Happy 4th of July!

Greetings, and a happy 4th to all of you.

First, apologies once again for the lack of blog updating! For those of you who check in faithfully, thank you. For the next several weeks, you can expect significant bloggage…it will be on the Men’s Ministry site, however (4thseed.wordpress.com). Here’s why:

4th Seed Men’s Breakfast…Tomorrow morning!

The men of Mesa will be having our next 4th Seed breakfast on Saturday morning, July 5th, 7am at the Superstition Springs Golf Club. The topic of the morning will be worship, and will feature some singing, and some sharing from Word by myself, Joel Holsinger and Aaron DeCorte. This should be a rich time…though I’m afraid it might be slimly attended on the holiday weekend. I do hope you’re reading this before the breakfast, and will choose to attend (and invite a friend!).

Summer Bible Study @ the Hartleys - Thursday nights this summer

Last night, we began a 9-week summer Bible study, also on the topic of worship. Over the next two months we will be looking closely at the scriptures, and what they say about how we are to carry out our loving relationship with God, both individually and corporately.

To accompany this study, I will be blogging on the topics on the 4thseed site. My hope is to blog daily…we’ll see how well I do! I would encourage you to make it a habit, to interact over the material with your comments, and help turn this into a community-wide season of growth for our Area.

Heatstroke Open - July 26th

We are only three weeks away from the Heatstroke Open, hosted this year by the Mesa Area, and being held at the Superstition Springs Golf Club. Here’s the link to sign up, and get more details:

http://www.sporg.com/registration?form_id=109745

There are still spots available, so sign up soon!

A quote for you..

Here is a good word for you about worship, from Warren Wiersbe:

“God wants to transform us. He also wants to work through us to transform the people and circumstances that make up our lives. Every Christian is either a “conformer” or a “transformer.” We are either fashioning our lives by pressure from without, or we are tranforming our lives by power from within. The difference is - worship.” (Warren Wiersbe, Real Worship, p. 31).

Do you believe it? Join us as we explore it further…and God’s best to you all,

Bill

Hello from Venice!

Greetings everyone. I was just looking on our website, and realize that it’s been a LONG TIME since I’ve posted! My apologies…and thanks to those who have chosen to keep checking in regularly to see if there have been any updates.

As I type, I am in Italy, where I am teaching Early Church History at Saints Bible Institute. The student body is a group from Liberty University. We’ve been wrestling through the ups and downs of life in the church from its inception on the Day of Pentecost to the crowing of Charlemagne a few days shy of 800. You know what you find out when studying the history of the church?

1. Man is a piece of work.

2. God is amazingly faithful.

How in the world did a religion based on the belief that a Palestinian peasant is the messiah of the Jews, and that he is now the resurrected savior of the world…how did it ever catch on with savvy, Roman-Empire pagans? The odds were long…but God made it happen! Then, with the fall of the Rome, what chance did the disgruntled empire residents have of conveying that gospel to the invading Goths, Huns, Lombards, Franks and Vandals that were taking over their lands? Well, God made that happen, too!

Sometimes I wonder, “how will the gospel ever be received by the people of Mesa?” Or, while doing missions work here in Italy, “how will the gospel ever penetrate Catholic Italy?” The answer? The same way it has always happened…because God superintends its advance, because He promised, “I will build my church” (Matthew 16:18). We’re not building it. He is. And He is a masterful builder, in whom we should have the greatest confidence. He’s asked us to work hard to help this pursuit. I think we should say “yes sir,” and join Him…don’t you?

NEWS: Karen and I are looking forward to hosting as many of you as would like to come at our home, beginning in July, for a Bible study on the topic of worship. The studies will take place over nine consecutive Thursday evenings in July and August, from 7:00-8:30p. There are many thoughts and opinions about worship out there…but my interest is in truly seeking out the heart of God in the scriptures concerning most important church enterprise. I hope you can make it! (If you can’t make every Thursday, that’s fine…each week will be a free-standing topic, so come when you can!).

By the way, it’s 77 and sunny here. As I sit in a canal-side cafe in Venice tomorrow, I’ll be wishing I was with you, enjoying the 113 day in Mesa! You think I’m kidding…but I’m not! Looking forward to being back in the fellowship soon.

God’s best to you all…and arrivederci!

Bill

Ella Files, Volume III

Well, now that Luke Simmons included some of the Ella Files in his recent sermon (June 1), Ella has achieved near rock-star status! You’ll be glad to know that she’s not letting it get to her head (though she is considering starting a woman’s group, writing a book, and touring nationally as a speaker).

