The Ark of WNC

Pastors Chuck and Libby Waldrup give encouragement to the church before Neal Moody answers some questions regarding Matthew 24. Pastor Mike Thomas concludes with some thoughts to ponder.

Pastor Mike Thomas reviews the differences in the doctrine of the rapture, differentiating it from the Second Coming of Christ as two different occurrences, validating his points with scripture. He goes on to remind us why there has been a delay in Christ returning for His bride in that God, in His mercy, is waiting for all who will accept Him.

Pastor Mike Thomas encourages us to mature in Christ, stepping into the authority and power He has given us in the name of Jesus, especially in our prayer life and spiritual warfare. He concludes with an impromptu question-and-answer session.

Pastor Mike Thomas describes and parallels the Jewish feast of Trumpets alongside the Christian doctrine of the pre-trib rapture, proving his points with scripture.

Neal Moody briefly reflects on how Americans swore they would never forget about 9/11 before introducing us to the seven Jewish feasts of remembrance in the Bible, as given to Moses. He shows how they give a preview of the person, mission, and achievement of Jesus and how He has fulfilled the first four of these already.

Pastor Mike Thomas begins with a brief history lesson about American Independence Day, noting how some want to do away with history and what we can learn from it. He expounds upon that, using scripture to prove that the Old Testament is still relevant and useful today, as is the entire Bible. He reminds us of all the deception in the world as Jesus foretold and how God has not changed. He reiterates the messages from the past 2 Sundays and ties them together about what baptism is.

Aaron Williams addresses primarily the young people while answering some of the whys and explaining the reasons for baptism as a believer in Christ, along with input from the congregation. He delves into the history of Jewish customs and their ceremonial washing in a mikvah, which was likely to make the Jews more accepting of John the Baptist's teaching and baptism. At the end, he has a question and answer session with the congregation.

Andy Anderson shows a different perspective on baptism that we normally don't think about: how it is symbolic of our death and burial and not of spiritual birth, as well as our old sin nature, proving his point with scripture.

Pastor Mike Thomas encourages us to give a shout of victory and praise to Jesus as Psalm 66 says to shout to God and make His praise glorious. He reminds us how all have sinned and need to be forgiven and restored to a right relationship with God through Jesus our Savior. He also encourages us to make use of every opportunity to share the reason for our hope, which is Jesus, using an example from Acts chapter 3 of an encounter during daily routines. He challenges us to seek opportunities to share the good news

Pastor Mike Thomas reminds us that we are all in a spiritual battle over our eternal souls and that in spite of what the culture tells us the enemy and hell are real, and the Bible says Satan will wear out Christians in the last days. He encourages us from Psalms to lift a shout of victory to Jesus. He continues by encouraging us to be a witness to all people of what we have seen and heard in the presence of God. He then speaks of the two divisions of priests from Ezekiel chapter 44, paralleling it with the story of Mary and Martha. He concludes with some of the benefits of ministering to God.

Andy Anderson speaks partly from his own experiences as well as from both the Old and New Testaments, comparing and contrasting them. He also speaks about Satan's fall from his pride and self-glorification.

Neal Moody concludes the study on Colossians by discussing Christian graces, how we should treat those on the outside, and covers Paul's final greetings.

Pastor Mike Thomas shares what has been stirring inside his spirit about identity crises and the confusion that is running rampant in the world today that the world encourages. He reminds us that many of the names and identities the world has given us are probably lies and we shouldn't believe them, even if we have been called by such our whole lives. Using scripture, he tells us truth about who God says we are as believers, citing how God changed Jacob's name and identity. Using the example of the great feast in Luke 14, he shows us how God wants us to compel people to come to Him and to church.

Neal Moody continues with the latter half of the third chapter, covering the character of the new man, the Christian household, and the Christian work ethic.

Aaron Williams reflects on the message from the previous week, brought by Roland Gehman, then expounds upon it, using the example of how Hezekiah brought about restoration of worship and a revival during his reign, emphasizing the importance of repentance and spending time with God to see things like this happen.

Neal Moody continues the study of Colossians by addressing things that we, as Christians, need to put off, focusing on carnality, materialism, and how things like that should no longer be appealing to us if we truly are dead in Christ. He also covers how we should treat each other, citing the two greatest commandments.

