The Pastor's name is Stephen Burnette, and his reference to Sergeant Buggs was to our Barnwell son,
the first South Carolina soldier killed in Iraq.
He was buried here with full military honors last Saturday with the Governor and other dignitaries in attendance.
Yes - he was willing to lose his life so that others might live in freedom - - -
may God give him eternal rest for having heard and heeded The Word.
Sharing with you something from my church's weekly First Word publication for this Holy Period - - -
The Pastor's Word:
"Why didn't Jesus hurt the people who were crucifying him?"....
That was the question one of our thoughtful young children asked me as his family was leaving church
this past Sunday.
Good question. He certainly could have. He is God. Why didn't Jesus retaliate?
We probably would have, wouldn't we? The answer is all about Easter.
Had Jesus used his power to retaliate, then he would not have been an innocent sacrifice for the world.
I often hear this about our soldiers who "lost their lives in Iraq." They were not lost. Sergeant Buggs did not lose his life...it was given. These brave young men and women willfully laid down their lives on our behalf. They died for you and me.
Just so. Jesus gave his life. Paul says in Romans 5:8,
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Again...
1 John 3:16, This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers. Jesus willingly gave up his right of self-preservation, prerogative and retaliation. He would not be like us.
He gave his life so we might receive life. Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain!
Come! Come this Easter to worship Him.
Sunrise Service: 6:30 on the Front Lawn. Breakfast following.
Worship: 8:30 am and 11 am
No PM Services. Be with the ones you love.
=======================================================================
Awesome thought that our military are prepared to give their life - not 'lose' it!! - for others - - -
may we appreciate that more fully this day.
Respectfully,
LadyX