It’s time for the the latest installment, so here is Volume III.

The discipler is in.

Principle 3: There is an appropriate way to respond to discipline.

Ella is a pup. She is almost full-grown on the outside, but has plenty of room to mature in her actions. There are many, many lessons she hasn’t learned yet…some, like getting the morning paper, or catching the frisbee in mid-flight, are still to be introduced. At this point, we’re still working on the basics. Sit. Don’t pee inside. Don’t go up the stairs. Don’t eat the cat.

Now, we think that Ella is a smart dog. I suppose all parents think their kids are a little brighter than the rest, but in this case, we think it’s not just subjective. Ella has learned a lot, fairly quickly. But, as with any novice on a steep learning curve, Ella blows it regularly.

Therefore, the constant refrain that echoes through the house is, “Ella! No!!!” At times I feel sorry for her, and wonder how I would feel if I constantly heard, “Bill! No!!!” I’m pretty sure such treatment would make me bitter, frustrated, and wholeheartedly wanting to get away from those legalistic people who are trying to put me in my place.

But, Ella (once again) seems to handle being disciplined with a certain panache that is modelable. Here’s what I mean.

1. Ella prefers discipline to non-involvement. When I am confronted about my wrongdoings, I can’t say that I like it. I usually know that I’m sinning, and would rather be left to myself in that knowledge. When confronted, it means that a) someone else knows about it, b) someone may have been hurt by it, and c) there are those with a hopeful expectation that I won’t do it again. Vulnerability, pain, embarrassment, and expectations…who needs ‘em? In short, my flesh prefers no contact to a reproof.

Not so with Ella. If I’m raising my voice with her, at least I’m engaged! I admit, she sometimes doesn’t know exactly what I’m trying to communicate…like this old Far Side comics points out.

Still, even when she figures out that I’m upset with her, she adopts that strange mix of ears-down-tail-between-the-legs, and wagging-tail-quiver-all-over-expectant-eyes. Even if there is a swat on her horizon, she knows that a follow-up scratch is likely coming right behind. She seems to get the idea of this verse: “It’s the child He loves that He disciplines; the child He embraces, He also corrects” (Heb. 12:6). Or, “He’s mad at me…he must really love me!”

2. Ella never carries a grudge after the disciplinary action. When I’m confronted, a have a myriad of negative emotions to weed through. “How dare you point our my faults!” “Oh, yah? Well, you’re not so hot either.” “I’m going to be so good from now on that you’ll feel sorry for saying that!” Like Ralphie in the movie “The Christmas Story,” who secretly hopes he’ll go blind from soap poisoning so his parents will be miserably sorry for their corrections, we can often carry a lingering need for retribution when disciplined.

Ella, on the other hand, I don’t get. I can get so frustrated, yell at her, and whack her backside. Then, if I say, “C’mere, Ella!”, she’s all exuberance, ready to love and play again. Sometimes I feel like I should remind her: “Uh…Ella? Not sure if you remember, but I’m the guy who just blew up at you, and spanked you.” No need…that’s in the past. She might carry some lingering fear, but there is no love loss between us. If anything, I’m the one who feels guilt for having been so vehement in my correction…but her conscience is clear!

3. Ella is genuinely sorry for the wrong that she has done. When it comes right down to it, are we sorry for our sin, or are we sorry that we get caught? Are we sorry that God has been hurt, or that we’ve lost face? Do we own up to our wrongdoing quickly and comprehensively, or do we try desperately to justify ourselves to slip out from under the accusations? Only sometimes am I sorry…and only some of those times am I sorry for the right reasons. It’s almost as though I live to satisfy my sin nature as much as possible, but stay within the legalistic bounds enough to not be convicted.

Ella is really, really sorry when she’s in trouble. She usually knows why she’s in trouble, especially when I rub her nose in it. But, she’s just not bright enough to understand the intrinsic evil in what she has done. Instead, she seems to be sorry almost exclusively because of the broken relationship between her and me. She hates this more than anything. It’s almost as though she lives for nothing but our friendship.

Can you imagine what our fellowship would be like if we adopted Ella’s approach to reproof? If we embraced it as part of the richness of being family together? If we consider faithful the wounds of a friend (Prov. 27:6), and didn’t let a rebuke distance ourselves from others? If we were emotionally driven to be at peace with the Lord and one another, and genuinely grieved when we realized our actions were creating distance between ourselves and those we love?

