Praise the Lord, Christ is Risen!
Adrian Rogers has said, “Without the resurrection Christianity topples like a house of cards.” Praise the Lord, Christ is risen! May the Lord empower you to proclaim the Gospel boldly this Resurrection Sunday. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures.”
As this weekend approaches, here is a favorite testimony from the mission field: The Good Friday service in Dampara Baptist Church, Chittagong, Bangladesh, was packed. Little children sat on the floor in the aisles and across the front of the church. Rows of people stood in the back, craning their necks to see the crucifixion scene as depicted in the "Jesus” film. Weeping and gasps of unbelief could be heard in the shocked hush as Jesus was crucified. As the Bengalis watched, they were feeling the agony of Jesus' pain and the disappointment of the disciples. In that emotional moment, one young boy in the crowded church suddenly cried out, "Do not be afraid. He gets up again! I saw it before." A small boy's encouraging cry gave new hope to the viewers of the film. "He is risen!" is the cry that gives new hope to all.
Your SBC of Virginia missions work…
will help to support the ministry and preaching of the Gospel at over 70 church plants this Resurrection Sunday across Virginia.
is making it possible for scores of students to attend seminary as they prepare for the Gospel ministry this school year.
enables thousands of missionaries to proclaim the Gospel to people groups across the globe this Resurrection Sunday
is strengthening ministries and pastors across Virginia as they reach out this season and share Christ boldly.
mobilizes volunteers to serve and share Christ.
I also wanted to give thanks and express appreciation to Rob Pochek who has been serving as our SBCV president this past year and a half. He has accepted a call to serve with the Missouri Baptist Convention. Rob has served so well at First Baptist in Charlottesville and as part of the SBCV.
Finally, I ask that you pray for one another as you prepare to preach and serve all across this mission field. The risen Lord Jesus has entrusted His Gospel to us as His ambassadors. Please pray for one another as we serve our Risen Lord. We are advancing the Gospel of Christ together as we reach our neighbors and the nations. To God be the glory. Christ is risen!
Your brother in Christ,
Brian Autry