“But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the

Law, so that He might redeem those who were under the Law, that we might receive the adoption as

sons.”- Galatians 4:4-5

At Christmas, we celebrate the miraculous event of God coming to us in the flesh. The birth of Jesus

marks a moment in history that changed everything. When the fullness of time came, God sent His Son,

born of a woman, to redeem humanity. The incarnation, the Word made flesh, speaks to both the

power and the humility of God's plan. Through this divine act, Jesus not only entered into our world but

also made it possible for us to enter into God's eternal family.

The phrase “fullness of time” in Galatians 4:4 is rich with meaning. It conveys that Jesus’ arrival was not

random, but divinely orchestrated. At Christmas, we reflect on how God's timing was perfect in bringing

Christ into the world. The historical moment was right, not only in the fulfillment of prophecy but in the

context of the world at that time. In the days leading up to Jesus' birth, the Roman Empire ruled much of

the known world. The empire’s vast infrastructure of roads, its common use of Greek language made

travel and communication easier than ever before. This allowed the message of Jesus to spread rapidly,

from Bethlehem to the farthest reaches of the empire. Spiritually, too, the time was right. People were

in desperate need of hope. The moral decline of the age was so severe that even the pagans lamented

it. People were spiritually hungry, seeking a Savior, even though they didn’t yet know His name. The

world was ready for the fulfillment of God’s promise. The time was also right because the 483 years

prophesied by Daniel were drawing to a close (Daniel 9:24-26).

Jesus, born in Bethlehem, came at the precise moment that God had ordained, nothing was left to

chance. God had set the stage perfectly.

The birth of Jesus at Christmas signifies more than a historical event. It signals the beginning of God’s

redemptive work. Paul explains that Jesus came to redeem those who were under the Law. He came to

fulfill what we could not do, to live perfectly under God’s Law, to suffer for our sins, and to secure our

freedom from sin’s power.

At the heart of this Christmas story is the Incarnation: the eternal Son of God becoming fully human. As

God, Jesus had the authority and power to redeem us. As man, He was able to stand in our place. His

mission was to purchase us out of the “slave market” of sin, to set us free from bondage. The beauty of

God’s plan is that this redemption wasn’t just about setting us free. It wasn’t enough to simply free us

from the penalty of sin. As Paul writes, we also receive “the adoption as sons” (and daughters). This is

the ultimate gift of Christmas: the privilege of being brought into God’s family.

At Christmas, we celebrate the birth of the Savior, but we also celebrate what His birth makes possible

for us: adoption into God's family. Paul’s words in Galatians 4:5 remind us that through Christ’s

redemptive work, we are not only set free from sin but are brought into the very heart of God’s family.

While every person is God’s offspring in the sense of being His creation (Acts 17:28-29), the Bible

teaches that only those who trust in Jesus are adopted into the intimate relationship of sons and

daughters. The birth of Jesus was not just a miracle of divine conception—it was the beginning of God’s

plan to adopt us into His family, to give us a new identity as His children. This adoption is profound. It

means we are no longer strangers or slaves but heirs to God's promises. This is why the Christmas story

is not just about the birth of a baby—it is about the birth of a new life for all who believe in Him.

When we are united in Christ, we are given the privilege to call God “Abba”—an intimate term for

Father. Jesus Himself used this word when He prayed to God in the Garden of Gethsemane, and now,

because of His birth, life, death, and resurrection, we can call God our Father too. The Holy Spirit, who

was sent into our hearts, confirms this intimate relationship. As Paul writes in Romans 8:16, “The Spirit

Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.” The same Spirit who dwelled in Jesus

now dwells in us, assuring us of our adoption and empowering us to live as beloved children of God.

Christmas reminds us that this deep, personal relationship with God is no longer out of reach. Jesus’

incarnation was the means by which God bridged the gap between humanity and Himself. The God who

was once distant is now near.

As we celebrate Christmas, we reflect on the incredible gift of the Incarnation: God with us. In the birth

of Jesus, God’s timing was perfect, He sent His Son at the right moment in history, to redeem us from sin

and to adopt us into His family. This Christmas, we remember that in Christ, we are no longer slaves to

sin, but sons and daughters of the living God.

This Christmas, may we live in the joy and confidence of being God’s children, heirs to His promises, and

deeply loved by our Father.

From all the Elders at Christ Community Church, we want to wish you a blessed and Merry Christmas to

each you.

