Uplook - January 13, 2024
Happy COLD Saturday afternoon,
Did you know the Lord is returning? Jesus declared it. The angels at his ascension declared it. The Apostles and early believers looked for it. Down through the ages it has been the watchword of the Christian church. Some have scoffed and doubted just as they did in the early church (2 Peter 3:3) but we are encouraged and reminded to be ready because Christ’s return will come as “a thief in the night” without further announcement or time for preparation.
We have a beloved friend and sister whom we have known for over 50 years. We lived in the same city for several years and have corresponded off and on when we have not lived close. She closes nearly every communication with the words “Perhaps Today!” If we have made preparations, sending our sins ahead and under the blood of Jesus, we, just like her should look forward to this coming great day. I am reminded of Jesus words recorded by Luke:
Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Luke 12:37–40
You might wonder why this message today. In explanation, the past week has brought a bit of excitement as early Monday morning (4 am) I was awakened by a notice on my phone and then a call from our alarm company. Under the cover of darkness and rain, an individual had thought they could break into our church without impunity. Fortunately, we had made some preparation…in that the building was properly locked and alarmed after Sunday night service. The thief was determined, breaking a sanctuary window and finally destroying the door window and locks on the downstairs entry door. Thankfully, upon finally gaining entrance, he immediately triggered the alarm and realizing that he was being recorded and the authorities notified…fled without taking anything. It is interesting to note, that the security team had already deemed that door a weak spot and ordered a replacement prior to Christmas (which had not yet arrived). We are thankful both for God’s protection and His provision even in difficult times.
Later in the week, because of the freezing temperatures a water main broke in the street just below the church and has now been repaired. It could have just as easily happened 100 feet up the street and done extensive damage to our building…yet we were spared. God is good.
So…while we do our best to prepare for such physical things which can happen to us may I plead with you to make sure that all under your charge and influence make the even more important spiritual preparations which are needed for the imminent return of the Lord. God bless you all.
Housekeeping Notes:
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
Did you know the Lord is returning? Jesus declared it. The angels at his ascension declared it. The Apostles and early believers looked for it. Down through the ages it has been the watchword of the Christian church. Some have scoffed and doubted just as they did in the early church (2 Peter 3:3) but we are encouraged and reminded to be ready because Christ’s return will come as “a thief in the night” without further announcement or time for preparation.
We have a beloved friend and sister whom we have known for over 50 years. We lived in the same city for several years and have corresponded off and on when we have not lived close. She closes nearly every communication with the words “Perhaps Today!” If we have made preparations, sending our sins ahead and under the blood of Jesus, we, just like her should look forward to this coming great day. I am reminded of Jesus words recorded by Luke:
Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants. 39 And this know, that if the goodman of the house had known what hour the thief would come, he would have watched, and not have suffered his house to be broken through. 40 Be ye therefore ready also: for the Son of man cometh at an hour when ye think not. Luke 12:37–40
You might wonder why this message today. In explanation, the past week has brought a bit of excitement as early Monday morning (4 am) I was awakened by a notice on my phone and then a call from our alarm company. Under the cover of darkness and rain, an individual had thought they could break into our church without impunity. Fortunately, we had made some preparation…in that the building was properly locked and alarmed after Sunday night service. The thief was determined, breaking a sanctuary window and finally destroying the door window and locks on the downstairs entry door. Thankfully, upon finally gaining entrance, he immediately triggered the alarm and realizing that he was being recorded and the authorities notified…fled without taking anything. It is interesting to note, that the security team had already deemed that door a weak spot and ordered a replacement prior to Christmas (which had not yet arrived). We are thankful both for God’s protection and His provision even in difficult times.
Later in the week, because of the freezing temperatures a water main broke in the street just below the church and has now been repaired. It could have just as easily happened 100 feet up the street and done extensive damage to our building…yet we were spared. God is good.
So…while we do our best to prepare for such physical things which can happen to us may I plead with you to make sure that all under your charge and influence make the even more important spiritual preparations which are needed for the imminent return of the Lord. God bless you all.
Housekeeping Notes:
- Access/Parking - Because of the break in this week, the exterior sanctuary doors are boarded up for security purposes. There will be no access through this door. May I suggest that we let those needing disabled access have the first 2-3 upper parking spaces at the church and that we fill that lot first as access will be primarily through the “back” door for this Sunday. The lower lot will be open and the back stairs. We will make sure there is ice melt on the stairs early to minimize any slipping risk.
- New Door - We have expedited the new front door which was on order and barring any weather delays it should arrive late next week and be installed before January 21 Sunday service.
- Tax Letters – We anticipate working on 2023 contribution letters for IRS Tax purposes next week. You can watch for them sometime late in the week or early the following week. Please make sure we have your proper mailing address. God bless you for your faithful support of our church and the Gospel work around the world.
- Quarterly Ordinance Service – We anticipate holding the Lord’s Supper and Washing of the Disciples Feet service on Sunday evening January 28. At that time we will also give a short summary of how God has helped during the past year.
BB
Rev. William E. McKibben
Senior Pastor
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