This Sunday evening marks the first night of our big summer Vacation Bible School here at St. Andrews Road.  Our planning and preparation will result in a wonderful experience for every participant.  From 6:30 to 8:30 every evening through Thursday, we will share in singing, skits,            snacks, and Bible study.  Our entire VBS team will be at the building this weekend getting every-           thing ready for our family, friends, and neighbors to come and hear lessons about Jesus’ love for       others.  When we all work together, much good can be accomplished in the name of Jesus Christ.   Remember to pray for the success of our VBS program.  Then invite and remind those you love                 to come and be with us.  May God bless us as we seek to do His will!   Congratulations to our new sister in Christ, Olivia Burley!  Olivia came up the aisle this past       Sunday morning to confess her faith in Jesus as the Son of God and be baptized in His name.                 What a joy it was to see Olivia’s dad, our Brother James, pronounce those beautiful words:  “I               now baptize you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit for the remission               of sins!”   Think about it!  Jesus died for our sins.  He was buried.  On the third day, the first day of the        week, He arose from that grave (1 Corinthians 15).  He accomplished this in order to make a way              for every person to be forgiven of any and every wrong, every mistake, every sinful thought, word,            or deed.  As He ascended back to heaven to be with the Father, He told those who were chosen,             the Apostles, to go, and teach the gospel to all nations, to baptize those who were taught, to              teach em to teach others about Jesus and His message of salvation.  We all must be committed to this Great Commission of Christ (Matthew 28:18-20).  Olivia was simply following God’s terms of       salvation.   Note that some people today want to set their own terms of salvation.  They might say,               “Well, I want to go to heaven, but there are a few things that I will and will not do…” They then           make a list what they will or will not do.  “Do I have to confess that Jesus is the Son of God?  That’s         sort of embarrassing!   Do I have to be baptized?  Come on!  I heard on TV or read in well-known ‘Christian’ author’s book that baptism is not really essential.  Do I have to study the Bible?  I mean,             can anyone really understand a book that is that old?  Do I have to change?  After all I’m not all             that bad!  Do I have to live a different, godly lifestyle?  Do I have to tell my friends that I am now a Christian?   Do I have to attend the assemblies of the Lord’s church?  After all my time is pretty           limited anyway!   Are you saying that I have to prayerfully, financially, and personally support the           local congregation of the church of Christ?”  On and on we could go!   God’s plan of salvation is not complicated, but following His plan is completely essential if we           are to receive the salvation that He promises.   On Sunday morning we will look into the Scriptures at "The Secret of Gladness.”  In             Philippians 4 we will find God’s prescription:                      1.  Worry about nothing                3.  Think positive                      2.  Pray about everything              4.  Love Godley   On Sunday evening Wade Holton and I will be team teaching the adults for the first session                of our VBS – The Good Samaritan.   May God bless us all as we ever look with positive anticipation toward heaven for strength,       wisdom, provision, and for Jesus’ return to take us home to heaven.