Elder Stan Davala

Dear Brothers & Sisters:

Election Day is quickly approaching.  As it does,  I thought it appropriate to remind everyone at Christ Community Church of God’s sovereignty over the affairs of men.  If you have been able to attend Wednesday Nights - Refuel, this topic has been address time and time again as we have studied the life of Daniel. 

Daniel lived in a culture similar to the one we live in.  It was a culture where evil and wickedness were glorified.  Collectively, the citizens of the culture had abandoned the truth of God and were whole heartedly pursuing evil.  The prophet Isaiah spoke of this generation when he said the following in

Isaiah 5: 20 ,  ”Woe to those who call evil good, and good evil; who put darkness for light, and light for

darkness; who put bitter for sweet, and sweet for bitter!”

Daniels’ response to this encroaching evil was admirable.  Unlike many, Daniel did not forsake his God.  Instead,  in faith,  he doubled down on his trust in God.  He,  like Moses,  chose faithfulness to God over the admiration of man.  Like Moses,  Daniel chose rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,  esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt;  for he looked to the reward.  (Hebrews 11: 25 - 26)

Daniel’s treasure was not found in the riches of this world.  Daniel had singular desire.  That,  desire was to please God.  Daniel did not despair at the thought that his faithfulness might cost him his life.  Daniel had set his affections on things above and not things upon this earth.  Daniel was looking for a city whose building and maker was God.

Daniel knew,  in spite of living in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,  that God Almighty was seated on His throne in the heavenly places overseeing the affairs of man.  Daniel rested in the truth found in Psalm 2: 1 - 6  -  1  Why do the nations rage,  and the people plot a vain thing?  2  The kings of the earth set themselves,  and the rulers take counsel together,  against the Lord and against His Anointed,   saying,  3  “Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us.”  4  He who sits in the heavens shall laugh;  the Lord shall hold them in derision.  55. Then He shall speak to them in His wrath,  and distress them in His deep displeasure:  6 “Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion.”

Daniel knew his King was seated on the throne in the Zion of God and His will would be done on earth as it is in heaven.  As such, Daniel was able to stand in the wicked day and offer the following praise to God in response to God granting him understanding of Nebuchadnezzar's’ dream;

Daniel 2: 20 - 23  -  20  “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, For wisdom and might are His.  21  And He changes the times and the seasons;  He removes kings and raises up kings;  He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding.  22  He reveals deep and secret things;  He knows what is in the darkness,  and light dwells with Him.  23  “I thank You and praise You,  O God of my fathers;  You have given me wisdom and might,  and have now made known to me what we asked of you,  For You have made known to us the king’s demand.”

May God Almighty grant unto us the same spirit which indwelled Daniel, that we would be able to choose faithfulness to God above all things and lives that are pleasing to him.

In Christ,

Elder Joe Beasley

Over the years, in my Christian walk, I have worked with several pastors and have heard many men of God speak. One thing I have noticed, is a lack of humbleness. Please don’t get me wrong, I have witnessed many men who walk in humbleness, but some of the most gifted teachers and pastors have had issues with pride. It usually ended up with failures and divisions in the church. This pride is not a characteristic of Christ. We read in Philippians 2: ⁵ Have this way of thinking in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, ⁶ who, although existing in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, ⁷ but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men. ⁸ Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. A pastor’s wife once declared to me, that the pastors and their wives should have chairs in the first row of the church, higher than everyone else in the congregation!  On another occasion, during a leadership meeting, there was talk of bringing a pastor from a third world country for a week, to share with the church. One pastor stated that we could teach this pastor while he was visiting to which I replied, “He could teach us much, as well!”  The man was offended at the thought of a pastor from a third world country could teach him anything! Humbleness isn’t just a good quality or a great moral value, it should be a part of our every day life in Christ! With some, it is lacking. Ego and pride are terrible things! Charles Spurgeon often preached, “You are not mature if you have a high esteem of yourself. He who boasts in himself is but a babe in Christ, if indeed he be in Christ at all.“   I love the scripture in James 4:10; ¹⁰ Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you. With these thoughts let us always stay humble in Christ as he was humble to the world! And remember Genesis 3:19; By the sweat of your face You will eat bread, Till you return to the ground, Because from it you were taken; For you are dust, And to dust you shall return.

Our prayer: “Father God Help us to always be humble and not filled with pride so we can be the

example for Christ that we should be to this lost and dying world!”