“Have you forgotten how good parents treat children, and that God regards you as his children? ‘My dear child, don’t shrug off God’s discipline, but don’t be crushed by it either. It’s the child he loves that he disciplines; the child he embraces, he also corrects.’ God is educating you; that’s why you must never drop out. He’s treating you as dear children. This trouble you’re in isn’t punishment; it’s training, the normal experience of children. Only irresponsible parents leave children to fend for themselves. Would you prefer an irresponsible God? We respect our own parents for training and not spoiling us, so why not embrace God’s training so we can truly live? While we were children, our parents did what seemed best to them. But God is doing what is best for us, training us to live God’s holy best. At the time, discipline isn’t much fun. It always feels like it’s going against the grain. Later, of course, it pays off handsomely, for it’s the well-trained who find themselves mature in their relationship with God.” (Heb. 12:5-11, The Message).

Thanks again, Ella. And thanks to all of you readers out there! You are welcome to leave your comments below.

God’s best to you, Bill

Mesa BBQ Photos!

Sunday the 18th was a great day for the Mesa Area!

Below are some photos from our first BBQ in the Commons!

Thanks again to all who made this possible…we all had a wonderful time!

Big BBQ Tomorrow!

Just a quick plug for the Mesa Area BBQ tomorrow at the EVBC Commons. It all starts at 12:20, after the usual post-10:30-service crowd has its chance to get its lattes. Here are some reasons why you should make it a point to be there:

1. All the meat has been donated by Town & Country foods - exceptional quality and variety, including chicken, seafood and beef. In other words, GREAT eats!

2. Prizes and giveaways! We have a number of special baskets we’ll be raffling off, no purchase necessary! So, you may go home with some goodies!

3. We’ve specifically asked for people new to the Mesa Area to be there, so we can more formally welcome them to EVBC. So, you might think you don’t need to go, but they need to meet you, and get to know as many from the Area as possible. So, your attendance is truly an act of service.

4. Ellen Marrs, the Mesa Area Administrator, has gone to great lengths to make this event spectacular. Those of you who missed the Truck Rally last month have heard all the stories about how great it was — don’t make the same mistake again! Make it a point to be a part of this one…

5. We’ll be collecting “Adopt a Bathroom” baskets for the East Mesa House of Refuge. This is a terrific service project being taken on by our Mesa Home Groups, and the fruit of their labors will make for an impressive stack of baskets in the Commons. You won’t want to miss that, either!

6. You’ve gotta eat anyway, so what better place to grab lunch than the Commons? (And, the price is right! We’re just asking each family to chip in a few bucks to help defray the minimal costs we have.) Even if you’re going to church in the afternoon or evening, come have lunch, then spend a few hours lingering, or shopping someplace nearby.

7. There’s nothing like fellowship in Christ. Food, fun, prizes, yes…but something grand happens when people filled with the Spirit gather together in Jesus’ name. That alone should make this a can’t-miss event!

See you tomorrow? I sure hope so…

God’s best to you all,  Bill

Ella Files, Volume II

(First of all, I apologize about the delay in getting Volume II of the Ella Files up on the blog…it’s been two weeks since the last entry. For those of you who really love fresh blog material, please join the Men of Mesa this month at 4thseed.wordpress.com for a daily entry all during May that will take us through the book of Acts.)

NEWS: Don’t miss the all-Mesa area BBQ in the Commons next Sunday, May 18th! For details, click “Mesa eBulletin” on your right!

The discipler is in.

The response to the first of the Ella Files was very positive, so let’s dive right into the next of the Principles of Discipleship, as Modeled by Ella:

Principle 2: Never Be Ashamed to Demand Your Master’s Attention!

I face a challenge every morning. I really, really enjoy my alone time. I make my gouda-cheese bagel and coffee, grab my Bible and latest book, and sit on the front porch as the sun rises, the fountain gurgling, the birds chirping…a bit of Eden in East Mesa.

But now, I have to be sneaky. Ella, who is not a particularly sound sleeper, is always lying in the crate just outside the kitchen window. If she hears me, the fridge, the coffee maker, the sink, or an opening door of any kind, she’s up, and ready to go! She desperately wants to greet me, be with me, play with me, you name it! So, the ritual begins…nose to the glass, paws to the glass, a few whimpers, a crescendo to the yips, and worst of all, the puppy-dog stare that communicates that she’ll be the saddest of all of God’s creations if I fail to usher her into my world.

