First Notes: The Way Up is Down
Dear First Baptist Family,
When Jewish pilgrims traveled to the Passover each year, they called one another to go “up” to Jerusalem.
The idea was both physical and spiritual. On the one hand, they went "up" in elevation to reach Jerusalem. Jerusalem sits on a high hill, so no matter where one comes from, they're always going "up" to the city.
On the other hand, there was a spiritual meaning of going "up" as Jerusalem was the center of religious life in Israel. People are called “up” out of everyday life and out of their normal experiences to seek the face of God.
That is the journey we find ourselves on during Holy Week. We are ascending toward both a remembrance of Jesus' death on the cross and a celebration of His empty tomb. It's a call to lift our hearts and minds to reflect on Jesus’ last week on earth in a human body.
How can we go up?
One important way to “up” is to slow down. Take time this week to read the passion narratives at the end of each of the four gospels. Consider all that Jesus went through in the final week before His death. Pray through what it means for your life.
Another way to go up is by reaching down to help someone else. Perhaps someone comes to your mind that could use some encouragement. There's a person you've been meaning to call but just haven't done it. Or maybe you've been thinking about giving something away and it's time to do that. You could bless a local nonprofit with a monetary gift, go through your closet and donate unused clothes, or find some other way to serve others.
Lastly, prioritize being with the family of faith. This is the week when we reaffirm how we are brothers and sisters in a new family. Jesus is our Savior, our brother, and our friend. Since we are His “body,” we experience more of Him when we are together.
I hope you're planning to join us for our regular Wednesday activities, but also for the Experience the Passion event from 4 to 8 on Thursday (come when you can to Trentham Hall; it takes about an hour to move through various experiences), Eggstravaganza on Saturday from 2pm-4pm at World’s Fair Park, and Easter Worship at 11am on Sunday. Also remember to invite a friend to one or all of these events.
My sermon this Sunday will focus on Jesus being the Crucified and Risen One from the text Matthew 28:1-7. Don’t forget to bring flowers to decorate the cross! It's going to be a great celebration and it won’t be the same without you.
With much love,
Pastor Brent McDougal
When Jewish pilgrims traveled to the Passover each year, they called one another to go “up” to Jerusalem.
The idea was both physical and spiritual. On the one hand, they went "up" in elevation to reach Jerusalem. Jerusalem sits on a high hill, so no matter where one comes from, they're always going "up" to the city.
On the other hand, there was a spiritual meaning of going "up" as Jerusalem was the center of religious life in Israel. People are called “up” out of everyday life and out of their normal experiences to seek the face of God.
That is the journey we find ourselves on during Holy Week. We are ascending toward both a remembrance of Jesus' death on the cross and a celebration of His empty tomb. It's a call to lift our hearts and minds to reflect on Jesus’ last week on earth in a human body.
How can we go up?
One important way to “up” is to slow down. Take time this week to read the passion narratives at the end of each of the four gospels. Consider all that Jesus went through in the final week before His death. Pray through what it means for your life.
Another way to go up is by reaching down to help someone else. Perhaps someone comes to your mind that could use some encouragement. There's a person you've been meaning to call but just haven't done it. Or maybe you've been thinking about giving something away and it's time to do that. You could bless a local nonprofit with a monetary gift, go through your closet and donate unused clothes, or find some other way to serve others.
Lastly, prioritize being with the family of faith. This is the week when we reaffirm how we are brothers and sisters in a new family. Jesus is our Savior, our brother, and our friend. Since we are His “body,” we experience more of Him when we are together.
I hope you're planning to join us for our regular Wednesday activities, but also for the Experience the Passion event from 4 to 8 on Thursday (come when you can to Trentham Hall; it takes about an hour to move through various experiences), Eggstravaganza on Saturday from 2pm-4pm at World’s Fair Park, and Easter Worship at 11am on Sunday. Also remember to invite a friend to one or all of these events.
My sermon this Sunday will focus on Jesus being the Crucified and Risen One from the text Matthew 28:1-7. Don’t forget to bring flowers to decorate the cross! It's going to be a great celebration and it won’t be the same without you.
With much love,
Pastor Brent McDougal
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