The View from the Pulpit:
Dear Members of Our “Resurrection” Family
The Lesson of the Two Lakes
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
With that good news resounding throughout the church and our lives – good news that makes all the difference in the world, I would like to share the Lesson of the Two Lakes:
I haven’t been to the Holy Land, but I’ve studied the same maps you have (at least most of us have in our Bibles). The Holy Land has two great bodies of water: the Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. They aren’t that far apart, but there is one major difference: the Dead Sea is just that: DEAD! Almost nothing lives in it. The water is literally stagnant. The Sea of Galilee is ALIVE! The disciples fished in it; life thrives in and around its beautiful waters.
What is the difference, you might ask? Simply this: the Dead Sea has no outlets. Nothing flows out of it. It receives … but it does not give. The Sea of Galilee, on the other hand, has water flowing in, and just as much water flowing out. The water moves through it, bringing life!
A question for all of us: WHICH ARE YOU? Are you the kind of Christian who judges the Church by what you “get out of it?” Sure, the worship is great and the messages might bless you. Yes, you leave Sunday mornings feeling better, but what do you do during the week with what you receive from God on Sunday?
God’s church isn’t just a place to get (though certainly we have “gotten” from God: forgiveness, new life, hope, joy, celebration, peace, love, mercy, goodness, His Word, His sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper – etc, because the list is endless!!). God’s church isn’t a place just to get – it is also a place to GIVE! Resurrection Lutheran Church is a place to USE the gifts, talents and treasures God has invested in you. How about you? Have you personally shared the Savior Jesus with anyone during this season of His death and resurrection? Have you reached out to someone – anyone – in need during this Lenten, Holy Week and Easter Season? Just how special is the “Good News” to you? What difference does it make in your life?
During the holy days of Lent – Holy Week – Easter, we are examining the great challenge that the resurrected Lord gave His church: “to go and make disciples, baptizing and teaching them …” Through our hymns, sermons, Bible readings and liturgy, we are focusing on the THE GREAT COMMISSION that Jesus our Lord has given to His people, His Church. Come and be a part of this spiritual journey! Invite and bring a friend! Share the Good News that:
Christ is risen! He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
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My Office Hours are as follows:
Tuesday – Friday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Saturday: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
I try to keep an “open office” policy, but there may be times I will have someone in my office, or I am deeply involved in sermon preparation, or I am out making calls. It is always best to make an appointment or to call first to see if I am available: 757.596.5808!
Time Off: Sunday afternoons & Mondays (don’t be surprised if I don’t answer the phone on these “Sabbaths” – and I rarely check my cell phone for messages or texts on my days off)
The grace and peace of the Risen Lord Jesus be with you all …
Your Fellow Servant in Christ our Lord,
Pastor Hank Hollar
