April 9, 2021
Dear Cathedral Family,
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:11 (NIV)
We just celebrated some of the most incredible events so far in the history of the world – the life, death and resurrection of Jesus, our Lord and Savior! I trust that our Easter services encouraged you and refocused your heart and mind on the HOPE that we have no matter what is happening in the world around us.
I’m inviting you right now to join me in a huge “Yay, God!” for each person who made the decision to follow Jesus on Easter, either through a first-time commitment or recommitting their lives to the Lord! We know of over 140 responses in the room and trust that there were even more online. If you made that decision, we’d love to journey with you.
A great next step would be to tell someone: text “newbeginning” to 97000, email us or message us on social media (@wearecathedral). I’d also encourage you to be baptized; our next water baptism will be on May 16. Be sure to go ahead and start growing by getting connected in a small group or in our Growth Track. We can’t wait to see what God does in and through you!
Now, the story of Easter doesn’t end with Jesus’ resurrection. After spending 40 days on Earth with his disciples after the resurrection, Jesus ascended to Heaven. But before he went back to be with God the Father, Jesus encouraged his disciples with these words:
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that 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)
Jesus is preparing a place for us and He’s coming back! I don’t know about you, but that excites me. In the Bible, God tells us a lot about what will happen before Jesus comes back and during the last days of time as we know it and beyond.
This Sunday, we’re starting a new series about the END TIMES. If that phrase, or words like rapture, tribulation, antichrist, millennial reign, are new or perplexing to you, then you’re in the right place. We’re going to learn a lot together. Don’t worry, this isn’t going to be a message of gloom and doom that evokes fear and anxiety; it’s going to be four weeks of COMFORT and HOPE.
I can’t wait to worship God with you this Sunday, in-person at 9am and 11am. For those not yet comfortable with in-person gatherings, you’re welcome to join us online at 11:00 am. You can also tune in on Facebook and YouTube.
Come expectant!
See you Sunday,
Mike Lewis
Cathedral