One of the reasons we welcome you to stop by is to share in our recent joy. We've rejoiced to see two souls put the Lord on in baptism, bringing this year's baptismal response count to four souls!!! (We had two baptisms in April, one baptism the last Sunday in May, and one baptism last week.) We'd be excited even if we were a larger congregation.
As we mentioned before, every soul we reach with the gospel is important. Though the 4 souls didn't arrive via the blog/web ministry, visitors arrived a couple of weeks ago because they found us through the blog. All this good news (baptisms and visitors) reminds us that God is able!
A second reason to stop by the "church house" on Wednesday nights is to participate in our study of the book of I Peter. Mark and Jesse (not Mark, the apostle, and not Jesse, father of David in the Old Testament) are working together to carry our adult class through the Book of First Peter.
Last week Brother Jesse began teaching from I Peter 1. The class enjoyed the discussion so much that we ran out of time to finish the chapter. Tonight, the adult class plans to finish up chapter 1.
According to the handouts, our key verses (actually, they're labeled memory verses, but we encourage you to come even if you haven't memorized them) is I Peter 1:15-16:
“But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.”--I Peter 1:15-16
A third reason...Yes, there is a third reason we want you to know that you're welcome to stop by this evening and study God's Word with us. We want to get to know you. We hope you want to get to know us.
If you come, and you get to know us, you can also match some faces with some of the articles we posted earlier this year. If you read "Remain Unmovable" or "Gentleness in the Lives of Christians," or "Are We Loving?," you may want to discuss the scriptures the articles mentioned.
Sure, you could do that with comments. But wouldn't it be better to go over the scriptures together, with Bibles in our palms, side by side, getting to know if what we say is what God says? Wouldn't it be better to find out for yourself is those folks at the Church of Christ on Jefferson Street are really loving?
Well, there are just a few more hours until Bible study starts. If you need directions, you're welcome to give us a call at 804-733-9356. Or if you're more comfortable, use Google or MapQuest to help you navigate your way here. (Phone calls are always better.)
Though you're always welcome, we hope to see you tonight!
