Update from Pastor Thomas

Church Family,

I am thankful to have COVID behind me! Many have more challenging cases than I did, but mine turned out not to be as simple as I wished. I am feeling much better but am experiencing shortness of breath and fatigue. The doctor tells me this will continue to improve if I take care of myself. Thank you for the many prayers, meals, cards, and messages. You have cared well for my family and me through all this.

MY PLANS

My plan is to begin easing back into ministry responsibilities this week. I look forward to worshipping together with you on Sunday. The physical demands of preaching are going to be a challenge for me until my strength returns. I hope to be preaching again sooner than later. Still, we are making tentative plans for other men to preach: Aug 22 Brandon Vaughn, Aug 29 Caleb Lenard, and Sept 5 David Trice. If I’m able to begin preaching sooner, I will.

A PASSAGE DEAR TO ME: ROMANS 14:7-9

I want to share a passage of scripture that the Spirit has used to care for my soul these past two weeks. Romans 14:7-9, “For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's. For to this end Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.”

This text reveals that Christ is a good savior, regardless of my situation. Whether I am living and serving with total health or whether I am afflicted with a menacing virus. Jesus has risen, loves me, and is worthy of praise. Jesus is not only a savior for the exciting and fun seasons of life, but he is a tender, gentle shepherd through the hard seasons too. For this reason, my faith must run deep – in life or death – because Jesus is Lord. “Whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord's.” Jesus experienced both life and death – and has shown that the end of both is a glorious life. Often he glorifies himself through what is hard for me. He has held me fast through it all, and my faith has not faltered. Jesus has proven again to be a solid footing for the soul. He will never fail his children.

PRAY FOR AFGANISTAN

Finally, the situation in Afghanistan has quickly unraveled this week as the Taliban has taken control of the country. Let's be constant in prayer for fellow believers who are facing threats of persecution. Many have lost homes and are now refugees. Pray for the Lord to provide for his sheep in every way - in life and in death.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Reigniting Normal Ministry Activities

WEEKEND GET AWAY

Tricia and I enjoyed this past weekend away at the Georgia Baptist Mission Board pastors/wives retreat on Jekyll Island. We enjoyed the down time, seeing new sights, connecting with other ministry couples, and being renewed. The Lord has blessed me with a wonderful bride. Tricia is an amazing gift of grace to me, our children, and this church. I love you, Tricia!

GOD’S UNSHAKABLE LOVE: HOSEA

This Sunday I plan to begin a new sermon series studying the Old Testament prophet Hosea. This amazing book reveals to us the faithfulness of God in his unshakable love to discipline his people and restore them to himself. It prepares and points people to Christ by calling those in the latter days to return to the Lord by seeking “David their king.” Before Sunday, I encourage you to sit down with your Bible and a cup of coffee and read through the entire book in one sitting. Hosea is only about 10 pages long and can be read in less than 30 minutes. Please pray all of us to benefit from the preaching of God’s word each Sunday.

REIGNITE OUR NORMAL MINISTRY ACTIVITIES

This Sunday, April 18, we are resuming our regular ministry schedule:

• 9:00 AM Coffee Corner Open

• 9:30 AM Equipping Courses (See below for classes and locations)

• 10:30 AM Gathered Worship

• 5:00 PM Community Groups

Because the Governor has rolled back COVID restrictions on gathering sizes and social distancing,  seating in the worship center has been increased. Seats are now spaced at 4-feet which brings total seating capacity to 200. For the time being, we will continue to cast the live stream of the service in the fellowship hall for those who prefer social distance seating.

This Sunday we will celebrate the Lord’s Supper and encourage any who may choose to sit in the fellowship hall to make the short walk to the worship center following the sermon to eat the supper as one assembly.

