Come, Lord Jesus!

I'm not the kind to start off talking about my sermon, but the message is so powerful.  Paul tell those who are in the Lord not only to live each day as if Jesus was coming, but anticipate it - call for it.  Revelation 22:20, He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! (ESV) When you get up in the morning and, as an elderly person, you are dealing with a lot of physical pain... Come, Lord Jesus!  You turn on the news or read the morning paper and suddenly faced with all the negative in the world... Come, Lord Jesus!  You are hearing more and more about Christian persecution and intolerance... Come, Lord Jesus!  What a powerful phrase to live by.  This week we will look into the question, "Why hasn't Jesus come yet?" Believe it or not, the Bible has an answer.

A group of Christians in Liberia are probably looking forward to the 2nd Coming.  We have all heard the news of Ebola in that region.  Besides the disease, which is bad enough, people have been unable to go out, work their jobs, or support their families.  This is the reason we took up a collection of $29,000.  Arthur David has sent pictures to show where some of our monies were spent.  As you look at these pictures realize you helped Christian families in a time of desperation.  Add to that, food was supplied to the elderly, the deaf and children.  Don't stop praying!  The economic situation has gone from bad to worse.  Come, Lord Jesus!

Some positive news, our Rockin' Seniors had a great trip to Central Florida Bible Camp for their annual fund raiser.  They had a great time.  If you are looking for a boring group of elderly folks to do things with, this is not your group.  They always have an adventure, as shown by the latest picture of the church bus.  It looks like an 80's metal band took it on tour.  You try to get to the bottom of what happened and they all say, "What happens on a Rockin' Seniors trip...". This is the same group who helps out with a Tuesday night service at Horizon Bay.  I'm afraid to ask what kind of damage they have done there, but the people love them coming.  If you are interested in being a part of this crazy group or trashing the church bus, let us know, we will hook you up with the really wild ones.  I love this group!

Sunday night was another great study of the early church.  The video and information from the city of Ephesus was powerful.  Steve Hoskins did a good job leading the discussion and we are proud to say no one seemed to have the "mark of the beast" on them before they left.  Those who came know what I mean.  We have one more Sunday night in this study - Laodicea: Hot or Cold.

If you haven't heard, Dorothy Mora fell yesterday afternoon and broke her hip.  She is having surgery this morning.  We will give a report later on how things went.  So say a little prayer for Dorothy today.

Also, don't forget about those who were unable to be with us yesterday morning.  If there was someone around you who was out, check on them.  This is the time of year many get sick, thanks to the weather changing like a yo-yo.  If you start to feel ill try a "Nanna Toddy".  This is my mom's concoction of half orange juice - half orange Gatorade.  I have made many believers of those who have tried it.  Pulp is optional.

One last thing, I talked with David and Christin Paladin last night after church.  They are on their way home from vacation and should be in sometime today.  They had a great trip but sounded like they were ready to get back.  In other words, we get to see Mya Wednesday night! (and David and Christin).

Tracy