Countless encouraging things are happening at West-Ark! Members speak of
the encouraging spirit and attitude in the congregation. Visitors and
newcomers talk about the friendliness. A recent visitor attending a Church
of Christ for the first time said, "This is the first time I remember
attending a church and feeling better when I left."
Sunday morning Bible study attendance is increasing. More young families
are placing membership. The Discovery Dinners coupled with sponsoring
families is producing the results of love and personal interest. Our first
annual teachers' appreciation banquet was excellent. Jackie Chestnut shared
valuable, encouraging insights. The bonds for the Family Life Center are
sold. Construction has begun in earnest. CURE delivered a large truck
load of cleaning supplies to the Beebe congregation to help in tornado
relief/recovery.
Be prepared for the lion to roar! It is time! Satan has one primary goal.
Everything he does targets the destruction of Christ's earthly objectives.
God threw him out of heaven and confined his activities to earth. He lost
the heavenly war, and he is furious!
Satan despises God. The depth of his hatred is seen in the crucifixion and
all the events surrounding it. On earth, he opposes God in every possible
way. He challenges Christ in every conceivable situation and context.
Because he despises God, he despises any person who loves God. Only people
who love God and trust Jesus Christ are an earthly threat to Satan. Satan
must threaten, intimidate, abuse, and resist these people with every
resource at his disposal. AND HE WILL! He who is responsible for Jesus'
crucifixion will not smile harmlessly at those who live for Jesus.
The "tests" will come. The trials will come. Expect challenges to the
congregation, to your family, and to yourself. Satan never surrenders a
part of his kingdom or work without a fight. With all his being, Satan
opposes anyone who dares challenge evil.
In love for God and faith in Christ, we dare challenge evil. The power of
that challenge is not found in us. It is found in the God who gives
forgiveness and life. Have no doubt! Satan is responding to our challenge!
But do not be afraid. Greater is He that is in us than he that is in the
world (1 John 4:4).
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