Living Our Resurrection Faith
Easter Sunday at Wesley was a reminder that “nothing can ever separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Neither death nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Our Lord’s House at Wesley was overflowing with joy and gladness in our praise and worship. It was time for so many to at least see fellow church members forced to live behind masks and social distancing during this pandemic. Though we had been able to podcast our worship services online via Facebook, it is reassuring to see, bump fists, touch elbows, or speak to one another face to face. We gather as the Church to corporately express our faith in the Lord who walked away from the tomb, walked among men and women for several days, and then ascend into heaven to sit at the right hand on the Throne of God. We are living our Resurrection faith: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ will come aagain. So now, “come and see.” Then we “go and tell!”
The Bible records the resurrection of Jesus in all four Gospels, which vary in the words that particular Gospel writer either heard or saw. Their overall message is, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?” Our Gospel hymn, “He Lives,” clearly expresses our resurrection faith.
He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today. He walks with me and talks with me along life’s narrow way. He lives! He lives! Salvation to impart! You ask me how I know He lives? He lives within my heart.
“By grace we are saved by faith.” And, “we walk by faith and not by sight!”
Romans 6:5-6 reminds us of our resurrection faith. “Since we have been united with Him in his death (death to sins via repentance), we will be raised as He was. Our old sinful selves were crucified with Christ (on the cross) so that sin might lose its power in our lives.”
An old Christian hymn tells us: “I was lost, but Jesus found me, found the sheep that went astray; Threw His loving arms around me, drew me back into His way. Yes, I’ll sing the wondrous story, of the Christ who died for me; Sing it in the light of glory, sing it through eternity.“
The season of Easter continues through Pentecost on Sunday, May 23. It will be our joy to host our retiring District Superintendent, Rev. Dr. Vic Casad, as our morning worship leader on Pentecost Sunday. Dr. Casad is retiring from day-to-day ministry on June 30, 2021. He and his wife, East District First Lady, Mary Brooke Casad, have served faithfully for eight years in our East District. Mary Brooke is an author, former North Texas Conference leader, and also serves our global United Methodist Church. Please make a special effort to be here so that Wesley can express our thanks to the Casads’ leadership among us.
Living our Resurrection Faith is expressed in every way we seek to worship and serve the Lord with gladness. Over 50 of us enjoyed our first dinner together in over 13 months this past Sunday. Organized overall by one of our newest members, Barbara Williams, it was a joy to see others jumping in (as Wesley folk are apt to do!) and assisting her! Our faith is teaching children, youth and adults in Sunday school, in a home Bible/book study, being a member of United Methodist Women, sing in our Sanctuary Choir, tending to our building and grounds issue, serving on a committee, visiting the sick and folks in homes and hospitals, and simply staying in tough with one another.
Attending and participating in church worship services and events is a way we all can live our Resurrection Faith as well. Helping our finances by giving as you are able is yet another way.
You will see additional activities being planned for ALL of us in the coming days. A Picnic in the Buford Park Pavilion replete with hamburgers is one. Other times to get together are being planned as noted in this newsletter.
Remember, no matter what. God loves us, cares for us, and is always with us!