Elder Jeff Kohler

I was recently talking to someone that went through some major surgery and they were lamenting that

they were struggling with muscle atrophy because they have not been able to get any exercise because

they have been laying on the couch resting and healing. I was reminded that our spiritual journey can be

a lot like my friends’ problem. I believe we all have often faced spiritual deserts where we have willingly

refrained from flexing our spiritual muscles. There have been times when I have become lethargic in my

spiritual journey and have spent far less time in prayer and more time in work or time wasting activities

that contained nothing beneficial to my soul.

Sometimes it is easy to fall into habits that edify nothing but our own sluggishness. I am not

discouraging rest, simply pointing out that there is a stark difference between being overly inactive and

resting. Rest provides much needed recharge to those who are actively working for a purpose.

There are times where atrophy of the heart and soul freezes us in place and creates walls around our

perceptions of growth and spiritual purpose. Be mindful of the traps. The father of lies would love to

keep us in these spaces of inactivity and atrophy. When we are frozen in place we are no longer a threat

to darkness and all the trappings of this world.

Be willing to have your plans disrupted. Be willing to allow the Holy Spirit to disturb your heart through

conviction and revelation. In the spiritual stretching process, may we be able to work out the pain of

growth as our wounds are exposed. The Lord seeks to heal, restore and stretch us - the only thing

preventing us from expanding our faith is us. Embrace the pain, the growing pains, the exposed hurts,

the vulnerable spaces we have yet to surrender. When we embrace them they can no longer keep us

bound by human reasoning and earthly limits. Instead we are exposed to an eternal perspective that will drive us into a deeper faith.

Something more to ponder today.

Elder Stan

Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

We live in a very troubling time.  Chaos, lawlessness, and hatred surround us at every turn.  The words of the psalmist found in Psalm 2: 1 - 3 play out before our very eyes;  1  Why do the nations rage,  and the people plot a vain thing?  2  The kings of the earth set themselves,  and the rulers take counsel together,  against the Lord and against His Anointed,  saying,  3  “Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us.”

As Jesus foretold in Matthew 24, we witness nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom.  We observe famines, pestilences, and earthquakes in various places.  Most heart-breaking of all, “we witness the love of many growing cold”. 

In-spite-of these things, it should be a time of high adventure for those of us who have called on the name of the Lord and found refuge in Jesus Christ.  For God has not given the Christian, the Spirit of fear, but of power and love and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1: 7)

In light of the depravity found in the world, it is of vital importance that we draw near to God as the day of wrath draws near.  We must be ready and equipped to give an answer to any man regarding the hope that is in us. (I Peter 3: 15) For the scriptures teach us in James 4: 8, If we draw near to God he will draw near to us.  Christ must become our dwelling place. 

As we come to a full understanding of what our King has done for us, we should reach the same

conclusion the Apostle Peter came to in  2 Peter 1: 3 - 4;  3  His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.

Brother and Sisters I admonish you, “you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people for a reason”.  “You have been called to show forth the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness and into His marvelous light”. (I Peter 2: 9) Therefore, I encourage you to live like it in these perilous times.  For the glory of Jesus Christ, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5: 16) 

Elder Joe  

Daniel was rescued by his savior!

We have been going through the book of Daniel on Wednesday

evenings. I have loved going through this book again! It has been some years since I have completely read Daniel. There are many

accounts in the first six chapters that spoke of extreme times where the prophets of old moved greatly in their faith. One account that spoke so much to me, is in chapter 6 where Daniel was being thrown into the lion’s den because he would not bow down to idols.  But rather, he prayed to the Lord instead.  King Darius, being tricked into throwing Daniel into the lions said this: Daniel 6:¹⁶ So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!”  …. Wow. May the God whom you serve rescue you!! This always gripped me as I turned this question to myself. Who is going to rescue me? Who is my

savior? Most of this world has god-like figures and idols but are they going to rescue anyone? No! They are not real! When the time comes, and they need a savior, their gods and idols will fail them. Daniel knew that God would deliver him! But even if God would have let Daniel be martyred that day, he still would not have bowed to an idol but only to the Lord! The stand Daniel took was forever recorded in God’s Word and is an awesome example of faith that we can all learn from! When the day comes in our lives where we need to lean on our savior, he will be there for us! What a mighty God we serve! Take time to read Daniel 6, and let the Word of God build your faith!  Romans 10: ¹⁷ So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.

Elder Jeff Kohler

The Elders decided a few months ago to start a Bible foundations class. We are now in the middle of our second round of classes on Sunday mornings. It is so great to see people desire to learn more about the sacred scriptures, and what the Bible says about the importance of Bible study.

