Those of you on our church prayer alert text list know that our family received some very bad news this past week.

This Sunday, I would like for us to have a family conversation. Steph and I will update you on this event, share some recent developments, and explain some plans regarding moving forward.

I know there has been some concern and worse case scenarios being tossed around in our thoughts, because what happened was an attack against the one thing that we felt was the underpinning that enabled me to serve these past 10 years.

So, this Sunday I really want to have a family conversation that will invite us all to stand together in Christ’s encouragement, assurance, and peace going forward as the family of God at CrossHope Chapel.

Not long ago we went through the book of Genesis together and the words of Joseph to his brothers is particularly comforting to me at this time, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives” (Genesis 50:20).

Joseph thought his brothers were his safety and security. The Lord showed him that He was Joseph’s safety and security. Sometimes circumstances seem insurmountable, but in God’s economy what is intended to harm is really intended for our good.

Today, we are going through the book of Matthew and soon we will come across the account of Peter and the building of the church as the body of Christ on earth, and there in Matthew 16:18 we read “thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

Peter thought his physical life with Jesus was his safety and security. The Lord was about to show him that after His ascension the Spirit of God would be with Peter and the church to follow. Centuries of persecution has not halted the faithful presence of Christ’s church on earth, and though we are little compared to the masses that have gone before us, the promise to us is the same, “the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.”

This Sunday, let’s have a family conversation, and let’s talk of Christ’s encouragement, assurance, and peace going forward as the family of God at CrossHope Chapel.