I read this a few years ago on Easter morning:
We’re Here to Tell You
We’re here to encourage you by telling you over and over again that the life you’ve been living is not the life Jesus wants you to have. To help you believe that you are worth far more than what the voices of this world tell you you’re worth.
We’re here to tell you that life is more than the weekly lineup of reality shows, the vacations you go on, the restaurants you eat in, the fine wine you drink, the golf courses you play on or the sports teams you follow.
We’re here to tell you that your worth is not limited or even defined by the car you drive, the home you live in, your fitness factor, your significant career, your education in a prestigious university, your political party, or your status in some sick codependent performance-based religious tradition.
We’re here to tell you that you do not need to medicate the pain of life with booze, drugs, exercise, materialism, portfolios, education, career, control, or even theology.
What We Know!
We know that we live in a world where few people keep their promises or remain faithful to anything or anyone. We want to introduce you to Jesus, who does keep His promises and will remain faithful. And we beg Him to strengthen us so that we can become the exception to your experience by keeping our promises to Him, you, and one another.
We know that you need a new vision for your life. We know from God’s Word and from personal experience with Christ that you do not have to hang onto this hurtful world with the death grip of someone who isn’t aware of a better option.
We know that you may feel like the better options are for others.
Donald Miller, in one of my favorite books, Blue Like Jazz, tells the story of a group of hostages taken by terrorists in a remote corner of the world and held there in a dark room for over a year. When the Navy Seals got to the building – opened the door – and announced, “You’re rescued; you’re free. Come out into the light!” Not one of the hostages, huddled in a mass on the floor, moved a muscle. They had been in the dark for so long they didn’t believe in the light anymore. Or, like most of those who live outside the grace and mercy of God, didn’t think it was for them. So one of the seals took off his gear, got down on the floor, wrapped himself around the nearest hostage, held onto them tightly, whispering over and over and over, “It’s all right. You have been rescued. You’re safe. You’re free. You can walk out into the light.”
What We Want To Do
That’s what we want to do. We want to take off all of our religious gear, announce to you the love, forgiveness, and power that can be yours in Christ Jesus, put our arms around you, and say to you over and over again, and for the rest of your life here on earth, “It’s all right. You’re safe here. If you trust in Jesus He will give you life and you will become a child of the Living God with power from on high. From that moment and for the rest of your life, you are not destined to live like this. You are destined for the light. When you believe in Him, He rescues you; He sets you free.”
We want to take you by the hand and walk with you toward the light of resurrection life in Christ Jesus.
Question: Are we off base, or isn’t this what every Christian desires in his or her redeemed heart?



Yes, the resurrection life is what every Christian should enjoy, but few experience. Martin Luther said the most free of all people are those who are the most enslaved to Jesus Christ. Thank you for emphasizing this great truth. COD members and friends are most fortunate that you are their pastor.
Love that quote by Luther. I’m going to post it. Thanks