Richard Lister

Growing up, my very favorite thing to do was play Army. I could play it with friends or by myself. Excitement was around every corner, every bush, in every house as I gallantly fought with the enemy in my neighborhood. But that was all play. The enemy was make-believe. I had no idea that one day I truly would be in the army and it would be for real! I’m talking about Supernatural battles.

You see, we really are at war. Eph. 6:12 tells us about the battle: For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places.

We’re in a series on Spiritual Warfare. You and I are in a supernatural war! Last week was awesome! The fellowship, the attendance, the worship and the power of God’s word as we began by looking at theAdversary and the Ally.

This Sunday, in part 2 we look at The Anatomy of sin and the Antidote. I’m going to show you through the scriptures how the adversary wants to Ambushyou. But take heart, the Army of God wins!

I hope you’ll be there as we continue in this 5 part series called: Spiritual Warfare, The Supernatural Battles. Coffee, donuts and fellowship start at 9:30, worship at 10:00.

Richard

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For the past few weeks, we’ve been learning from the first chapter of Luke, asking the question: Are you ready for Christmas? So often Luke 1, gets skipped. We like to start with chapter 2. But the first chapter is part of the Christmas story too! The first chapter is so important because it’s there we learn how to be ready: Believe! Worship! Tell! You see, when we believe the Christmas story …when we worship the Christ of Christmas …when we’re telling …then we’re really ready for chapter two …we’re a people ready for the Lord!

Saturday is Christmas Eve. I hope you will be with us for this special candlelight communion service at 8:00. Enjoy being with your family at home around the tree and with the family of God around the cross.

We’re going to read through the Christmas story (Luke 2), hear lots of Christmas music and worship through the service of the Lord’s supper. We’re going to be reminded of why the Baby Jesus came. And like the three kings, we are going to bow and worship and bring an offering to the Savior. This is what being ready for Christmas is all about!

I love you and wish for you and yours a blessed and merry Christmas!!

Blessings!
Richard

Are you ready for Christmas?  Everybody seems to be in a hurry these days.   I heard about a woman who was in a hurry to get Christmas cards mailed out.  She found a nice looking card, and without reading it, bought a box of fifty …signed and addressed all of them but one and got them in the mail. A couple of days later she looked at the one card left over and nearly passed out when she read it!  On the inside it said:  This card is just to say …a little gift is on the way!

With all the hustle that’s a part of our holiday, if we’re not careful, we will not be ready for Christmas because we’ll miss the most important part of the celebration:  Jesus.  So, with that in mind, I hope you will join us this Sunday as we continue the series How To Get Ready For Christmas!  We’re in the first chapter of Luke that teaches us three things needed to really be ready this Christmas.  Then on Christmas eve, plan to come to the special candlelight communion service at 8:00.  Enjoy being with your family at home around the tree and with the family of God around the cross.

We’ve already heard some great testimonies and there’s more to come.  It’s going to be a great time together.  See you this Sunday for fellowship, coffee and donuts starting at 9:30.  The band begins worship at 10:00.

Have you ever said: if you’ll just give me another chance!?!

Back some years ago, one fall day about this time of the year a friend of mine came over to my house to watch a football game with me.  My friend dipped (Skoal tobacco).  I asked: what’s that taste like?   He tried to explain then offered some to me.  So I said, sure …I’ll try it.  For the next 5 minutes, I liked it.  But after 10 minutes I spit it out…I was getting a little woozy!  After 15 minutes my head was spinning and I felt horrible!  I went outside, got on my knees and prayed:  Oh Lord, if you will help me …just give me another chance to feel good again (I felt like I was about to die) …and I promise, You won’t ever hear me ask about this again!  That was 36 years ago and I have kept my promise!

Throughout the history of mankind, people have sought a second chance.  The Bible is a book of 2nd chances …and 3rd and 4th….  Think about it, Adam and Eve got a 2nd chance.  The thief on the cross got a 2nd chance.  That’s the gospel story.  We deserve to die and go to hell but God gives us another chance at life!  Through the cross of Jesus Christ, we don’t get what we deserve …we get eternal life!  That’s the amazing story of the Bible.  But is there a limit to how many chances we get?

It’s going to be a great time together.  Fellowship, coffee and donuts start at 9:30.  The band starts our worship with great music at 10:00.   I look forward to seeing you!