Dear Church Family,

Today, I am moved to write to you about a topic that has been on my heart and mind: the concept of being a warrior for Christ.

In our walk of faith, we often hear the call to be steadfast, courageous, and committed to the teachings of our Lord. The Bible frequently uses the imagery of warfare to illustrate the spiritual battles we face. Ephesians 6:10-18 reminds us to “put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” This passage highlights that our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil.

Being a warrior for Christ is not about physical combat but about standing firm in our convictions and embodying the virtues of Christ in our daily lives. It means:

1. Standing Firm in Faith: As warriors, we are called to uphold our faith amidst trials and temptations. We are to trust in God’s promises and rely on His strength to overcome challenges.

2. Living with Courage: In a world that often opposes Christian values, we are encouraged to speak the truth in love, act justly, and be a light in the darkness, even when it requires bravery.

3. Equipping Ourselves Spiritually: Just as soldiers prepare for battle, we must prepare ourselves spiritually. This includes daily prayer, studying the Word of God, and being in fellowship with one another to grow in wisdom and grace.

4. Serving Others: A true warrior for Christ is also a servant. We are called to love our neighbors, serve the marginalized, and act with compassion and mercy, reflecting Christ’s love in all our actions.

As we strive to be warriors for Christ, let us support and encourage one another in this journey. Let us pray for strength, seek God’s guidance, and remain united in our mission to spread His love and truth.

May we embody the spirit of warriors not through conflict, but through our dedication to living out the values of the Kingdom of God. Let us be beacons of hope and instruments of peace in a world in need of Christ’s transformative power.

Thank you for being a community of faith, and may God bless and empower us as we continue to walk in His ways.

In Christ’s love and service,

Bill Doane

 Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I write to you today with a heart full of gratitude for the gift of belief that binds us together as followers of Christ. Belief is not just a passive acknowledgment of truths; it is the bedrock of our faith, the foundation upon which we build our lives and our community.

In Ephesians 2:8-9, we are reminded, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." Our belief in Jesus Christ as our Savior is a gift bestowed upon us by God's grace, a gift that unites us and empowers us to live transformed lives.

Belief in Jesus Christ changes everything. It opens our hearts to receive His love, forgiveness, and eternal life. It compels us to walk in obedience to His Word and to love one another as He has loved us. Through belief, we are adopted into God's family as His children, heirs to His promises and blessings.

As we navigate the challenges and joys of life together, let us hold fast to our belief in Christ. Let us encourage one another daily, remembering Hebrews 10:23, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful."

Let our belief in Jesus be evident in our worship, our prayers, and our actions. May it be a light that shines brightly in our community, drawing others to experience the transforming power of God's love.

In times of doubt or uncertainty, may we turn to God's Word and to one another for strength and encouragement. Let us pray fervently, knowing that our God hears us and answers according to His perfect will.

I urge you, dear brothers and sisters, to cherish and nurture your belief in Jesus Christ. Let us never take for granted the privilege of knowing Him and being known by Him. Let us continually seek to deepen our faith, trusting that God will complete the good work He has begun in each of us.

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).

With love and prayers,

Bill Doane

                                                  The Power of Love of Jesus Christ 

The power of love with Jesus Christ is a transformative force that transcends all human understanding. In Christian belief, the love of Jesus is the ultimate example of selflessness, sacrifice, and unconditional love. His life and teachings emphasize loving God, loving others, and even loving one's enemies. This love is seen as redemptive, healing, and a source of strength and guidance in every aspect of life.

Christian teaching. 

1. Unconditional Love

• Agape Love: Jesus embodies agape love, which is selfless, unconditional, and sacrificial. This type of love is exemplified in His life and teachings, particularly in His sacrifice on the cross for humanity's sins (John 3:16"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.").
•  It is a love that asks nothing in return and extends even to enemies (Matthew 5:44"But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.").

2. Redemption and Forgiveness

• Forgiveness of Sins: Through His love, Jesus offers forgiveness and redemption. His love covers all sins, no matter how great, offering a path to reconciliation with God. This redemptive love is available to all who believe in Him and repent (Ephesians 1:7"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.").

3. Transformation

• Changed Lives: The love of Jesus has the power to transform lives. When individuals accept His love, they are transformed from the inside out, becoming new creations in Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17). This transformation leads to a life characterized by love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, and other fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.").

4. Empowerment to Love Others

• Loving Like Jesus: Experiencing Jesus' love empowers believers to love others in the same way. This includes loving neighbors as oneself (Mark 12:31"And the second, like it, is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.) and demonstrating love through actions, not just words (1 John 3:18"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth."). It’s a call to live out the love that Jesus has shown, impacting the world around us.

5. Unity and Community

• Building the Church: The love of Christ binds believers together in unity. It fosters a sense of community and belonging within the body of Christ, the Church. This love encourages believers to bear one another’s burdens, support each other, and grow together in faith (Colossians 3:14"But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.").

6. Hope and Eternal Life

• Hope in Christ: The love of Jesus gives believers hope, not only in this life but also in the life to come. His love assures us of eternal life with God, where there will be no more pain or suffering (Romans 8:38-39,"For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord."
•  Revelation 21:4 "And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.").

 Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

I greet you all in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. It is with great joy and gratitude that I write to you today, reflecting on the incredible journey we share as a church family.

As I think of each of you, I am reminded of the Apostle Paul's words to the Thessalonians: "We always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3).

In these challenging times, it is easy to feel overwhelmed and disheartened. Yet, it is in these very moments that our faith is most profoundly tested and refined. Remember, dear friends, that our God is a God of hope, who fills us with all joy and peace as we trust in Him (Romans 15:13). He has promised never to leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

I am continually uplifted by the love and unity I witness among us. Your commitment to serving one another and our community is a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love. Let us continue to spur one another on toward love and good deeds (Hebrews 10:24), always seeking to reflect the light of Christ in all we do.

May we hold steadfastly to our faith, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Let us encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today," so that none of us may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness (Hebrews 3:13).

I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to work in and through us, strengthening our bond and deepening our love for one another. May we always find comfort and inspiration in God's Word, and may we draw ever closer to Him in prayer.

As we move forward, let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He is our source of strength and our ultimate example of love and sacrifice.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.

In Christ's love,

Bill Doane