On Wednesday, April 21, we will resume our regular Wednesday ministry schedule. Kids, Students, and Adults will meet for discipling.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

This Sunday night Community Groups will resume at 5:00 PM (not 5:30 as announced Sunday). Upcoming meeting dates are April 18, May 2, May 23, and June 6. Groups will either meet on campus or outdoors at a location identified by the group leader. Designated on campus meeting locations:

• Vaughn Group: Playground or Ed Building Second Floor

• Trice Group: Worship Center

• Ramseur Group: Fellowship Hall

• Hill Group: Student Room

The purpose of these groups is to foster supernatural community by providing an environment where we can know one another better, grow in the faith, and better understand what it means to be fully devoted to Christ in our lives. We eat dinner together, discuss and apply the morning’s sermon, and pray together. Groups are inter-generational. Currently, groups are encouraged to do “picnic style” meals with each family being responsible for their own food. See leaders for group-specific details.  

Families attend community group together. We encourage students and older children to participate in all aspects of the group. During the discussion and prayer time younger children may be able to play in a separate room. At least two adults will oversee these younger ones while discussing and praying together themselves. This responsibility rotates among the adults.

Please contact a community group leader to learn more! 

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Reconnecting with your Church

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some…” Hebrews 10:24-25

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH

This past Sunday was a milestone for us and many other churches. Easter Sunday marked a return to gathered worship for many of those who have been staying away due to COVID. Churches across our region saw attendance increase anywhere from 50-100% over what they had seen the previous weeks. It was wonderful to see so many of you around the tent together!

While larger crowds are normally expected on Easter, this year the increase was not only noticeable, but it was also noteworthy. Perhaps we are reaching the point as a church and community where we are comfortable meeting together again. The next challenge will be making the Sunday gathering of the church a fresh, happy, faith-filled habit. If Sunday was your first day back in a while, I want to encourage you to be back this week. Make it a habit!

ROLL BACK OF COVID RESTRICTIONS

Last week Governor Brian Kemp announced the roll back of many COVID-19 restrictions across Georgia beginning April 8, including restrictions on church gathering sizes and social distancing requirements. This means, within reason, we are free to resume our normal activities. Of course, this does not mean COVID is gone. It is still a concern for many. We each need to continue practicing personal responsibility and respectful social awareness of others.

What does this roll back mean for us?

First of all, nothing changes to our plan for this Sunday, April 11. We will worship outdoors under the tent at 10:30 AM.  There will be no equipping courses. This will be our final Sunday outside. Cole Barnes will be preaching the concluding message in the “What is the Good News?” series from Acts 17, “Is Religion Enough?”  Bring your unbelieving friends and camping chairs!

Second of all, nothing changes to our plan for Wednesday, April 14. We will meet in the worship center as one group for discipling.  There will be no kids or student ministry that night.

Sunday, April 18 is the BIG DAY! We will reignite our regular ministry activities. On that morning the Coffee Corner will be open starting at 9:00 AM. We will restart Equipping Courses at 9:30 AM, including nursery and kids. Gathered Worship will be indoors at 10:30 AM in the worship center (with increased seating). Sunday evening at 5:00 PM Community Groups will meet on the church campus.

On Wednesday, April 21, we resume our normal mid-week activities.  Kids and student ministry will return.  Adult discipling will continue in the worship center and will breakout into smaller groups.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

Pews are being reinstalled in the worship center and spaced at 4-feet apart. The worship center will have a seating capacity of 200. Everyone is encouraged to sit in the worship center as one assembly each Sunday.

Seating in the overflow area of the fellowship hall will remain at 6-feet for now. I do not expect the overflow area to be needed for additional seating at this time. Yet, at least for a short time, I realize that some may be more comfortable with the extra room.

In classrooms we will continue to spread out chairs and provide ample seat spacing.

In nursery and kids ministry we will continue to follow the “healthy ministry commitment” sign-in as well as temperature checks.  Face coverings will not be required for volunteers.

In the event that cases rise again in our area at some point in the future, we are prepared to return to COVID gathering protocols as needed.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

The Foolishness of the Resurrection

“Why is it thought incredible by any of you that God raises the dead?” Acts 26:8

THE FOOLISHNESS OF THE CROSS AND RESURRECTION
The foundation of Christianity is the resurrection of Jesus. Three days after being beaten, tortured, and executed by crucifixion, Jesus was raised to life by the power of God. The tomb containing his body on Friday was empty on Sunday.  Angels announced his resurrection to the stunned women in the garden, “Why do you seek the living among the dead? He is not here, but has risen.” Over the next 40 days he personally, physically met with his disciples and was seen by many who knew him, even appearing to more than 500 people at once!

