July 4, 2025, 4:00 PM
Greetings in Christ and I pray you are having a wonderful 4th of July weekend!
This is a holiday where we, as Americans, celebrate our citizenship to an amazing country.
In the Bible, we read where the Apostle Paul celebrated his Roman citizenship.
In fact, Paul's status as a Roman citizen by birth benefited him grealy as he traveled on missionary journeys, taking the good news of Jesus Christ to both Jews and Gentiles.
The Sunday School class I attend at FCC (taught by Brian Cobb) is currently in a study through the book of Acts.
Over the past few weeks, we've been reading about Paul's missionary journeys.
Earlier this week, I read the 28th and final chapter of Acts. The book of Acts ends sort of abruptly with Paul finally reaching Rome.
On the way to Rome, Paul was falsely accused, imprisoned, shipwrecked, adrift in the ocean, snakebite, and mistreated. Yet, through it all, Paul stayed "on mission." He is pretty amazing!
Nothing could stop Paul from talking about Jesus. He knew his purpose and could not be distracted. All the troubles were endured and accepted to allow him to serve Jesus.
Listen to the last two verses from the book of Acts (28:30-31): "For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ -- with all boldness and without hindrance!"
If we were more like Paul, what would our country (and world) look like today?
I pray that we can, indeed, be more like Paul and be on mission with Jesus Christ!
I also pray that you'll be able to join us at FCC this coming Sunday (07.06.25) as we wrap up our series on the family
This Sunday's message is from Chapter 12 of Hebrews and is called "As the FAMILY goes, so goes the NATION!"
We’re going to spend some time looking at what God has to say about DISCIPLINE. The Bible says quite a bit about this subject. It talks about discipline in the home, it talks about discipline in society, and it even talks about discipline in the church.
It's going to be a great day. May God Bless and hope to see you Sunday!
In Him,
Greg H.
