Easter Letter 2019

Second Reformed Church

132 Elmwood Ave.

Irvington, NJ 07111

973-373-4525

“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour” (Matthew 27:45, ESV).

“And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split. The tombs also were opened. And many bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised, and coming out of the tombs after his resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many” (Matthew 27:51-53, ESV).

“Then I looked, and I heard around the throne and the living creatures and the elders the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying with a loud voice,

            ‘Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,

            to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might

            and honor and glory and blessing!’

           

           

            “And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying,

            ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb

            be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!’

           

           

            “And the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!’ and the elders fell down and worshiped” (Revelation 5:11-14, ESV).

-over-

                                                                                                            April 13, 2019

Dear members and friends of Second Reformed Church,

            Please turn this page back over and read the Scripture – please don’t skip over them, because I would like us to think about them.

            In these Scriptures, who or what reacts to Who Jesus is and what happens to Him?

            Does that surprise you?

            The Westminster Shorter Catechism asks what the end – or purpose – of humanity is, and the answer that is given is the purpose of humanity – of our existence – is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever.

            Please turn the page over and read the Scripture again.  (I know, I am asking a lot of you – why don’t you skip out on worship until Christmas after our Easter celebration.)

            In the Scripture on the front side of this page, we see Creation – largely non-human – glorifying God.

            Perhaps we can also say that the purpose of Creation is to glorify God, as well.

            Does that move you in any way?

In His Service,

Peter A. Butler Jr.

Rev. Dr. Peter A. Butler, Jr., Pastor

Second Reformed Church