April 13, 2025
“For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. The Lord loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of his unfailing love. By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, their starry host by the breath of his mouth” ~ Psalm 33:4-6 (NIV) ~
GOD ATWORK
In his book FEARLESS, Max Lucado writes about going to the heart doctor for tests. After reviewing the tests, the doctor told him to wait in his office. He walked to the office in trepidation.As he sat down, he quickly noticed the doctor’s many diplomas on the wall.
Lucado writes:
“The more I looked at his accomplishments, the better I felt. I’m in good hands.”
Then the nurse came in and handed him a pamphlet to read while waiting, saying that the pamphlet would help him understand his heart condition. He was once again filled with dread. He had felt peaceful until the nurse gave him the “diagnosis.”
He decided to look up again at the wall. He said, “I counteracted diagnosis with diplomas. I looked at the wall for reminders of good news: that I am in good hands.” Who was in charge of his case? Someone very capable. Someone experienced. Someone who could handle it.
As you read the Bible, pay attention to the times when it says, “God, Maker of heaven and earth.” God has hung His diplomas in the universe. Look at the stars, the planets, and the endless vastness of space. Look at flowers and mountains and the great depths of the sea. Look at a human being with a body working intricately and incredibly. How could you doubt His ability to handle your problem? How could you doubt that He can do anything about your impossible situation? You are in good hands hands that created the universe. Counterbalance your diagnosis of your situation with God’s diplomas.
As we come to the celebration of Palm Sunday and the beginning of Holy Week, it brings to mind that the Creator God, demonstrated His unfailing love for us by going to the cross in our place. Jesus reminded us that even in our most stressful and trying times in life, He is always in control and invites us to find comfort and hope in Him. Notice His words to the disciples just hours before the crucifixion on the eve of what we call Good Friday.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’ s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
~ John
14:1-3 (NIV) ~
The worst that could happen to Him could not stand in His way. He would become our sin on the cross then He would die there make restitution for the penalty we owed and then rise again. Forty days later, He would ascend into heaven, very much alive, and today we await His sure return to take us home.
You see, it really does matter where you focus your eyes and heart. This Easter season, choose to focus not on the trials that may be causing you to worry and lose hope. Jesus really does have the credentials He has the diplomas. You can trust Him!
Blessings on your week as you reflect on the God who demonstrated His love for you, in that while you were still a sinner, Christ died for you and let’s meet in worship together Sunday morning. We will be looking at how Jesus can and will make your life a good thing in GOOD NEWS FOR THE NOT SO GOOD
Pastor Terrell
Audio Version of message from last week.
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,April13,2025
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
Preschool Worship opens in KID CITY 10:15 AM
Sunday Morning Worship @ 10:30 AM in Worship Center
Kidz4Christ K-6th dismissed during Morning Worship
Tuesday@ 10:00 AM in Fellowship Hall - Women’s Bible Study
Tuesday@ 10:00 AM in Room #202 - Men’s Bible Study
Wednesday@ 6:20 PM in Room # 203 - Choir Rehearsal & @ 6:30 PM in Cabin - Youth Group
Thursday@ 6:00 PM in Fellowship Hall – Adult Bible Study
Women’s Bible Study
Tuesdays 10:00 AM Fellowship Hall Men’s Bible Study 10:00 AM Tuesdays Room #202
Wednesday @ 6:20 PM in Room #203.
YOUTH GROUP Students in grades 7-12
Wednesdays 6:30 PM at the CABIN !
Sunday Morning Youth Bible Study AM to 10 AM at the Cabin !
Thursdays @ 6 PM in Fellowship Hall IF YOU NEED HELP OR ASSISTANCE Deacon of the Week: Gene Moore 928-350-8789 Schedulefortherestoftheweek:
Adult Bible Study
Kidz4Christ
928-772-7218
fsbcpv@firstsouthernpv.org www.firstsouthernpv.org Church Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 8:30AM - 2:30PM Senior Pastor Terrell Eldreth: 619-244-6265 PastorTerrell@firstsouthernpv.org Worship Pastor Bart Young 928-254-8713 PastorBart@firstsouthernpv.org
and Connection Cards will be collected in the Offering Boxes located just inside the two main entrances into our Worship Center, as well as in the Office Hallway.