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Armageddon is a term President Biden used recently. It was a remark made to supporters regarding Putin’s threat to use nuclear weapons in Ukraine. The term is used today as an end-of-the-world scenario, but the biblical reference is a battle in the book of Revelation between the world’s evil forces and Christ himself.

We do live in times of insecurity. Our national crime rate has soared, the stock market continues to fall, there’s a crisis on the border, we’re still dealing with a pandemic – and we’re debating over the life of the unborn vs. the so-called rights of women. Internationally China continues to prove a menace not to mention North Korea’s missile tests and Iran’s nuclear program. And there’s the war in Ukraine. What is the world coming to? Answer – an end. 

I cannot promise a world without nuclear bombs. I do know that Armageddon is a fixed event in time governed by our Sovereign Lord. Man cannot trigger it. As Sue and I watch the news she often quotes Ps 2 – Why do the nations rage? The kings of the earth set themselves against the Lord … God’s response?  He who sits in the heavens laughs. I do know that whatever happens Christ will still be my Savior, the Holy Spirit my Comforter and the Father my Abba Father. I’ve been promised his presence – never will he leave me or forsake me. I love what Augustine said: “Trust the past to God’s mercy, the present to God’s love, and the future to God’s providence.” 

Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” Blessed indeed.

Here are some quotes I came across lately which blessed me.  Remember, just because I quote someone doesn’t mean I agree with everything the individual has ever said. But these sayings encouraged me and I hope they encourage you too.

“The Christian life is one of trusting in Christ, struggling against sin and striving for the prize. There will be times of pruning, stagnation, and even regress. Yet over the full course of time, there will be advances in sanctification and fruitfulness will be evident.” – Paul Washer

“It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than resentful over what is withheld. One attitude or the other becomes a way of life.” – Elisabeth Elliott

“Take heart today; your Savior actively sits in sovereign control over all the things that confuse, overwhelm, surprise or disturb you.” – Paul Tripp

“We should ask God to increase our hope when it is small; awaken it when it is dormant; confirm it when it is wavering; strengthen it when it is weak and raise it up when it is overthrown.” – John Calvin

“Be not discouraged, the Lord only afflicts for good. It is necessary that our sharpest trials should sometimes spring from our dearest comforts, else we should be in danger of forgetting ourselves, and setting up our rest here.” – John Newton

“Come boldly believer for despite the whisperings of Satan and the doubting of your own heart you are greatly loved.”  – Charles Spurgeon

Recently a pastor friend had someone claim to him one can love Jesus but not the church. He and I not only found that strange but unbiblical. I love the church. I have given my life to serving in a church.

Jesus loves the church too. The church is his body – we are his bride. No one is denying the church is perfect. We won’t be till we see him. The church isn’t a museum. We’re a hospital. If you’ve been a Christian for long you’ve been hurt by people at church. But I am thankful how I’ve been spiritually healed by people a church too. When a church is in love with Jesus she will be transformed.

While HBC might be “small” compared to other congregations (by the way, the apostle tells us not to compare ourselves with others) – did you know the average attendance in a US congregation is 65?!  That means half of the churches have less than 65 people. HBC is in that upper half. Erwin Lutzer, pastor  emeritus at Moody Church wrote, “There are no big places or small places of service, there are only faithful people and unfaithful people.”

I hear how HBC feels like a family – a lot. We must not be content with that but always striving to be friendly, receptive and loving. It is exciting seeing each of you on a Sunday morning. It is rewarding hearing how God is meeting needs, how prayers are being answered, how folks are growing in Christ. Let us continue. And if you have needs – please let us know. God loves the church and so must we. Eph 3:10, So that through the church the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places.

About a year ago I did a personal study in 1 Kings for my quiet time. The book recalls a dark day in Israel’s history with idol worship and cult prostitution. Old Testament readers are familiar with evil King Ahab and his wicked wife, Queen Jezebel. In the section I read for the day Ahab had once again defied the Lord. The prophet pronounced judgment – dogs would lick his blood as they did with innocent Naboth (a man Ahab had    murdered). It was the word of the Lord. OT scholar Dale Ralph Davis writes: 

“Precisely here a bit of gladness reaches out of this dark narrative and grabs the people of God, for Yahweh’s word is certain (the writer’s point). We know that his glory word must be as sure as his gory word. The coming of a kingdom (Dan 2:44*) is as sure as the death of the king (Ahab); 2 Pet 2:13* must be as certain as 1 Ki 21:19*. This point will not resolve all your personal problems – but will put some concrete into the bottom of your pit.”

