Farmville Enterprise May 8, 2019
The Sunday after Easter was the perfect morning to stand at the Town Commons gazebo, united at the empty cross, since Christ “is not here; he has risen, just as he said.” (Matthew 28:6) The ground is level at the foot of the cross. It does not matter how talented you are; it does not matter how beautiful you are. It does not matter what color or age or size you are; it does not matter how much money you have or what kind of family background or education you have. We have equal access to our loving Triune God, three persons in one essence – Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Our unity in Christ transcends any barriers that could by erected from a human standpoint.
At Farmville United at the Cross Roy Shepard preached on a verse from the gospel of John about the truth setting us free. “They did not understand that he [Jesus] was telling them about his Father. So Jesus said, ‘When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you will know that I am he and that I do nothing on my own but speak just what the Father has taught me. The one who sent me is with me; he has not left me alone, for I always do what pleases him.’ Even as he spoke, many believed in him. To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, ‘If you hold to my teaching you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.’” “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” (John 8:27-32, 36)
Tim Leggett read from 2 Corinthians 10 and reminded us of the obstacles to unity when Christians and churches compete with one another. We should have the same purpose, which is to proclaim the gospel in word and deed, as we lift up God’s name. “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.” (2 Cor. 10:17)
One of the most stirring parts of the worship service was when the powerful soloist belted out Robin Mark’s “Days of Elijah” with the help of the community choir. The lyrics spell out the reality of God’s faithfulness from the Old Testament to Revelation and the glad reminder that “there is no God like Jehovah.”
“These are the days of Elijah,
Declaring the word of the Lord
And these are the days of your servant Moses,
Righteousness being restored.
And though these are days of great trial,
Of famine and darkness and sword,
Still, we are the voice in the desert crying
‘Prepare ye the way of the Lord!’
Behold He comes riding on the clouds,
Shining like the sun at the trumpet call,
Lift your voice, it’s the year of jubilee,
And out of Zion’s hill salvation comes.
These are the days of Ezekiel,
The dry bones becoming as flesh,
And these are the days of your servant David,
Rebuilding a temple of praise.
These are the days of the harvest,
The fields are as white in your world,
And we are the laborers in your vineyard,
Declaring the word of the Lord!”
celiastone 