opportunity for all to hear the word, to learn of Christ's love and the gift of Salvation that He gave? This is so important. That was brought home to me last night as I sat with my 3yr-K class last night.

After a couple of months practicing their handbells, their performance was held last Sunday, Palm Sunday, the beginning of Holy Week. Michelle and I decided to hold a "wrap" party last night, bringing in cupcakes, drinks and showing the kids a movie. Following their "meal" we headed off to a classroom with a TV and sat them down to watch a children's video called "The Easter Promise". This movie was a kid friendly re-telling of the crucifixion of Christ. When the movie got to the part of the story where the crowd was asking that Barabbas be released, several in my class began chanting "Jesus, Jesus". As they placed Christ on the cross in the movie, several said, "Oh, no...." Then one of them said, "He'll be back." And at the end of the movie, as they show the empty tomb, and then Jesus ascending into heaven, these kids began to cheer and clap. I thought, "Wow, these kids get it!"

So, how important are all the services this weekend? Very! How important is it that we tell EVERYONE about the gift of salvation? EXTREMELY! This weekend there will be people all over the US who step through the doors of a church JUST BECAUSE it is Easter... let's not miss the opportunity to help them understand the story of Christ, feel the full impact of the gift he gave, and have them realize that he isn't gone... he will be back!

These kids get it, because they have had the opportunity to hear. Yeah, it is a watered down version of what happened, at such a tender age they just aren't ready to hear of the true pain and suffering that Christ endured so that we could all receive the gift of salvation... but what about you... do you truly understand the magnitude of this gift? If not, then I invite you to join us for one of our services... and if at the end you feel like clapping and cheering, go ahead. The Lord is worthy of our praise!