News

Dear fireman, buccaneer, or fairy princess queen, 

I hope you’re enjoying the spoils of a successful Halloween!

As you crunch on that candy, let me share some news with you, 

News that sounds almost too good to be true!

In the beginning God created all things, and man and woman too

God made a creation for all people to live in, and all people includes you

But because God’s creation did not love or obey Him, because they believed the lies and not truth

Sin and Death entered the world, infecting everyone, even my sweet old Aunt Ruth

But God was not worried and He did not sweat, for He knew this rebellion would come

And to fix the whole world that Sin and Death had broken, God promised to send His very own Son 

This promised Savior would destroy Sin and Death

And restore the good creation God made with His breath

But despite God’s great promise, Death and Sin still performed their evil works

Hitting everyone close; hearts, minds, and bodies, right where it hurts

But God’s promise remained. A Savior would come!

And when He did, Death and Sin would tuck tail and run! 

And on that night we call Christmas, that Savior was born

The King who would come to comfort all those who mourn

Jesus’ life was perfect, untouched by Death and Sin

And He promised to heal forever all who trust in Him

But the world did not receive Jesus, they hated him with rage

They didn’t love Jesus, they put Him on a cross, and when He died, placed Him in the grave

For 3 days there was sadness, God’s good plan had failed! 

Instead of receiving the Savior, they crucified Him with nails!

But after 3 days in the tomb, something in the world changed! 

Jesus was no longer dead and walked out of the grave! 

On the cross, Jesus forgave all of our sin, in the grave, beat death and strife

But when Jesus came out of the grave, He’d won for the world eternal life! 

No longer would Sin and Death get the final say, so no longer must we grieve

The work of Jesus paved the way for all who will believe! 

So if you’re scared this Halloween night, by the curse of Sin and Death

Remember this little Halloween poem about the Man from Nazareth!

If you will put your trust in Jesus and turn away from all your sin

Jesus promises a new heart, a new Spirit, and a Kingdom forever with Him

As each day goes by, for the next 80 Halloweens

You can walk without fear knowing your friend Jesus is the King of Kings

He’s the one who saves from Sin, He’s the One who defeated Death!

And He’s the One who’s always with you at your first and final breath 

One day we’ll look Him in the eye, and see Him face to face

And all who trusted in Him on that day will sing His amazing grace

If this silly poem peeked your interest, but you’re not sure if it’s true

Please know that you and your family are invited to our church, where we’re wild about this news

We’ll gladly answer questions, and help with anything you need

But until that Sunday comes, enjoy your candy, and have a happy Halloween! 

Until He Comes, 

Joshua Reese

Last Sunday (October 2, 2022) I taught on the importance of forgiving your brother from Matthew 18 and said that forgiveness is not optional for Christians who have been forgiven.

After the sermon, I received several messages from church members who shared wonderful testimonies how the Lord led them on the difficult path of forgiveness.

As I read these messages and reflected on the sermon, I realized I did not say much in the arena of HOW to actually forgive.

So, as a follow up to Sunday, and to all of the sermons from Matthew 18, here are some suggestions from the scriptures, though I know there are many more.

1) CONFESSION

(1 John 1: 9 )

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

2) PRAY FOR YOUR ENEMIES

(Matthew 5 :44)

But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and

persecute you...

3) PUT YOUR TRUST IN THE LORD

(Proverbs 3:5-6)

Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.

4) ASK FOR HELP

(James 5:13)

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing psalms.  Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the

prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.

5) REMEMEBER THE HELPER

(Romans 8:26-28)

Likewise the Spirit also helps in our weaknesses. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings which cannot be uttered.  Now He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.

We have been forgiven much, so we, in imitation of our Master, must forgive much.

In Christ,

Max Reese