We enjoyed several evenings with our brother from Egypt, Dr. Halim Hasb Allah. We give thanks for the challenging ministry and memorable anecdotes our brother shared as he encouraged us to run the race set before us. Here are the five messages he delivered, with English translation by Brother Basem Azab.
Brother Laurel Smalling took us to Genesis, Chapter 3, to consider some of the questions we find there. While the first question comes from the enemy and is meant to lead us away from God, the Lord Himself questions Adam and Eve in an attempt to reestablish a relationship with them. The same two patterns hold true for us today.
During the Lord's Day ministry meeting, Brother Collin Beckford shared an encouraging word from 1 Corinthians 15 about the Lord Jesus's work as the "last Adam" in conquering sin and ushering in our future glory with Himself.
Brother Viv John took us to the story of David and Mephibosheth in order to encourage us all to ask the Lord how we might show someone in our circle the kindness of the Lord. As we seek to become more "interested, informed, and involved," may God get the ultimate glory through our acts of kindness.
In light of the recent tragedy at a local high school, Brother Richard Ledgister shared a message on the problem of evil. As we wrestle with the difficult question of why bad things happen in our world, we must remain close to the Lord and His Word. This will enable us to live in the tension of living temporarily in the presence of evil as we wait for future glory.
Brother Richard Ledgister spoke to us from Chapter One of the book of James on this past Lord's Day, encouraging us to seek to be the type of mature believer James refers to as "the perfect man" as we pass through discouraging times and temptations.
During Sunday Morning ministry, our Egyptian brother Nabeel Ageeb took us to Hebrews 2 in a discussion of the Lord Jesus's ongoing ministry as our Great High Priest. The message was translated into English from Arabic by Brother Basem Azab.
During a visit to South Florida, Brother Nabeel Ageeb, from the assembly in Alexandria, Egypt, shared an encouraging message with us during the Thursday night meeting on prayer. Part of the message was delivered in English, and part was given in Arabic with English translation.
Brother Kazi Chhetri shared a challenging word from Ephesians 4, discussing the important work of both evangelists and pastors in the local assembly. While some have no doubt received a special giftedness in these areas, Brother Kazi reminded us that there are opportunities for all of us to both share the truth of the Gospel and care for those who wander off from the truth.
Brother Colbert Martin took us to Revelation 4 and 5 this past Lord's Day with comments on John's vision of the throne room of God. Truly, we can echo the sentiment of the four living creatures as they cry out day and night, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord God Almighty!"
Following the Fort Lauderdale conference, Brother Lloyd Ledgister shared this message on practical living from James 1 during a special Monday night meeting.
During a visit to South Florida, Brother Paul Palmer Sr. shared an encouraging teaching from the life of King Hezekiah during our Thursday night meeting. Hezekiah's example serves as a motivation as we "KFC": Keep, Follow, and Cleave to the Word of the Lord.
Brother Richard Ledgister encourages us all to be careful not to stoke the fires of anger. This powerful emotion can be a strong barrier to our ability to express love to those around us. Luke Harriman offered a few brief comments to close the message.
Brother Jim Auld presented this message, referring quite a bit to A.E. Booth's helpful chart, "From Eternity to Eternity." Click to view a zoomable copy of that chart as you listen to this encouraging call to heed the prophetic words of Scripture.
Luke Harriman wrapped up his series on the fifteen Psalms of Ascents by reviewing the previous messages and focusing on Psalms 132, 133, and 134. See attached PDF for slides from a Keynote presentation that accompanied the message.
Brother Winston Bent spoke on the Lord's Day from Ephesians 5, encouraging us to be filled with the Holy Spirit, bringing out the various results when we give ourselves fully over to Him for use.
During a visit to South Florida, Brother Kempton Smalling from Jamaica shared this message, reminding us of the purpose of the Lord Jesus's coming into this world. While the incarnation accomplished much, Brother Kempton used Paul's words to Timothy to reveal one of the most fundamental aspects for us to remember this Christmas season: "Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." After his message, Brother Richard followed up with a discussion of why we can trust this blessed Savior of sinners.
Kazi Chhetri followed up with this brief discussion of the three gifts brought by the Magi in Matthew 2.
Luke Harriman used the parallel stories of the Magi from the east and the oracles of Balaam in Numbers to point us toward God's tendency to surprise us with His truth. Both of these accounts show us that revelation can come from surprising places, often with surprising purposes. Brother Luke encourages us all to be on the lookout for the Lord to surprise us this holiday season.
Brother Richard Ledgister shared this message, reflecting on some of our discussion during Thursday night Bible study on 1 Corinthians 3. He reminded us that it is often the small things we do, done in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that will remain for eternity. Much that appears weighty and important in this life will be consumed in the presence of God.