Can you do enough to deserve salvation? In 2001, Reader’s Digest asked Muhammad Ali what his faith meant to him. Ali replied, “[It] means [a] ticket to heaven. One day we’re all going to die, and God’s going to judge us, [our] good and bad deeds. [If the] bad outweighs the good, you go to hell; if the good outweighs the bad, you go to heaven.” That’s what so many people believe. However, that is NOT what the Bible teaches.
We read in Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
In the Bible, we read about God’s moral law. The only way for us to be saved on our own would be to perfectly obey every one of God’s commands. But that’s impossible. Only Jesus was sinless! We are far from perfect. We read in James 2:10, “Whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking ALL of it.” We also read in Romans 3:19, “. . . no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.” So, we are only saved by grace. We need undeserved favor and kindness to be saved. May we always have hearts full of gratitude for what God has done for us in Jesus Christ!!
Worship
Pastor Glen will continue the summer sermon series, “The Essentials,” focusing on what we believe. Glen’s sermon this Sunday is: “God’s Free Grace,” based upon Ephesians 2:8-9. Please read this text before worship. In fact, you might read all of chapter 2 or maybe the entire letter to the Ephesians!
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 Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will continue our study of the Gospel of John. This Sunday we will study John 9: Controversy of Jesus healing a man born blind on the Sabbath! Please bring your Bible!
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
June Financial Report
Tithes/Offerings: Monthly: $14,005.52 YTD: $102,471.04
Expenses: Monthly: $20,956.40 YTD: $103,644.37
Capital Campaign: $975.00 YTD: $5,591.00
Designated Giving: $0. YTD: $4,816
Golden Oldies
The Golden Oldies and others are looking forward to a wonderful adventure. They will be traveling to Lancaster, Pennsylvania to attend the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater (Guys and Dolls) and Sight and Sound Theater (Moses) on August 23rd and 24th.
Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports
If you have any concerns you would like to add to the Prayer Concerns and Praise Reports list or give an update, PLEASE contact our prayer coordinator, Janet Coiner (540.447.0918) by THURSDAY at NOON!! Thanks so much!!
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
We will be serving a meal for Love INC on September 12th. Mark your calendars now to help with this wonderful opportunity to serve those individuals and families wanting to turn their lives around!
We continue to collect “Hope Blessings” donations every three months for Love INC. From July 1 to September 30, we are collecting various paper products: paper towels, tissues, napkins, and toilet paper. May we be a blessing to those families in need! We are grateful for our partnership with Love INC!
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
Upcoming July Birthdays
Marty Porter & Nina Gross (7/27); Ted Brown & Bill Watkins (7/31)