Hi Church!

 
What comes to your mind when you read the words “justice for”?   How would you finish the sentence –   justice for… would it be the citizens/refugees of Ukraine… Gabby Petito… Chris Rock… George Floyd…or is it for someone you know more personally?  Maybe a relative, friend, or even yourself?   I love the last words of the American Pledge of Allegiance – “… and liberty and justice for all“.  The problem is in making that pledge a reality.  Many people will sell out for a “price”. 
 
This Sunday we begin a new sermon series that I am calling C.S.I.   (having just finished a series called S-E-X, I guess my mind is on abbreviations right now, lol).  As you may know, there is a TV program with those abbreviations, and they stand for Crime Scene Investigation.  My sermon series is a spin-off of that, and it is the Crucifixion Scene Investigation.  For the next four weeks, we are going to examine the Politics, Trial, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus Christ.  
 
This week we will look at the politics that led to the death of a perfect man.  You have to ask the question: how does a man who never committed a sin, let alone a crime, be sentenced to death by crucifixion?  Politics.  Everybody had a “price” to sell- out on Jesus…    
 
Judas:  His Purse at any price. 
The 12 Disciples:   Their Protection at any price. 
The Supreme Court:   Their Power at any price. 
High Priest Caiphas:  Their Popularity at any Price.  
Ruler Herod:   His Playboy Life at any Price.  
Governor Pilate:  His City’s Peace and His Position at any Price. 
 
MORE  ON SUNDAY! 
Have you heard of the “hitch itch”?  Maybe you have it?   You might be thinking, Hmmm… what is that?  Sounds like something that could be a little uncomfortable!  I learned what it was several years ago from my good friend, George Sober.  He explained to me that it is what the “snowbirds”  get in the late fall and early spring.  They get an “itch” to “hitch up” the camper and hit the road!  So it is to the south in the winter and to the north in the summer!  Love it, lol.  
 
Now that March is winding down and the Florida heat is winding up, many are “itching & hitching” to go north.   Several of my good friends are leaving this week.  We pray that you have safe travels and an awesome spring, summer and fall season.  We look forward to seeing you again, next “winter”.  Please stay in touch and let’s keep each other in prayer.  We will be thinking of and praying for you. 
 
In God’s Good Grip, 
Pastor Mike