War in Israel

Weekly Update – October 26th, 2023

The atrocities that are occurring in the middle east right now have been difficult for many to process.  I know that for myself, I have been trying to wrap my mind around how certain men can be so brutal to innocent children with their actions.  War is not a new concept to us.  People and nations have been in conflict with one another since the world fell into sin.  Even in our time, war is not something new to us, as many of us have been following what is going on in Ukraine for the past year.  Unfortunately, now we have another war, involving Israel and the terrorist organization, Hamas.  Over the last few weeks there have been all sorts of conversations concerning the significance of this war politically, and even biblically.  My goal is not to get into a long political post about this, nor is it to dissect every scripture about this either.  Instead, let me give you some ways that you can pray for Israel and those in involved, as well as where our hope should be during this time of war.

First, pray for the people involved.  This may sound simplistic but let’s not see this war as something to only pick apart or as something distant from us.  Those involved are men, women and children who are made in the image of God, just like you and me.  Whether it be on the side of Israel, or those who are being innocently used by Hamas, pray that those involved might be protected, that their lives might be spared and that they might find places of safety at this time (Ps. 121:7-8).

Second, pray for the gospel to expand.  Our concerns should never stop at the physical, although that is vital and important for those involved right now.  Yet, we should always be aware of the spiritual aspects of situations such as what is occurring right now.  So, as we pray for safety and physical protection, let us pray that churches in this region would be emboldened with the message of Christ (Eph. 6:19).  Let us pray that the light of Christ would pierce the darkness that is so prevalent in this area (2 Cor. 4:6).  Then, along those lines, pray for faithful believers to make the most of every opportunity to proclaim Christ with their unbelieving neighbors, family members and friends during this crisis (Eph. 5:15-16). 

Third, pray for justice.  Though we may not know every detail of both sides of this war, it is safe to say that Hamas was the initiator, and their evil practices of war are leading to the death of many civilians in both Israel and in Palestine.  Therefore, we pray that God would bring an end to their power, stop their horrendous reign of terror, and receive an earthly judgement for their acts (Ps. 140:12).  Though we pray that those with Hamas might come to Christ, at the same time, we do not deny the call for rightful justice to be given to them in this life. 

Is this war a sign of the end to come.  In many ways, yes, but not because we have figured out prophecies and reached a highpoint in a timeline of events.  Instead, every war and rumor of war should cause us to long for Christ’s return (Matt. 24:6) and anticipate the day when all things will be made right, and this world will be made new (Rev. 21:1-4). So, we pray for the events that are taking place right before us and we hope in our resurrected savior who has not only saves us from our sins, but who has overcome the world (John 16:33) and who has conquered all forces of evil through his death on the cross (Col. 2:15).  Let us then cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20) as we look to Jesus and long for the fullness of his kingdom to reign. 

Serving Him with You,
Pastor Michael Nelson

Written by Pastor
Michael Nelson

Fighter Verse for the Week

"[So,] whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."
- 1 Corinthians 10:31

Announcements:

Women’s Brunch + Crafting: All ladies of the church are invited to the Larson home on Saturday, October 28th, for a time of fellowship and crafting more information can be found HERE.

Resource Health: Resource Health will give a brief presentation during our morning service on Sunday, October 29th. You can find out more about Resource Health HERE.

Fall Festival:  On Sunday, October 29th from 5:00-7:00pm, we will host a fall festival at the church. We will have trunk or treat, chili or soups, hot dogs, hot chocolate and a fire pit. Help us fill up our candy barrel before the event, and sign up in the hall to help on that night.

Thanksgiving Potluck: Our annual Thanksgiving Potluck will be held following the service on Sunday, November 12th. Turkey, mashed potatoes, and rolls will be provided. A signup sheet with more information can be found on the bulletin board in the hall. We will also be collecting nonperishable items for the Food Pantry at this time.

Christmas Choir: If you are interested in participating in a special Christmas Choir, please see Martin Maharas or sign up in the hall.

Missouri Missions Offering: Every year, along with nearly 1,800 other churches, our church partners to pray and give concerning the Lord’s work in our state. The statewide goal is $750,000 this year. Our church goal is $4500. I hope that you will consider praying and giving to this effort throughout this month. As with your normal offering, you can give in person, by mail or online. Just mark MMO when you do give. Check out more information about this effort HERE.

Befriend a Student: If you are interested in befriending a student from Longview Community College this semester, connect with Matthew Klika. You can find more information about befriend a student HERE.

Food Pantry: We are in need of pop-top and ready to eat items for our food pantry. These items are needed specifically for the homeless in our community that stop by the church building throughout the week looking for a meal.

Equipping Hour

We have three classes held at 9:15am on Sunday mornings. “Firm Foundations” will meet in the Sanctuary, a biblical exposition of the minor prophets will meet in the Fellowship Hall, and a Ladies’ class studying the New Testament will meet in the classroom next to the nursery. You can find more information HERE.

Giving

To Give Online, Go HERE. 

You can also mail your offering to: 1416 Main Street, Grandview, MO. 64030

Home Groups

Home Groups typically meet on the first and third Sunday of each month. Please contact Pastor Michael if you would like to join a Home Group. You can find more information HERE.

Nursery Volunteers Needed

Nursery volunteers are needed each week during the 10:30am service time. Check the update or email the office for more information on how you can serve.

Prayer

An updated Prayer Guide can be accessed HERE. 

Prepare for Sunday

Guide for Worship can be found HERE. 

Wednesday Evening Activities

Awana, Youth Group, and Biblical Counseling are on Wednesday evenings. We will share a meal in the Faith Center Gym at 6:00pm before heading to classes at 6:30pm.