Zion United Church of Christ
Blog
No Need to Fear
| Posted on August 4, 2021 at 11:55 AM |
No Need to Fear
God, abounding in steadfast love, wants to welcome us home, not punish us. Lent is the season in the church year when we look into our hearts to see how we have wandered away from God’s path. Lent is a good time to pay special attention to the words and actions of Jesus who has revealed to us the human face of God. So we pray together as a family this Lent. Not out of the fear of God’s punishment, but because we have faith that we will grow closer to God and to one another as a result.
Ash Wednesday is the beginning of the season of Lent which is made up of the forty days (excluding Sundays) leading us to Easter. It is a season of repentance, self examination and preparation during which we try to make ourselves ready for the journey to the cross.
Easter is also a time to reflect with increased understanding of Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection. It is a time to renew the bows of baptism and recommit to the Christian life. Because of Christ’s death and resurrection, our lives can be renewed. We can also renounce sin and begin to live for God. As we grow in even deeper trust in the saving love of Jesus, fear loses its hold on our hearts, and we become more confident, more forgiving, and more compassionate people.
The Journey Begins!
Rev. Coy
THE STRENGTH OF LOVE
| Posted on February 22, 2021 at 1:53 PM |
THE STRENGTH OF LOVE Love is so strong, that it can redeem you from the darkest of circumstance. D. L. Moody tells this story of redeeming love: In Brooklyn I saw a young man go by without any arms. My friend pointed him out and told me his story. When the war broke out, he felt it to be his duty to go to the front. He was engaged to be married and while in the army letters passed frequently between him and his intended wife. After the Battle of the Wilderness, the young lady looked anxiously for the accustomed letter. At last one came in a strange hand. She opened it with trembling fingers and read these words: “We have fought a terrible battle. I have been wounded so awfully that I shall never be able to support you. A friend writes this for me. I love you more tenderly than ever, but I release you from your promise. I will not ask you to join your life with the maimed life of mine." That letter was never answered; the next train that left, the young lady was in it. She went to the hospital. She found out the number of his cot and she went down the aisle, between the long rows of wounded men. At last she saw the number; she threw her arms around his neck and said: “I’ll not desert you, I'll take care of you.” He did not resist her love. They were married and there is no happier couple than this one. You're dependent on another. Christ says: "I'll take care of you." This could be anyone's story. Whether we are maimed on the outside or maimed on the inside we are loved. No matter what war we are fighting, one on foreign soil or an emotional one inside our hearts; if we believe and give our lives to Jesus we will be saved. The young soldier had the faithful, undying love of his fiancé. We have a Savior who is waiting for each of us. Waiting to wrap his arms around each of us, to protect us, to love us, and to journey with us through eternity. Yours in Christ, Rev. Coy |
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