First Christian Church
First Christian Church of Leisure World teaches from God’s word, the Holy Bible, most often verse by verse. It is a friendly church that welcomes all visitors.
Services
Saturday and Sunday services have the same message given by Pastor Bruce Humes. Sunday services are from 9:3010:45 a.m. and are traditional, with hymnal music featuring Pat Kogok at the piano.
This week, the church choir will sing, “All the Way My Savior Leads Me.”
Saturday services, from 9:30-10:45 a.m., are more contemporary, with Gregory Black leading in worship with guitar accompaniment.
Friday evening prayer meetings are from 6-7, and weekly Bible study, led by Jack Frost, resumes on Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
All events are open to anyone interested.
The Message
In 1 Thessalonians 2:17, the apostle Paul writes, “But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.” The apostle was taken away prematurely physically, but his heart was still with them. He then writes in verse 18, “Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.” Satan, which means “the adversary,” will do everything within his power to hinder the Gospel message from going out.
He continues in verse 19, “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?”
That should be every Christian’s hope, and from that hope comes an abundance of joy that prompts believers to rejoice with a grateful heart the anticipation of Christ’s return. Will it happen in the year 2022? That’s a question only God the father has an answer to, but believers should be living their lives as if it could happen at any moment.
As he finished up his Revelation of Jesus Christ in Rev. 22:20, the apostle John says, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’” And our response certainly will be, “Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”
Scripture of the Week
“Now when all the people were baptized, Jesus was also baptized, and while He was praying, heaven was opened, and the Holy Spirit descended upon Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came out of
FIRST CHRISTIAN, page 11 heaven, ‘You are my beloved son, in you I am well-pleased’” (Luke 3:21-22).
Announcements
Anyone who wants to speak to someone at the church or has a need should leave a message at (562) 431-8810. The call will be returned at the earliest opportunity.
