Sunday we followed the Apostle Paul from his arrest in Jerusalem to his arrival in Rome, looking at his numerous court appearances during those long and difficult four or five years of being a prisoner. The scene that really caught my attention occurred just after they docked in Italy. According to Acts 28:15 fellow believers from the surrounding communities came to meet Paul. When he saw them, “he thanked God and took courage.” I can picture this faithful servant of many years, having endured and sacrificed so much for the gospel and the church, silently staring as the crowd of believers approached. The sight of them touched his heart and gave him even more courage to remain faithful to his Lord and Savior.

After preaching in our first service Sunday and greeting guests at the lemonade table where I greet them most Sundays, I went outside to get some fresh air and collect my thoughts before the next service. Upon entering the back hallway and making my way toward the worship center, I could hear the congregation of believers loudly singing and clapping in praise to our wonderful Savior. That sound blessed my soul. When I opened the door to the worship center, I witnessed a large crowd of believers standing as they worshiped the King of Kings. Again I felt richly blessed.

I don’t know if anyone else was blessed Sunday, but I was. For that I thank God and I thank our First Baptist Family of Faith.

Pastor Steve Hogg