Church in the Windshield

Easter Sunday

April 21, 2019

 

Christ the Lord is risen today and I am so glad! I heard of a number of Sunrise services today or perhaps I should say “Son Rise” services. It does our hearts good to know that churches everywhere are celebrating Easter because this is resurrection morning. Sheron and I have been to Jerusalem (several years back) and saw the place that supposedly was the actual tomb of Jesus. It was empty just like Peter, John and Mary said, (St. John 20:1-10) . . . it was Awesome . . . it was eerie . . . it gave us “cold chills” and “goose bumps.” “He is not here, he is risen as he said,” (Matthew 28:6). Mary Magdalene arrived at the tomb early on Sunday morning to care for Jesus. Obviously, she had been worried about the care of Jesus and about how she would get the stone rolled away. The stone, similar to the one in the picture, weighed approximately fifteen hundred to two thousand pounds. It would have been difficult for her to move the stone up the incline, let alone place a stone underneath to keep it from rolling back down.  The picture of the tomb is not of the actual tomb of Jesus but, was borrowed from the internet. We were not allowed to take pictures of the actual tomb. Peter and John peered into the tomb and saw strips of linen used in the burial. A neatly folded cloth, used to wrap Jesus, was placed at the head.

Some think the cloth was the Shroud of Jesus (today called “The Shroud of Turin”) that we have heard about on the news of recent years. The shroud produced a negative image of a crucified man, but it is uncertain whether or not that it was Jesus.

Peter and John went back to where they were staying but, Mary remained. She looked in the tomb and saw two men dressed in white, one at each end of the burial place. The two men asked, “Why are you crying?” Mary responded with “Because they have taken away my Lord’s body and I don’t know where they have put him.” Then Jesus appeared behind her but she thought it was the gardener until he called her by name. Mary reached out to hug Jesus but he said, “Do not touch me for I have not ascended to God the Father (paraphrased). Mary then went and told the Disciples.

Each one of us plays a character in the Easter story. Which character(s) do you relate with?

Peter and John that saw what happened and then immediately went back to their normal life?

Mary who waited and then experienced the great joy of the appearance of Jesus?

Do you relate with the angels that were the gatekeepers of the tomb?

Until next time, Praise God for this wonderful day of resurrection and celebration.

Drivers behind the windshield

Ron & Sheron

 

 

 

Church in the Windshield

Lorraine First Baptist Church

March 31, 2019

 

If you are traveling Southwest on highway 156 south west of the city of Ellsworth, Kansas, you will come to 10^th road. Turn left on 10^th road, (South) travel a few miles and you will come to the little town of Lorraine, Kansas. Lorraine is a quiet and safe town; probably had more activity in years gone by, but still maintains its identity. Turn right on Wichita Street (West) Drive a few blocks and you will see the most beautiful brick church, it’s the Baptist Church and it is certainly a historical landmark and pillar of the community.

We arrived early as we always do so we can take some pictures and it became quite obvious that this building was a sacred and sanctioned place of worship. We sensed the Holy Spirit even before the church service began. Sheron and I surmised that the church family would be just as unique as the building itself and sure enough . . .  we were right.  This church family that gathers together on Sunday wears their best out of respect for God and the church. And perhaps it was a symbol that God had done his best for them and they would do their best in return.

As we entered the church, people began to arrive and finally we counted twenty five (including us). The congregation consisted of loving Christian people who had long since given their lives to Jesus Christ and had chosen to follow him. This Christian family was so friendly, warm and welcoming that they made their guests (us) feel like a part of the church family . . . their church family. We were touched by such warmth. We think that each church member greeted us with “Welcome and visit.”

We couldn’t help but notice the beauty of the sanctuary . . . so restful . . . so peaceful . . . so inviting for worship. It was more than pleasingly color coordinated walls or the attractive high ceiling. It was more than the gorgeous stain glass window behind the baptistery, it was . . . well, it was a sense that God was in this place.
A scripture came to mind, Matthew 11:28 (ASV) Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

This type of rest and peace can only come through the Love and Acceptance of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

It’s the Lenten Season as exemplified by the empty cross and the purple cloth draped ever so neatly over its arms. It is a sad time for Christian people all over the world, but Easter is coming and the final story will be oh so different. Easter is coming and a glad day of rejoicing will prevail within our hearts. Easter is coming . . . the resurrection is near!

And on that great resurrection morning when Jesus rises from the dead, (now within our hearts) there may be a welcome sign similar

to the one on the left as seen on the church monitor. The sign might say welcome churches . . . welcome holy people of God . . . welcome true believers . . . and even more important . . . welcome true followers. Following Jesus is no easy task but in the end there will be spiritual rewards perhaps as colorful as the flowers in the sign.

Pastor Zach Ullom has served this Baptist Church now for a number of years and is doing a great job serving God and caring for God’s people. His message Sunday morning entitled “The Servant and the Reason,” was based on the scripture Isaiah 53:1-6.

This thought provoking message pointed us to a deeper closer walk with God and reminded us once again, who really was in charge. The church service closed with the singing of the hymn, “Jesus, The Very Thought of Thee.”

Until next time, keep your faith and trust in the one who paid the “ultimate price” for each of us.

Ron & Sheron, drivers behind the windshield

Epilogue: If you are traveling west of Ellsworth on Highway 156 and would like to find a great place to worship, stop by the First Baptist Church in Lorraine, Kansas. They will be glad to have you.  There worship service starts at 10:30 a.m.