March 2017 - Message from Bill

When Peter stood by the fire in Caiapha's courtroom, it was the greatest crisis of his life. He must have relived it over and over again in his mind, wishing he could take back his words, "I do not know Him!" He had said it not once, but three times. Somewhere in the night a rooster crowed out and reminded Peter of his failure. In that terrible moment, Peter looked over his shoulder and caught the eye of the One who loved him more than life. Peter turned his face from the fire and wept. What hurt Peter more - the smoke from fire in his eyes or the conviction of what he had just done?

It's easy for us to be hard on Peter. How could he have done such a thing? Wasn't it Peter who just hours before vowed, "Others will turn away, Lord, but not me."

Peter's guilt could have caused him to be cynical. "What was I thinking to believe He was the Christ, anyway?" He could have run. He could have become hardened with unbelief. But that's not the Peter we meet three days later running to the empty tomb. That's not the Peter who steps out of the boat to get to Jesus. That's not the Peter that Jesus pulls aside in a private conversation that restores his friendship and ministry. Did Peter and Jesus talk about that terrible moment by the fire in their conversation? We don't know. That's between them. But what we do know is that Peter's crisis had taken him to the right place with God. Sin prompts repentance. And repentance had turned Peter around to meet the face of grace. He recognized his sin. He understood the problem. He turned away from sin and turned to the Lord with a whole heart. He was now stronger, more humble and ready for greater days ahead. That's what revival does.

February 2017 - Message from Bill

Years ago, the Christian songwriter Steve Green, wrote a song entitled, "Find Us Faithful". The song asks the question: Will those who come after us look back and see that we Christian believers remained faithful? That song still rings true today. The fire is flickering. The footprints are few. The storm clouds of persecution are gathering. The winds are blowing. But no matter how difficult times may be, we are not to let our hearts be troubled.

The Lord is our strength and I believe He is raising up a new generation of believers. Young people today are becoming more fervent in their faith. Young Christians today are counting the cost. They are taking a stand and God will honor their faithfulness. The time has come. Who among us will risk everything for the cause of Christ? Who among us is willing to rise up and declare that we are still one nation under God? "If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." (Chronicles 7:14)

The problems facing America today can't be solved in Washington D.C. Real hope and change can't be found at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. The problems that America faces today can only be found at the foot of the cross. Hollywood and the mainstream media would have us believe that we are the minority. Don't believe it. We together are a mighty force.

So what are we going to do about it? We need Christians who are willing to stand firm in their faith. We need patriots who are willing to defend religious liberty. Yes, they may demand to know the content of our prayers. Yes, they may tell us that we can't have a religious symbol in our front yard. But we can't be bullied. We will not be intimidated. We will not be silenced.