We read in Acts 1:8, “You will be my witnesses.” That’s what evangelism means. Evangelism is taken from the Greek word, euangelion, which simply means good news. So, evangelism is announcing or sharing the good news of Jesus Christ – that Christ died for our sins and was raised from the dead, and that He is coming again to judge the living and the dead. In light of that truth, people must respond by repenting. If you have believed that gospel and if you will rely on the Holy Spirit’s power, you can be an effective witness.
Now, where are we supposed to share this good news? Well, when you read all of Acts 1:8, you discover that there are three places. We are to share the good news in Jerusalem. And “Jerusalem” is the people closest to us – the people we live and work with every day (neighbors, co-workers, social acquaintances).
We are also supposed to share in Judea and Samaria. That would be people who are close to us, but have different needs. Maybe in the next county or maybe in the next city, people who are relatively close, but have different needs.
And then thirdly, after Judea and Samaria, it says you will also be my witnesses to the ends of the earth. That is everybody else in the world – people we do not yet know.
Now notice that it does not say in our text that you are to be my defense attorney, or that you are to be my salesman. It says you are to be my witness; and a witness is somebody who simply says what they have seen and what they have experienced. In the Alex Murdaugh trial over the last several weeks, there were witnesses who shared what they saw or experienced. That is all. The word “witness” is a major theme in Acts, occurring 39 times. Since it is the Lord’s command and since we cannot escape being witnesses of some sort, it behooves us to seek by our godly lives and by our clear verbal witness to bring glory to Jesus Christ.
You don’t have to be a great theologian. You are the expert on your life. All you need to do is share what God has done or is doing in your life. But you can’t be a silent witness alone. Many of us want to be silent witnesses and you might say, “Well, my deeds are my witness,” and I would say, “You know what, your deeds can be a mighty witness for sure. But, if you don’t explain the reason you are doing your deeds, who gets the credit? So, we need to tell people why we do what we do, so that God can get the credit, that it’s God’s work. May each of us be good witnesses for the Lord!!
Sunday Worship
Pastor Glen’s sermon this Sunday is entitled, “Boots on the Ground,” based upon Ephesians 6:15. Please read this text in preparation for worship. We will celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper this Sunday. We encourage you to examine yourself before receiving the Sacrament per 1 Corinthians 11:27-32.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the sanctuary. Please join Janet Coiner and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will be continuing a study of the Gospel of Luke. This Sunday we will study Luke 12: Believer Beware!! Please bring your Bible!!
Hope Navigators
Tithes and Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, online giving opportunities are available on the website.
NEW SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Please remember our new Sunday schedule: Adult Sunday school meets at 9:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings. Our worship service begins at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday mornings.
Women’s Bible Study
We are excited that our women’s Bible Study has been launched! We are studying Elijah, utilizing Priscilla Shirer’s wonderful study “Faith and Fire”! We began the study on Tuesday, February 7th and will continue each Tuesday through March 21st. There will be two options for participating in the study: Tuesdays at 10:00 a.m. and Tuesdays 6:30 p.m. Ladies, we look forward to your participation!!
Men’s Ministry
Our Men’s ministry will meet at 2:00 p.m. next Wednesday, March 15th. We welcome ALL men to join us for this time of fellowship and to explore service opportunities!
Exploring HOPE
Exploring HOPE is a great way to learn more about who we are as a church family and what it means to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. You will learn about HOPE’s history, vision, and beliefs, and learn about ways you can get involved at a deeper level, including through church membership. This 2 ½ hour class will include lunch and childcare.
Our next Exploring HOPE Class will meet after worship on Sunday, March 12th! If you would like to participate in the class or have questions, please contact Pastor Glen (drglenholman@gmail.com).
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 appointment, 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
Baby Bottles to support the ministry of ComfortCare Women’s Health are to be returned THIS Sunday (or as soon as possible). The bottles will be picked up NEXT Wednesday (March 1st)!!
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
January Financial Report
Tithes: Monthly: $19,010 YTD: $19,010
Expenses: Monthly: $14,380.18 YTD: $14,380.18
We have also received monies designated for our capital campaign and restricted giving. In January we received $1,285 for our capital campaign.
March Birthdays
Kelly King (3/2); Caleb Severs (3/3); Alice Reider (3/13); Ruby Lucas (3/16); Esther Danraj (3/18); Sean O’Ram (3/25); Debby Ray (3/31)