I would direct your attention initially to Paul's second letter to Timothy in the third chapter. Now, it's important for us to understand the context in which the apostle writes the admonition that we're going to read in this passage. Paul is at the very end of his life, he stands accused by the Roman government, he is under a death sentence, and he is awaiting his imminent execution.  His Advice to his disciple Timothy is contained in this second letter to him. And so, as we read it, we observe that what Paul is instructing his disciple Timothy to do, by extension, has enormous relevance for us.

Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.  But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them,  and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. We Will suffer persecution. But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse. Deceiving and being deceived. 2- Tim. 3:12-15

He's talking about how facing persecution is the lot of every Christian and the Christian community and Paul in the midst of this violent persecution under the Emperor Nero.  He Is saying to Timothy, hey, things are gonna get worse. And worse. And people are going to come along who are imposters, who will seek to defraud you, to lead you into falsehood, who will deceive the people of God. And they themselves are deceived And so this problem of deceiving people by distorting the truth of God is one that presents itself as a major problem in every generation.  Since the time of Christ even unto today, every generation the church has fought from being led astray.

While there may be many important authorities, they are all subservient to Scripture, which alone is God-breathed and without error, fully trustworthy and sufficient for faith and practice. Scripture alone is our magisterial (final) authority; all other authorities are second and lacking.

The author of Hebrews echoes Paul's exhortation to Timothy.  In the 5th chapter. He says to his audience For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food. For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

We all start as infants in the Christian life and at the beginning of Christian life, just as babies in this world, we need milk. It would be a terrible thing to give a newborn infant a diet of steak. They wouldn't be able to handle it. But it's also true that we would not nurture a child for 10 or 15 years simply on a diet of milk. There comes a point. Where we must grow up and grow to the meat. And so the author of Hebrews, just as Paul exhorted Timothy, exhorts us not to be satisfied with milk, not to be content with being infants from the faith, but to grow the maturity on the meat of the word. We encourage you to start reading your Bible. If you struggle in navigating through scripture please sign up for the next Bible Foundations class coming soon.

Blessings,

Elder Stan Davala

Dear Brothers and Sisters: 

We in the Church, who are pursuing Christ, are living in times of high adventure.  It is as if we are seeing the truths found within the scriptures unraveling right before our very eyes.  In Pauls’ second letter to Timothy, chapter 3, verses 1 - 5,  he offers these words of caution to his fellow servant.  They are as applicable today as they were to first century followers of Christ;   “1 But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: 2 For men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, 4 traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. And from such people turn away!”

Jesus addressed this same subject in Matthew 24:12.  He said the following concerning the days we are living in;  12 And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold.  

The antidote for living in such chaotic times can only be found in the example given to us by Christ.  I John 3: 8(b) states the following;  “For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that He might destroy the works of the devil.”  Jesus overcame the wickedness of the world by fanning the flames of love.  A love which led him to lay down his life for the sins of the world.  We must purpose in our hearts to follow his example and never allow our love to grow cold.  

The love I am speaking of here is not the superficial love spoken of in our culture today.  It is a tenacious never-ending love that causes us to speak the truth in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation no matter the cost.   Our world has a heart problem and unless we present the cure which Christ himself delivered to us we fall short of His calling in our lives.  As such, how should we be living.  The answer is found in I Corinthians 15: 58:  “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.”  Therefore my beloved brothers and sisters; follow the command given to us by the apostle Paul and “sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear, for this is our reasonable service.” 

In Christ,

Joe Beasley

During a discussion at a church service, we talked about how someone actually comes to Christ and how someone comes to believe in Him. I debunked an opinion many people have that if we just love them, they will come to Christ. I have heard different churches try to use this approach.  I remember a man arguing with a pastor, demanding that “If we just show them the love of Christ they will get saved! You don’t have to preach to them!” The pastor replied “How is that working for you?”. The man backed away without an answer. I agree we need to show the love of Christ to everyone. We read in 1 Corinthians 13: 1-3, Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. ² And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. ³ And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body ^[a]to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing. If we do not show his love we are just noisy people making very little difference. But we also read in the Bible where the need for preaching the gospel in necessary! Romans 10, ¹³ For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. ¹⁴ How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? ¹⁵ And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things! At some point the gospel must be preached so a person can believe! We can not just love someone into the kingdom of God. They must believe! This is our command from what we call the Great Commission found in Matthew 28: 19-20 , ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. We are all called to this! Let us all go forth with the love of Christ and preach the “Good News” to this lost world.

