Our
name, “FirstLight” communicates a large
part of who we are. Here are some of the meanings we
were hoping to convey through our name. If you get a
different meaning from our name, please share it with
us by emailing pastorstevenblair@yahoo.com.
Four
Meanings of “FirstLight”
1.
We
chose FirstLight largely because it was a common event
with a common meaning that all people could relate to.
FirstLight is the moment of the day that is the most
pregnant with hope. At FirstLight, we like to think
of ourselves as hope-givers; as those who announce that
there are new possibilities on the Horizon for individuals,
families, the Gardner community, Christianity, and the
world at large.
2.
In
the Bible’s stories about Jesus, FirstLight is
the moment of the day where women struggling with brokenness,
a lack of meaning, and no inspiration for ministry met
a Resurrected Jesus (Matthew 28:1-6). This encounter
changed their lives. This is our vision for FirstLight.
When somebody asks the question, “So what happens
at FirstLight?” our answer is intentionally Biblical.
At FirstLight people struggling with breaking relationships
and searching for meaning in their everyday life have
their lives changed for the better by the Resurrected
Jesus. This change, we believe, will in turn inspire
people to CHANGE the world. (see our Mission Statement
for a more drawn out connection)
3.
On
that first Easter, the women who met the Resurrected
Jesus knew that other must be told! FirstLight believes
that the world today holds some marking similarities
with that first Easter. In a way, it is as if we are
standing at the first FirstLight. We find ourselves
in a pre-Christian country with millions who need to
be told the full story of who Jesus is in a language
they can relate to.
4.
The
three towering events God does in the Bible are Creation,
Liberation, and Resurrection. Each of these events happens
at early the beginning of the day, or FirstLight. (See
Genesis 1, Exodus 12:29-51 and Matthew 28:1-10). By
naming ourselves FirstLight, we are calling attention
to what God has done and will do again.
We
would love to hear your ideas about what FirstLight
means to you. |