Still, many consider the resurrection foolishness. Some claim it was a conspiracy inspired by desperate religious fanatics.  If so, then why did 11 of the 12 “fanatics” die martyr’s deaths knowing the resurrection was a lie?  Others claim the resurrection is a myth that has grown over the centuries. If so, then explain why this “myth” stormed onto world history within a matter of days among those who knew Jesus best. Still others believe Jesus’ death was a misdiagnosis. The professional Roman execution crew mistakenly thought he was dead and Jesus later recovered consciousness and escaped from the tomb.  If so, then how could this “misdiagnosed” man, wrecked by days of torture, summon the strength to move the massive tomb stone and appear completely healthy to his disciples that same day? In this case his disciples might have considered him Houdini – but definitely not Christ the Lord.

No, church, the cross and resurrection are not foolishness. The explanation is not found in a conspiracy, a myth, or a misdiagnosis. It is found here: Jesus was dead and is now alive. Why should anyone think this is so incredible?  If God is god, then he can do this!  In fact, he has!

RESURRECTION SUNDAY WORSHIP OUTDOORS

This Resurrection Sunday (Easter) we will be meeting again outside at 10:30 AM. The forecast is for perfect spring weather. Do you have a someone close to you who considers the resurrection to be foolishness?  Invite them to come with you to witness the presence of God in the gathering of Christ’s church and hear the greatest news in the world – firsthand.

Immediately following the service there will be an egg hunt for the kids (from toddlers up to 5th grade).  There will also be a photo booth available for family pictures (use your own camera).  

RECONNECTING WITH YOUR CHURCH

Last year we were not able to gather on Easter due to COVID shelter-in-place requirements. While concerns remain and care is needed, much more is known now about how to safely meet and navigate COVID concerns. Meeting outside allows us to meet as one assembly while also providing limitless fresh air and space for social distancing. Even our most careful members, family, and friends can attend these outdoor gatherings if they are of a mind to do so. Great effort is being extended each Sundays to create an outdoor space where all the church and a great number of guests can be present.  

I want to be careful here to recognize that some do have legitimate justifications for continuing to sheltering-in-place. If you fall in this category, we love you and are praying for you. However, at one time or another I expect we have each experienced the temptation to stay separated from the church. I have. You have. COVID has provided us all with the convenient excuse, at times, to forgo participation with the church. As your pastor, I want to lovingly warn you to beware of the temptation to remain separate. Satan will whisper a lie in your ear that your sinful nature will embrace, “church is dangerous.”

Just as pain medication is needed following surgery, so too temporary separation from the church has been needed at times this past year. Yet, just as long-term use of pain medications can become addicting, life-altering, and deadly, so too, ongoing separation from the the body of Christ is spiritually dangerous and habit-forming. Only you know your heart and your motives. If separation is not necessary and has become an unhealthy pattern for you, then repent and return to your church this week. If one can now go to work or school; if one can now play sports, attend a game, or workout at the gym; if one can now go shopping at Walmart, Lowes, Kroger, and Kohls - then one should now also be gathering with the church each Sunday. Continue following our COVID gathering guidelines - but be with your church.

RESUMING OUR NORMAL SCHEDULE

Finally, we plan to return to our normal Sunday/Wednesday schedule on Sunday, April 18. I trust by that date most of our church member will be able and willing to return to equipping courses, community groups, kids, and student ministries.  Please see the announcement below for more information.

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

Under the Big Top - One Assembly

…When you come together as a church…1 Corinthians 11:18

UNDER THE BIG TOP – ONE ASSEMBLY

Over the past year we have been unable to meet as one assembly.  We do not have a room on campus that will accommodate a full gathering of our church while following COVID protocols. As a temporary accommodation we have been utilizing the fellowship hall as overflow space and many have watched the live stream from home. This Sunday we return to one gathering!

