The blessed church!

I received a call this week from the missionary family that had just left our church. Dennis called just to say what a blessing it had been to be with our fellowship last week, and how on his next trip (they come to the US every other year), he wanted to allocate more time to spend in Wilmington with YOU – the church of CCW!

I am reminded of the Apostle Paul, as he closed his letter to the church at Philippi:

But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at last your care for me has flourished again; …

… Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account. Indeed I have all and abound. I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things sent from you, a sweet-smelling aroma, an acceptable sacrifice, well pleasing to God. And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen.
Phil 4:10-20 NKJV

I can’t speak for everyone, but I know that my heart is filled to think that our church can be a blessing and provision for a fellow worker in the Lord, and that their time with us is refreshing! To me, it shows that the love of Christ is evident in our fellowship! “Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen”

This Saturday my family and I will be leaving for a week of vacation with family, a little “R&R” and family time. My good friend and Pastor Ron Dozler from Calvary Chapel Myrtle Beach will be here Sunday to feed you the word. Welcome him with love and fellowship! You will be in our prayers, and I look forward to seeing you Sunday July 1^st!

Oh, and don’t forget – Lift up the July 4^th outreach in your prayers these next few weeks. There is a lot of work to be done between now and the 4^th, and we could always use a few more volunteers (contact Kurt Christian at beachfest2007@calvaryofwilmington.org ). But even more important, we want to reach people with the love of Christ, and so pray for:

• God to go before us and prepare the hearts of the people at the park!
• Pray for a good turnout of people
• Good weather!
• Favor with the city and residents of the Beach
• That we would have an open door to share Christ!

Have a blessed week,

...till the whole world hears,

Pastor Clay

Worship in the Throne Room

This Sunday we will venture into uncharted territory – the Throne Room of Heaven, Revelation chapter four. I say this is ‘uncharted territory’ because though we might read about it or think about it, we cannot personally visit the Throne Room of God until we depart from this earth.

The apostle John had the privilege of being taken there, of personally experiencing the majesty and magnificence of the Throne Room of Heaven. Seeing God sitting on the throne, watching as the twenty four elders and the four creatures declare worship to the Living God. Dr. John F. Walvoord, considered perhaps the world’s foremost interpreter of biblical prophecy, says of this experience “Here is the true picture of the universe as being subject to the dominion of an omnipotent God”.

What strikes me immediately about this scene is the fact that the pre-eminent activity that is occurring in the Throne Room is worship. All of those present are singing praises to God:

Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty
Who was, and is, and is to come!
(Rev 4:8b)

Now, on Sunday we might not be able to go into the Throne Room of God and join in with the heavenly host praising God, but we CAN come into the assemble of saints and enter into the presence of God, bringing our offering of praise!

And because we know that (1) God dwells in the presence of His people, and (2) We are the tabernacle of the Holy Spirit of God …when we enter into praise as a congregation, our Heavenly Father hears and receives our praises, just as if we were in the Throne Room.

One day we will praise God in the Throne Room of Heaven. Today we can praise Him in the congregation of His saints, worshipping Him in spirit and truth. Remember this when you come to worship God in the congregation!

Praise the LORD!
Sing to the LORD a new song,
And His praise in the assembly of saints.
Let Israel rejoice in their Maker;
Let the children of Zion be joyful in their King.
Let them praise His name with the dance;
Let them sing praises to Him with the timbrel and harp.
For the LORD takes pleasure in His people;
He will beautify the humble with salvation.
Ps 149:1-4 NKJV

...till the whole world hears,

Pastor Clay