Matthew 11:28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
To live is to come to Jesus. It is in a growing intimate relationship with Him that we become fully alive. “You will show me the path of life; in your presence is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11). Christ’s invitation to “come to Him” springs from His knowledge that we, as human beings, were created through Him and for Him. Thus, “abundant life” (John 10:10) only begins when it is lived in close friendship with our Creator. A Creator that not only loves us but “is love” (1 John 4:16).
Many of us live restless lives. We make ourselves busy, constantly running after things or people we believe will give us the soul-satisfying rest we long for. While doing so, we become self-centered, standing against one another in the chase for happiness. Our neighbor is only valued based on what He can give, and the world is seen as nothing more than a tool to satisfy our desires. Ultimately, we live isolated and unsatisfied lives. “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal” (Matthew 6:19).
In Jesus' universal, unconditional call to rest in Him, we become a community. A Church made up of individuals that share a common need. A Church where we heal from the wounds of hurry, rush, and selfishness and begin to live life with Jesus and enjoy the delights that flow out of such a relationship.
We believe this rest is the gift our world so desperately needs. We enjoy this rest on a daily basis, as we invite Christ into our homes and share our daily living with Him. We enjoy this rest on a weekly basis, as we gather in the Church building to celebrate who Christ is and what He has done and is doing for and with us. All this, as wonderful as it may be, is anticipating the rest that all will enjoy in Christ’s Second Coming, when “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death' or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4), and “God’s home is with man” (Revelation 21:3).
This is the Good News of the Gospel! To rest in Jesus and give rest to a restless world. Our mission is to share these Good News with our mouths, hands, and feet with everyone around us, just as Jesus did.
Would you like to experience this with us?
To come to Jesus, rest in Him and share that life-giving rest with those around you?
Then join our Abilene Seventh Day Adventist family and make this world a better place!