Everyone will join as one body -  singing together, praying together, hearing the Word together, eating Lord’s Supper together – as we should be. The next 4 weeks a large tent will be set up in the parking lot and there will be more than enough room for all members and guests. We are using this as a season of outreach for us too!  There is plenty of room to invite your ONES, friends, and family to hear the gospel!

We will have plenty of metal chairs, but you are encouraged to bring your own camping chairs if you prefer. The outside temperature could be on the cool side, so please dress accordingly – jackets, hats, and blankets as needed. So long as the weather is dry, we plan to be outdoors.

I want to encourage every able-bodied Crestview member to be present.  If you are ill or unable to attend, we understand and be assured we will live stream these services as normal.  Though we are outdoors,  6-foot spacing between family seating needs to continue to be followed. Toddler and Preschool nurseries will be open.

Pray for the “What is the Good News?” outreach, invite your friends, and I’ll see you this Sunday!

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

What About Lord's Supper This Sunday?

So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another – if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home…1 Corinthians 11:33-34a

WHAT ABOUT LORD’S SUPPER THIS SUNDAY?

When we meet this Sunday for Gathered Worship, we plan to eat the Lord’s Supper as Christ’s assembled church. This is one of the believer’s high privileges of being united to Christ and a member of his church. Because a portion of you may be planning to watch from home, I think it is wise for a bit of pastoral counsel about how to approach the supper this Sunday.

I am aware of churches who have encouraged the practice of “virtual Lord’s Supper” in which families prepare and eat their own bread and juice at home as they watch a live stream of the service. I and our elders do not encourage you to do this. While well-intentioned, this kind of “virtual Lord’s Supper” is a practice that takes “virtual church” too far. Watching a live stream is a temporary aid but is not a replacement for the gathering of the local church family.  A “virtual Lord’s Supper” does not seem to be wise because it is at odds in several ways with Scripture’s instructions in 1 Corinthians 11:17-34.  

In this passage, Paul meticulously corrects several errors in the church’s understanding and practice of the supper:

1. He is clear that the supper is for the gathered church and not to be eaten independently: “One goes ahead with his own meal…do you not have houses to eat and drink in? Or do you despise the church of God…” (vss. 21-22).

2. He urges them to eat as the assembled church at a time and location that maximizes participation: “So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another” (vs. 33).

3. He makes a distinction between the location of the gathered church and the family home: “…when you come together to eat, wait for one another – if anyone is hungry, let him eat at home” (vs. 33)

In light this, it is our practice as a church to eat the Lord’s Supper in Gathered Worship on Sundays, as we will this week. Join us if you are able. If you are unable to attend, due to COVID concerns or other physical limitations, we understand and will miss you. For most of you, such an absence is short-term and temporary.  So, as you watch from home, I pray the Spirit will minister to you during this challenging season and that the live stream will be an aid to this. I also pray that your desire to, “Do this in remembrance of me” (vs. 25), will draw you back to regularly assembling with your church as soon as you are able.

MODIFIED GATHERING PLANS FOR JANUARY

As a reminder, we are pausing our small group gatherings for the remainder of January. This is our current ministry schedule:

• Sunday 10:30 AM Gathered Worship: Our Sunday gathering takes place in-person and via live stream as normal.  There are no equipping courses, nursery, or community group gatherings. Children sit with their parents during the service.  

• Wednesday 6:30 PM Discipling: We meet as one group in the worship center for Discipling. We are studying the Gospel of Luke and praying together. There is no nursery, kids, or student ministries, but families are welcome to participate together in the worship center. This gathering is not be available by live stream.

 For His Glory,

 Pastor Thomas

Trials Abound

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

TRIALS ABOUND

Theses past several weeks have been challenging days for our church family. Accidents, sickness, and death have been unusually prevalent. I want to remind you of the Lord’s presence with each of you and of his love for our church particularly. Trials like we are currently experiencing are reminders that as long as we are living in this present evil age we are under the ever-present groaning of the curse of sin. The good news is that for all who trust in Jesus Christ, all this is all temporary. The indwelling presence of the Spirit gives us peace and endurance. So, remain steadfast and endure every trial with hope in the accomplished work of our Savior. The best is yet to come!

