Our Speaker during Family Bible Hour was Mr Fares Marzone,  Director of the Italian Bible Institute. His message was based on Ephesians 2: 1-10 and answers the question --- Does Doctrine Matter? Below is a short summary of his message:

Verses 1 to 3 teaches us the Doctrine of Sin:

And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience:  Among whom  also we all  had our conversation in times past in the lust of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.

Verses 4-9 teaches us the Doctrine of Salvation

But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:  That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.  For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves:  it is the gift of God:  Not of works, lest any man should boast.

Verse 10 teaches us the Doctrine of Sanctification and the Doctrine of Consecration

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. 

The full message, in context and with further details that answer the question of the importance of Doctrine, is available on DVD.  Please see Romy.

Mr Marzone was accompanied by 7 other guests; All were on their way to Emmaus Bible College to attend a conference.

A short video of the men introducing themselves

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Mrs Eppie and a vase-ful of her lovely garden flowers

Baby Shower!

Last Saturday, a Baby Shower was held for Julie Miller.  Julie and her husband Bob are brand-new parents with the birth of their daughter Haley on April 8th.  The event was a success thanks to the hard work of Karen, Janice, Diane, and Danielle. Janice gave a short devotional based on Philippians 1: 9-11

And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgement; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ;  Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God

Here are pictures of the enjoyable time had by all:

Our speaker during Family Bible Hour was Mr Ken Botton -- Adjunct Professor at Trinity International University in Deerfield, Illinois. Mr Botton's other ministries are: Manager of the  Military Chaplaincy Program for the Brethren Assemblies; and Associate Chaplain at O'Hare Airport. His message today was based on Genesis 37: 18-36 

...And it came to pass, when Joseph was come unto his brethren, that they stript Joseph out  of his coat, his coat of many colours that was on him; And they took him, and cast him into a pit:  and the pit was empty, there was no water in it...Then there passed by Midianites merchantmen; and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit, and sold Joseph to the Ishmeelites for twenty pieces of silver:  and they brought Joseph into Egypt...And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.  

Parallels between Joseph & Jesus:

1. Joseph was sent from the Father, Jacob, to bring comfort to his brothers.  Jesus was also sent by God the Father to bring comfort to our souls
2. Joseph was hated without a cause when he told the truth about his dream. Jesus, the ultimate TRUTH, was also hated without a cause
3. Joseph was sold for 20 pieces of silver; Jesus was sold for 30 pieces of silver
4. The horrible events that happened to Joseph and to Jesus eventually worked out for the best.  Joseph saved his family 13 years later during a great famine. Jesus saves us for eternity through His death on the cross.

Lessons from the pit:  The pit is an analogy of life's circumstances.  Note the Joseph's faith was intact through his horrible circumstances:

1. When tossed into the pit, you've got nothing but what you take with you as you're going in.  Joseph had nothing but his faith in God.  Be certain that you have plenty of God to take with you.  No one knows when a pit may occur; thus, get ready for the pit NOW.
2. Meditate long and hard on the love and sovereignty of God while in the pit.  Know for certain that God loves you and has a purpose for your circumstances
3. When you're out of the pit, remember the lessons and be a BLESSING to others.

Bottom line --- what is Satan's worse, can mean God's BEST!

The full message by Mr Botton, in context, is available through DVD. Please see Romy.

Mr Ken Botton

A hearty welcome to our guests today: Reverend Marlon Roldan, Community Development Adviser of OMF International (Philippines).  His wife Yoyit, is a Professor at the University of the Philippines, and currently on a 1-year sabbatical.  Mrs Pat Bollman was also in town to visit her daughter Julie, Son-in-Law Bob, and brand-new granddaughter, Haley.