January 2005
DO YOU BELIEVE IN SIGNS?
Some of Jesus’ countrymen thought they did. They said to Him: “Show us a sign from heaven.” He replied, “When evening comes you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times.” (Matthew 16:1-3) As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples came privately, “Tell us, what will be the sign of your coming?” (Matthew 24:3a)
THE SIGNS JESUS GAVE THEM – MATTHEW 24:4-13
FALSE PROPHETS: “Watch out that no one deceives you. For many will come in My Name, claiming, ‘I am the Christ’ and will deceive many.”
WARS AND RUMORS OF WARS: “See to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen.
NATION WILL RISE AGAINST NATION AND KINGDOM AGAINST KINGDOM.
THERE WILL BE FAMINES AND EARTHQUAKES in various places. All these are the beginning of birth pains.”
PERSECUTION OF CHRISTIANS: “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted and put to death … and you will be hated of all nations because of Me.”
THE GREAT APOSTACY: “At that time many will turn away from the faith and will betray and hate each other.
MANY FALSE PROPHETS will appear and deceive many people.”
LOVE TURNING COLD: “Because of the increase in wickedness, the love of most will grow cold, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.”
THE SIGN OF THE END OF THE CHURCH AGE – MATTHEW 24:14
“This Gospel of the Kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Persecution is the seed of the church. The church planting began the day Stephen was stoned to death for his faith. (Acts 7:54-60) “On that day great persecution broke out against the church at Jerusalem, and all except the Apostles were scattered throughout Judea and Samaria. Those who had been scattered preached the WORD wherever they went.” (Acts 8:1, 4)
The World News Magazine recently published a map showing how much of the world today is being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. This means the Gospel of Christ is getting close to reaching the whole world, since persecution is following right along with church planting.
HOW JESUS WENT BACK TO HEAVEN – ACTS 1:7-9, 11b
As Jesus stood with His disciples on the Mount of Olives, He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by His own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. You will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and unto the ends of the earth.” After He said this, He was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid Him from their sight. Two angels appeared and said, “This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen Him go.”
HOW JESUS WILL COME FOR HIS BRIDE, THE CHURCH – 1 THESSALONIANS 4:13-18
“Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in Him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words.”
IN THE MEANTIME, WHAT MUST WE DO TO WORK THE WORKS OF GOD?
Jesus said, “The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent.” (John 6:28-29) “For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:17)
Lizetta Williams
THE DIRECTOR'S CORNER
Two weeks ago we had the pleasure of watching our Sunday School kids perform the musical “Angels Aware” for our annual Sunday morning Christmas program. It’s great to see their blossoming talents (in singing, speaking, acting, and entertaining) put to use in presenting the Gospel to their family and friends.
We’re thankful for those this past year who have welcomed God’s invitation to salvation—and for others who may be ready this new year. Clubs start up again January 3.
Our 2005 calendar includes some new church social events (potlucks, etc.) throughout the year and we’re hoping for more small group studies so we can be an encouragement to one another in our daily joys and struggles. We thank God for the adults in our church that eagerly serve with the staff in teaching the kids of our area.
We are learning and growing and being challenged in God’s Kingdom. Thank you all so much for being our partners in spreading the Good News about Christ.
NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER EVENTS AT BWC
Adult Thanksgiving Dinner
November 22, 2004
"Operation Christmas Child" Project
4th-8th grade girls Sunday school classes bought gifts and packed shoe boxes for children around the world.
"Angels Aware"
Sunday School Christmas Program--December 21, 2004
Kealicia Williams, Che' Richardson, Brandi Jefferson Noel Butler, Laura Williams, Dennis Delaney
Anna Jones, LeAndrea Ashley, Mia Smith Ashley Hay, Corrine Jones
Zari Barnes, Kingston Allen, DesChatelets Hall Tieara Williams, Anubia Simpkins
Khadijah Butler Fuschia Williams, Tatiana Eilers
From The Camp Office
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Joseph Williams, Raiven Smith, Octavia Jackson
Kaliyiah Williams
Dave and Becky McMillan; Lizetta, Mary, Mark and Karen Williams; Judy Chesebro;
Joji Barredo, Philippines; Trudie Hayon, Trinidad
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