Jesus Is About To Come

Our service began with our pledge of the flags on this Lord's Day. We were so excited for two of our children to be flag bearers. Maddox and Peyton very proudly held the flags while we all recited the pledges. Then Maddox sang a song called "Running Over for Us." It is so precious to see these little ones willing to take part in our time of worship.

We also had a song from Brother Carl Wayne Cartwright titled "I Can Only Imagine." Oftentimes I wonder can we really imagine the wonders God has reserved for those who remain true to the time of meeting our Lord face to face. What a glorious time that will be.

We then honored Pastor Bob and Sister Naomi with a birthday wish for God to grant them many more years in His service. We are so blessed to have them to continue year after year in the leadership of our church.

Pastor Bob opened his sermon with the words, Jesus is about to come. For those of us that believe in the second coming of the Lord, this is a very exciting time. The word says that he is coming for a church looking for him to return. We find in 2Thessalonians 2:3 that the word says be not deceived for the day of the Lord's coming will not be until there is a falling away. Many will turn from God and forsake this way of life that Christ has directed us to follow.

This is an uncertain world and changing rapidly. We must stand for the right. Psalms 11:1 reminds us that faith in Christ is a necessary relationship in order for us to be among God's chosen ones. David states in Psalms 121:1 I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence my help cometh. Verse 2 lets us know we are not alone, our help, comes from the Lord, who made the heaven and earth. Verse 3 assures us that he never sleeps and will not allow us to sleep. He is always there to catch us when we fall. Psalms 11:3-5 tells us we should always be sure of his protection when the evil comes against us.

You know those times when it seems nothing is right. He is looking out for us and will bring us victory through the tough times we face. He promises in verse 6 that God Himself will rain snares, fire and brimstone upon those who come against his children. Verse i7 gives us another reason to have faith in every situation. He tells us that the righteous Lord loveth rightness: His countenance doth behold the upright.

Even as the attacks of evil such as the towers destroyed on 9-11 he turned a very sorrowful time into a time of strength. People joined in prayer and love toward each other. we tend to turn to God when trouble comes however too soon we tend to forget. In Psalms 12:1 David said help Lord, for the Godly man ceaseth, for the faithful fail from among the children of men. God is there for us in times of crisis but does not want us to turn away as soon as problems are resolved.

We are facing many changes today and must choose our place in the Lord. The laws of the land may not be a cause for us to turn from this path that we trod. We find that all that is set before us is not pleasing to our Lord and savior. We will have to take a stand in the events that are contrary to the word of God. We should pray harder than ever as we see the signs of the times approaching.

Let us be encouraged by one another and hold high the banner of truth.

In closing Pastor Bob asked us to bind together and pray for those people who suffer for Christ's sake. The sorrow of the families who lost loved ones in the church Bible shooting are very much in need of our prayers. So let us not forget our brothers and sisters who have fallen to destruction through hatred of the people of God. Come and join us when you can. We truly welcome you to come and worship with us at the Cove in Lanagan, Mo.