So, I succumb. Rather than a peaceful quiet time, I’m now offering a few pats, yelling at her to stay in the yard, guilt-tripped into throwing her tennis ball, pushing her away from my cheese, getting my ankles licked, etc. All this time, I’m looking at her thinking “why can’t she just lie there on the ground next to me, and enjoy a moment of spiritual reflection?”

‘Cause that’s what I would do. ‘Cause that’s what I do.

Then, I see the imaginary bubble appearing over Ella’s head, which has her saying… “And that’s why your such a miserable fuddy-duddy, and why your time with God is so listless and uninspiring. Why don’t you go to God every day like I (try to) go to you?!?

“Why don’t you, when you first wake up, and see the glimpses of God’s glory at the beginning of the day, immediately seek out your Father? Don’t you want His eye contact? Don’t you want His stroke? Don’t you want His provision? Don’t you want to have fun with Him? If so, why don’t you go to Him, unabashed, and relentlessly demand everything of Him you can get … like I do to you?”

She’s right, of course. Too often, I think God is like me … that my tugging on His celestial sleeve will be a burden to Him. So, rather than seek a wild, reckless relationship with Him, I settle for a lowest-common-denominator version: a few verses, a few paragraphs, a few token prayers.

And finally this. Funny thing … even though Ella can “ruin my quiet time”, would I really want her to act any other way than the way she does? Do I really want her to ignore me in the morning, or to not exhibit a huge desire for contact? Of course not. So too with the Lord, I’m convinced. Unlike me, God never grows weary of the passion of his children, and is always ready to love us up, play with us, and be the best doggone master a person could wish for.

So, tomorrow morning, let’s get our tennis balls, and jump up into the lap of the master.

God’s best to us all, Bill

The Ella Files, Volume I

Today, this blog takes an unusual turn. Ellen Marrs, our Mesa Area Administrator, has promoted this blog as an opportunity for you to get to know what’s on your pastor’s heart and mind. Well, it’s time I let you all in on a relationship I have been establishing over the past two months that has served to enhance my spiritual life, and take me to new levels of formation and direction through modeling.

I’m talking about my dog.

In January, our family went to see some puppies - half-breeds, part black Lab, part Border Collie. We found a cute little thing, put down some cash, and took her home. After tossing around about 500 potential names, we landed on Ella … after Ella Fitzgerald, one of our favorite jazz singers. Now, I knew that Ella would be fun to have around. I also knew that, as a puppy, she would drive us all crazy at times. What I didn’t anticipate was how much this hound would teach me.

So, today is the first installment of Principles of Discipleship, as Modeled by Ella.

Principle 1: People are the coolest thing in the world!

From the time we brought Ella home, she made two things perfectly clear - I want to be with people, and I don’t want to be alone. If there’s a person in the room, that’s where Ella parks herself - at that person’s feet. And, when we take Ella for a walk, it only magnifies this priority of hers. As we walk down our usually-deserted suburban streets, and another human being emerges, the leash is immediately taut from Ella’s insistence that we get to that person as quickly as possible. Funny…I don’t join her in her enthusiasm, but rather find myself wondering about that person - “Do I know her? Is he friendly? Could this be an evangelistic moment? Is she a salesperson? A criminal? Should I stay on this side of the street, just in case?” Ella bypasses such reflection, and sees only a possible moment of interaction - a pat on the head, on the tummy if lucky, a new smell, a new person to lick…that’s all she sees.

In short, she thinks people are great! And…well, I don’t. Not as much, anyway.

Contemporary life has put an even greater distance between us and “strangers.” We’re a fearful bunch, and want to keep ourselves and our families safe from people who might do us harm. “Better safe than sorry,” we say … so we keep our kids from playing in public spaces unattended, riding bikes to the store, or even hanging out with questionable playmates in the neighborhood (all of these things I did as a kid, and all of them are sources of fond memories today). But it’s not just kids. We like our drive throughs, our self-checkouts, our ATMs, our self-service stations … anything that will limit our contact with strangers. When we shop for a home, words like “exclusive” and “secluded” tantalize us. As a result of this brand of contemporary living, most of us have only limited contact with our neighbors … and this doesn’t really even bother us.