MODIFIED GATHERING PLANS FOR JANUARY

As announced yesterday, due to the rise of COVID cases and the need for families to stay safe, we are pausing our small group gatherings for the remainder of January. Here is what this means:

• Sundays 10:30 AM Gathered Worship: Our Sunday gathering will take place in-person and via live stream as normal.  There will be no equipping courses, nursery, or community group gatherings. Children should sit with their parents during the service.  

• Wednesdays 6:30 PM Discipling: For all who would like to gather mid-week, there will be a gathering in the worship center where we will continue our normal focus on discipling. We will be going through the Gospel of Luke and praying together. There will be no nursery, kids, or student ministries, but families are welcome to participate together in the worship center. This gathering will not be available by live stream.

We expect many will choose to remain home in an abundance of caution and we fully understand this. For those who stay home, please be diligent to watch the Sunday live stream and remain in communication with one another.  If you are remaining home, our elders and deacons would like to know this.  Please let us know your plans by email: thomas@crestviewbaptist.org.

As a reminder, if you or anyone in your family is feeling ill or has been exposed to COVID, please stay home until everyone is well again.

WAYNE BROWN CELEBRATION SERVICE

The celebration service for Wayne Brown is Saturday, January 9, at 2:00 PM at the Brown’s home. There will also be a live stream available for any who are unable to attend.  Follow this link for more information: Celebration Service

 For His Glory,

 Pastor Thomas

Update: A Message of Hope for our Neighbors

Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:2

UPDATE: A MESSAGE OF HOPE FOR OUR NEIGHBORS

Please continue praying for neighbors and friends who are hearing the message of hope through Jesus Christ!  We are seeing responses to our invitations in several ways. Over 3,600 viewed our promo on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. 115 people clicked the promo to visit the Hope web page.  This page has had 300 visits over the last two weeks. We do not have statistics on The Story short film but can reasonably estimate 50-100 views.

Many heard the message of HOPE REVEALED this past Sunday! Though attendance Sunday was lower than past weeks (83 in-person), we had 9 first-time guests! We saw streaming views go up almost 100%. 37 devices viewed the service live (our normal average is 20). The service has been viewed a total of 63 times on YouTube.  Additionally, just this morning, we had a neighbor from Spring Valley Circle come to the church office inquiring about our ministry. He said he had received an invitation on his door last Saturday!

That is all wonderful and we are not done!  This Sunday the focus is HOPE RECEIVED. Continue inviting and sharing the gospel with friends, family, and neighbors this week. Have you invited your One to join us Sunday or watch the live stream?  A new social media promo campaign will begin this Thursday.  Please like and share these posts when you see them. The reach and influence of our church is exponential when we leverage our social media platforms for the spread of the gospel!  Finally, continue praying that the Lord to use our efforts and for the lives of many to be transformed by the gospel of grace.  

INTERNATIONAL MISSIONS OFFERING:  GIVE THIS SUNDAY

This Sunday plan to bring your gifts for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions. Think of this as a special Christmas gift bringing the greatest news to those around the world who have yet to hear, “Unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Give in-person, on-line, or by mail.  Our church goal is $10,000.  What will the Lord do among us?

LET’S BE VIGILANT WITH OUR GATHERING GUIDELINES

We are in time of year when annual sickness is typically on the rise.  Add to it this year an increasing number of COVID cases in our area, and we have the need to be extra vigilant. Thank you to all who have erred on the safe side and remained home when you were unsure about your health. Remember, if you are feeling ill, for any reason, please stay home as a way of caring for one another. When you are well, then we are happy to worship with you!  When on campus please follow our GATHERING GUIDELINES. These guidelines have been serving us well and we need everyone’s participation.    

