It is later than it's ever been. There's a funeral to go to. It is yours. It will stop you in your tracks. Why is death so powerful? St. Paul writes, "The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law" (1 Cor. 15:56). Sin is the murder weapon. Sin strikes down every giant of a man. Sin gets everyone. Take away sin and death becomes harmless. Paul continues, verse 57, "But thanks be to God! He gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

There is only one way for your sin to be taken away. You can't do it. The church can't do it. Paul says that Christ has done it for you on the cross of Calvary. There Jesus tangled with the forces of the supernatural world to win the victory. Now you do not have to lose. You've got the victory. No more guilty feelings over sin. No more trying to do better in order for God to accept you.

It's later than it's ever been. Are you ready? If Christ is living within your body today, then you are. If Christ has established His home within the chambers of your heart, then you are. If Christ has assured you that you are His child by faith alone, then you are. Don't fake religion - believe in Christ.

Lord, I know that it's later than it's ever been. I am now closer to the end of my life on earth than ever before. I thank You, Lord, for suffering, dying, and rising again for me. Comfort me daily with the truth that I will soon be with You and all the redeemed in heaven. Until then, use me in any way You wish to build Your Church here on earth and thereby show how grateful I am to You. In Your name. Amen.

People used to call it a narthex. Most people today know it as the lobby. It is the space just outside the worship area - and it's more important than ever.

If your church is old, chances are you have to go up steps and go through a small lobby to get to worship. That's the way they used to build churches. Some church experts, including myself, believe that few church buildings with steps will be operating in the year 2025. Only a few with a small lobby will exist as well. Why?

Our culture has changed on the issue of fellowship. Have you noticed that the men's or women's fellowship group has almost disappeared? Most of those groups that do exist are near extinction, based on the age of those who attend. Today, people network in motion. Another way to say it: they fellowship on the way "to something else." Rather than go to the church basement for a group gathered for the purpose of fellowship, people greet their friends on the way from the parking lot to the sanctuary and from the sanctuary to the parking lot. That's why thousands of churches are expanding their lobbies, adding comfortable furniture, and, in some cases, providing a coffee shop.

Focus on these issues:

The Quran and the Bible A Comparison continues to be a hot book (You can order it from Church Press). Author Rev. Rick Richter (LCMS) has divided the book into sixteen units and has made about ten questions available for each unit. They are terrific for Bible study groups. Check our website at www.churchpress.com/quranquestions.pdf. You may reproduce these discussion questions without charge. We also carry Fast Facts On Islam and Islam: Qur'an vs. Holy Scripture.

Worship was raw. Worship was authentic. Worship was second nature to a people that depended on God for their physical existence. But did it matter how it was done?

Today, new music and styles are bridging generations and bringing people back into the Church. Instead of a system, worship is becoming a heartfelt conversation, representative of the Body’s eclectic gifts and callings. As good as the change is, it calls many worship leaders into a place of confusion, discomfort, and questions. Just how do we maintain our connection to a 2,000 year rich faith heritage with modern day people, situations, and connections?

Johann Sebastian Bach said, "The aim and final reason of music should be none else but the glory of God and the recreation of the mind." He wrote volumes of music by which he glorified God including his "B Minor Mass" and his "St. Matthew Passion."

George W. Handel wrote his masterpiece, "The Messiah," at the age of 56, in 24 days starting from August 22, 1741. It is said that the manuscript showed that many tears had fallen on it. His best known arias from the "Messiah" are, "He Shall Feed His Flock," "I Know That My Redeemer Lives," and the "Hallelujah" and "Amen" choruses. Legend says that it was Handel's wish to die on Good Friday. If that is true, he died on the night of Good Friday, 1759.

For most of us Easter music begins on Easter morning with the best known of all Easter hymns:

Jesus Christ is risen today, Alleluia!
Our triumphant holy day, Alleluia!
Who did once upon the cross, Alleluia!
Suffer to redeem our loss. Alleluia!

Forward this newsletter to worship leaders, officers, and board members in your church.