Since Easter is at the end of the month, the theme for this month should be a no-brainer. Yet, as we begin a new month and continue our journey into the middle of Lent, Easter isn't what most people are thinking about. We see the world seemingly imploding around us. Not even three months into the year and we've witnessed the horrendous scenes from Japan following the earthquake, tsunami and numerous after shocks. If that weren't bad enough, there is the additional emergency from the failed nuclear containment facilities. It's a mess.

In addition to natural disasters, there are the man-made crises of wars, rumors of wars, insurrections and political unrest. Where is there any sense of stability and well-being? We have been witnessing the social and political unrest allover the country and the world. Things haven't looked this bleak since the 1930's.

Is this the end of the world? Is it the end of life as we know it? Maybe. The prophets of doom are predicting the end for May 21. There's bad news and other news on that front. If these events are signaling the end, it's only the beginning of the end. How do we know? Our Lord has warned us. The disciples were curious about the end of the world, too. When they asked Jesus about these things, here's His response.

Matthew 24:3-8. As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age! And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads you astray. For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the “Christ,” and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet, For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places, All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.

Our Lord didn't end with the bleak signs in nature and on the political scene. He warned that we would also see them even in the church. As we near the end, the church will be riddled with apostasy, unbelief and heretical teachers claiming to speak for Christ.

'Then they will deliver you up to tribula1tion and put you to death, and you will be hated by a11 nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 124:9-131

We're certainly witnessing these things in the church. Again, like the natural and political upheavals in the world, things will only get worse. So, where's the good news? We're looking forward to it. After all, we are preparing to celebrate Easter. The good news of Easter is the resurrection.

Luke 24:1-6 But on the first day of the week, at early dawn, they went to the tomb, taking the spices they had prepared. And they found the stone rolled away from the tomb, but when they went in they did/ not find the body of the Lord Jesus. While they were perplexed about this, behold two men stood by them in dazzling apparel. And as they were frightened and bowed their faces to the ground, the men said to them, "Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.

First, we celebrate the resurrection. Once again, we proclaim to the world our faith and conviction that Christ is risen! He is arisen, indeed! Then, we will deal with the rest of the uncertainties of life. The Lord has called and gathered us as a congregation. More than ever, we are an oasis of spiritual hope and calm. Our facilities are to be used not only for worship, but study, education and service to the Gospel, the community and through us to the world. In whatever small ways, we will impact the darkness and chaos of the upheaval in the world with small acts of love and kindness. By the grace of God, our love will not grow cold as we see life unraveling and we will persevere to the end.

Take heart. Don't give up. The Lord is in control of things. These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. [John 16:33]

Blessed Easter! He is risen!
Pastor