Pastor's Perspective

Dear Church family,

Our Revelation study is underway! Since we met outside last week, if you missed the first study, you could still listen to it online. We did not have livestream available as usual, however, the service is available audibly on our CCF app.

In this coming week’s study, the writer John introduces himself in a unique way. “I John, your brother and fellow partaker in the tribulation and kingdom and perseverance which are in Jesus, was on the island called Patmos, because of the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus.” John states that in this kingdom of Jesus, we will share hardships together, the kind of hardships that require endurance. Living and serving in the kingdom of Jesus Christ puts us in the crosshairs of spiritual warfare, opposition, and trials of various kinds. God not only allows these trials, but uses hardships to forge our character into His likeness. May the faithful discipleship in the Word of God, strengthen our faith, and bond us together as fellow partakers, even when distance divides. The aging Apostle John was separated from his fellow believers, imprisoned on a rocky 10-mile-long island in the middle of the Aegean sea, but not overlooked by God. On this prison camp island, God gave him this amazing Revelation for the church. God still meets us in the most difficult circumstances and continues to surprise us with timely messages of hope.

October is a month of beauty, especially in the piedmont and mountain areas where the diverse trees show off the many stunning colors. Please take the time to drink it in, enjoying the change of season, trusting God for a similar refreshment of mind and soul. A slow drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway may be just what the doctor orders, our heavenly doctor that is. But as Satan often does, trying to steal the beauty and glory of God for himself, Halloween has been inserted into this month, and into the soul of our culture. Satan worship is on the rise, and this holiday certainly encourages people across the globe to warm up to the enemy’s fire. I would strongly recommend we keep our celebrations centered around the worship of Jesus, thanking Him for the gracious harvest of provisions from His hand.

Fall Discipleship Class: Beginning this Monday, 6:30-8:30 we will begin our 6-week study on “Our Family Tree”. This Monday we will be looking at the topics, dating and weddings. Each class will involve time around the word, personal sharing from different people in the fellowship, and an open forum Q&A. What does Godly dating look like? How can we add value to our weddings? What makes a marriage official? Your questions…?

Man-Up Breakfast: Sat, Oct 28th, 8:00 AM. Longtime corrections officer, Brandon Clark will be sharing with us men about the challenging day in which we live, inspiring us to be alert and prepared to be the men God called us to be! Sign up in the foyer or on the app.

Serve & Protect Sunday: Family Day on Sunday, Nov 5th will include a message from retired Gen Jerry Boykin, inspiring all military and first responders to serve with courage in the face of danger and cultural resistance. Invitational fliers are available to hand out, along with your personal invitation to all community servants. So when you are pulled over for speeding, yes, you should give an invitational flier😊

Blessings to all, see you on Sunday!

Pastor Marv