The Ark of WNC

Pastors Chuck and Libby Waldrup give encouragement to the church before Neal Moody answers some questions regarding Matthew 24. Pastor Mike Thomas concludes with some thoughts to ponder.

Pastor Mike Thomas reviews the differences in the doctrine of the rapture, differentiating it from the Second Coming of Christ as two different occurrences, validating his points with scripture. He goes on to remind us why there has been a delay in Christ returning for His bride in that God, in His mercy, is waiting for all who will accept Him.

Pastor Mike Thomas encourages us to mature in Christ, stepping into the authority and power He has given us in the name of Jesus, especially in our prayer life and spiritual warfare. He concludes with an impromptu question-and-answer session.

Pastor Mike Thomas describes and parallels the Jewish feast of Trumpets alongside the Christian doctrine of the pre-trib rapture, proving his points with scripture.

Neal Moody briefly reflects on how Americans swore they would never forget about 9/11 before introducing us to the seven Jewish feasts of remembrance in the Bible, as given to Moses. He shows how they give a preview of the person, mission, and achievement of Jesus and how He has fulfilled the first four of these already.

Pastor Mike Thomas begins with a brief history lesson about American Independence Day, noting how some want to do away with history and what we can learn from it. He expounds upon that, using scripture to prove that the Old Testament is still relevant and useful today, as is the entire Bible. He reminds us of all the deception in the world as Jesus foretold and how God has not changed. He reiterates the messages from the past 2 Sundays and ties them together about what baptism is.

Aaron Williams addresses primarily the young people while answering some of the whys and explaining the reasons for baptism as a believer in Christ, along with input from the congregation. He delves into the history of Jewish customs and their ceremonial washing in a mikvah, which was likely to make the Jews more accepting of John the Baptist's teaching and baptism. At the end, he has a question and answer session with the congregation.

Andy Anderson shows a different perspective on baptism that we normally don't think about: how it is symbolic of our death and burial and not of spiritual birth, as well as our old sin nature, proving his point with scripture.

Pastor Mike Thomas encourages us to give a shout of victory and praise to Jesus as Psalm 66 says to shout to God and make His praise glorious. He reminds us how all have sinned and need to be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God through Jesus our Savior. He also encourages us to make use of every opportunity to share the reason for our hope, which is Jesus, using an example from Acts chapter 3 of an encounter during daily routines. He challenges us to seek opportunities to share the good news

Pastor Mike Thomas reminds us that we are all in a spiritual battle over our eternal souls and that in spite of what the culture tells us the enemy and hell are real, and the Bible says Satan will wear out Christians in the last days. He encourages us from Psalms to lift a shout of victory to Jesus. He continues by encouraging us to be a witness to all people of what we have seen and heard in the presence of God. He then speaks of the two divisions of priests from Ezekiel chapter 44, paralleling it with the story of Mary and Martha. He concludes with some of the benefits of ministering to God.

Andy Anderson speaks partly from his own experiences as well as from both the Old and New Testaments, comparing and contrasting them. He also speaks about Satan's fall from his pride and self-glorification.

Neal Moody concludes the study on Colossians by discussing Christian graces, how we should treat those on the outside, and covers Paul's final greetings.

Pastor Mike Thomas shares what has been stirring inside his spirit about identity crises and the confusion that is running rampant in the world today that the world encourages. He reminds us that many of the names and identities the world has given us are probably lies and we shouldn't believe them, even if we have been called by such our whole lives. Using scripture, he tells us truth about who God says we are as believers, citing how God changed Jacob's name and identity. Using the example of the great feast in Luke 14, he shows us how God wants us to compel people to come to Him and to church.

Neal Moody continues with the latter half of the third chapter, covering the character of the new man, the Christian household, and the Christian work ethic.

Aaron Williams reflects on the message from the previous week, brought by Roland Gehman, then expounds upon it, using the example of how Hezekiah brought about restoration of worship and a revival during his reign, emphasizing the importance of repentance and spending time with God to see things like this happen.

Neal Moody continues the study of Colossians by addressing things that we, as Christians, need to put off, focusing on carnality, materialism, and how things like that should no longer be appealing to us if we truly are dead in Christ. He also covers how we should treat each other, citing the two greatest commandments.

Pastor Chuck Waldrup gives a quick word about something he saw in the Spirit about a tsunami of God's glory. Roland Gehman then speaks about the importance of being in the secret place with God so you know what He wants and desires, as well as His order, citing biblical examples of how some things could have only occurred from people having spent time alone with God, stressing the importance of order with God. Pastor Mike Thomas concludes.

Neal Moody finishes the second part of the second chapter of Colossians after reviewing the first half from the previous week, cautioning us against philosophies, distractions, and legalism.

Pastor Mike Thomas gives a message of preparation for the move to the new location, looking back on where God has had us and where He is taking us as a church.

Neal Moody covers the first part of the second chapter, showing how we should follow Jesus and not philosophy; he touches on the beliefs of Gnosticism as well.