Lord’s Supper

This Sunday, July 26, we will observe the Lord’s Supper during our morning worship.  Prefilled disposable cups will be available as you enter the sanctuary.

Sunday School LIve Stream

Christians Under Construction will not  meet this Sunday for Live Stream. They will return on Sunday, August 2nd.

From our family and mUsic minister

As the Israelites were establishing the Promise Land, the Lord told Joshua to appoint cities of refuge. Initially, God gave Mosses this command; however, the Israelites lack of faith kept them from entering the Promised Land with Moses. The cities of refuge were six cities that would provide asylum for culprits of unintentional manslaughter and foreigners in the land.

To offer the best protection, cities were placed throughout the Israelite nation within a days walk. If someone accidentally killed another person, they could go to one of these cities. Once arrived, they stood in front of the gate and pleaded their case to the elders of the city, who were required to offer them asylum. The person would then find protection inside the city walls from anyone who demanded blood justice.

When the trial would come, if the high priest ruled in favor of the fugitive, the person would remain in the city walls for safety.  Once the high priest who presided over the trial died, the person could then return to their homeland.

The cities of refuge could not offer protection unless the culprit went to them.  Knowing the city was there was not enough; a person had to go there.  When we watch the news and experience the culture around us, we can become very discouraged by the state of our nation. Fortunately, we can find comfort and refuge in God; we just have to seek Him out.

Our ultimate refuge is the gift of salvation that God gives us through His Son, Jesus. We have the assurance that this world is only a temporary home. We can also go to God in prayer and read His word. Through this, we are constantly reminded of the promises that God has made and kept. Psalms 62:6-7 says, “He only is my rock and my salvation, my stronghold; I shall not be shaken. On God my salvation and my glory rest; The rock of my strength, my refuge is in God.”

While reading about these cities in Joshua, there was one fact that stood out: Even after the person had been found not guilty by the high priest, he had to remain in the city until the high priest died. If he left the safety of the city, he could be killed by the person seeking retribution. It stood out to me as a powerful example of how we are truly only safe with God.

“I am the vine, you are the branches; he who abides in Me and I in him, he bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.”

John 15:5