Dear Beloved Church,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I write to you today with a message of urgency, love, and reflection. As we examine the state of our hearts and our faith, I ask you to ponder this question: Are you on the Ark of Salvation?

The Ark of Noah: A Foreshadowing of Salvation

In Genesis 6, we read of a world filled with corruption and violence. Amid this darkness, God called Noah to build an ark—a vessel of salvation for him, his family, and the animals that would repopulate the earth. Noah, being a man of faith, obeyed God’s command, and when the floods came, he and his household were saved (Genesis 6:9-22; 7:1).

The ark was not just a wooden structure; it was a symbol of God’s provision and grace. Those who entered the ark were shielded from the judgment that fell upon the earth. Similarly, today, there is an ark of salvation provided for us through Jesus Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6), and through Him, we are saved from the judgment of sin.

The Call to Enter the Ark

Just as Noah invited others to enter the ark, God’s invitation to salvation remains open today. However, entering requires faith and obedience. Hebrews 11:7 reminds us of Noah’s example: “By faith Noah, being divinely warned of things not yet seen, moved with godly fear, prepared an ark for the saving of his household.”

Jesus Christ is our ark. Through His death and resurrection, He has made a way for us to escape the floodwaters of sin and eternal separation from God. But the question remains: have you entered this ark? Have you placed your trust in Christ as your Savior and Lord?

The Signs of Being on the Ark

How can we know if we are on the ark of salvation? The Bible provides clear indicators:

1. Faith in Christ: Salvation begins with faith. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

2. A Transformed Life: Those who are on the ark will exhibit a changed heart and life. Ezekiel 36:26 promises, “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you.” Are you bearing the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)?

3. Obedience to God’s Word: Like Noah, we demonstrate our faith through obedience. Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15).

4. A Kingdom Perspective: Philippians 3:20 reminds us that our citizenship is in heaven. Are you living with an eternal perspective, investing in God’s Kingdom rather than the fleeting pursuits of this world?

The Urgency of the Call

Just as the door of Noah’s ark was eventually shut, the time for salvation is not indefinite. Jesus warned us in Matthew 24:37-39 that His return will be like the days of Noah. People were eating, drinking, and going about their lives, unaware until the flood came and took them away.

Beloved, do not delay. If you have not yet entered the ark of salvation, the time to do so is now. If you are already on the ark, share the message of hope with those around you. The invitation is open, but the day of judgment is approaching.

A Call to Action

Let us examine our hearts and lives. Are we truly living as those who are on the ark of salvation? Are we extending the invitation to others with urgency and love? Let us be like Noah, who not only obeyed God but also became a herald of righteousness (2 Peter 2:5).

As we walk in faith, may we cling to the promise of Hebrews 11:7, trusting in God’s provision and walking in His ways. The ark of salvation is secure in Christ, and those who enter will find safety, peace, and eternal life.

With love and prayers,

Bill Doane

 Dear Beloved Family in Christ,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I write to you today with a heart full of thanksgiving for the unfathomable love that God has poured out upon us. As we walk through this life, it is easy to become distracted by the challenges and trials we face, but I want to take a moment to remind us all of the profound and never-ending love that our Heavenly Father has for each of us.

Scripture tells us in 1 John 3:1, "Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!" The truth of this verse is both humbling and inspiring. God’s love for us is not based on our worth or actions, but it is freely given, abundant, and eternal. His love has the power to redeem, restore, and transform us into His image. It is a love that is not earned but is lavished upon us with grace and mercy.

We are not merely recipients of God's love but also His beloved children. The relationship we have with Him is a beautiful gift—one that brings us into an intimate connection with the Creator of the universe. In Christ, we are adopted into His family, and that truth should fill our hearts with joy and peace. His love is the foundation upon which we build our lives, and it is the strength that carries us through every season.

As we reflect on this incredible love, we are called to share it with others. God’s love is not meant to be kept to ourselves but to be spread generously to those around us. In a world that often feels broken and divided, we are called to be His vessels of love, extending kindness, grace, and compassion to those in need. Let us be a church that reflects the love of Christ in all we do—through our words, our actions, and our relationships.

In John 15:12, Jesus tells us, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” As we embrace this command, we reflect His love to the world. It is through our love for one another that the world will know we are His disciples.

Let us, therefore, rejoice in the love of God and live in it daily. Let us be quick to forgive, slow to anger, and generous in showing kindness. May we seek to be a church that not only believes in God’s love but lives out that love with purpose and passion. As we continue to grow together, may we remember that the love of God is the greatest force in the universe, and it is through His love that all things are made new.

With heartfelt love and gratitude,
Bill Doane

 Dear Church Family

To my beloved brothers and sisters in Christ,

I write to you with a heart full of love and concern, as I sense that many of us may be feeling stuck in spiritual cycles that leave us frustrated and discouraged. These cycles, or “loops,” as I will call them, are those patterns of behavior, sin, or thinking that keep us from experiencing the full freedom that Jesus died to give us.

The Struggle We All Know

As the Apostle Paul so honestly confessed in Romans 7:15, "For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do." 

This verse speaks to the very heart of the struggle we face. We desire to live godly lives, to do what is right, to love others well, and to honor the Lord in all we do. Yet, many times, we find ourselves doing the exact opposite—falling into the same habits, the same sins, and the same failures over and over again.

Perhaps you feel like you're caught in a loop today—a cycle of sin you can’t seem to break, a pattern of fear or doubt that keeps holding you back, or maybe even a loop of guilt and shame that you can’t escape.

The Power of Sin and the Grace of God

First, let us recognize that the loop we find ourselves in is not unusual—it is the reality of living in a fallen world and having a sinful nature. However, this is not the end of our story, nor is it where God intends for us to stay. While sin seeks to entrap us in a loop, grace offers a way out.

"O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? I thank God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!" It is Jesus who delivers us from the loop of sin and death. We cannot break these cycles by our own strength or willpower, but through the grace of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are set free.

So, how do we, as a church, break free from these loops that keep us trapped?

1. Surrender to Christ: The first step is to acknowledge our need for Jesus. We cannot overcome the power of sin on our own. We must fully surrender our lives to Him, trusting in His strength, not ours. As we humble ourselves before Him, He gives us the power to overcome.

2. Renew Your Mind: Romans 12:2 calls us to “be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” We must fill our hearts and minds with God’s Word, allowing His truth to change the way we think and act. The more we dwell on His promises, the more we will be equipped to resist the patterns of this world.

3. Walk in the Spirit: Galatians 5:16 reminds us to “walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” It is the Holy Spirit who empowers us to live free from the loops of sin and guilt. As we yield to the Spirit, He guides us and gives us victory over the flesh.

4. Accountability and Prayer: We need one another. As a church, let us support each other in this journey. Confess your struggles to a trusted brother or sister, and pray for one another. James 5:16 tells us that “the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” Together, we can lift each other up and help break the chains that bind us.

A Call to Freedom

Dear church, I urge you not to settle for less than the freedom Christ offers. Do not remain trapped in the loops that hold you back from the abundant life God has promised. Jesus came to set the captives free, and He has broken the power of sin and death. The loop is not stronger than the cross!

Let us, therefore, fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, and run the race set before us with endurance, knowing that He has already secured our victory. May we no longer be bound by the cycles of sin, guilt, and fear, but walk boldly in the newness of life He has given us.

In His grace and power,

Bill Doane