Elder Jeff Kohler

As the days become warmer Lately, I've been spending more time than usual with my nose stuck in God's "other" book—the book of nature—and I've re-discovered how true the words of the Psalmist are: The heavens declare the glory of God, And the firmament shows His handiwork. Day unto day utters speech, And night unto night reveals knowledge. Psalm 19:1-2. There is a beauty and order in creation that we so often fail to appreciate. On my walks around camp, the newly budding patch of crocuses and the warm springtime wind all testified to this. It seems that in our busy lives, so many of nature's intricacies go unnoticed. Ironically, we cease to be amazed at all in the miracles of the every day simply because our Creator's fingerprints are too numerous and common to count. We become numb through repetition. But maybe the regularity of the seasons and the glorious monotony of creation are meant to reveal something to us about the consistency of God. Martin Luther commenting on Genesis 1:20 ("Then God said, “Let the waters abound with an abundance of living creatures, and let birds fly above the earth across the face of the firmament of the heavens."), He makes this profound assertion: "Nothing—even raising the dead—is comparable to the wonderful work of producing a bird out of water. We do not wonder at these things, because through our daily association with them, we have lost our wonderment. But if anyone believes them and regards them more attentively, he is compelled to wonder at them, and his wonderment gradually strengthens his faith."

The trees that are starting to bud. The seasonal return of the geese. (Grrr…) The grass starting to return to green. The regularity of these occurrences reveals a God who delights in the regular rhythms of life. But there is another side of nature, just as sure and certain and predictable as life. That is death.

As I was blowing leaves on one of those warm days, I smelled it first. And then I saw it. The carcass of a small deer that had been there for a while and the turkey vultures were having their way with it. The odor of rotting flesh filled my nostrils as I tried to hold my breath and quickly moved past the dead animal. At the edge of the wood line surrounded by spring flowers, death was on full display. Life is everywhere, but so is death. It can't be stopped, and it can't be ignored. The rest of Luther’s  quote says: "Since God is able to bring forth from the water the heaven and the stars, the size of which either equals or surpasses that of the earth; likewise, since He is able out of a droplet of water to create sun and moon, could He not also defend my body against enemies and Satan or, after it has been placed in the grave, revive it for a new life?"

This world is beautiful. But it is also deeply, deeply broken. Paul puts it this way in Romans 8:22: For we know that the whole creation groans and labors with birth pangs together until now." Adam & Eve ate the fruit, they broke the world, and death entered the picture. Nothing has been the same since. Though we may catch glimpses and glimmers of order and beauty, they are always reflected through a broken mirror. Paradise was lost, and we now live with only the smallest hints of its goodness that remain. No more tree of life. No more walking with God in the cool of the day every last molecule was affected. But perhaps that's the real miracle of this time of year; not that it's simply pretty or orderly or colorful. In the full bloom of springtime, God brings forth life where there was once only bleakness and death, and in this, we catch glimpses of our own resurrection. The true miracle of springtime isn't simply its beauty, but in the way it foreshadows the life that springs forth when God creates everything new. In the springtime we encounter not just a Psalm 19 God who creates beautiful things, but a Psalm 116 God who redeems life from death: "The pains of death surrounded me, And the pangs of Sheol laid hold of me; I found trouble and sorrow.  Then I called upon the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I implore You, deliver my soul!”." This is the God of the Resurrection in all of His glory, emerging from the grave victorious over the forces of darkness and death that daily threaten to overwhelm us. This is the God in us in the person of Jesus Christ, who overcame death by being broken Himself. What we broke in the Garden, Jesus fixes at the empty tomb. So the next time you walk through the woods and catch a glimpse of a young fawn scampering through the underbrush or new shoots bursting through last year's growth, remember that. We live in a perpetual spiritual springtime.

Elder Stan Davala

“Where Do You Find Your Treasure?”

For the Christian, there can be no greater advice than what Solomon offered his readers in Proverbs 4:23.  He gave the following instruction; “Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life.”  As we contemplate his wisdom, we must keep in mind the words of 2 Timothy  3:16 - 17;  All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in  righteousness,  that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Solomons’ words of wisdom were not his own, they were given to him by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit and they were prophetic.   As such we do well to “heed them as light that shines in a dark place”.   

