Easter service at Upper Room Ministries in NE Gainesville urges people to live like Christ
Parishioners attending the Easter Sunday morning worship service at Upper Room Ministries in northeast Gainesville were urged to live like Christ.
The theme of the service was "Because He Lives," and the sermon was delivered by Pastor Pearlie Shelton, one of the founders and senior pastors of the church.
“If it had not been for Jesus I don't know where I would be,” Shelton said. “His mercy and his grace is the reason why we're here. Despite what man thought he had done, God had a plan. It was for our good.”
Florida nonprofits: Gainesville officials approve $7 million in pandemic relief to dozens of local nonprofits
Women's convention: 'If God is with you, the devil can't defeat you.'
Church anniversary: UPPER ROOM TURNS 21
Shelton encouraged parishioners to use Jesus’ resurrection as an example when they come across life’s problems.
“We have people we associate with that we call friends,” Shelton said. “With all the people in your circle, don't think they are with you. They're with you because you benefit them."
She urged parishioners to face the world and make a difference in their lives by living like Christ.
"He (Christ) went down, but he got up,” Shelton said. “You don't have to stay down or stay low. He got up so you can live. Through Jesus' death, there's an opportunity for resurrection. Through his resurrection, there's an opportunity to live. Jesus was prepared to give it all up. Are you prepared to give up the world and follow Jesus?”
Superintendent Karl Anderson, the other founder and senior pastor of the church, welcomed parishioners to the altar for prayer and talked about why Shelton's sermon means a lot to him.
“This gospel is all inclusive because he died for each and every one of us,” Anderson said. “Doesn't matter what you have done or where you have been, he can cleanse you from all unrighteousness. With what's going on in the world today — Jesus is the answer. We thank you Lord for blessing us with so many people today who have given their lives to the Lord. Help them to grow and develop their spirits. Let your presence be known.”
The service began with a mighty and inspirational invocation prayer by Minister Bruce Grimmage, a longtime devoted member of the church.
“He rose on the third day. That's enough to give him praise” Grimmage said. “I know he will come to meet the needs of the people. We don't have to wait to praise him when the battle's over. We can praise him now.”
Elder McArthur Shelton II presided over the service.
“We thank God for protecting us from danger seen and unseen,” he said. “He was risen on the third day and that same power resides inside of you. What a wonderful God we serve. We're serving a Savior who has risen and is living in our lives.”
This article originally appeared on The Gainesville Sun: Easter Sunday service held at Upper Room Ministries in NE Gainesville.
