We are so thankful for what God has done at West Haven this week! Those who served enabled the gospel to be preached to approximately 100 kids this week!

A majority of people come to Christ before they are 16, and many before age 12. Therefore, VBS, AWANA, and Children’s Sunday School are crucial to reaching the next generation. On behalf of Nathan, and Kirk, and Jennifer thank you so much to all who served! A special “thank you” goes to Children’s Director Jennifer Belcher. Her leadership was extraordinary! It would not have happened without her.

Since children’s ministry is evangelistically important, we would love for you to serve! We can always use help in Sunday Morning nursery, children’s Sunday School, AWANA, and 2024 VBS!

Today we continue in the sermon series “Take Heart.” We will look at 1 Peter 3 again as we consider Part Two of “Finding Courage When Wickedness Is Growing.” I’ve heard two salvation testimonies in the last 10 days that involved deliverance from the occult. (We will baptize one of them next Sunday.) I’ve talked to three others who experienced a strange form of demonic attack. And last week, I experienced more spiritual warfare than I can remember experiencing in the pulpit. Satan is real. He is like a roaring lion seeking whom he can devour. Our response is not to fear. It is to prepare, be watchful, and resist him.

This is evidence that the church is gaining ground. We are pushing back the darkness! There is no better time than now to try to reach the unchurched with the gospel of the Lord Jesus! Expect opposition. Also, expect victory! Why? Greater is He who is in us than he who is in the world! Our Lord will fight for us!

The Joshua Project starts Wednesday! I will miss this first session. I am driving Wednesday night to where I grew up. I am preaching a funeral there Thursday morning for a woman I knew when I was a teenager. I’ll be back Thursday night, and I’m looking forward to bringing the Word next Sunday. Lord bless you today!