Sunday, 28th March 2010 @ 22:45

Church Update 1-4-10

Dear Friends,

Easter for a christian is far more than just another holiday. It is a time when we celebrate
the beginning of the hope that came to mankind.
The death of Jesus on the cross being the full payment for the sins of mankind, followed by
the mighty resurrection of Christ from the dead 3 days later.

What a wonderul day for all of us, when the flooding joy of life beyond the grave became a
reality. The excitement of our faith is the powerful experience of being forgiven from our
wrongs, and then recieving the gift of eternal life.
This new life only became possible when Jesus conquered death at His resurrection.

For those who are seasoned in their faith, my encouragement to you, is to keep the vibrancy
and focus of your faith burning in your heart. The book of Philippians 2: 12 tells us to
work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
In other words be pro active to keep the fire of faith burning in your heart. In the same
way that it is necessary to keep the fuel (wood) up to the fire, to maintain the flame, we
need to resource and equip our souls with the necessary spiritual fuel (bible reading,
study, fellowship and evangelism) to keep our soul on fire for God.

For those who have just begun their journey with Christ, my encouragement is to build into
your time and routine, the disciplines necessary for ongoing growth and development of your
faith. No athelete achieves their goals by being passive and just expecting the records to
come. Rather they discipline their bodies and condition themselves to be able to recieve
their prize. They do these things for an earthly (temporary) prize, but we discipline
ourselves for the heavenly (eternal) prize. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 9 "Do you not know
that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you
may obtain it. 25 And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now
they do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we for an imperishable crown."

This easter, we pray that you are both inspired and encouraged in your holy faith. not only
that, but that you would also be an inspiration and encouragement to others.

All our Love and Blessings
Phil and Sue
Senior Ministers
Mandurah CLC