Pastor Chuck Waldrup gives a quick word about something he saw in the Spirit about a tsunami of God's glory. Roland Gehman then speaks about the importance of being in the secret place with God so you know what He wants and desires, as well as His order, citing biblical examples of how some things could have only occurred from people having spent time alone with God, stressing the importance of order with God. Pastor Mike Thomas concludes.

Neal Moody finishes the second part of the second chapter of Colossians after reviewing the first half from the previous week, cautioning us against philosophies, distractions, and legalism.

Pastor Mike Thomas gives a message of preparation for the move to the new location, looking back on where God has had us and where He is taking us as a church.

Neal Moody covers the first part of the second chapter, showing how we should follow Jesus and not philosophy; he touches on the beliefs of Gnosticism as well.

Neal Moody finishes the second half of the first chapter of Colossians, speaking of our reconciliation with God, the preeminence of Christ, service to God, as well as warnings and admonitions.

Pastor Mike Thomas shares what he has been hearing in his spirit about where God is taking us. He points out that many churches in America that are still active have programs but don't have the presence and power of God, much less any spiritual maturity in their congregations, cautioning us not to follow suit. He reminds us about how, even though David was a man after God's own heart, he still fell into sin when he wasn't doing what he was supposed to be doing, calling us all to repentance. Using text from Revelation, he reminds us that Satan is very angry and not playing around because he knows his time is short. Since Satan detests Jesus and His people, he reminds us of the necessity to stay close to Jesus since He has already defeated Satan on the cross. He concludes with a call to salvation and then prays over the congregation.

Neal Moody begins this study of Colossians with Paul's introduction, speaking of wisdom and walking worthy of the Lord, the preeminence of Jesus, as well as how Jesus's redemptive sacrifice for us has qualified us to have an inheritance in God's kingdom.

Hector Alvarez shares a message in Spanish, translated to English by Katie Gehman, about three Levite men who incited a rebellion against God and against Moses. He also gives a portion of his own testimony.

Pastor David Batts begins by having the congregation change seats, sitting by someone they hadn't ever sat beside, using that as an example of how God wants us to get out of our comfort zones in order to adapt and grow with what God wants for The Ark as we celebrate our 6th anniversary. He reminds us that our pasts have made us stronger and that sometimes being broken is where God wants us. He continues by asking whose report we are going to believe, whether fear or God, encouraging us to fight the good fight of faith. He speaks about the necessity of brokenness before restoration as The Ark is transitioning, cautioning against things that will hinder us.

Neal Moody concludes the study of Romans with Paul's greetings to fellow believers that we oftentimes skip over while reminding us that these Bible studies are imparting fundamental doctrine.

Pastor Chuck Waldrup speaks about convergence that he is seeing in the church while cautioning against complacency. He emphasizes the need to be training people in the faith to handle what is coming our way while God is exposing what is real and fake within the church.

Neal Moody continues by discussing how we should esteem others greater than ourselves and help and edify those who are weaker in the faith, glorifying God together. He concludes with Paul's plans to visit Rome and Spain.

Pastor Mike Thomas reviews and builds on the message last week, reminding us how we need to stay connected to Christ, the True Vine, and abide in Him and Him in us. He parallels a traditional Jewish wedding with what Jesus has done to pay for us, His bride and how He will return for His bride someday.

Neal Moody speaks about the laws of liberty versus legalism as well as love for each other in Christ as we remember that Christ died for others also.

Andy Anderson explains how Jesus came in a hidden way to where the wise of this world couldn't discern Him and how, through His fulfillment of the Law, we don't have to earn salvation by rituals but to simply believe on Jesus. While discussing this seldom understood passage, he reminds us that Jesus came to take care of the consequences of human sin by His sacrificial death for us. He notes how under the old covenant, we could not know God as our Father because it was a bilateral agreement, yet under the new covenant we are allowed to do so. He concludes with an explanation about what it means to eat the flesh and drink the blood of Christ and to abide.

Neal Moody covers this tough chapter, dealing with how Christians are to be model citizens and submit to governmental authority unless God's law supersedes the law of the land, love each other, and to put on Christ.

Pastor Mike Thomas speaks about different reactions he has seen this past week because of what has happened in Ukraine and how we should pray for God's will to be done there, not interfering with with what we want for the outcome. He also explains where he feels we are on the prophetic timeline by what is happening around us and by scripture. He continues by describing the future war of Gog and Magog and some parallels to what is happening as of this taping. Rebecca Schlabach concludes by telling about the two years she lived in the Ukraine and her thoughts on this.

