Randy McCarthy opened services by reading from Ephesians 1:3-11 and Romans 8:28-29 and spoke briefly about predestination.  God predestined, or determined beforehand, the destiny of His people before the creation of the world.  This destiny includes the facts that we would be adopted as God’s children, that we would have an eternal inheritance, and that we would be conformed to the image and glory of His Son Jesus Christ.

Keith West

Trusting in God

Keith preached on how the Scriptures teach us to trust God.  He noted that our national motto (“In God We Trust”) is present on the currency of the United States.  To trust God means that we need to believe that He is able and willing to do what He has promised.  He observed that since God created everything (Gen 1:1), it is not difficult for Him to do other things within His creation.  Keith brought to mind three important characters who were presented with challenges of faith and who reacted in different ways (Zechariah, Luke 1:11-20; Mary, Luke 1:26-38; and Joseph, Matt 1:18-25).  Keith encouraged us to be faithful to God’s promises even when we don’t understand how He will fulfill them.

Mark Wattenbarger

Having Courage in God

Mark followed up with the same theme by examining the life of Joshua.  Joshua had been present during all the great works that God did through Moses in redeeming the nation of Israel from Egypt, giving them the Law and Tabernacle service, and providing for them in the wilderness.  Nevertheless, it was something else when it became apparent that Joshua, not Moses, would be the one leading the people into the promised land.  Both Moses and God told Joshua to “be strong and of a good courage.” Deut 31:7; Josh 1:6; Josh 1:9).  Most importantly, Mark pointed out that God further said to Joshua, “Have I not commanded thee?”  Mark encouraged us that, just like Joshua, if God commands us to do something, He will most certainly give us the grace and power to carry out His tasks.

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