The Real Reason

It’s the most wonderful time of the year.

I mean really, this ought to be the time we sing about. I love Christmas and all of that, but this is the real “reason for the season.” (I always wanted to say that).

So we have 2 billion people celebrating the Son of God dying and rising from the dead. It all starts on Friday night for us. That still leaves 4.6 billion to invite to church. And actually a big part of those 2 billion that haven’t been for awhile. Get them here. We have room in all of our services as of right now. That could change in two days, so please get your e-tickets online. E-Reservations

The service is coming along very well. It’s going to be very powerful, if you had to wonder. It’s the best message and we’re going to do it well.

As I was reading in John this week, I was struck by the people who don’t believe. In John 7, it’s even his bro's. John 7:5 – your brothers didn’t believe you. Lord, how hard it must have been for you to deal with the people. Your own family. Unbelievable. Please know that it was worth it. Know that as I am able to stand up and give hope to 7000 people this weekend – it was worth it.

John 7:3-5 "Jesus' brothers said to him, "You ought to leave here and go to Judea, so that your disciples may see the miracles you do. No one who wants to become a public figure acts in secret. Since you are doing these things, show yourself to the world. For even his own brothers did not believe in him."

Some people just don’t want to get it. It was familiarity for them. It will be for your family too. I did meet someone last week who had NEVER been to church in their life before last week. That was cool. But most of your peeps are going to be people who grew up believing in some kind of gospel message. Our job will be to convince them that it still matters. That it’s real. That they can have it! Pray for them. Invite them. Let’s make it 2,000,000,001.

Tim

P.S. If you haven’t seen Rachel’s blog from England in a while, here is the link - Rachel's Blog
They have a big event this Friday – pray for them.

P.S.S. For those of you who have been doing the TRAIN bible reading, here's the next schedule.

Comments

[Debbie H.]

Thanks for the New Train Bible Reading.

By the way. I have a sun catcher in my window that I leave ALL year round. It states that "Jesus is the Reason for the Season". I figure why take it down, He's the reason for ALL seasons. It's a good conversation start. People always ask why I still have it up.

Looking forward to this weekend.

[We Are...Penn State email list]

Pastor Tim: "It all starts on Friday night for us."

This concept of six identical services is very interesting. One of Lonnie's favorite phrases is "Friday's here...but Sunday's coming!" Tomorrow will it be "Friday's here...but Friday's coming!"???

Thank God for Parkview's version of "March Madness"!

[kc]

I am sure "Penn State's" question regarding Friday night's service is not suggesting it's a bad thing to celebrate Easter on Friday. My family and I will be attending tonight and I am so grateful. I am grateful because it will be an opportunity for us to truly focus on "the reason for the season," without any distractions. Sunday for us will be very hectic as we travel to Indiana to see family and then come back to see the other side of the family, after getting up at the crack of dawn with our small children. I don't want to just "make time" on Sunday to "fit in" going to church. Tonight my family and I will worship & celebrate just as those who will attend on Sunday. It works for us. And I am SO grateful to the many Parkview family members working SO hard to provide this opportunity. "Friday's here...but Sunday's coming!" That doesn't change because we worship on Friday. We will still celebrate Sunday on Sunday. And what a celebration it will be...on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, at all 6 services!!! So on behalf of my family, I say "THANK YOU!!" very sincerely to Tim, the worship team, the church staff, the facilities team, the parking lot attendants, the greeters, the children's team, the communion servers and everyone else involved who have sacrificed so much and worked so hard to put together 6 !! services so that EVERYONE can celebrate our Lord's resurrection!! Parkview rocks!! I can't wait until tonight!!

[Paula]

WOW! A Blessed, Annointed Service!
So Many More will Cross Over! :)
PRAISE GOD! and Thank you, and GOD Bless you!

[Phil]

Looking forward to service.

Tim, it might be helpful for you to tell stories about so many who are making sacrifices in our church. Giving up a Harley, cool, but I never could afford a Harley. So that really doesn't seem like much.

Also, we have many people who are putting themselves out to serve God. We have a young lady in our church (no relation to me) who went off to work with the military a couple years ago. She has made an amazing sacrifice, put her life on hold so to speak, to serve God.

There are many more awesome stories to tell. Please tell more of them. Spread the praise. Shine the spotlight around to others. Thank you.