News

During communion, we are encouraged to look inward and reflect on how successful we have been keeping the faith and representing Christ. Pastor Harrison wants us to remember that we don’t do this alone. We are not only breaking bread with Christ, but also with each other. When we feel the shame and guilt of our own sin, we can remind each other that we are worthy to break bread with The Lord when we see that our brothers and sisters are willing to break bread with us. 1 Corinthians 10:14–22; Matthew 6:24; Hebrews 10:19–22; 1 John 1:7; Psalms 103:12; Jeremiah 31:34; Hebrews 8:12; Revelation 12:10

Being sure of what we hope for. Pastor Harrison reminds us of the physical body we will be gifted when heaven comes down to earth. This message is also a reminder that God has promised many great things to His children. Not only when we are surrounded by His glory, but as long as life endures. Consider the lyrics of the songs hinted in this synopsis and be encouraged to keep going. Finish the race worn and weary and receive strength in that state. Isaiah 40:28–31; 1 Timothy 7–10; James 4:15; John 7: 37–39; Psalms 29:11; Exodus 19:4

Did you mess up this year? Did you fail to keep a promise to yourself to study more? To outreach more? To change your behavior to family, friends, or coworkers? As the new year brings thoughts of renewal and starting over, we want to remind you that God forgives and gives new chances every single day. Always. Without end. To anyone who calls on His name. Lamentations 3:22–23; Ecclesiastes 3:1–8; Isaiah 41:10, 53:1–10; Psalm 103:8–12; Isaiah 43:18–19; Psalm 16:5–6; 1 Peter 1:3–9

In Deacon Locklear’s message today, we see another promise God made to not only all of creation, but to one man in particular. We know of Jesus’ birth, his death, and quite a bit from in between. God orchestrated this part of Jesus’ everyday life to tell the story of a man named Simeon, and to bolster in Joseph and Mary, had they any doubt, the truth the angel had told Mary. Luke 2:22–35; John 16:16; John 10:27

This message was given just a few days before Christmas. The entire service was a mashup of gifts. One group organized a gift of the children telling us about the meaning of the Christmas Advent candles. We were gifted a with a choir of children singing a carol. Those same children gifted the congregation cookies they got together and baked themselves the day before. After service, the children and pastor were presented with gifts from the congregation. A quality common among these gifts is that they were given with nothing expected in return. Our message and events of the season focus on the gift mankind was given by God through His son, Jesus the Christ. That gift of love is a demonstration of how we should give to each other. Out of love, because we can, and with no expectation of return or praise. Love the Lord your God and love each other as you would love yourself. Merry Christmas. Luke 1:26–38; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 13:1–13; 1 John 1:14, 4:16; 2 Corinthians 5:17

Having our church’s Christmas party on this day after hearing a message like this was perfect timing. The ugly sweater contest, the games for the kids, the whole fellowship gave us joy. The strength comes from knowing that we all love each other, God loves us, and no great calamity lasts forever. We know there are more calamities waiting for us at home, at work, or sometime in the future. But we can reflect on those joyous times and remember that you and I have been brought through it, and we will be brought through it again. And our faith in God’s Word of how it all ends means no event or age on this earth is bigger than Him, nor bigger than we who abide in Him. Nehemiah 8:1–3, 5–6, 8–10; Amos 8:11; Isaiah 53; Acts 2:42–47

Have you ever realized that you had forgotten how awesome God is? We move about our days sure of where we will be when we leave this earth, not worried about our next meal because we believe God will provide. But we forget how underserving we, the unrighteous, are to receive anything from the One who is righteousness. Yet He blesses us anyway. Yes, we should not dwell on our sin because we are forgiven, but forgiven does not equal righteous. As Christmas nears, we should be overwhelmed with awe and gratitude that God has every right to keep Himself from us. Yet He wrapped himself in our sinful flesh and took it to the grave, while hiding us under His righteousness so that God can be near us. There is far more than I can put into a synopsis about preparing our hearts for the Savior’s birth, but I consider this a major part of it. Matthew 3:1–11; Luke 1:80; Matthew 6:25–34; 2 Corinthains 5:17, 7:10; Romans 3:23; Daniel 9:4–5; 1 John 1:7–10; John 15:1–8; Isaiah 11:1–9; 2 Timothy 1:6–10

In this message, Deacon Locklear breaks down the hope that brings one to Christianity. What it is, where it comes from, and how we live as people who are sure of that hope. Kind of like the Matrix, this hope cannot be simply explained, and no one can be talked into it. A relationship with Christ and the presence of the Holy Spirit is required to make sense of it all. If you are not already a believer, at least you can grasp some idea of why your Christian friends behave the way they do. Romans 5:2–5; 1 Peter 1:3; Jeremiah 29:8–14

Near the end of November, we will spend some time giving thanks. Leading up to this Thanksgiving holiday, let’s compile a list of all the things we are thankful for. So far, we've remembered His faithfulness, His blessings, and His sacrifice. Today, we remember His promise. Particularly, in this message, His promise of justice when we tell him of our misfortune. Thank You, Lord, for being the highest Judge. Willing and able to bring justice to those who put their faith in You. Luke 18:1–8; Luke 17:1–2; Hebrews 4:16; Psalms 24:1: Psalms 66:9