In speaking on the condition of human heart, Jeremiah offered the following on the subject in Jeremiah 17: 9 - 10;

 d is eliminated, thus purifying all foods?” 20 And He said, “What comes out of a man, that defiles a man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, an evil eye, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile a man.”

Brothers and sisters in Christ,  it is of utmost importance that we reject what the wisdom of the world has to offer and adhere to what the scriptures teach us.  David recognize this when he penned the words in Psalm 51; 10 - 11;  10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence,  and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.  

The heart is deceitful above all things,  and desperately sick;  who can understand it?  “I the Lord search the heart and test the mind,  to give every man according to his ways,  according to the fruit of his deeds.”

These words are contrary to everything that our culture teaches us today.  In fact,  the main thrust of most modern academia revolves around the notion man is innately good.  This point of view has been held by the lion’s share of the worlds intellectual elite since the time of Christ.  As Christians, we have a choice.  We can believe the Bible, as God’s inspired word. Or, we can believe a lie. 

Jesus Christ had these words to say to his disciples, regarding the human heart in Mark 7: 18 - 23;  18 “Are you thus without understanding also? Do you not perceive that whatever enters a man from outside cannot defile him, 19 because it does not enter his heart but his stomach, an

As Christians, the most important lesson in life we can learn is to cherish Gods’ Word.  Why?  It is through learning his precepts that we gain understanding and are able to avoid every false way.  The Word of God must become our treasure.  This is the reason Jesus said the following in Matthew 6: 21;  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

Charles Spurgeon had these marvelous words to say regarding Gods’ written word.  “This Bible is a           wonderful talking book; there is a great mass of blessed talk in this precious volume.  It has told me a great many of my faults;  it would tell you yours if you would let it.  It has told me much to comfort me;  and it has much to tell you if you will but incline your ear to it.  It is a book that is wonderfully communicative; it knows all about you, all the ins and outs of where you are, and where you ought to be, it can tell you everything.”  

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, learn to cherish the Word of God. 

Elder Joe Beasley

A False Nativity...

I recently saw an article with a photo of the nativity scene. The headline read, “Jesus had 2 Mary’s!”. The photo over the headline showed two depictions of Mary made back in the renaissance era aside the Christ child. A rainbow flag draped over the top of them. It was a LBGT publication making a statement that two women could have been the mother of Christ. I was sickened by what I saw. I quickly passed by without reading it but the image became seared on my mind. I asked myself, “Who would flagrantly lie about the  virgin Mary in such a way? Who would disgrace the Christ child like this?”.  I was both angry and frustrated. It’s not that I haven’t seen such blasphemy before, I just can’t understand why people have to twist the truth to fit their agendas. If someone is an atheist, then they don’t believe in God but this is so much more… this is anti-Christ!

The image kept creeping into my mind over the Christmas holiday as I celebrated the birth of my Savior. These people have heard the truth and want to twist it. I have to forgive them and pray for them. Easier said than done! I pray they come to the saving knowledge of Christ! It’s not that they are persecuting me, it’s that they are trying to change the truth that everyone needs to hear. I am reminded to not only pray for them, but to pick up the pace on sharing the Good News to the world before they hear the twisted lies of this generation. We read in Matthew 28:18-20… ¹⁸ Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. ¹⁹ Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰ and teaching them to obey         everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”  This was a command from Jesus to His believers…His church! We must increase our efforts now to share Christ with this lost & dying world because the enemies of the cross are defiantly doing so in this very moment!

Elder Jeff Kohler

Maybe it’s how nice the weather has been lately, or maybe it’s just that I am getting older, but it is hard to believe that November has drawn to its end and December is here. This brings us to the season of Advent. I am drawn to Luke’s Gospel, not to chapter 1, but to chapter 21. It is an alarming one—full of violent images and ominous predictions. It is not one I would usually pick to kick off this holy season of quiet waiting; it seems like a very harsh beginning. I would rather avoid the uncomfortable realities represented here and make a gentler transition from Thanksgiving to

Christmas. But the truth is, the scenario described in Luke 21 is much closer to real life than the dreamy images we often associate with the Christmas season. News reports are filled with images of the unresolved tensions of clashing nations, violent interpersonal political conflicts, The tragedy of bus crashes, and lives taken. the foreboding that goes along with an economic recession. At a personal level, we are plagued by confusion about conflicts we can’t resolve and friends and loved ones who have died. Stress over our jobs, distress about our failures and the failures of others, and questions that cause us to doubt the very Gospel message we preach.

