Well, we're finally back from the PCA's General Assembly in Houston, TX (Joanne and I had to stop in Baton Rouge on the way back so I could baptize my granddaughter Emma!). General Assembly got all their business done, and as usual, it was great to see a lot of old friends. We passed three major items (which I'll talk more about on Sunday). First was a Child Abuse Awareness overture that called on all PCA churches to have a Child Protection Plan (which we do). Second was the report of our Study Committee on Insider Movements (i.e. can a Muslim become a Christian without ceasing to be a Muslim?). The Study Committee, ably led by Dr. David Garner of Westminster Theological Seminary, issued a report which gave a clear Biblical answer that one simply cannot mix these two religions and it was overwhelmingly approved by the PCA. A great stand for Biblical Fidelity! And third, we passed a report calling on the church to pray for people who are persecuted and ostracized for taking Biblical stands on the Sanctity of Life, Same Sex Attraction, and the Cultural Redefinition of Marriage. So, all in all, your denomination remains committed to the Word of God, the Reformed Faith, and the Great Commission. And that's very Good News!

I'll be preaching this week on Matthew 24:29-35. This passage deals with Christ predicting His own return and warning His disciples (and us) to pay attention! There are references to Daniel and Revelation in here, and so I'm sure there will be Lord of the Rings references! I know, awesome, right?

This Sunday also marks the last Sunday that I'll be preaching for awhile. I start my sabbatical July 1st and the Session has wisely appointed Rev. Dave Dorst as the Interim Pastor in my absence. Dave has my full support and confidence and I hope you will give him your full support and confidence as well. Pray for him regularly! Please pray for Joanne and I during this time -- that my reading and writing will be fruitful -- and that I don't drive Joanne nuts! I'll see you Sunday! Dr. Dave