I love that. Our pits have a foundation of God’s faithfulness. He is faithful to keep his Word. Regardless of what you might have faced last week – or will face this coming week, he is faithful.

*Dan 2:44,  “And … the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed.”

*2 Pet 3:13, “But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.”

1 Ki 21:19, “Thus says the Lord: ‘In the place where dogs licked up the blood of Naboth shall dogs lick your own blood.”’

How are you doing?  We ask that a lot – we use it more or less as a greeting vs. a question seeking an answer. A dear friend would ask me a second question after my usual, “Fine.” He’d say, “How are you really doing?”

The London pastor of the 19^th century Charles Spurgeon well said, “There are some of your graces which would never be discovered if it were not for our trials.” God sees to it we are immersed in circumstances best designed – or allowed by him to give us opportunities to bear fruit. Because we are not God, we will face mystery in this life. Sometimes downright confusion. We simply need to rest in the truth that God’s in control. We need to take heart – our Savior actively (yes, I said actively) sits in sovereign control over all things that confuse, overwhelm or even trouble us. That is a tremendous comfort to me.

Elisabeth Elliot wrote, “God makes us wait. He keeps us on purpose in the dark. He makes us walk when we want to run, sit still when we want to walk, for he has things to do in our souls that we are not interested in.” God knows what is best – and we must trust him. She continues, “It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than resentful over what is withheld. One attitude or the other becomes a way of life.”

“Lord, help me to be thankful in all things. Forgive me of complaining, even about the small things. Make me a person who is filled with your Spirit thus joyful and deeply thankful. May I remember the secret is Christ in me, not me in a different set of circumstances. Amen.” 

I read on vacation “Boys in the Boat” by Daniel James Brown. Out of the depth of the Great Depression comes the story of 9 working-class boys, the sons of loggers, shipyard workers and farmers. They were students making up the rowing team of the University of Washington. Not only did they shockingly beat the Ivy League rowing teams of the East Coast but went on to represent the USA in the 1936 Olympics in Berlin. There they defeated Hitler’s elite rowers winning the gold. “Boys in the Boat” isn’t a Christian book and yet it’s redemptive qualities couldn’t be missed.

One must put aside all self-glory and individualism to be a rower. It’s a team effort not a one man show. Rowing is a great art – a symphony of motion, oaring in harmony, in perfect rhythm with the others. It requires self-discipline of mind and body. It is a sport of endurance. It is a sport of concentration – focusing on the boat.

I couldn’t help but think of the church, especially today, on this FALL-IN SUNDAY.  The church isn’t about self-glory but God’s glory. That’s what the front of your bulletin says -“becoming fruitful disciples of Christ for God’s glory.” That’s our aim – that’s what we’re here to do.  Each one of us is pulling together for a common cause. We are to make every effort the apostle says to maintain the unity of the spirit, walking (rowing) in all  humility, gentleness, patience and love. We’re a team. We’re God’s means to edify believers and evangelize the lost. And our reward isn’t something that fades in time but will endure for eternity.  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus, Phil 3:14. 

Fall-In Sunday is next Sunday! My mind still thinks the year begins in September. Our Sunday School classes for boys, girls and teens resume on this day – along with an adult class in the auditorium.  I will begin a new expositional series in 1 John in the worship service. Teens, a special time is scheduled that night for you at our home from 6-7:30 pm. Our weekly Bible studies resume this week. A new children’s choir begins September 18 from 4-5pm. Small groups restart September 18 too. Our senior citizen Bible study started up again last month – meets Wednesday mornings.

Next Sunday after the morning service we will provide a chili dog lunch out on the church parking lot. Stay and enjoy the  fellowship with lunch on us. What a great opportunity to talk to folks or introduce yourself to someone you haven’t met. Sue Depoorter will need assistance in setting up and tearing down. Ask how you can help.