The scriptures, and the exemplary life of Jesus, know nothing of such isolation. God clearly points out that human beings are the pinnacle of creation, the 6th-day finale, called out as “very good”. Somehow, though, we would rather stare at the ocean, the grand canyon, or even the specimens at the zoo rather than stare into the eyes of our extraordinary neighbors around us! Jesus regularly took the time to interact warmly and deeply with people who lived on the outer edges of the community (woman at the well, Zaccheus, the man living in the tombs, the lepers, ex-prostitutes, paralytics, tax collectors, blue collar fisherman, political radicals…you get the picture). He even told the story of the Samaritan man who modeled proper community involvement by stopping to help someone may not have even liked.

Somehow, when it comes to loving people, I think Ella is more like Jesus than I am. My prayer is that I would keep my leash taut at all times in my desire to reach out to the wonderful people all around me. Hopefully, I’ll do Ella proud.

God’s best to you all, Bill

(Looking for practical information about Mesa Area Ministries, or East Valley Bible Church? Click on the menu offerings on your right, particularly the Mesa Ebulletin, and you’ll find what you’re looking for!)

Thanks, Home Group Shepherds!

I’d like to take a brief moment this week to say thank you to our Home Group Shepherds in Mesa. By name, they are:

WEST MESA: Bob & Patty Betts, Vinnie & Elizabeth Fernandez, Jeff & Roxanne Johnson, Drew & Karen Walsh.

CENTRAL MESA: Bob & Peggy Danielson, Josh & Christen Fortner, Mike & Debbie Frazey, Gabriel & Melissa Johnson, Larry & Linda Jolly, Bill & Diane Tennison, Chris & Tiffanie Russell, Brian & Nancy Whitworth.

EAST MESA: Ken & Helen Brannon, Bob & Nichieli Ferris, Mike & Teri Johnson, Bill & Karen Hartley, Mike & Kim Pickard.

On Saturday night, EVBC hosted an Appreciation Banquet to celebrate the ministries of these terrific people. Pastor Tom shared from his heart about the importance of our Home Group Shepherds, and made the unmistakable point that our entire church life hinges on these people’s effectiveness. I couldn’t agree more!

(By the way, Home Group Shepherds…we have a meeting this Sunday morning at 8:30 in room 100 — don’t forget it!).

HOW ABOUT YOU?

A few months ago, we seemed to have more Home Groups than we needed. Now, almost all of our groups are at capacity, and we once again face the need to expand. Would you like to add your name to the list above, and be a part of providing pastoral care and shepherding to a small “flock” from EVBC? If so, please contact me right away — we have a Home Group Shepherding training day this Sunday, and I would be happy to get you signed up (2-6pm, on campus in Gilbert). Email me at billhartley@evbc.org if you’re interested.

NEW MEMBERS

Did you see the list of new members in the bulletin a week or so ago? There were many from Mesa in that group! Make sure you congratulate Sarah (used to be Kubli until this past 3/29 when she became a (Buckingham), Kim Pickard, Russ and Debbie Kubli, Matt & Danielle Long, Damon Dustin, Eric & Chris Harris, and Kim Robinson. It’s great to have you “officially” a part of the EVBC family!

By the way, if you’re interested in becoming a member, our next Membership Class begins on Sunday, April 27th. It’s at 6:00p, and runs for three successive Sunday nights (through May 11). If you’d like to participate, please email me at billhartley@evbc.org, and I’ll make sure you’re on the roll!

Thanks again to all of you who make being a part of the EVBC-Mesa family such a great experience! It’s exciting to see us grow.

God’s best to you all, Bill

Bill Hartley * East Valley Bible Church / Mesa Area * billhartley@evbc.org * 480.388.2635

14,001!

…That’s the number of M25 items were collected by the Mesa-sponsored event at EVBC on Sunday. We were hoping to break the previous record of 11,000 items, so we did so in grand fashion!

More importantly, though, we did it as a family. On Friday night, all those involved in the Truck Rally had a wonderful time of fellowship as well as service. Then, on Sunday, it was an absolute joy to stand by the trucks, or work in the boxing room, seeing how God provides for the needy through His body, the church. I spoke with so many of you who were truly full of joy and gratitude, which trumped any exhaustion you may have been experiencing after a long weekend of service!

Serving together, making a difference, enjoying the extended spiritual family…I could really get used to this!

SO, WHAT’S NEXT?

Our next all-Mesa gatherings take place this Sunday (April 13th), and then, on a grander scale, on Sunday, May 18th. The Connect to Mesa program has regularly been featuring receptions for new people to EVBC who live in our Area. We’d done this on Sunday mornings at 8:30a (which we’ll do again this Sunday, in Room 100 — please come!), with modest results. it’s difficult for people from all over Mesa, especially those of us who live way out east, or in AJ or Gold Canyon, to get all the way into Gilbert for an 8:30a reception!