On second thought, perhaps this passage is exactly where we need to be. It helps us to be honest about our lives and those places that are full of confusion and distress, fear and foreboding. It tells us that in the most distressing and

violent places our mind takes us we are to wait for the Son of Man to come into our lives with the power to heal and glory to illuminate our darkness. As followers of Christ, these are the very places where we must call others to wait on God as well—the places where they feel most threatened, most disturbed, and most confused.

As Christians, part of our sanctification is learning how to wait for God in the darkest moments of his/her distress and confusion. Only a person who has experienced God’s deliverance in their own lives can ask others to do the same. In a world where the first inclination is to act immediately, Advent invites us into a great reversal.

During this season we are encouraged to just wait be on guard, to be awake, to refuse to be so caught up in everything around us that we fail to recognize the nearness of Christ in that very place that feels desolate, confusing, and beyond hope. It is a time to raise our heads, lift our eyes, and watch for our redemption as it draws near.

Advent is a good time to notice the challenges and the places of hardness in our lives, those places where we know beyond a shadow of a doubt that if the Son of Man does not come, there is no hope. These are the places that defy human answers and where the people around us may even be starting to panic. We might need to be more honest in acknowledging our own distress and confusion, and fear. And we must be willing to ask, “Is it possible that this hard-to-acknowledge place is the very place in which God is calling me and I have to be still and wait for his deliverance?

We must assume an attitude of waiting, accepting the fact that we are creatures and not the creator. We must do this because it is not our right to do anything else.

I encourage you to recognize this important season of Advent. Do not rush into Christmas. There will be plenty of time to celebrate that later. Take this time to allow God to work on those areas of your life that you keep the most hidden. Let Him shine into any darkness of fear and bitterness. For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 2Corinthians 4:6

On behalf of the Elders and our wives, we want to wish you a holy, blessed, and Merry Christmas.

Elder Stan Davala

It’s November and the holiday we know as Thanksgiving will soon be here. It is a national holiday that is in remembrance of the first known celebration of Thanksgiving which occurred with the English colonists at Plymouth and Native American People. It wasn’t until 1863 in the middle of the Civil War when Abraham Lincoln made it a national holiday. Author Sarah Josepha Hale, best known as the author of the nursery rhyme “Mary had a Little Lamb”, started a campaign to establish Thanksgiving as a national holiday. Considering this and the situation in the country at that time, Lincoln put forth a proclamation of Thanksgiving, encouraging all Americans to ask God to, “Commend to his tender care all those who have become widows, orphans, mourners or sufferers in the lamentable civil strife” and to “heal the wounds of the nation”.

This story, in some ways seems familiar to the America we are living in today. No, we are not at war with each other but we are definitely at odds with each other, more so than I have seen in my life time. So, I wonder what it would be like and the difference it would make if the leaders of our government stood up and invoked the care of God in our situation today. Take into his tender care all those that are confused, misguided, lost, hurting and missing a higher power to lean on, our one and only God. Philippians 4:6 says do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.

I’m not sure if we will ever hear those words from our government leaders but there are many of us that can raise this country up in prayer and thanksgiving for what he has done for us already. Though the request that Lincoln made, that is associated with the Thanksgiving proclamation, Webster’s 1828 dictionary defines thanksgiving as rendering thanks for good received. I guess more specifically we need to thank God for what we have already received. We live in the greatest country in the world with the greatest blessings a nation could ask for. The greatest thing that we have that we can be thankful for is the freedom to worship and follow Jesus Christ. Sure, we can pray for healing and togetherness in this country but the relationship with Christ is all we really need. It’s all everyone really needs.

Psalm 95:2 Let us come into his presence with Thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Elder Tim Rush

Finding Truth….

With all the crazy teachings going around on the internet, tv, radio, it is easy to be led astray or become confused about what the Bible says. We want to be sure our church gets good solid biblical truth. Many of our teachings and sermons lately have been on the subject of the Word of God being our foundation and the truth we all should lean to. I want to reemphasize this in this newsletter. There are many teachings out there, many different ideas about life. Some of them are good, some of them are very bad. But the only ones I want to listen to are the ones that are founded upon the Word of God, the Bible! In Matthew 7:24-27, Jesus told us the parable about the wise man building his house upon the solid rock. That wise man built his house on Christ, the Solid Rock. To build upon Christ, we need to build upon his Word! We do not need to build our house, our faith, upon anything else! We do not need to build our house upon a church doctrine, wisdom of man, or an ideal that anybody has! Those things may have some interesting thoughts and truths in them but they are not the Word of God!

