Dear Fellow Salvationists,
Easter greetings to you all!
We have travelled through the weeks of preparation leading to Holy Week and now we have come together again to the Cross of our Saviour, Jesus.
We have journeyed with him to Jerusalem, sharing in his entry into that city. We have heard again the shouts of the crowd as they greeted him. We have heard also the probing interrogation by the High Priest, but Jesus would not defend himself. We have heard the mocking of the soldiers as they prepared him for execution. We have heard, with natural human reluctance and yet with holy fascination, the nails hammered into his flesh - for us. We have heard also his words from the Cross, most compellingly his words of forgiveness.
Those first disciples thought it was the end. They did not foresee resurrection and victory! For those of us who are modern-day disciples it is all so different. We follow Jesus to the Cross knowing that Calvary is only the beginning, not the end. We feel the pain and sorrow, but can anticipate also the victory and resurrection power, even as we watch with him in the Garden, walk with him to Golgotha, and weep with those at the foot of the Cross.
Resurrection!
Resurrection power! Resurrection glory! Resurrection victory!
Heaven wins over Hell! Purity triumphs over sin! Good defeats evil!
Therefore we rejoice over Resurrection power, given to us if only we will have faith to believe and to accept Jesus as our personal Saviour. We rejoice because of the promise of Resurrection power for today and for all eternity if we die in Christ, as his child, forgiven and born anew.
Salvationists are powerless without Resurrection power. We are helpless without the Risen Christ. We are adrift without his guiding hand.
This is why he comes to us by his Holy Spirit, the One who draws near to us even as we walk the highway, even as we toil in the deep waters of life, and even in the quiet moments of the dawn as we wake from sleep each morning. Jesus himself draws near. He is Risen, alive, pulsating with life and Heaven's riches, all to be shared with the one who seeks and finds him as Saviour.
My heart is thrilled as I think of you all, working for Jesus just where he has placed you. I lift you to God in prayer as I write:
O God of Resurrection grace and power, come afresh with Easter life and strength to your people called Salvationists. Bless us again. Infill us anew by your Holy Spirit. Cleanse our hearts and make them fit for your indwelling. Direct and control all we think and say and do. Make us clean and ready to receive afresh your indwelling Holy Spirit. Use us, according to your will, in the world and send us out among those you have called us to serve. Make us bold and fruitful in your power and for the sake of your gospel. All this we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
May Easter blessings fall upon you all, and may you know the nearness of the Risen Christ moment by moment.
I commend you to his love and care in all things.
With Salvationist salutations.
Yours in Christ,
Shaw Clifton
General
General Shaw Clifton is the international leader of The Salvation Army. It is his deep hope that each of his Pastoral Letters will be read wherever Salvationists are to be found, whether in private or in public settings. The chosen themes may prompt discussion, prayer and - as appropriate - action.
Press the play button to hear the General read his pastoral letter.
Easter greetings to you all!
We have travelled through the weeks of preparation leading to Holy Week and now we have come together again to the Cross of our Saviour, Jesus.
We have journeyed with him to Jerusalem, sharing in his entry into that city. We have heard again the shouts of the crowd as they greeted him. We have heard also the probing interrogation by the High Priest, but Jesus would not defend himself. We have heard the mocking of the soldiers as they prepared him for execution. We have heard, with natural human reluctance and yet with holy fascination, the nails hammered into his flesh - for us. We have heard also his words from the Cross, most compellingly his words of forgiveness.
Those first disciples thought it was the end. They did not foresee resurrection and victory! For those of us who are modern-day disciples it is all so different. We follow Jesus to the Cross knowing that Calvary is only the beginning, not the end. We feel the pain and sorrow, but can anticipate also the victory and resurrection power, even as we watch with him in the Garden, walk with him to Golgotha, and weep with those at the foot of the Cross.
Resurrection!
Resurrection power! Resurrection glory! Resurrection victory!
Heaven wins over Hell! Purity triumphs over sin! Good defeats evil!
Therefore we rejoice over Resurrection power, given to us if only we will have faith to believe and to accept Jesus as our personal Saviour. We rejoice because of the promise of Resurrection power for today and for all eternity if we die in Christ, as his child, forgiven and born anew.
Salvationists are powerless without Resurrection power. We are helpless without the Risen Christ. We are adrift without his guiding hand.
This is why he comes to us by his Holy Spirit, the One who draws near to us even as we walk the highway, even as we toil in the deep waters of life, and even in the quiet moments of the dawn as we wake from sleep each morning. Jesus himself draws near. He is Risen, alive, pulsating with life and Heaven's riches, all to be shared with the one who seeks and finds him as Saviour.
My heart is thrilled as I think of you all, working for Jesus just where he has placed you. I lift you to God in prayer as I write:
O God of Resurrection grace and power, come afresh with Easter life and strength to your people called Salvationists. Bless us again. Infill us anew by your Holy Spirit. Cleanse our hearts and make them fit for your indwelling. Direct and control all we think and say and do. Make us clean and ready to receive afresh your indwelling Holy Spirit. Use us, according to your will, in the world and send us out among those you have called us to serve. Make us bold and fruitful in your power and for the sake of your gospel. All this we pray in Jesus' name. Amen.
May Easter blessings fall upon you all, and may you know the nearness of the Risen Christ moment by moment.
I commend you to his love and care in all things.
With Salvationist salutations.
Yours in Christ,
Shaw Clifton
General
General Shaw Clifton is the international leader of The Salvation Army. It is his deep hope that each of his Pastoral Letters will be read wherever Salvationists are to be found, whether in private or in public settings. The chosen themes may prompt discussion, prayer and - as appropriate - action.
Press the play button to hear the General read his pastoral letter.
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