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

 Dear Church Family,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ!

I write to you today with hearts full of gratitude to reflect on the greatest miracle of all—the person and work of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The Miracle of His Birth

The story of Jesus begins with a miraculous announcement: God entered the world in the most unexpected way. Born of a virgin, Jesus fulfilled the ancient prophecies, proving that nothing is impossible with God. As Isaiah foretold, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). In His birth, we see the humility of God, who chose to come as a helpless child, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger, to be near us and save us.

The Miracle of His Life

Jesus lived a life like no other. As He walked among us, He showed the power and compassion of God. He healed the sick, raised the dead, opened blind eyes, calmed storms, and fed multitudes. Yet, His greatest work wasn’t just in the miracles He performed but in the message He proclaimed: that the Kingdom of God is at hand and salvation is for all who believe.

Every act, every word, and every miracle pointed to His divine mission—to reconcile us to God.

The Miracle of the Cross

The greatest miracle of all is that Jesus, the sinless Son of God, willingly laid down His life for us. On the cross, He bore the weight of our sins, taking the punishment we deserved. “For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

At that moment, heaven touched earth in the most profound way. The curtain of the temple was torn, and the way to God was opened for all who believe. What seemed like defeat became the ultimate victory over sin and death.

The Miracle of the Resurrection

On the third day, the tomb was found empty, and Jesus rose from the dead, proving His power over death and the grave. The resurrection is the foundation of our faith, as Paul declared, “If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:17). But Christ is risen! Because He lives, we too have the promise of eternal life.

The Miracle of Salvation

This great miracle didn’t end with Jesus’ resurrection. It continues in each of us who have been redeemed by His grace. Through faith, we have been made new creations, adopted into God’s family, and given the Holy Spirit as our guide. This transformation is the miracle of salvation—offered freely to all who believe in His name.

Our Response

Dear Church, how should we respond to such a miracle? Let us live lives of worship, proclaiming the good news of Jesus Christ to a world in need. Let us love one another, as Christ has loved us, and walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, who enables us to live as His witnesses.

As Paul reminds us, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” (2 Corinthians 9:15). Let us never grow weary of celebrating and sharing the miracle of Jesus Christ.

Prayer:
Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ—the greatest miracle of all. Help us to live in awe of His birth, His life, His death, and His resurrection. May our lives reflect His love and power, drawing others to the hope we have in Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In Christ’s love,
Bill Doane
Servant of the Lord

 To Aspen Grove Church,

Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to encourage and uplift you concerning the gifts of the Spirit, which have been freely given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s grace.

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Ephesians 4:7, "But to each one of us grace was given according to the measure of Christ's gift." This passage assures us that every believer has received a unique portion of God's grace, specifically designed to equip us for His divine purpose. None of us are without value or calling in the Body of Christ. Each of us has been graced with gifts, not as a result of our own merit, but as an overflow of Christ’s abundant love.

1. The Source of Our Gifts

Our gifts are not self-generated. They come from the hand of Jesus Himself, distributed by the Spirit to each member of the body. Just as Christ descended to the lowest depths and ascended to the highest heavens (Ephesians 4:9-10), He now reigns with all authority, equipping His people to continue His mission on earth. These gifts are not random or accidental but are intentionally given to edify the church and glorify God.

2. The Diversity of Our Gifts

Paul later explains that some are called to be apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers (Ephesians 4:11). But these are not the only gifts in operation. 1 Corinthians 12 lists many others, including wisdom, knowledge, healing, and discernment. Romans 12 speaks of serving, teaching, exhortation, giving, leading, and showing mercy. The beauty of this diversity is that it reflects the very nature of God, who is creative, multi-faceted, and ever-working in various ways. No one gift is greater than another, and no one role is insignificant.

3. The Purpose of Our Gifts

Ephesians 4:12-13 declares that these gifts are given "for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God." Our gifts are not for personal glory or self-promotion. They are for building up one another, strengthening the faith of the body, and fostering unity. When one of us operates in our gift, the whole body benefits. If one of us withholds our gift, the whole body feels the loss.

4. The Call to Stewardship

With gifts comes responsibility. Just as Jesus spoke of the faithful servant who was entrusted with talents, so we too are called to be faithful stewards of our spiritual gifts. Let us not bury them out of fear, doubt, or comparison with others. Instead, let us stir up the gifts within us (2 Timothy 1:6) and use them with boldness, knowing that God has empowered us to fulfill His will.

5. Encouragement to Discover and Use Your Gift

Some of you may wonder, "What is my gift?" If that is you, I encourage you to seek God in prayer. Ask Him to reveal it to you. Often, your spiritual gift aligns with the passions God has placed within you. What moves you with compassion? What problems in the world or the church do you feel called to solve? Your gift may already be in operation, and you may not even realize it. Others of you may know your gift but feel unsure or afraid to use it. I challenge you to step out in faith. Trust that God has equipped you for this very reason. The church needs your unique contribution.