We read in II Timothy 3:14-17, “But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.  All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God, may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” Here, we see that the Word of God is the foundation that we center our lives upon! Let us be so very careful what we hear. There are lies around every corner and deception everywhere we look! The Holy Scriptures are God breathed! That is where we need to be. I want to encourage everyone to study the Word and listen to the messages from the Pastor and Elders as we work hard to teach the truth of the Word of God with every opportunity. Remember the scripture that tells us how to get more faith?  Romans 10: 17, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.”

Let there be more of the Word of God in us all!!!

Elder Jeff Kohler

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

Psalm 34: 19 reads as follows;  “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”  How foreign these words appear too many in the church today.  Yet, they were penned by David, who was a man after God’s own heart.  As such, we would be wise to consider the wisdom that David shares with us and take it to heart.

The Apostle Peter addresses the topic of afflictions in I Peter 4: 12 - 13.  “Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you; but rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”

As children of the living God, we must be cognizant of the fact

we are in a spiritual battle.  A conflict which will not end until the day we die or Christ returns.  Paul spoke of this warfare in Ephesians 6: 12;  “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but agains principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.”

In-light-of-the-forgoing (knowing as Christians will face both afflictions and fiery trials), how do we prepare.  We follow the advice Paul gives us in Ephesians 6: 10 & 11;  Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole Armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Trials and afflictions are sure to be a part of every believers life.  Nevertheless, we have God’s sure and trustworthy word to lean on.  His promises are yea and amen and we can rely on them.  As Paul iterated in I Corinthians 10: 13;  “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tested beyonds what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.”       

When facing adversity, remember the Word of God and take heart.  As James encouraged his readers in James 1: 12;  Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

Elder Joe Beasley

"For there is not a word on my tongue,
But behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.." -Psalm 139:4

Can you even imagine the magnitude of this verse from the Psalm of David? David is essentially stating that the Creator of the Universe, God himself, knows me...He knows you so intimately that the very brain synapses that spark thought and bring those thoughts to life through speech are already known to God. Essentially, the Artist has an intimate front seat to the canvas of our lives.

Is it no wonder then that David later states in verse six "Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; It is high, I cannot attain it.."

Do you ever worry about where your life is heading or, perhaps, you doubt that anyone even cares about you? David's words should remind us that we are not only cared for but that it goes much, much deeper than that - since before we even existed God knew us. Doesn't that just blow your mind?

He wants to pour out such love and attention on you because you matter to Him and He knows how you have persevered through the trials of life. It might feel embarrassing to you to receive such honor and praise, but let Him love you. Receive it with open arms and gratitude. We can do that even knowing we are wretched sinners.

When you pray, remember that God already knows what you're going to say. Could it be that these prayers that we utter are for our benefit rather than His? Could it be that what God wants is a remorseful heart and a humble spirit? He already knows what is on our hearts and what we are encountering in life. The act of supplication and prayer becomes an act of humility and obedience rather than treating God like some sort of genie in a bottle that doles out wishes.

The knowledge that God knows us so intimately that before we even say a word He hears and understands - it just blows my mind. I can see why David suggests that such knowledge of God is almost too much to take. Perhaps the next time we communicate with God, we should remember these words from this Psalm and bend our hearts and knees before the Creator . He loves you so completely and longs to lavish you with His countless blessings.

Something more to ponder today.
-Until next time.

Elder Stan Davala

I was pondering a scripture a few days ago. Lamentations 3:22-23 reads “²² The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;  his mercies never come to an end; ²³ they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”  I began remembering how I used to be many years ago when I was a young, hotheaded mouthy kid. I was very sarcastic. Over the years, the Lord has slowly changed me…. a slow process because of self and my stubbornness. Then I had this thought, “How bad of a person I would have been if I had never found the Lord?”  I could have been one nasty individual!  Change takes time. I had to constantly quote the scripture from James 1:19-20, “ ¹⁹ Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; ²⁰ for the anger of man does not produce the, righteousness of God.” I still have my days where I fall short, but the Holy Spirit reminds me of the Holy Scriptures! I am so very grateful for the Lord’s mercy that is truly new every morning! His steadfast love is amazing! My prayer, “Lord, may the words of my mouth and meditation of my heart, be pleasing to You. Help me to open my ears and make me very slow to anger! Thank you, Lord for your mercy and steadfast love!”.

Elder Jeff Kohler