Did you ever wonder why people reject Jesus? The foundational reason people reject Jesus is that they are in spiritual darkness. As Jesus is in conversation with Nicodemus, as recorded in John’s gospel, he declares in John 3:19, “And this is the judgment: the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light” . . . WHY? . . . “because their works were evil.”
So, what is the evidence of spiritual darkness in a person’s life? It is wanting to get rid of Jesus from your life. So, I would suggest that the main reason people reject Jesus is that they want to continue in their sin. Generally, the argument against Jesus is not intellectual but moral! People do not want anyone (especially GOD!) telling them how to live their lives! I have seen it over and over again in my ministry, people do not want anyone sitting on the throne of their lives but themselves!! They do not want the light to expose their sin!!
So, when Jesus declares, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” begs the question, which side are you on? Will you be like the Pharisees and reject Jesus’s claim (even for some superficial reason) because you do not want light exposing your sin? OR, will you choose to follow Him as the Lord of your life?
So, how are we to follow the light? Here are a few ideas . . .
- Spend time in God’s Word – not just when we feel like it.
- Spend time in prayer, in the presence of Christ’s glory
- Confess sin and turn to the light – repent, turn away from the sin in our lives
- Fellowship with other believers, who are in the light, who will hold us accountable and help us on our journey of faith
Worship
Pastor Glen continues his sermon series this Sunday on 1 John. His message this Sunday is, “Walking in the Light,” based on 1 John 1:5-10. Please read this text in preparation for worship!
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Lowell Gross and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will begin a study of the Apostle Paul’s letter to the Romans. Lowell will introduce this powerful letter! Please bring your Bible.
Men’s Bible Study
Our annual end-of-the-year picnic will be on May 21st, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Lofton Lake, thanks to the gracious hospitality of Harold Cook. Please bring side dishes and desserts to share, as well as drinks and lawn chairs.
Throughout the summer (June, July, and August) we will meet on the first Tuesday of each month.
Pastor Search Committee Update & Prayer
Your Pastor Search Committee has finalized the Church Information Form and will begin the search for our next lead pastor.
We invite you to covenant to pray for the next pastor and specifically for the Pastor Search Committee, as they together with you, seek the Lord!
“Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act.” (Psalm 37:4-5)
Will you claim the promise of God’s direction to those who seek to know His will?
PRAYER: “Gracious Heavenly Father, today I commit myself to join our church family in crying out to You for the man who is to shepherd this flock. You already know him and we pray you would reveal him to us. Guide our Search Committee in their great responsibility. For the sake of Christ’s Kingdom and in His glorious Name. Amen.”
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
Financial Assistance
In the wake of Jeff Forbis’s serious accident, we would like to help raise some funds to help assist with medical expenses. If you are interested in helping, you can contribute on his GoFundMe site: https://www.gofundme.com/jeff-forbis
Individuals may also contribute directly to Hope Community Church. Just indicate for Jeff Forbis Support to the Caregiving and Relief Ministry. Thank you!
Welcome to the Waynesboro Choral Society and Faithful Men
The Session has invited the Waynesboro Choral Society and the Faithful Men to use our facility for their rehearsals during the week and on Sunday afternoons. We are excited to welcome these outstanding community choral groups to our facility. We especially look forward to having both groups assist in worship in the near future!!
Golden Oldies
The next gathering of the Golden Oldies will be June 12th at 10:30. Meet at Panera Bread Community Room to play Bingo! We request for everyone to bring a wrapped gift so all can be winners! $10 max amount for gift.
There will be NO meeting in July due to the fun trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania. If you signed up for the trip, please make your checks out to Shenandoah Tours, and give your check to Harold or Janet Coiner by June 1st.
We will meet on August 14th at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at Sooner BBQ & More in Stuarts Draft.
Driver Assistance
If you or someone in our congregation needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment or other appointments, please call Tom Reider (540.649.5162). He has agreed to coordinate rides. He has a list of those who have volunteered to give those rides. We are grateful for this important ministry!!
Mission Corner
Local Mission Project
Several of our members and friends participated in a local mission project in partnership with Renewing Homes. We are grateful for the participation of John Berry, Bob Burks, Jerry Coffman, Rodger Daniels, George Gay, Joey Harding, and John Severs.
Love INC Support: From April through June we will be collecting household cleaning items (all-purpose cleaners, dish soap, laundry soap, etc.). May we be a blessing to those desiring to improve their lives.
Again, this Sunday a Mission Support Survey will be distributed for you to make suggestions of potential missionaries, missions, or ministries to support.
The Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
May Birthdays
Sherry Holder (5/20); Paul Childers (5/22); Larry Roberts (5/25)