Rector’s Ramblings April 2018
In our celebration of Easter we celebrate the most amazing unique event in history. His story, the story of God’s love shown in the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. During Lent as part of my daily devotion I came across this ‘blog’ and wanted to share it with you. Happy Easter. Simon
“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect…”
(1 Peter 3:15 NIV)
The best thing that anyone can do with their life is to be a witness of Jesus. This means encountering Him – witnessing Him – first-hand for themselves. Then giving witness to Him to others.
The problem is most people haven’t witnessed Jesus. Not really. They might think they don’t need to
because they already know all there is to know. But often this Jesus is the one of story books, a nice man in a white dress; or a cosmic Santa figure you can petition when you really need something; or the human face of an angry God, ready to strike when you don’t follow the rules.
The real Jesus is much bigger, much more exciting, and, maybe, much more scary. And He does not want people to know facts about Him, but to witness first-hand His grace, His forgiveness and His love. But how do we help others meet someone who is invisible and does not always talk back? Well, this is where we come in – you and I. We are living witnesses to the God we love. Along with every other Christian – because we are all witnesses. God chooses to show Himself to others through his relationship with each and every one of us. Through what we do, through our choices, actions and priorities, and through our words. Words matter.
Often when we experience something amazing we want others to witness it. We want others to see and enjoy what we have. A Christian is someone who has witnessed God’s love in the face of Christ. It has changed our lives, and so we long for it to change every life. Each of us has a different story to tell, a different way in which God’s love has brought revolution to our lives. All we do as witnesses is wait for the opportunity and give testimony to that – simply say what we know. No two people witness in the same way, because each of us has witnessed first-hand something unique. Truly the most generous thing we can do in any of our days is simply take the God-given opportunities to witness to the truth of what we have experienced. And let Jesus take it from there.
This blog was written by the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby
Services this Easter
Good Friday – 11.0am Service
The day on which Jesus was crucified, not for anything he had done, but for all the wrong we have done. He was innocent and yet paid the price for human sin. It is ‘good’ because through his death Jesus removed the barrier that separates us from having the right relationship with God. His death is remembered in the Cross of Hot Cross Buns and in our services at church.
Services suitable for all ages will be held in the morning and a more reflective service “An Hour at the Cross” will be held at 2pm at Hinton-in-the-Hedges on Good Friday afternoon.
Easter Day – 11.0am Holy Communion
The day of resurrection, the raising of Jesus from death, just as he had promised. Jesus’ resurrection gives everybody who believes in him the hope of life with him, in this world and the next. Come and join the celebration of this Good news.
About the Author
Content Admin Responsible for uploading pages, posts and images on behalf of Aynho's various societies, clubs and organisations. Content shown here is attributable to the entity being reported.
Related Posts
Pews News & Prayers →
May 2024 Church Services →
Carol Service →
