Declaring God's Faithfulness- September 2019

Laura and I (Joshua) began attending the Presbyterian Church of Wellsville about one year ago. We were enjoying the Labor Day weekend at a local campground and were hoping to find a faithful church that was close by. Upon arriving, we found the people of Wellsville PCA to be very welcoming, and the preaching to be thoroughly themed with Christ and His work of redemption. A refreshing reminder of God’s faithfulness to His people marked our first impression of Wellsville PCA. We decided to become members shortly thereafter.

Neither Laura nor I were raised in a Reformed church, and have only come to hold such convictions in the last few years. Having spent most of my Christian life in the Charismatic movement, I thought that my standing with God depended upon my faithfulness to His commands and engaging in spiritual disciplines. Chasing after mystical experiences, following false prophets, and being obsessed with finding the hidden will of God were the primary preoccupations of my life. It was an exhausting way to live.

It was a wonderful relief for me to learn, through the sound teaching of Scripture by Reformed teachers, that God has freely reconciled us to Himself in Christ completely apart from our works.

He not only brings us to Himself, He promises to see us through until the end. Learning that Christ has done everything to secure the salvation of His people, from beginning to end, has enabled me to rest from trying to earn my way with God. Because He has given us His righteousness and taken our sin upon Himself; our yoke is truly easy, and our burden truly light.

Lord willing, we look forward to many years of fellowship here at Wellsville PCA. Thank you for welcoming us into this church, and may we see His kingdom come and His will be done here as it is in Heaven. -The Smoker family

Editor’s note: We are thankful for God’s providential leading of Josh and Laura to our church here in Wellsville to worship with us, and to become members of this part of the body of Christ. We are blessed by their commitment to our group and their participation in the work and fellowship in this congregation. The Smokers live in Coudersport, PA.-Dorothy Achilles

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