Tragically, yet necessary, now looking back at God’s providence. Two cunning, divisive individuals had taken advantage of our friendship and infiltrated the congregation. And within one year, they had given us no other choice but to leave. They had taken preeminence. They had sown discord and divided the assembly, as they had done previously in all the other works they had hijacked. Wolves in sheep's clothing. Diotrephic spirits who had snuck in through the window. Concealing their ambition through social media, their loyalists, and brief acquaintances. Sharing deceiving pictures and articles that were simply not so. And in the following months and years, more than half of the members awakened from the abuse and left. Eventually, these evil workers returned to their homeland, speaking and writing of their victimhood. Slandering us with all sorts of malicious words, trying to diminish the integrity of our efforts. Accusing us of everything they are in fact guilty of. And trying to masquerade the work they destroyed as being righteous. So sad, the pride of men.

But the love of Christ remained triumphant; God took us away from a congregation that had lost her lampstand. He, in turn, made us His EastCoast church of Christ, a healthy and growing church, since removed from the elements of evil that had kept us shackled in abuse. We are fruitful. We are hospitable. We are welcoming. Doctrinally upright. Sound. Balanced. Forgiveness and unity. Compassion and benevolence. We have a good repute in the community. We’ve seen baptisms, renewals, and individual growth. All without any parking lot, large building, and sign at the end of the road. What devils tried to destroy only grew stronger. Contact any of members at any time and hear firsthand their experience.

The deceivers will convince some, as is always the case. They will speak of their victory while living as colossal failures. They can lie to themselves and lie to the weak, but we know better, and so does God. They will persuade some to believe the work they left behind was not what it was. But one Day when the sky opens, justice will come.

There are over 50 witnesses and growing. Though Diotrephes has not permitted our case to be heard, some will seek to hear it (REPORT). And with fervent prayer and repentant hearts, God can build bridges and cultivate reunions. All to His Glory. All to His praise. All to His good pleasure.

If this sounds familiar to you, if you’ve gone through similar, congratulations, you’re now blessed with discernment. Faithful saints can know the difference and will love you and heal you. The EastCoast body of Christ is a testament to what happens in a community when good prevails.

Thank you for your kind attention,
your servant,
SM

How can God be viewed as good, when the Bible suggests that he created evil?” - https://christiancourier.com/articles/did-god-create-evil

Today we read an article from our friends Christian Courier

Welcome to our MidWeek Study Session as His Majesty’s eastcoastchurchofchrist.ca

* in our Scriptural Journey we find ourselves learning 2 Thess. chapter One. Embracing comfort, knowing we shall one Day have Justice giving us relief from the persecution and afflictions we’ve endured for the sake of righteousness.

God bless you. Remain focused and positive. You are loved and appreciated. We have purpose on this Earth.

Reach out and contact us. We’d be honoured to have you come learn along with us.

The article discusses the controversial topic of women serving communion in churches, exploring various perspectives on female leadership roles within the church, the interpretation of biblical authority, and the potential implications for church unity.” - https://christiancourier.com/articles/womens-role-controversy-may-women-serve-the-lords-supper-in-church-assemblies

Evolutionists are confident in their conviction that their explanations demonstrate their independent, autonomous existence to the exclusion of God. They literally “jump through hoops” and engage in scientific “ventriloquism” in their quest to achieve legitimacy for their atheistic bent. However, when all relevant evidence eventually comes to light, it fits “hand in glove” with the presence of the God of the Bible.” - Apologetics Press

My wife and I share one regret. If only we could have been pure when we got married. If only we'd have been faithful Christians when we met. But that said, even if most couples, like us, did not keep themselves pure for marriage, they can still seek that love, for that is a unique gem of togetherness. And it should be practiced often. It is a cure for many disagreements. A remedy for a stressed soul. Talking doesn’t always take the form of words. It can take the form of two becoming one. Learn to kiss again. Knowing each other’s bodies and desires. Full trust and commitment. Loyalty and fulfilment. Vulnerable and welcoming. There is no stronger moment.

Husbands, spend time and effort with your wives. Wives, do the same. We wear many hats, but being a spouse is our top priority.

My wife and I purposely take quarterly outings together. We sacrifice and save for those moments. And though we are thankful to God for the many responsibilities we have throughout the days. We eagerly anticipate our independent moments as one. We return to our youth and remember our growing love for one another. There are many permissible freedoms in Christ: remaining morally upright and finding joy in our liberties to explore the deepest and most personal connections.

"Awake, O north wind, and come, O south! Blow upon my garden, that its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden and eat its choice fruits."

Does this make sense to you? Is this not reasonable? To each his own context, no doubt. But I think if we seek to raise our children to honour marriage, they ought to understand the blessings that come with it.

Thank you for your kind attention.

Your servant,
SM

But for a while, in all sincerity, I thought it was about how many doors we knocked on, mail-outs we purchased, gospel meetings we held, seminars, workshops, debates we engaged in, keynote speakers we brought in, threads we flooded, platforms we administered, youth programs we created, lectures we attended, and evil men we exposed. And there’s no inherently devious plot found in those efforts. They may even be necessary in season. They may even comfort and encourage. But at what expense? Losing our first love? (Rev. 2:5-6). God forbid. If we’re too preoccupied with those who don’t think they need a physician, we miss the opportunities from those who do. Discerning the soil is most important. Wisdom that can come through profound pain. Or, pure joy.

But in the end, it was simply having pure members. Walking by faith each day. Brethren who God providentially blessed with increase. Co-workers, community friendships, online material, guests, and fellow saints withdrawing from locations that had since lost their lamp stand. We work together. We are united. Be hospitable and agreeable. Share faith and food in a kind, welcoming way. Become all things to all men. Allow patience to pave a path for the recipient of the Word. Don’t dwell on every small detail or be a fault-finder. Suffer long. Give the person time. Sit in a small living room with open Bibles. Be human. Have courage. If the heart is humble, it will seek to learn and learn to know. The corporate mind may enhance the treasury, and such use may be beneficial. However, the simple heart functions on the widow’s mite. Do not focus on the ocean when the sand calls for individual attention. Faithful retention rate is most important. Value spiritual assets, not liabilities. Getting someone wet is easier than keeping them built and edified. Avoid self-righteous, divisive pride; it fills the body with discord. Pray more. Honour His Majesty’s Kingship.

* It must have been quite the challenge for Moses to lead his people through the waters. Facing such an amount of precision and responsibility can seem overwhelming, but it can be done if Christ is head.

We meet together three to four times per week, sometimes even five. We are truly friends and family. We hang out. We text each other. We talk about more than the weather. We study. We worship. We evangelize. We have activities together. We laugh. We weep. We check in on each other. We confess our sins and share our fears, strengths, and weaknesses. We do not seek to condemn. We change where change is necessary. We forgive. We help all in need. Have good repute in the community. We are personally involved. We are servants trying our best to minister where God calls us.

“For you WERE

like sheep going ASTRAY,

but have now RETURNED

to the Shepherd

and Overseer

of your SOULS.”

Stay focused. Stay positive. You are loved. You are appreciated. You have purpose in life. Through the Spirit’s formula, your children will return. Put in the effort, selfless sacrifice. May you be strengthened and blessed always.

Your servant,

SM