He Is Risen-This Changes Everything!

This Changes Everything: Can you imagine what happened when the "think tank" of Jewish leaders heard that Jesus had risen? First, they would check the accuracy of the report; call in the soldiers guarding the tomb, have the tomb rechecked, and then? Fabricate some kind of story, bribe the guards to lie, and hope this entire incident goes away quietly (Matthew 28:11-15, Acts 5:38-39).

What about Pilate? He had felt weird about this whole thing from the beginning. His wife had a scary dream, but the shouting crowd overruled him. What if word gets back to King Herod? The fact that Jesus rose from the dead, just as the prophets said, just like He told His disciples He would, changes everything! For the whole world, for you, for me.

First, it meant that God's word is true. Prophesies made over 800 years before had come true exactly as forecast. Therefore, everything else the Bible says is true! Second, it meant that the death penalty for our sins had been paid in full by Jesus, and was fully accepted by the Father. Remember, among Jesus' last words on the cross were, "It is finished", which meant, "Paid in Full". Third, it means He is alive right now, living with us and in us by His Holy Spirit. If Jesus hadn't risen from the dead, then we would be deluded, wishful thinkers. Hopeless optimists. But since He did rise from dead, walked among over 500 of His disciples for a period of 40 days, then He lives now! He really does intercede for us before the throne of the Father, He really is preparing a place for us in heaven, and He really is coming again!

This Changes Everything! My sins are forgiven! This world is not my home. I serve a living Savior!

The question becomes, am I living in the assurance this truth provides, and sharing it with others!

February Happenings: On February 20th we hosted our 15th annual Evangelical Pastors and Wives prayer time and dinner. This is for pastors and their wives from Gunnison, Crested Butte, and Lake City. It is a wonderful time of prayer, fellowship, and a catered dinner for these faithful co-laborers. A special highlight this year was the attendance of two Hispanic church pastors!

By God's grace, I had the privilege of helping lead worship at the annual High Ground men's Bible/ski conference at Beaver Creek. What a privilege to minister with this amazing group of men.

The Lord Jesus continues to bless our Saturday Night Worship services, our mountaintop chapel services, ski instructor Bible studies, and systematic theology class! Thank you for your prayers!

Upcoming: Lord willing, we will be sharing in the following places. Please pray for these services!

    •    April 21-24
    ⁃          Guthrie OK
    ⁃          Revival Services@ Abell Community Church
    •    May 26
    ⁃          Pitkin Co
    ⁃          Worship Service @ Pitkin Community Church
    •    June 2
    ⁃          Tin Cup CO
    ⁃          Worship Service @ Tin Cup Community Church
    •    June 30
    ⁃          Tin Cup CO
    ⁃          Worship Service and Music program following
    •    July 11-14
    ⁃          Gunnison CO
    ⁃          Cattlemen's Day Chaplain and Rodeo Service
    •    August 1-3
    ⁃          Colorado Springs
    ⁃          Rick Barton Ministries Board Meeting
    •    September 1
    ⁃          Tin Cup CO
    ⁃          Worship Service @ Tin Cup Community Church
    •    September 29
    ⁃          Pitkin CO
    ⁃          Worship Service @ Pitkin Community Church
    •    October 20-23
    ⁃          Guthrie OK
    ⁃          Bible Conference @ Abell Community Church

Other opportunities are being added, so stay tuned! Again, please pray for these services!

Sadly, our trip to Bentonia, MS had to be postponed again due to a conflict in dates.

Family: The Lord continues to bless our family living from London to Los Angeles! We were able to visit Nick, Rebekah, and Kailani in Edwards CO and celebrate Kai's 5th birthday February 27th!

1st Responder New Testaments and devotionals: A fire marshal in Wyoming reports that the Lord has opened the door for the distribution of more testaments and devotionals. For example, recently a law enforcement officer was murdered. Some of the brothers were able to share New Testaments and devos with members of law enforcement who were affected by this tragedy.
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Finances: One of the unexpected and humbling blessings we experience is when missionaries, churches, and other ministries are led to share their blessings with us. Some are missionaries we support; others are those we have worked alongside of for many years. It reminds us that it is truly better to give than to receive. and that as we give to others in the name of Jesus. it returns to us in wonderful ways! "The generous man will be prosperous, and he who waters will himself be watered." (Proverbs 11:25)

Prayer Requests: We are soooo grateful for your prayers! They really do sustain us. Please pray that the Lord will anoint us with His Holy Spirit as we share on the mountain, locally, and around the country. Please pray that a woman who recently decided to follow Jesus after a mountain top chapel, will grow in her new faith. Please pray that the Lord will continue to heal Melva's and my bodies (we're getting stronger!). Please pray for Nathan, Jerra, and Michael, wonderful Christians who need healing. Thank you!

By His grace and to His glory, Rick and Melva