Neal Moody expounds on this foundational chapter for Christian living.

Pastor Mike Thomas brings a word that many church people are familiar with, yet he takes it in a slightly different direction than normal. He reminds us that this is a Kingdom principle that was established by God. He notes a lack of discussion about tithes and offerings in many contemporary churches which causes people to miss out on the benefits of this Kingdom principle. He also reminds us that seedtime and harvest is a process and not instantaneous, and it might be difficult.

In spite of persistent static in the sound system, Neal Moody continues with the study, reminding us how Israel's rejection is not permanent, but for the benefit of us Gentiles.

Pastors Mike and Teresa Thomas share what they feel God's plan and purpose for The Ark is right now, using several scriptural examples and references.

Neal Moody continues with the study by explaining how after the cross there is now no distinction between Jews and Gentiles, as both now have access to the same salvation. He talks about how Israel still rejects the gospel but God isn't finished with them yet, giving the Gentiles time to accept salvation.

Roland Gehman explains who the Holy Spirit is, some of His functions, and how He is often overlooked even though He is part of the Godhead. Referencing the parable of the ten virgins, he also emphasizes the importance of communing with the Holy Spirit so we have more than enough oil of His presence. He also includes the importance of praying in the Spirit, which allows Him to pray and intercede through us, contrasting that with speaking in tongues in public.

Neal Moody changes the tone from the encouraging end of chapter 8 to a more serious note to begin chapter 9, discussing how Israel had missed their Messiah, yet he tells how it benefits those of us who aren't Jewish, reminding us that Israel isn't lost forever and it is all part of God's ultimate plan.

Busch Mason speaks briefly about legacy, not just because we learned of the passing of one of The Ark's members, Charles Randolph, about the time the service began this morning. Busch uses that example to ask us what kind of legacy are we leaving that will continue after we are gone from this earth for others. Neal Moody concludes with a few thoughts.

Neal Moody briefly reviews the first half of the chapter before finishing chapter 8, telling about how the Holy Spirit intercedes for us when we don't know how we should pray, as well as touching on the controversial topic of predestination vs. free will.

Pastor Mike Thomas emphasizes the importance of surrendering your life and desires to God. He also speaks about the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God, comparing and contrasting them with each other. He asks and answers the rhetorical question of how we can discover the will of God for our lives.

Neal Moody starts on the first part of Chapter 8, speaking of our deliverance and how we have life in the Spirit, conveying a lot of information.

Neal Moody reviews and continues with Romans by explaining how as Christians we are now dead to the Law and bound to Christ, yet we continue to have opposition between our spirit and flesh.

Andy Anderson speaks about spiritual discernment of scripture and the types from the Old Testament that foreshadow things in the New Testament, using the example of the Passover lamb foreshadowing Jesus being the sacrificial Lamb of God for our redemption.

Teresa Thomas briefly reflects on what Pastor Chuck Waldrup had said about going into a new place with God a few weeks ago. She reads 3 examples from scripture of where a building was used to honor God, subsequently bringing blessing to the builders. Pastor Mike Thomas continues by restating some of the prophetic words that have been spoken over The Ark over the past few years, showing what the future direction will be for The Ark and our boundaries.

Neal Moody briefly reviews the first half of the chapter while continuing with the fall of man which introduced sin into the world and the differences between the First and Second Adam, the latter being Jesus Himself.

Pastor Mike Thomas begins by asking the rhetorical question of what Christians are to be doing now, referring to the Great Commission spoken by Jesus Himself. He continues by addressing a topic he feels The Ark will be moving into, which is the favor of God. He reminds us that Jesus is the only thing that qualifies us to do the work of God, cautioning us to not focus on our achievements but to give all glory to God. He reviews and ties in the previous week's message, building upon it. He illustrates his points with the story of Mary learning about becoming the mother of Jesus, as well as some of the inaccuracies of the Catholic doctrine that have saturated church culture, giving us an erroneously elevated view of her. He refutes these claims by scripture. He also reminds us of how God's favor isn't necessarily having material things, but being allowed to take part in what He wants to do in this world.

Pastor Mike Thomas briefly speaks on the true reason for the Christmas season, the reasons why Jesus was born.

Pastor David "Cotton" Ray notes how some things have changed over the past few decades since prayer and God have been taken out of the public schools, particularly with the way children are raised and how homes are run.