Bulletin for April 5, 2026
Devotional Verse
“But the angel answered and said to the women, ‘Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for He is risen, as he said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed he is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you.” Matthew 28:5-7
2026 Church Theme
“Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalm 119:11
Announcements
The Ladies’ Bible Study will be meeting on Tuesday at 9 and the Men’s Bible Study is Saturday, April 11th, at 8.
~~~
Today is communion Sunday, please prepare your heart.
~~~
Mark your calendar for the April 24th Spring Campfire!
Order of Worship
Hymn: 357 Christ Arose (1,2,3)
Hymn: 367 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today (1,2,3,4)
Hymn: 356 Redeemed (1+2, 3+4)
Scripture Memory for April – Romans 8:28-34
“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. Moreover whom He predestined, these he also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these he also glorified. What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things? Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and furthermore is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us.”
Humor in the Pew and Pulpit
As a sergeant in a parachute regiment, I took part in several night time exercises. Once, I was seated next to a Lieutenant fresh from Jump School. He was quite sad and looked a bit pale so I struck up a conversation.
"Scared, Lieutenant?", I asked.
He replied, "No, just a bit apprehensive."
I asked, "What's the difference?"
He replied, "That means I'm scared with a university education."
Remembering Persecuted Believers
Lebanon: Hostile
Overview: Many Muslims in Lebanon have suffered greatly at the hands of other Muslims during Syria’s civil war; the resulting disillusionment with Islam has created a new openness to Christ. Because Lebanon has a significant Christian population and its government protects the freedom of worship, it has become a safe haven for displaced Christians throughout the region. More than 1 million Syrian refugees have entered the country since 2012, increasing Lebanon’s population by nearly one-fourth. Despite the hardships, many churches in Lebanon have not only welcomed but also cared for Christian and Muslim Syrian refugees, who have limited resources and few rights in the country. Lebanese churches distribute Bibles and Christian literature alongside food and other necessities. Many Muslim refugees have bravely attended home Bible studies and church services to learn about Christ. Significant numbers have placed their faith in Christ, been baptized and become active in local churches. Some Christian converts from Islam are already actively witnessing to Muslims.
Major Religion: 59 percent of Lebanese are Muslims, evenly divided between Sunni and Shiite. 33 percent are Christians. Members of the country’s small Druze minority, a secretive monotheistic faith, sometimes persecute Christians.
Persecutor: Various Islamic extremist groups, including Hezbollah in the south and other Shiite-majority regions, actively persecute Christians. Sunni extremist cells affiliated with the self-proclaimed Islamic State (ISIS), al-Qaida and other groups are active near the Syrian border. Christians are also persecuted by their communities and families.
From the Mission Field
University Student Ministry, Auckland, New Zealand – “Pray for our Easter Outreach this month as we give away hot cross buns on campus along with an explanation about their history and connection to Easter. We will be having an outreach event to international students on Good Friday where the gospel will be presented.”
Just Common Sense
“We can stand affliction better than we can prosperity, for in prosperity we forget God.” D. L. Moody
Weekly Bible Reading Schedule
Monday: 1 Kings 10-14
Tuesday: 1 Kings 15-19
Wednesday: 1 Kings 20-2 Kings 2
Thursday: 2 Kings 3-7
Friday: 2 Kings 8-12
Tip for Witnessing
“In short, I didn't become a Christian because God promised I would have an even happier life than I had as an atheist. He never promised any such thing. Indeed, following him would inevitably bring divine demotions in the eyes of the world. Rather, I became a Christian because the evidence was so compelling that Jesus really is the one-and-only Son of God who proved his divinity by rising from the dead. That meant following him was the most rational and logical step I could possibly take.” Lee Strobel
Quotable
“Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendor.” C. H. Spurgeon
