From the Pastor's Desk

Last Sunday afternoon we were horrified by the news of a mass shooting at a small church in Texas. While there has certainly been horrific violence in other venues and we grieve wherever there is loss of human life, this one hits close to home. Satan will steal, kill, and destroy wherever he can, but the church is the object of his special venom. "The dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 12:17).

It should also remind us of the persecuted church around the world. We have largely been spared here in the States. But in the Muslim world and places like North Korea, our brothers and sisters suffer unspeakably for their faith. We should pray for them regularly.

Presently, we are blessed with a temporary reprieve. But these violent trends will intensify long-term. Make no mistake. The tide has turned against true, biblical Christianity. "Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness?" (2 Pet. 3:11). We do not fear. Our confidence is in the Keeper of Our Souls. "Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth in which righteousness dwells" (2 Pet. 3:13).

Pastors Mark and Jennifer