Today was Easter Sunday here at Ilsan Town. Last week was Pastor Lee's final sermon. Regretfully, he had to move far away and can no longer be pastor at Ilsan. With Easter Sunday this week, Esther was willing to give a sermon this morning.
Esther is so thoughtful, she wrote up her sermon in English; so we all could follow along this morning. Every week a resident is chosen to lead the congregation in a prayer.
Here is Esther's sermon she wrote out for us. It's in Korean style, and simplicity so the residents can understand the concept.
Though the heart of Easter should not be an annual event, celebrating this special day as "Easter Sunday" reminds us the significance of its true thanksgiving. We are taught to give thanks in all circumstances, and yet we become frugal when it comes to being grateful to God.
Here's a story about two rooms found in heaven. One room was filled with treasures and the other was empty. One asked an angel why this was so? And the angel replied, "one room was for the treasures to be given away to those who pray to ask something." The room emptied quickly since people always want something. The other room is for the treasure to be given to those who pray to thank God, but not many claim such a blessing.
When Jesus cured 110 lepers from their deteriorating disease, only one returned to show his gratitude. How soon we forget the grace of God when everything is simply going smoothly for us. What is true thanksgiving? It's about confessing that ALL was possible because of God's grace. It's about confessing it from your heart through your lips how grateful we are to God. We should be grateful for his love and acceptance despite of who we have been, and who we are now. That's what should be thankful for.
Live as though Christ died yesterday, rose from the grave today and is coming back tomorrow!
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