April 20, 2025
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
~ John 3:16 (NIV) ~
This is Holy Week, the week leading up to Easter when we celebrate the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus the Christ, God’s Son. In fact, most of you will be reading this on Good Friday, the day we remember Jesus’death on the cross for our sins, 2,000 years ago. We are assured of forgiveness of our sins and peace with God because of His death on the cross and His resurrection. When we make Jesus Lord of our lives, we receive eternal life. That’s why we celebrate Easter and what the promise of John 3:16 is all about.
I love how this verse begins: “For God so loved the world that he gave…” God gave the most valuable gift, His son. But why did He do it? Because He loves us. See, when you love someone, you give your best.
In just a few days we will gather to celebrate the love God showed and continues to show. It’s an opportunity to worship God and express our gratitude for all that He has done for us. It will be a joyful and thankful time.
Isaac Watts’hymn, When I Survey the Wondrous Cross, is an excellent example of what our mindset should be. Here are the lyrics:
When I survey the wondrous cross, On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.
You can hear an excellent version of this hymn performed by Mercy Me
This week as we celebrate Easter, I encourage you to give in the spirit of this hymn. For God so loved that He gave His very best! Let’s give our very best as well. Give through our church and give to fruit-bearing ministries like the NorthAmerican Mission Board through theAnnieArmstrong Easter Offering.
Your generosity allows us to provide for children’s ministries that target kids who are unchurched in our public schools, scholarships for teens to attend summer camp, support for a Hispanic church plant in Sedona and support for so many other local, state, national and international ministries that make an eternal difference though First Southern.
I say this not to berate you. Rather to encourage and to compliment you. First Southern, you are the most generous Christians it has ever been my privilege to shepherd.Arecent example. Once again, your giving to the Cooperative Program places you in the Top 25 Churches in per capita giving in the state ofArizona for 2024.
Blessings on your week as you reflect on the impact that the Easter event has made not only on the world, but on your life as well and let’s meet in worship together the Resurrection Sunday morning for a great Easter Celebration as our Celebration Choir presents: Road to Calvary.
Pastor Terrell
In May & June of 2022, Pastor Terrell preached a sermon series he would like you to revisit. Go to our webpage www.firstsouthernpv.org and click on the menu item: The Case for Christianity
ScheduleforSunday,April20,2025
The Saints Class @ 9:00 AM Room #201
Ruth Class @ 9:00 AM Room #202
Youth Bible Study @ 9:00 AM in Cabin
Prayer Room open @ 9:00 AM Room #206
Sunday Morning Worship @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Tuesday@ 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall - Women’s Bible Study
Tuesday@ 10:00 AM in Room #202 - Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday@ 6:30 PM in Cabin - Youth Group
Thursday@ 6:00 PM in
Women’s Bible Study Tuesdays 10:00 AM Fellowship Hall
Morning Worship at a Glance HE IS RISEN
“Low in the Grave He Lay”
“Because He Lives” Amen!
“Because We Believe”
Welcome & Offertory Prayer
Road to Calvary Musical Presentation
FIRST CORINTHIANS
Good News for the Not-So-Good We Believe Hebrews 11:1