For His Glory,

Pastor Thomas

We Confess the Supremacy of Jesus Christ

Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of godliness: He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.
1 Timothy 3:16

WE CONFESS THE SUPREMACY OF JESUS CHRIST

What an uplifting gathering we enjoyed yesterday! My soul was warmed as we read 1 Timothy 3:16 as I considered the straightforward confession of the deity, supremacy, and glory of the Lord. Jesus is the true expression of godliness.  We who believe upon Jesus confess these very same truths about him and follow in his footsteps. May this confession be upon our lips this week.  Consider setting this verse to memory and reflecting upon it throughout this week.  

MEMBERS MEETING: SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27

The elders have called a Members Meeting for Sunday, September 27, following gathered worship. Two items of business will be taken up.  First, we will review a tentative plan to return to a regular Sunday/Wednesday ministry schedule.  Second, we will consider membership for any who have completed the membership process and are desiring to join. Expect the conference to last 30 minutes (or less). We will meet in the worship center. No lunch will be served.

Throughout the summer we have been gathering on Sundays for gathered worship and for community groups. Due to the COVID pandemic we have not offered on campus Equipping Courses, Nursery, Kids Ministry, or Wednesday evening discipleship. During this meeting on September 27 we will review a careful, flexible, responsible strategy developed by staff, elders, deacons, and kids leaders to restart these portions of our ministry during the month of October.  The plan considers social distancing requirements, guidelines for the safety of children and nursery workers, and cleaning protocols.

Candidly, the most challenging aspect of the plan may be the re-assembly of a team of members who are able and willing to joyfully minister to children. I am confident some are excited to make gospel-centered, God-glorifying investments in the next generation. Please pray that the Spirit will stir within our church those who have gifts, desire, and time to devote to serving children and their families.  Please be prayerfully considering whether you might be ready to join a 6-week rotation in the nursery or ready to make a 6-month commitment to be a teacher in our kids ministry on Sundays or Wednesdays.

The Lord gifts his body for ministry. I am looking forward to seeing how this all materializes!

 For His Glory,

 Pastor Thomas

Do Not Be Quickly Shaken

We ask you, brothers, not to be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed… 2 Thessalonians 2:2
 
2020 ANXIETIES
Anytime people experience wars, recessions, famines, shifts in governmental power or natural disasters there are invariably anxieties about the end times. The current pandemic is no different. I want to remind you of two things the Lord announces in his Scripture related to these kinds of tribulations:
 
DO NOT BE SURPRISED
First, the Lord announces that his people will experience tribulations and persecutions in this world. Such will increase leading up to the second coming of Christ (Read Mt. 24; Mk. 13; Lk. 21; 1 Thes. 4-5; 2 Thes. 2; and Revelation). Christ return may be soon or it may be far away – only the Father knows. We pray it will be soon, yet we wait in faithful, enduring anticipation. This we know:  Jesus is coming back and there will be tribulations. No Bible-believing, Jesus follower should be surprised at this.

DO NOT BE QUICKLY SHAKEN
Second, when Lord announces these tribulations he also provides comforting instruction about the sovereignty of God, the sure victory of Jesus Christ, and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit. Consider these “quick takes” of comfort from the very passages that announce coming tribulations and persecutions:
 

• Don’t be lead astray (Mt. 24:4)

• Stay awake (Mt. 24:42)

• Be ready (Mt. 24:44)  

• Do not be alarmed (Mk. 13:7)

• Do not be anxious (Mk. 13:11)

• Do not be terrified (Lk 21:9)

• Watch yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down (Lk 21:34)

• Encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thes. 5:11)

• Do not be quickly shaken in mind or alarmed (2 Thes. 2:2)

• Let no one deceive you in any way (2 Thes. 2:3)

• Stand firm (2 Thes. 2:15)

• To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God (Rev 2:7)

• Here is the call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus (Rev. 14:12)

• The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son (Rev 21:7)

Brothers and sisters, do not allow all that is happening in 2020 cause your heart to fear. Do not be anxious about tomorrow. Be wise about what you feed your mind and feel in your heart.  Don’t be lead astray. Feast on the Lord. Study his Word and talk to him in prayer.  Continue to delight in the One who gave us this very promise: “Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Mt. 28:20).
 
For His Glory,
Pastor Thomas