Are you in God’s Word on a regular basis? What a great time of year to renew your “God & I Time.” As believers we are to be found reading – studying the Bible throughout the week. It shouldn’t be a hit and miss exercise. God’s Word was written a book at a time. Pick a book – read it through, even if its only a chapter a day. 

I love the fall – the crisp morning air, the color of the leaves,  apple cider mills and the like. But more importantly I love the renewed opportunities we have to study God’s Word, to be with God’s people and be involved in ministry as we make and mature disciples for Jesus Christ for God’s glory. 

An experienced group of fishermen had taken a small boat 5 miles offshore. Late in the afternoon a dense fog moved in, and they were suddenly engulfed – only capable of seeing a few yards ahead. Within minutes the men were turned around in a sea of gray. As hearts began to pound one remembered a small compass in his pocket. The pointer defied their sense of direction, yet they agreed to trust it. As they slowly moved ahead they began to question it’s accuracy, however they continued course.  Finally, the fishermen began to see land. With uncanny precision the compass had brought them back within a few yards from which they had started! The Bible is such a compass. Its pointer has always directed men, women, boys and girls toward the right path. This is one reason why I believe Sunday School is important. I need it. Your soul needs it too.    

Parents, I urge you to bring your children to Sunday School. Our children’s curriculum takes a child through the entire Bible over a course of several years. Cindy Price is the teacher for kids 4-11. Joe Hart teaches our students (grades 7-12), Road Trip to Truth, Season 2. A special  ladies class will be facilitated by Diane Wilson in Room 102 on 1 Peter (study guides and doing homework will be    required for attendance). I will teach a class in the auditorium on the battle between our old self and new nature,  entitled, “The War Within.” And nurseries are provided as well. Thanks to those who serve.

Sue and I are on vacation this week. What a joy to have Matt Moore fill the pulpit once again. Matt is an onlne grad student at Liberty University working towards his M-Div.

How can you fulfill the numerous “one another’s” in the NT? We are told to love one another, to forgive one another, to show hospitality, to greet, to serve one another, etc. It is impossible to accomplish these on a Sunday morning. This is why we have small groups.   

Our goal in this ministry is progressive sanctification – to grow in Christ. Small groups are the ideal context for such growth.    Relationships are one means of sanctification, God’s Word is another. Nothing changes us more effectively than the application of Scripture. Our small groups are not intended for teaching or preaching. We do that Sunday mornings and thru-out the week in Bible studies. Small groups are designed for application. They create a context where we can apply God’s truth in a personal, practical way. Small groups resume September 18 or the week following.

This is also referred to as fellowship in the Bible. J.I. Packer wrote, “Fellowship is sharing with our fellow believers the things that God has made known to us about himself, in hope that we may thus help them to know him better and so enrich their fellowship with him.”

Dear friends, it takes a church to raise a Christian. We can provide you a list of small groups to consider. From September till May, we will meet 16 times. Don’t miss out. It’s worth the investment.  

Do you want to be a blessing? I do. I’m sure you do as well. I was encouraged by a message I heard last spring while visiting a daughter’s church. The pastor had an acrostic as to how to be a blessing. 

B – begin with prayer. I love seeing two people praying before or after the service. When someone shares a request stop and say, “Let’s pray right now.” It’s almost always appropriate to do that. 

L – listen. It takes more effort to listen than to speak. God gave us two ears and one mouth. Don’t dominate a conversation. Listen. Ask questions – and then let the person answer without you giving your opinion.

E – eat together. I will go to great lengths to create opportunities for fellowship. Honestly, such occurs best when there’s food to share. And by the way, September 11 Sunday is our time to FALL-IN with a chili dog lunch and the fixin’s. Stick around and eat together. But don’t quit there – hospitality is a command in Scripture.

S – serve others. Our consumer mentality wants folks to serve us, but the Bible’s emphasis is on serving others. Jesus came to be a servant – he is our example.

S -share your testimony.  What a blessing it is here to hear how someone came to Christ.

Let’s be a blessing today and this week by following these    simple guidelines.