March 11, 2007
Because of weather, I had to postpone my sermon on Esther intended for 2-25 before Purim (Jewish holiday for deliverance from a 450 BC holocaust). Now that I was forced to wait until today to give this message, an interesting piece of news came in (below) that is perfect to go with my message. Remember how waiting a day set up a lot of good things for the Jews in the book of Esther? Well, if not, listen closely today and you’ll see the comparison.
Excerpt from David Dolan's latest "Israel Update." David is a Jerusalem-based author and journalist who has lived and worked in Israel since 1980.
One thing seems beyond question: 2007 is destined to be another unsettled year for the violence-plagued Middle East. But despite it all, the God of Israel still reigns over the troubled affairs of men, and His plans and purposes will stand in the end.
Indeed, some rabbis note that a full lunar eclipse will take place hours after the Purim holiday begins on the evening of March 3, reaching its climax in the Middle East just after midnight. The eclipse is especially unique in that scientists say it will be at least partially visible from every continent on earth. It is also occurring on the very day that marks Israel's deliverance from ancient Persia's nefarious plans to wipe out all of the Jews living in Queen Esther's day.
With modern Persian leaders issuing the exact same vows today, some rabbis see the celestial event as a divine sign that the God of Israel intends once again to eclipse the contemporary annihilation plot emanating from Iran. If so, King David's modern kin can repeat his ancient words of praise, uttered in the midst of turmoil: "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me. You will stretch forth Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me." (Psalm 138:7).
PASTOR BILL WACHTEL remarks on Purim & Iran too ...
While the Jews are celebrating Purim just now in memory of their survival from the evil designs of their Persian enemy, Haman (please review the Book of Esther), we are reminded that they have a new Persian (Iranian) enemy--Iran's pompous president and his coterie of mullahs, sworn to the destruction of Israel and deniers that the Holocaust ever took place! They do not know or care that Ezekiel prophesied about Iran long ago (chapters 38 and 39) and that they--with their allies Gog and Magog and others--will meet their end on the mountains of Israel. We may be getting very close to the fulfillment of Ezekiel's prophecy!
- Pastor Bill Wachtel, Washington Sate / 3-1-07
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March Is Missions Month!
"You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise
your Father in heaven.”
(Matt. 5:14-16)
Check out the price paid to take the Gospel to other lands:
www.persecution.com
USE THE JUG (VORTEX) at the back to support our G.C. mission work! Missionary thoughts will be given each Sunday this month.
FRANK ROPER stopped by during the week to “tune up” our organ which he built himself in 1979 - 28 years ago. He said it has 1½ miles of wire & 4000 electronic components & from beginning to end (in his spare time) it took him 1½ years to build. It has served well.
THINK LILIES - can you believe it’s almost Easter? Grace our sanctuary with Lilies and you can do so in honor or in memory of a loved one. Remember: You only need to give one Lily even if you have more than one name. Tell Pastor Rex by April 11th.
Next Sunday After Church (18th)
Mongolian Buffet in Macedonia
Everyone Is Welcome!
BETH MARSH says that outside of her food tasting like cardboard and being sore from the operation, she’s making progress from her 2-26 hip surgery. She’s doing some crocheting to pass the time. Keep her and all of those on our list in your prayers.
(by Marcia Railton)
Today’s prayer request is for Lord’s Harvest International (LHI). This is the missions sending arm of the Church of God General Conference. They have a very large job overseeing mission’s work around the world – remember there are 173 churches just in Malawi and Mozambique! Multiply the work it takes to oversee our one church by the large number of works they are involved in and add in cultural and language barriers as well as physical distance, and they are left with a complicated and enormous task – with JOYOUS returns! Pray for the LHI members by name:
Judy Myers – LHI Chairperson
David Krogh
Rebekah Martin
Warren Sorenson
Mardy Lawrence – Member Emeritus
To see more about the work of the church of God
Missions, take a little visit to
www.abc-coggc.org/coggc/missions.htm.
PRAY FOR: Tom Cowper (surgery), Iris Horst (cancer, by Roper), Vicki Phillis (tests), Emory Macy, Beth Marsh (2-26 hip surgery), June Routson (stroke), Dave Cheatwood (clots), Rebekah Martin (broken wrist), Bob Knebl (heart, by R Cain),Amy Gunselman (cancer, 30, 2 children / by R Phillis), Evelyn Pennington, Katie Cramer (chemo), Ralph & Iona Childs, Ruby Korode, Penny Frederick, Lucinda (by Szekely), Gene & Gloria Faehnrich, Edith Speer, Grady Hudspeth*, Jacob Hinton*, Kathy & Destiny Reed*, (*by Skip), W.C. & Craig Blankenship, College students: Jackie Schuld, Dan Cain, Rachel Cunningham, Shut-ins: David Onderdonk Sr., Helen Matthews, Military: Rodger Schuld, Those serving in other countries: Lupe Badillo-Mexico, Tracy Zhykhovich-Russia, Beder Ucañay-Peru, Pastors in Malawi & Mozambique, Lesly Bertrand and the Pastors in Haiti. Colleges / Churches: RRCC, ABC, Golden Rule, Grace Brethren and for the peace of Jerusalem, Ps. 122:6; Isa. 62:6, 7
March 2007 (Missions Month)
11 Daylight Savings Time Begins
18 Annual All-Church Outing / Mongolia Buffet
23-24 Northeast Conference / Lawrenceville / Kent Ross, speaker
25 Andy & Barney movie for S.S. / Rachel Weaver to lead discussion
Future Dates: Apr 8, Easter / Jun 3, Grad Social & Bridal Shower for Dan & Rachel / Jun 10-15 State Camp / June 23, Dan’s wedding / July 15-20 National Camp / July 22, D. Onderdonk’s Sr. 100th B-day / Aug 26, Annual SS Picnic
SUNDAY SCHOOL: 9:45A.M.
WORSHIP 10:45A.M.
Musicians: (Sharon Cain and Frank Roper)
Welcome / Announcements
Worship Hymns / Mark Cain
416 Faith Is the Victory
450 Trust and Obey
Prayer / Offering
Missions Devotional: Rachel Weaver
Message: A Queen That Saved the Day
Key Texts: Esther
400 Only One Life
(Music and words by Mrs. Louise Brewer Lapp)
Mordecai to Esther …
“… who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"
(Esther 4:14)
And, how do you know but what God has placed you where you are … “for such a time as this …” - that is, to help your people or your generation from the unique position you may find yourself? What’s that line? “Bloom where you are planted!” - Pastor Cain
