We awoke this past Sunday morning to the news that yet another mass shooting had occurred in our nation. Throughout the day, as the death toll mounted, we were all asking the question, “Is this kind of thing ever going to end?”

As is so often the case, God provided a timely answer to the question of the day. Long before Sunday morning, Scott Zeller had planned on preaching a message about the return of Christ! His text was Matthew 24:14, in which Jesus says, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” King Jesus is coming again to renew and restore his broken world and destroy evil forever.

Until then, we have a job to do. We are to be people of faith, hope, and love in the midst of a dark world. As Paul says in Romans 12:21, “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” Only the love of God in Christ can ultimately overcome the evil that lies within the human heart. Let us go forth as instruments of light, proclaiming the gospel to every people group on earth, that all peoples may know him.

Please pray for the incredibly strategic work that Scott and other gospel workers are doing in Dubai. Pray specifically for the work of Redeemer Church, where people from over 50 people groups worship each Sunday. Pray for the Gulf Training Center, where people are being trained and deployed to nations that desperately need the Savior. Isn’t it awesome to know that through gospel warriors like Scott and Nashaat, FBC is deeply involved in gospel advance in the most gospel needy place?

This Sunday is Father’s Day, so I am going to bring a special message from Joshua 1:1-9. The message will apply to any believer, but I want to speak “man to man” to the guys in our church.

Summer time is wonderful, in so many ways. As you get outside and in some cases get out of town for vacation, don’t ever neglect your walk with God. And remember your church family, in your prayers and in your tithes and offerings. God is greatly at work among us, and the best is yet to come! I love you, sweet church family.

See you this Sunday!

Dr. Thurman Hayes, Jr.