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April 30, 2025

May 1, 2025 by Hunter Hanson

From the Pastor’s Desk

April 30, 2025

Dear EBC Family,

This morning I was deeply moved by Jesus' words to Peter just before His crucifixion: "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32).

Scripture reveals that our enemy "prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8). This isn't a passive threat--Satan demanded to have Peter. His intentions are never neutral; he actively seeks to steal, kill, and destroy. He aims to make our faith fail. 

But here's a glorious truth that gives us hope: While Satan proactively seeks to destroy us, Jesus proactively intercedes for us. Even after this strong warning, Peter fell asleep when he should have been praying (Luke 22:45). Despite Jesus' clear instruction to "pray that you may not enter into temptation" (Luke 22:40), Peter was found "sleeping for sorrow." He neglected Jesus' counsel and ultimately denied Him three times. Yet Jesus never stopped praying for him.

What can we learn from this passage? 

  1. Stay vigilant in prayer. Satan wants to isolate us, discourage us, and pull us away from the means of grace God has provided to strengthen our faith. Don't neglect your prayer life, time in God's Word, or fellowship with other believers.
  2. Find Comfort in Christ's Intercession. Even when we fail--when we're sleeping instead of praying--Jesus continues to pray for us. As Robert Murray M'Cheyne beatifully expressed: "If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies. Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me." 

Take heart, brothers and sisters, Jesus prays for you! Even in our faithlessness, Jesus remains completely faithful to us. This amazing truth should draw us back to Him in grateful prayer.

Announcements

  • Nashville Mission Trip - Al & Karen will lead a mission trip to engage Somali Muslims in Nashville on May 3. I would like to ask you to please be in prayer for us as we seek to make Christ known. For those attending, there is a team meeting after Bible study tonight from 6:30-7:30 PM. 
  • Youth Ice Cream Social - Our Youth Ice Cream Social will be on Saturday, May 10, from 2 PM to 5 PM. The youth will be serving hot dogs and ice cream. There is no price per item, but we are asking for donations to benefit all youth classes and events. This is a church wide event, and it is a great way to support our youth ministry! Please come out ready to enjoy a good time of food and fellowship!
  • Wednesday Nights - Tonight we will have prayer and Bible study. We will be studying Titus 3:9-15 (see the attached study guide). Next week we will have our monthly  fellowship meal and business meeting.
  • Men's Breakfast - The next men's breakfast will be on May 10 at 8 AM in the fellowship hall.
  • Volunteers Needed - We currently need additional help in these areas: Worship team, Nursery/preschool, Facilities/Maintenance team, New K-2nd grade Sunday School class teacher, New lead teacher for 3-5 year old class (to replace Emma Hanson)
  • Bible Study Fellowship - The women's BSF group meets at our church on Tuesday evenings at 6:30 PM. They just completed their study for this year, and their next study will begin in September. If you would like to join the fall study, visit bsfinternational.org, click "Find a Group," locate the Excell Baptist Church group, and click "Request to Join."
  • Theology For Breakfast - This new men's discipleship group will meet on the 1st & 3rd Fridays of each month at Starbucks on Madison St (6:30 AM).  Our first meeting will be May 2. Please contact me if you're interested!
  • Doctrine Class - Beginning in this Sunday, I'll be teaching a class on Bible doctrine (covering Scripture and the Doctrine of God) in Mike Williams' Sunday school class in the choir room. This class will run through August, and everyone is welcome! 

Upcoming Events

  • May 2 - Theology for Breakfast begins (6:30 AM)
  • May 3 - Nashville Mission Trip (10:30 AM)
  • May 10 - Men's Breakfast (8 AM)
  • May 10 - Youth Ice Cream Social (2:00 PM)
  • June 13 - Blooming Onion Cook Off
  • June 29 - 5th Sunday Fellowship during the Sunday School hour (9:00 AM)
  • August 8 - Church Game Night
  • August 31 - 5th Sunday Fellowship during the Sunday School hour (9:00 AM)
  • October 10 - Chili Cook Off
  • November 30 - 5th Sunday Fellowship during the Sunday School hour (9:00 AM)
  • December 5 - International Missions Meal
  • December 14 - Holiday Meal

In Christ,

Hunter Hanson