As we read the accounts of Abraham, we learn that God had richly blessed him. And God gave him the ultimate promise of a son, and not just a son, but a great nation through that son. But after having that promised son, God tested Abraham. He tests his allegiance by commanding Abraham to offer his son as a burnt offering, as we read in Genesis 22. So, who is more important to Abraham: Isaac or God? Where does his heart lie – with God or with His son?
What or who is important to you? What comes to your mind? Children, grandchildren, cars, houses, computers, relationships, or friends? What if God asked you to give those up? Bob Kauflin, in his book, Worship Matters, suggests: “Whenever we love and serve anything in place of God, we’re engaging in idolatry.” God gives us great things. Each and every one of us has been blessed beyond belief. But the temptation is to take the gifts that God has given us and elevate them. Sometimes, the gifts of God take the place of God Himself. He has given us so many good things; but instead of worshipping God, we put our time and energy into worshipping the gift. The gift becomes more important than the Giver!
God has called us to be willing to follow Him – no holds barred. He wants us to be willing to give up the things that are most important to us. Isaac had the potential of taking the place of God in Abraham’s life. He was the son of promise. He was to be the son through whom a great nation would be founded. God was testing Abraham by seeing what was most important in His life – God or God’s gift. God wants to know that He is Number ONE in our lives. The Bible calls Him a Jealous God. He is not content to share His throne. He is also the only one WORTHY to be Number ONE in our lives. We need to be willing to hold nothing back from God. Are we willing to sacrifice our Isaac on the altar? Are we willing to follow Him whatever the cost? God desires that we worship Him not just with our words but with our lives, holding nothing back!
Sunday Worship
Pastor Glen is beginning a series of messages on the Great Commission, specifically Matthew 28:16-20. This Sunday’s sermon is entitled, “They Worshiped Him,” based upon Matthew 28:17. Please read Matthew 28 in preparation for worship!
We will also celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. We encourage you to examine yourself before receiving the Sacrament per 1 Corinthians 11:27-32.
An offering plate is available when you enter the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
Nursery
We are pleased to offer a nursery for children through pre-school. The nursery is in the Sunday school area, and there is a check-in area at the door of the nursery.
Training2Send Class
We are excited to offer the wonderful eleven-week class, Training2Send. The purpose of this class as described on the website: “To provide reproducible training that teaches the foundational, biblical doctrines necessary to make disciples. The goal of Training2Send is to produce trainers, individuals, who will go and disciple others while continuing to work to multiply the Kingdom.
The first class will be on Wednesday, July 7th, beginning at 6:30 p.m. We will meet in the Sunday school classroom at the church. The class will continue each Wednesday through September 15th. Please come and take advantage of this exciting opportunity! If you have questions, please contact Pastor Glen at drglenholman@gmail.com.
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 baptismal font; a pulpit; a baby grand piano
Please contact Richard Jessee (our administrative assistant) by calling the church office on Tuesday or Thursday mornings if you can help with a donation: (540) 221-4370.
Thank You from the O’Rams
Dear Sisters & Brothers in Christ,
We have been overwhelmed with the support of our church family! The wonderful baby shower, including all the needed gifts have been such a blessing! Thank you SO much!! We are also grateful for all the meals which have been provided after the birth of our beautiful daughter, Piper Lynn. It is such a joy to be part of such a loving, supportive church family! May God bless you all!! THANK YOU!!
Special Offering for the Justines
If anyone is interested in contributing to a special offering to help offset the additional costs the Justines will incur by having to quarantine when they arrive back in Thailand in September, please make contributions, indicating “Special Offering for Justines” on a check or a note.
Our Daily Bread
If you are interested in having a copy of the devotional booklet, Our Daily Bread, please share your interest by calling the church office or by sending an email to richardathope@gmail.com.
Outside Workday
Since our last workday was rained out, we will have another outside workday on Saturday, July 24th, beginning at 9:00 a.m. Please mark your calendars now for that time of cleaning up the outside of our building.
July Birthdays
Lowell Gross (7/2); Jake Kleinschuster (7/5); Kristen Adams (7/16); Helen Wilson (7/21); Marty Porter and Nina Gross (7/27); Bill Watkins and Ted Brown (7/31)