730 Olean Rd.
East Aurora, NY 14052

Dear Pathways Christian Fellowship family and friends, 

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03/20/2026

 

Dear believers, "wonderers", and explorers;

 

As we walk the road toward the 5th Sunday of Lent, our lectionary readings continue to guide us along the Way. In Romans 8:6-11, Paul contrasts the "mindset of the flesh," which leads to spiritual death, with the "mindset of the Spirit," which results in life and peace. Believers are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, because the Spirit of God dwells within them. Even if the body is mortal, the Spirit is life. 

 

In John 11:1-45, Jesus receives news that his friend Lazarus is sick, but waits two days before going to see him, in which time, Lazarus dies. Upon arrival, Jesus is confronted by the grief-stricken sister Martha. "Martha said to Jesus, 'Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died.'" Meeting Martha's grief, Jesus comforts her with "'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.'" Jesus shows empathy with the mourners by weeping, despite knowing that He will raise Lazarus.

    

Both texts promise that the death of the body is not final for those who have the Spirit of Christ (Romans) or who trust in Jesus (John). The Holy Spirit is the agent of resurrection mentioned in Romans, while Jesus acts as the physical embodiment of that Resurrection in John. While often focused on the future, both texts show that the power of the resurrection is something believers can experience now through faith and by living according to the Spirit.

 

Are you living in Christ? If yes, have you accepted your immortality? Something to ponder this week as we look forward to gathering together Sunday at 10:15am.

 

Be blessed,

Pastor Patrick