The ladies met for their Bible Study, Thursday morning. They are doing a study that was written by Stormie Omartian, “The Power of a Praying Life.” One of the keys to a successful prayer life is in maintaining a right heart. Another key, that is being studied this week, is forgiveness.
Some part of this week was spent preparing for the Chamber of Commerce Luncheon on Tuesday and making cakes for the monthly birthday party at the Heart of the Ozarks Healthcare Center, Wednesday.
Norma Stillings sang a special song before Pastor Bob Sorensen brought a message on “Seven things Jesus left behind,” from Acts 1:1-11.
Jesus came to the earth to give his life to save the lost. All his life was spent moving in the direction of the cross. When he said, “It is finished,” and died, the work of salvation was complete. After Jesus arose from the dead, he appeared to his disciples at different times over the space of forty days. Finally he took them to the Mount of Olives where he ascended to heaven.
One thing that Jesus left was an unfinished task. He had come to save the lost. That task was not finished. He had begun that work, but the task will not be finished until every lost soul is saved. Jesus’ primary commandment to the church was to go out to seek the lost and give them the gospel. Jesus had already warned them that they should work for as long as it was possible. There is coming a time when the work will cease in the fields, not because all the souls are saved, but because the darkness has come and no man can work.
Jesus left a message and a hope that has never been successfully challenged. The message we are to carry to the world is that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God who died for our sins to make reconciliation for our souls and that he arose the third day to give us the hope of eternal life. Our salvation depends upon our belief in this wonderful gospel and not at all on the good works we may do. The empty tomb, the testimony of eye witnesses, the changes that occurred in the lives of his disciples, and the fact that no one has come up with any proof otherwise makes it certain that Jesus did arise from the dead. This gospel message gives hope to all believers.
Jesus left an unquestionable love. There has never been a greater love. He gave his lifeblood for a people who did not even care. While Jesus hang on the cross his body torn from the unmerciful scourging he had suffered, he cried, “Father forgive them….” What an amazing love!
Jesus left an unfailing promise. He had told the disciples that he was going to prepare a mansion for them so that they could be where he was. When Jesus ascended, two man in white apparel announced that he would return the same way that they had seen him go into heaven. Christians have been looking for that coming ever since. Knowing that Jesus is coming back and that we will give an account for our actions should keep us faithful. Are you ready for his return?
