Para Vista Lutheran Church

An Easter message from Bishop Andrew Brook.

The God of second chances was at work at the first Easter, and he still is today, in our lives... For God so loves the world.

An Easter message from Bishop Andrew Brook.

The God of second chances was at work at the first Easter, and he still is today, in our lives... For God so loves the world.

Cover Photo by Pisit Heng on Unsplash.

 

This Sunday is called Palm Sunday in the life of the church—how Jesus came to be king, but by Good Friday, five days later, the crowd discovered that Jesus was not going to be the king they wanted: a political king, a bread king, a miracle king—and so they started to chant softly at first but then building to a crescendo crying out: “Crucify him, Crucify him, Crucify him”.

This Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday. It’s the beginning of Passion Week that is 8 days long, lasting to Easter Sunday.

When you hear the word or think of the word “passion”, what word, picture, or memory comes to mind?

Now the examples you have in mind may not reflect what the Bible says about this word—the Latin word comes from “passion” or “passum” and it means to endure suffering and pain—now does that put a whole new meaning on the word for you?

I look forward to sharing more about this when we dwell on the word with the theme: “Jesus’ Suffering = Second Chances”.

Pastor Wayne Kerber

Bible Reading: Luke 23:1-26, Luke 23:32-47 (NIV)

This Sunday is called Palm Sunday in the life of the church—how Jesus came to be king, but by Good Friday, five days later, the crowd discovered that Jesus was not going to be the king they wanted: a political king, a bread king, a miracle king—and so they started to chant softly at first but then building to a crescendo crying out: “Crucify him, Crucify him, Crucify him”.

This Sunday is also known as Passion Sunday. It’s the beginning of Passion Week that is 8 days long, lasting to Easter Sunday.

When you hear the word or think of the word “passion”, what word, picture, or memory comes to mind?

Now the examples you have in mind may not reflect what the Bible says about this word—the Latin word comes from “passion” or “passum” and it means to endure suffering and pain—now does that put a whole new meaning on the word for you?

I look forward to sharing more about this when we dwell on the word with the theme: “Jesus’ Suffering = Second Chances”.

Pastor Wayne Kerber

Bible Reading: Luke 23:1-26, Luke 23:32-47 (NIV)

In the anointing at the house of Lazarus, Mary's and Judas' actions contrast two forms of love. One was extravagantly generous while the other echoed the world of social obligation.
But Mary did not only anoint Jesus once. The first time had perfume filling a room during a celebration for the return of Lazarus. The second time, Mary helped anoint Jesus' body as it lay in a tomb.
The two separate events were separated by just 5 days, not enough time for the apostles to fully assimilate what Jesus said about - being lifted up on a cross so that He might attract people to Himself (John 12:32). This passage causes us to reflect on the contrast of extravagantly devotion with a critical and selfish response. For Jesus has given us permission to honour Him in extravagant ways.

Pastor Chris McAleer

Bible Reading: John 12:1-8 (NIV)

In the anointing at the house of Lazarus, Mary's and Judas' actions contrast two forms of love. One was extravagantly generous while the other echoed the world of social obligation.
But Mary did not only anoint Jesus once. The first time had perfume filling a room during a celebration for the return of Lazarus. The second time, Mary helped anoint Jesus' body as it lay in a tomb.
The two separate events were separated by just 5 days, not enough time for the apostles to fully assimilate what Jesus said about - being lifted up on a cross so that He might attract people to Himself (John 12:32). This passage causes us to reflect on the contrast of extravagantly devotion with a critical and selfish response. For Jesus has given us permission to honour Him in extravagant ways.

Pastor Chris McAleer

Bible Reading: John 12:1-8 (NIV)

God’s desire was for the world to be inhabited by people created in His image.

Today’s Bible verse in Genesis 3:15 sets up the ongoing conflict between good and evil.

The "offspring" of the woman is interpreted by many Christians as a prophecy of Jesus Christ, who would ultimately defeat Satan (symbolized by crushing his head), though Satan would cause suffering (striking the heel).

This passage points toward God's promise of salvation through Christ.

Pastor Paul Newsham

Bible Reading: Luke 24: 25 –28 (NLT)

God’s desire was for the world to be inhabited by people created in His image.

Today’s Bible verse in Genesis 3:15 sets up the ongoing conflict between good and evil.

The "offspring" of the woman is interpreted by many Christians as a prophecy of Jesus Christ, who would ultimately defeat Satan (symbolized by crushing his head), though Satan would cause suffering (striking the heel).

This passage points toward God's promise of salvation through Christ.

Pastor Paul Newsham

Bible Reading: Luke 24: 25 –28 (NLT)

Music, it's a part of our day to day lives.

We sing songs each Sunday in worship, but how much attention do we actually pay to them?

How often do we break down what a song is telling us? How often do we let music guide our lives?

This Sunday we explore how music affects, feeds, and sustains our lives.

James Przibilla

Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 16:16, 1 Chronicles 13:8, Psalm 33:3, Psalm 98: 4-6, Psalm 100:1-2 (NLT)

Music, it's a part of our day to day lives.

We sing songs each Sunday in worship, but how much attention do we actually pay to them?

How often do we break down what a song is telling us? How often do we let music guide our lives?

This Sunday we explore how music affects, feeds, and sustains our lives.

James Przibilla

Bible Readings: 1 Samuel 16:16, 1 Chronicles 13:8, Psalm 33:3, Psalm 98: 4-6, Psalm 100:1-2 (NLT)