By Scena Ann Petrey

“Reaching the Point of No Return” from 2 Kings 21:1-18 was the topic and text for Bro. Kyle’s message Sunday, Feb. 3. He gave us some interesting facts about Niagara Falls. About 3,000 gallons of water fall over the falls of Niagara. On the American side three miles before the falls, a sign warns boats about “Danger Zone” (the current pulling boats in). A “Point of No Return” sign tells people that there is no help for you or your boat; you’re going over the falls!

Bro. Kyle pointed out the nation of Judah (part of Israel after it was divided) and its moral and spiritual decline had reached “a point of no return”. King Manasseh became king of Judah upon his dad’s Hezekiah’s death and began ruling at the age of 12. Every moral and spiritual good deed Hezekiah had done, Manasseh turned it around. He reestablished altars of Baal, built altars in the temple to stars and sky, sacrificed his own son, and practiced witchcraft. He was allowed to rule in this destructive way for 55 years.

The other thing, the Israelites strayed and did not listen to God, but went with King Manasseh. Manasseh was the most wicked king of Judah. Israel, by following him blindly, reached a “point of no return” as far as God’s judgement was concerned.

Bro. Kyle concluded his message by asking a thought-provoking question. “Has America reached the ‘point of no return’?” Through prayer and repentance we have to answer that question. Jesus went “over the falls, past the point of no return” for us. “We are forgiven because Jesus was condemned.”

Kid’s Camp is July 21-24 for students coming out of the second grade through sixth grade. A $75 deposit/per person is due February 17. See Stacy for more information.

Our church will be going to Perfect North Slopes in Indiana Feb. 23-24. The cost is $60 skiing, $40 tubing, + money for three meals. You must sign up and pay by February 10 to reserve your spot.

The spring family retreat that was scheduled for March 22-24 at Laurel Lake Baptist Camp has been postponed until 2020. Unexpected complications arose.

Dates to remember: Sunday, Feb. 10 – spaghetti meal at the shelter; Sunday, Feb. 10 – Masterlife Books 2 study for six weeks; Sunday, Feb. 17 at 6 p.m. – movie “I Can Only Imagine”.

Thought for the week: “Dreams don’t work unless you do!” (Tami Hoag)