Scripture
– 1 John 2:18-23 NLT
Dear
children, the last hour is here. You have heard that the Antichrist is coming,
and already many such antichrists have appeared. From this we know that the
last hour has come. These people left our churches, but they never really
belonged with us; otherwise they would have stayed with us. When they left, it
proved that they did not belong with us.
But
you are not like that, for the Holy One has given you his Spirit, and all of
you know the truth. So I am writing to you not because you don’t know the truth
but because you know the difference between truth and lies. And who is a liar?
Anyone who says that Jesus is not the Christ.
Anyone
who denies the Father and the Son is an antichrist. Anyone who denies the Son
doesn’t have the Father, either. But anyone who acknowledges the Son has the
Father also.
Bob’s
thoughts:
Although
we were early, we didn’t tour much. I did find good signage and we were
welcomed by the pastor and many of the members. Also, I didn’t have to hunt for
a cross.
The
chancel is a deep alcove with a round stained glass window positioned high on
the rear wall. The low arched tile ceiling provided fine acoustics and the
volume was good. I was pleased to spot the all-male praise team in prayer
before the service.
We
watched the pastor greeting folks and attending to many small issues, hope he
normally has help with some of this.
It was
interesting to witness the pastor present a children’s sermon to one cute
little girl.
A
clipboard was passed around to write a note of encouragement for a prison
chaplain. At one church we visited, I lamented that jail ministry would be hard
to do, and the next day I got a call from a woman I had been trying to minister
to saying she was in jail. I think I heard God laugh in the background. I’m glad
we could be a part of His recognition.
I
believe the pastor is right that most of the problems in America today can be
traced back to 1962 when the Bible was removed from schools. We need to
continue to pray for a turnaround. The antichrist has been busy; it’s time for
America to return to being a Christian nation.
Members
were invited to come to the rail for prayer at the end of the service.
Jan’s
thoughts:
A
friend and coworker invited us to attend her church and today we were finally
able to connect.
Arriving
early provided an opportunity to wander around the premises. The first thing
that caught my eye as we entered was a collection of items for members in the
military. I was surprised to note there are 12 active members of the military listed
by name on the prayer list…a surprising number for what I supposed was a fairly
small congregation.
The
pastor welcomed us and continued to greet each new arrival by name. Most of
those we saw smiled a welcome, which is normal for a church with multiple services.
The
lovely sanctuary has just one odd feature – a very deep chancel. My friend
informed me the reason it is designed that way is to accommodate a baptistry in
the far corner.
The
sermon, “Fellowship with God,” was obviously a continuation of a series based
on 1 John. Today’s message had to do with identifying false teaching in the Church
and the characteristics of an antichrist.
Everyone
was invited to attend a soup luncheon after the later service and my friend
showed us where it would be. From what I could see from an upper floor, it
looked like a terrific space for such events.
Our
prayer for this church:
Lord,
we thank You that You guide Your people back to You. I pray Your children are effective
servants. Amen.
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