So, we’ll be trying something a bit different on May 18th. We’ll be using The Commons, and hosting an all-Mesa barbecue from 12:15-2:00ish. Our hope? That everyone from our Area will be there! Not many people are busy on Sundays at noon, and everyone has to eat, right? So we’re hoping that all of you will plan to be there. You’ll see more information in the bulletins, ebulletins and blogs during the days ahead, but go ahead and put it on your calendar now!

Introducing: 4th Seed

Thanks to all of you who have come to our first two Mesa men’s breakfasts at the Superstition Springs Golf Club! Those who were with us last Saturday were told of a new approach to collectively studying the word. We’re calling it “4th Seed” - from the parable of the sower in Matthew 13. We want to be like “the seed that fell on good soil,” which is “the man who hears the word and understands it. He produces a crop, yielding a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown.”

Each Saturday breakfast, a study theme will be introduced that will be our point of reflection for the rest of the month. Bill will be offering blog postings at “4thseed.wordpress.com”, to which you are encouraged to respond with your own postings. Also, the men’s study that meets on Tuesday mornings at the Paradise Café (Val Vista & Baseline) will offer follow-up studies on this theme.

This month, the theme is the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus. Next month, beginning with our breakfast on May 3rd, we’ll be going through the book of Acts, a chapter a day, being schooled about the way God extends His Kingdom into new places. So, whether it’s breakfast, blogs, or personal reading, let’s stay together as men and let His Word transform our collective heart for ministry in Mesa!

By the way…women of Mesa? You can sneak onto the 4thseed blog, too!

Enough for now — I’ve never been so excited about our Area Ministry, and about the potential for taking the gospel of Christ into our cities. I hope you’re encouraged, too…

Bill Hartley, Mesa Area Pastor, East Valley Bible Church - billhartley@evbc.org - www.evbc.org/mesa

What a Weekend Ahead!

 

 

Thanks for checking into the blog this week – and for your part in what is turning out to be quite an eventful weekend for us here in the Mesa Area!

With so much going on, it can get a little confusing…so here is my attempt to make things as simple as possible:

• Friday
  • Go to the parking lot behind Chick-fil-A (Stapley & 60) at 5:00.
  • Eat with friends (purchase or bring food)
  • Drive around Mesa for a few hours picking up food for M25 (names, addresses, maps and phone numbers provided)
  • Bring food back to parking lot, celebrate a great night
• Saturday
  • Men, go have breakfast, 7:00, Superstition Springs Golf Club, Power @ Baseline NW
  • Pack your M25 bag to bring to church tomorrow
• Sunday – everyone!
  • Go early to church, put on your MAST shirt, and help collect M25 donations

I think that’s it – not that complicated really…and a great time!

Resurrection – is it still on your mind?

It is now over a week since we celebrated Easter. Unlike Christmas, we don’t have the weeks(months?)-long build up of decorations, music and feasting prior to the holiday…so, in many ways, it seems like Easter sneaks up on us, and then vanishes from sight by that Sunday evening. And, out of sight, out of mind…

Historically, the church has done a better job of giving the importance of Easter its due. The season of Easter, known as Eastertide, is actually a 6-week season of celebration – four times longer than the traditional 12 days of Christmas (Christmastide). The historic church got the point: If there is anything in the life of Christ worth celebrating, it’s the resurrection and ascension of Jesus!

I want to encourage you to join me in doing what we can to keep the spirit of Easter alive a little while longer! At our men’s breakfast this Saturday (7am, Superstition Springs Golf Club…be there, men!), I’ll be sharing about the resurrection as the capstone miracle performed by Jesus by addressing the topic, “What does a guy have to do around here to prove that he’s God?” We’ll also be working through the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus at our Tuesday morning men’s fellowships (6:30a, Paradise Bakery, Val Vista & Baseline) throughout the month of April. Those precious days Jesus was with the disciples between his resurrection and ascension are so important for us as a church, and certainly worthy of our attention…so I would encourage you to all take a look at those texts during the next few weeks.

In short: He rose…so that you could and would live a qualitatively different life, both now and for eternity. Are you walking in that newness of life? Let’s spur one another on to embrace this life for all it’s worth.

See you Friday! – Bill

 

Bill Hartley, Mesa Area Pastor, East Valley Bible Church