Closing Words

Brothers and sisters, I leave you with this encouragement: Walk boldly in your gifting. Do not compare yourself to others, for God has given you a measure that is uniquely yours. Use your gift in love, remembering that it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose (Philippians 2:13). Together, let us seek unity, maturity, and love in all things, knowing that as we grow in our gifts, we grow in Christ.

I pray that the Lord strengthens you, fills you with His Spirit, and gives you the confidence to walk in the power of your spiritual gifts. May you find joy and fulfillment as you serve one another in love.

With love and grace,
Bill Doane
Intern Pastor, Aspen Grove Church

 Dear Beloved Church Family,

Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I hope this letter finds you walking in the grace and truth of God, surrounded by His peace that surpasses all understanding.

As I reflect on the events and seasons we are navigating—both individually and collectively—I find myself asking the profound question: What is God up to?

God’s Work in Us

Scripture reminds us that God is always at work. Philippians 1:6 assures us, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” In our personal lives, God is refining us, shaping us into the image of His Son. The challenges we face are not arbitrary but purposeful. They are tools in the hands of a loving Father, teaching us perseverance, deepening our faith, and calling us to trust Him more fully.

God’s Work in the Church

God is moving powerfully within His Church. Even in seasons of uncertainty, He is building His Kingdom, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it (Matthew 16:18). Through every trial, He is teaching us to lean on one another, to grow in love, and to carry the light of Christ into a world desperate for hope. Our unity, worship, and service reflect His glory and remind the world that we are His disciples.

God’s Work in the World

God is not distant or indifferent to the world’s struggles. He is sovereign over nations and history, working out His redemptive purposes in ways we often cannot see. Even in times of turmoil, God is drawing people to Himself, opening hearts to the Gospel, and raising up His Church to be a voice for truth and justice.

What Is Our Response?

1. Seek Him Daily
   Let us not grow weary in prayer, worship, and the study of His Word. The more we draw near to God, the clearer His purposes will become in our lives.

2. Trust His Plan
   Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our own understanding. God’s ways are higher than ours, and we can rest in His perfect plan.

3. Step Out in Faith
   As God reveals opportunities to serve, share the Gospel, and be His hands and feet, let us move boldly. He is calling each of us to be part of His work in these times.

Church, God is up to something magnificent, and we are privileged to be part of it. Let us press on together in faith, knowing that His plans are for our good and His glory. May we live each day with expectation, ready to see His hand at work in and through us.

In Christ’s love and service,
Bill Doane

 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

As we enter this season of harvest, we find ourselves drawn to a time of gratitude and reflection. In Deuteronomy 26:1-11, the Lord gives us a powerful reminder of the significance of this season. Through Moses, God instructed the people of Israel to bring the first fruits of the land as an offering, acknowledging both the abundance they received and the One who provided it. This command was not simply about the giving of produce; it was an act of worship, an expression of faith, and a celebration of God’s unwavering faithfulness.

The passage begins with, “When you have entered the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance and have taken possession of it and settled in it…” (Deut. 26:1). This verse reminds us of the journey and transformation that God leads us through as His people. Just as the Israelites journeyed from the wilderness into a land of promise, each of us is invited to see our lives as part of God’s unfolding story—a story of provision, promise, and abundant life.

In obedience to God’s instructions, the Israelites gathered their first and finest crops and brought them to the priest as an offering. This act was an acknowledgment that the harvest was not theirs alone, but a gift from God. As the church, we, too, are called to offer the first fruits of our labor, whether it be our time, resources, or talents. By doing so, we are reminded that everything we have and everything we are, comes from Him.

This season, as we consider what we can offer back to the Lord, let us not only give in gratitude but also reflect on the journey that God has led us through. Each one of us has a story of God’s provision, guidance, and mercy. Just as the Israelites recounted their history, let us also remember and share how God has worked in our lives, helping us grow through challenges and blessing us with His grace.

In Deuteronomy 26:11, we read, “Then you and the Levites and the foreigners residing among you shall rejoice in all the good things the Lord your God has given to you and your household.” This verse reminds us that the harvest is not only a time for personal reflection but also for community celebration. We are encouraged to gather with those around us—our families, our fellow believers, and even strangers—to rejoice in God’s goodness together.

Let this harvest season be an opportunity for our church to come together, sharing our blessings, supporting one another, and celebrating the generosity of our faithful God. May we not hold back in offering our first fruits, trusting that as we give, we will be enriched in ways beyond measure.

With hearts full of gratitude, let us enter into this season of harvest with joy, faith, and a renewed commitment to our Lord.

In Christ’s love and service,

Bill Doane