Church Newsletter For Easter, 2002

Greetings from one who loves you!

It is with great joy and love in my heart that I write to you this Easter. It is my sincerest prayer that this newsletter finds you well and happy in Our Lord Jesus Christ. It is also my prayer that you and yours are able to attend the church of your church this holy day, share His communion and fellowship with His bride. While this is one of the happiest of days for us as Christians, this Easter comes at a time when there is much turmoil in our world. I ask that you each join me in praying that Our Lord brings peace to areas ravaged by war, comfort to all who've lost loved ones, assurance to all who may be seperated from family and friends, and health and well-being to all who suffer illness and disability. With members around the world, I know there are many within our church who've had a difficult time lately, and I ask you to keep these brothers and sisters in your prayers. And, as always, continue to lift up the un-saved and pray that they will come to know Jesus and His Peace and Comfort.

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to His abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." 1Peter 1:3 (KJV)

Let us always remember at what great price was bought our salvation. I'd like to quote from a paper written by one of our members, "GRACE: God's Redemption At Christ's Expense" by Rev. David J. Rogers, Ph.D., a passage that truly touched my heart. He writes, "The Eternal, Self-Existent One, in Whom all powers exists (YHWH Elohim) took our punishment, was scorned, mocked, beaten, whipped with a Roman scourge, had his beard plucked, forced to wear a crown of thorns, judged falsely of blasphemy and sedition, forced to carry a cross timber down a street of deriders, nailed to a cross, left to suffocate on the cross, taunted by onlookers, received the punishment of our sins in His body, but He was separated from God the Father and received death, unjustifiably. The Eternal, Self-Existent One, in Whom all powers exists (YHWH Elohim) died. God separated Himself, in our sin, from all that was holy. He died that we might have life, riches, blessing, and right standing with God the Father and all that is holy if we only believe He paid it all on the cross at Golgotha. (Matt 26-27; Mark 14-15; Luke 22-23; John 18-19) How much more can you love someone than to punish yourself for the sin of your children?" Thank you, Brother David Rogers, for that beautiful message.

Well folks, I hope you're visiting our church's web site, and especially our Church Bulletin Board. If you're not visiting our Bulletin Board, you're missing out on some great fellowship on the web. We've got a group of members who post their regularly who really have hearts for Jesus, and who love to fellowship with our members. Do be sure and join us there, I know you'll find brothers and sisters who love you and want to share your victories, encourage you in your trials and tribulations, and share all manner of resources with you. We'd love to see you there!

And if you haven't been to our School of Biblical Studies lately, be sure and drop in and check out the wonderful lessons we have there. I'm very excited to have just recently added a new degree program for a Dr. of Evangelism Degree that I'm sure you'll enjoy. And, of course, the lessons are there for you to study and learn from even if you don't wish to pursue the degree - they're great resources and I know you'll be edified by them. And in case you haven't heard, we even have School Rings and Alumni window stickers available for our graduates. And you Ordained Ministers be sure and visit our catalog site and see our newly introduced line of Lapel Buttons, Window Stickers, and even Bumper Stickers! I really think you'll enjoy them. Okay, no more "plugs," I promise!

Well, Brothers and Sisters, I'd like to just say in closing how very much each and every one of you mean to me, and to our church. We've come a long way over the past few years. Did you know, February was our Fifth Anniversary? That's right, we're 5 years old! Much has changed since our first little web site on GeoCities back in February, 1997, and the past few years have seen remarkable growth for our church and membership. I can honestly say, I don't think you'll find a more loving and caring group of folks anywhere else on the web than we have right here. I've always said that it's not me that makes our church what it is; it's YOU, the members, who love one another so wonderfully in Christ Jesus, that makes our church the "friendliest li'l church on the web"! May God continue to work through each of you, and may He bless you greatly in your love and service to Him. I love you folks.

Well, until the next newsletter (whenever that is), I remain,

Sincerely Yours In Christ,
Brother Dave