God Will Always Have A Church

Hope everyone was able to make it out to the Cove's Fall Candy and Popcorn handout. Cove Mission was happy to share the bounty with the kids. A special thank you is offered to all who helped in making this possible.

We had three important birthdays to celebrate. Brother Gerald and Sister Gloria Gibson both had a special day. Sister Ann Nixon also had a happy time when we sang "Happy Birthday" to all of them. We were so glad to see Sister Geneva Testerman; we have missed her so much.

As the service changed to special singing, we were blessed when Pastor Bob Cartwright sang the song that I feel described all of us. The title is "It's Me Again, Lord." The words are so true of God's Children. When we need an answer, we go to the Master. Sister Joyce Walters sang, "Just Hold on a Little Longer." The words of this song look at our trust in the Lord.

When Pastor Bob Cartwright began his sermon, he gave us a very good statement to think on. He told us that "God Will Always Have a Church." The thought being, that our building is not the church; we are. Our first scripture was one that most everyone has heard. It is found in Romans 3:23, "For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God." Chronicles 7:12-14 speaks of the bond between God and Solomon. The Lord appeared to Solomon by night and said unto him, "I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for an house of sacrifice." Prayer being the keyword, God honors the prayers of a righteous man or woman. In verse 14, He explains what it takes to be among His chosen, "If my people which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land."

The Lord warns that, if we disobey, He will allow bad things to fall upon us. We have a responsibility to uphold the word and be not ashamed of our God. Pastor spoke of how we see a vanishing church. The reason is that so many people claim that they do not have to attend services at any church. This is contrary to what the word tells us. There are many reasons why we should attend church. One fact is that we have been told we should never forsake the assembling of ourselves together and, even more so, as we see the last days approaching. The second fact is the fellowship with our church family -- where we will be encouraged when burdens seem too heavy to carry. If your children say they love you but never come to your home, you would be crushed. How do you think God feels when he has provided so many places of worship and you never come to enjoy the blessings waiting for you. It is up to us how we choose to preserve the buildings and make them churches again. We see the fulfillment of God's word taking place right before our eyes. The prophets in the Bible have warned us of the wicked ones who desire to destroy the very name of God. They have been taking his name out of everywhere we go. If we plan to stand with the righteous, then we need to proclaim the truths of God's word and pray daily for his guidance, lest we fall.

First Thessalonians 5:17 reminds us -- "we are to pray without ceasing." In the 12th Chapter of Acts, we read another story about the power of prayer when Peter was delivered out of the hand of Herod and from the jail where he was held. Why did this take place? Because God's people were spending time in prayer! So many times, we have not received because we fail to ask of the giver of all good. In Luke 18:1, we find that we should pray and not faint. Again in Luke 22:40 Jesus said, "Pray that ye enter not into temptation."

In closing, Pastor Bob asked us how many times must we be told to pray before we understand how vital it is to our spiritual life. Please take time to talk to the Lord and pray to be blessed.

In closing, a grand welcome to everyone who would like to be a part of this congregation and join in worship services where Pastor Bob Cartwright ministers the truth. Plan to attend and be blessed by Bible teachings every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. and Bible study at 6 p.m. every Wednesday. All services are held at Cove Mission of Hope Church, located at 53 MO-59, southwest of Lanagan.