First Advent Christian Church

Hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving. As Christians we have much to be grateful for. In fact, our lives need to be daily filled with gratitude for what God has done, is doing and will do in the future. Gratitude is a "state of being grateful". It should be continuous. Col 3:15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. King David, after going through trials said (2 Sam 22:2) "The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer" Jesus was, is and will always be our solid foundation, our place of protection, refuge and our deliverer. He said he would never leave us or forsake us and nothing can separate us from the love of God. We should meditate on this daily and offer continual praise. God bless.

PRAYER NEED: THE FAMILY OF REV. ROBERT OSBURN, PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA CONFERENCE OF ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCHES AND PASTOR OF THE BEACHVILLE ADVENT CHRISTIAN CHURCH, O'BRIEN, FL.
Our dear Christian brother and faithful servant of Christ Robert Osburn fell asleep in Jesus around 6:30PM this evening. Please pray for his family as they deal with the great sense of loss.

URGENT PRAYER UPDATE #6: REV. ROBERT OSBURN, PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA ADVENT CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE, O'BRIEN, FL.
Robert's family all arrived to spend some time with Robert this afternoon. Per Robert's request, they are beginning comfort care and initiating DNR protocols, including disconnecting him from the ventilator. Please pray for God's abiding peace and mercy during this difficult time.

URGENT PRAYER UPDATE #5: REV. ROBERT OSBURN, PRESIDENT OF THE FLORIDA ADVENT CHRISTIAN CONFERENCE, O'BRIEN, FL.
We have been told that Robert's heart stopped twice last night, but the rapid response team was able to resuscitate him. The hospital is moving him to ICU. Please pray fervently for improvement and healing!

Happy New Year! Praying that this year you are brought closer to God. You are LOVED!

CHURCH IS HARD.

Church is hard for the person walking through the doors, afraid of judgement.

Church is hard for the pastor’s family, under the microscope of an entire body.

Church is hard for the prodigal soul returning home, broken and battered by the world.

Church is hard for the girl who looks like she has it all together, but doesn’t.

Church is hard for the couple who fought the entire ride to service.

Church is hard for the single mom, surrounded by couples holding hands, and seemingly perfect families.

Church is hard for the widow and widower with no invitation to lunch after service.

Church is hard for the deacon with an estranged child.

Church is hard for the person singing worship songs, overwhelmed by the weight of the lyrics.

Church is hard for the man insecure in his role as a leader.

Church is hard for the wife who longs to be led by a righteous man.

Church is hard for the nursery volunteer who desperately longs for a baby to love.

Church is hard for the single woman and single man, praying God brings them a mate.

Church is hard for the teenage girl, wearing a scarlet letter, ashamed of her mistakes.

Church is hard for the sinners.

Church is hard for me.

It’s hard because on the outside it all looks shiny and perfect. Sunday best in behavior and dress.

However, underneath those layers, you find a body of imperfect people, carnal souls, selfish motives.

But, here is the beauty of church—

Church isn’t a building, mentality, or expectation.

Church is a body.

Church is a group of sinners, saved by grace, living in fellowship as saints.

Church is a body of believers bound as brothers and sisters by an eternal love.

Church is a holy ground where sinners stand as equals before the Throne of Grace.

Church is a refuge for broken hearts and a training ground for mighty warriors.

Church is a converging of confrontation and invitation. Where sin is confronted and hearts are invited to seek restoration.

Church is a lesson in faith and trust.

Church is a bearer of burdens and a giver of hope.

Church is a family. A family coming together, setting aside differences, forgetting past mistakes, rejoicing in the smallest of victories.

Church, the body, and the circle of sinners-turned-saints, is where He resides, and if we ask, He is faithful to come.

So even on the hard days at church—

The days when I am at odds with a friend, when I’ve fought with my husband because we’re late once again. When I’ve walked in bearing burdens heavier than my heart can handle, yet masking the pain with a smile on my face. When I’ve worn a scarlet letter, under the microscope. When I’ve longed for a baby to hold, or fought tears as the lyrics were sung. When I’ve walked back in, afraid and broken, after walking away.

I’ll remember, He has never failed to meet me there.