Updated 3/4/24
On behalf of LA Holiness Church, Happy Easter to you and your family! Easter is amazing because Jesus overcame death. Easter reminds us that love triumphs over hate and that goodness overcomes evil. As Jesus’ birth on Christmas was a miracle, His resurrection after his death was also a miracle. His miracles point us to the nature and person of who Jesus is. Not only was he fully human, but he was also fully God.
Currently, we are studying the last few chapters of the book of Luke, journeying with Jesus to resurrection Sunday. To get to resurrection Sunday, we must journey through the valley of the shadow of death. There is no resurrection if there is no death. As we walk with Jesus, I notice the rejection of the very people Jesus came to save, the betrayal and abandonment of his close friends, and the burden to do the right thing even though it will literally kill him. This is not a pretty fairy tale story. It’s ugly and gruesome and also very honest with what Jesus had to endure for the ones he loves.
Jesus understands us in our pain because he himself went through the crucifixion. He went through the pain and tragedy of death. Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Easter reminds us that Jesus understands you and your pain. Jesus is also mighty; he came to help you in your time of need. Jesus first died, paying the penalty for all our wrongdoings, and made us right with God the Father. Secondly, he came to be with us and empowered us to live life to the full. May Easter be a wonderful reminder that God understands and wants to help you.
I invite you to join us for our Easter events. First, on March 29th, we have our Good Friday service at 7 pm - 8:30 pm. We will remember the sacrifice Jesus made. On March 31st, we will have our annual Easter Breakfast @ 8 am. The men of our church will prepare a delicious breakfast for everyone. Afterward, we will have our Easter worship service at 10 am. These are some ways you can join us in worshipping Jesus this Easter.
If you have any concerns or needs, please let us know, and we would love to see how we can help you. Have a wonderful Easter.
May God bless you and your family,
Rev. Michael Furuyama
Senior Pastor at LA Holiness Church