Adoption

Adopting Liz and Ben was one of the most exciting events in my life!  They were always a blessing in my life from the time I first met them, but when they asked to be adopted, I stood in awe!  I had no idea that when I adopted them, they would get a brand-new birth certificate with my name listed as their father!  Those events changed my life; and I pray they changed Liz and Ben’s lives!!

In the Roman world of the First Century, adoption totally changed a person’s life. The newly adopted child lost all rights and privileges of her old family, and she became an heir to the new family.  The old life was completely wiped out and she was a considered a blood child to the new father.

When we give our lives to Jesus the same thing happens.  We belong to a new Father!  We are a child of the king.  This would be like seeing some of the children we see on television who are starving to death.  Then picture Jeff Bezos (the CEO of Amazon) coming to them and adopting them.  They go from being in poverty to being privileged.  When we trust in Christ, we now belong to Jesus, and we are an adopted child and an heir of God’s Kingdom!  We go from poverty to being privileged!

I think many parents would like to be able to leave an inheritance for their children.  Probably, most children would like that also!  Romans 8:17 continues a thought from Romans 8:13. One of the characteristics of a child is the fact that he is his father’s heir.  As Greg Ogden puts it in his excellent book, Discipleship Essentials, “We have been included in the will and stand to inherit such things as resurrection bodies that do not decay, and a new heaven and a new earth, for starters.”

So, do you know who you are?  The good news is that when we acknowledge that our sin has severed the relationship with the Father, that Jesus is the gracious payment for our sin and accept the gift of forgiveness offered by inviting Jesus into our life, then we can cry, Abba, Father,” even as Jesus cried out to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane, just hours before his crucifixion.  We are then at home at last, welcomed into God’s family.

Are you experiencing the everyday presence of the Holy Spirit with you, which is what the Apostle Paul calls the “Abba, Father” experience of prayer?  When we trust Jesus Christ as our Savior and acknowledge Him as Lord, God adopts us as His child!  May we recognize and give thanks to God for our adoption as sons and daughters of the King of kings and Lord or lords!!

National Day of Prayer

Tomorrow, Thursday, May 6th, is the National Day of Prayer.  “The National Day of Prayer exists to mobilize unified public prayer for America.”  Please join me in praying for our nation!  The following is an excellent resource for ways to pray for our country: www.nationaldayofprayer.org

Sid Langrall’s Birthday Celebration

Wish List

We have several items we would like add to our church facility. If you are interested in helping with these items, any gift would be greatly appreciated!

A communion table; a baptismal font; a pulpit

Please contact Richard Jessee (our administrative assistant) by calling the church office on Tuesday or Thursday mornings if you can help: (540) 221-4370.

Caring Calls

We care about you!!  If you have NOT been receiving caring calls from members of our team but would like to receive a call every two weeks, OR if you have been receiving caring calls but would prefer not to be included on our calling list, please contact Tim Stewart (tim.stewart30@gmail.com).  Thanks so much!

Sunday Worship