Hello FBC!
Our fathers in turn brought it (the tabernacle) in with Joshua when they dispossed the nations that God drove out before our fathers. So it was until the days of David, who found favor in the sight of God and asked to find a dwelling place for the God of Jacob. But it was Solomon who built a house for Him. Yet the Most High does not dwell in houses made by hands, as the prophet says, ‘Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. What kind of house will you build for Me, says the Lord, or what is the place of My rest? Did not My hand make all these things?’
(Acts 7:45-50)
In Stephen’s sermon on the history of Israel, and how it all pointed to Jesus Christ, he reminds the Jews of King David and his son Solomon. He shows how they have mistakenly associated God’s presence only with the temple. But even in the Old Testament, God was not limited by a structure made with human hands. God is near to all who call on Him (Psalm 145:18), and He has drawn near to us most fully in Jesus. (adapted from the Gospel Transformation Bible)
This Sunday we come to the point in David’s story where he purchases the plot of land in Jerusalem where the temple would be built. But leading up to that is David’s sinful action of taking a census. There is a lot to teach us in this event about man’s pride, God’s mercy, and His plan for offering redemption. Join us this Sunday as we examine 1 Chronicles 21:1 — 22:1. Please read ahead so you are familiar with the passage when you come Sunday! Ask the Lord to teach us and change us.
Also this Sunday, Randy Waldie will begin teaching a Sunday School class on the Gospel of John for adults, located in the worship center. Gwen Landon continues her study in the book of Genesis for the ladies in classroom 3.
There are a lot of events happening here at FBC in July & August, so make sure to get a bulletin Sunday and get things on your calendar!
Please keep Lynsey Hostetter in prayer, as she is now a couple days past their baby’s due date (which does not surprise Justin)! They have family in town to help, and now they just need ‘baby peanut’ to decide it’s time to join us in the outside world! (Of course, I know it’s the Lord who will decide the perfect time!)
Happy Harvest Time, enjoy these summer days, as they go by quickly!
Love From Your Pastor,
Michael