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The January Family Night was held on Friday evening, January 23, with the theme “Signs of the End Times.” The congregation was encouraged to study the publication “A Glimpse into the Future” beforehand.

The evening opened with a congregational song, “I Can Almost Hear the Sound of the Trumpet,” followed by prayer and announcements. Jennifer Worthington, with support from Tolu Adesope, then led a game of Bible Pictionary. Volunteers participated from three age groups, drawing either a Bible verse or event that the group had to identify. Elijah Baros went first, drawing a stick-figure depiction of the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, which proved challenging to guess. For the younger group, Elliot Vories drew the Good Samaritan, which Charity Hinkle guessed correctly. Shelby Warberg drew last for the youngest attendees, illustrating the earth and the sun, which Simone Oni correctly identified as God creating the universe. Kennedy Warberg was also an enthusiastic participant, and both girls won a small prize.

Sola Adesope introduced the Bible study topic, reminding the congregation that the coming of the Lord is soon. Jesus instructed His followers to watch for the signs indicating His imminent return, and that instruction applies today. Brother Sola compared these signs to familiar warning indicators, such as dashboard lights in a car that alert drivers when fuel is low or a seat belt is unbuckled. The congregation then separated into three groups for focused discussions about the different signs Jesus gave, before reassembling to share their insights.

The first group discussed end-times signs related to Israel and prophecy. Erik Calhoun led that group, which zeroed in on Israel’s history, recent events, and what Scripture indicates about the future of that nation. He presented a timeline beginning with the fall of Israel in 597 B.C., followed by the fall of Jerusalem in A.D. 70, and then centuries of various empires controlling the region. The establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 was highlighted as significant in the fulfillment of prophecy and as paving the way for the rebuilding of the Temple and other events yet to come.

John Musgrave explained the thoughts covered in his group's focus on signs concerning nations and nature. He noted that there are many “wars and rumors of wars,” with 56 conflicts currently occurring around the world. An estimated 27% of the global population faces famine and there is widespread persecution of Christians in countries such as Nigeria, North Korea, Somalia, and Yemen. Against this troubling backdrop, the Gospel continues to spread. As of 2025, the Bible has been translated into 4,457 languages, and modern technology allows many people easy access to God’s Word on their phones.

Randy Baltzell presented the third group’s discussion, focusing on signs of the times in individual lives, families, and society. He cited 2 Timothy 3:2, “Men shall be lovers of their own selves.” Many people pursue personal interests without regard for spiritual well-being. Families are undermined by current cultural norms, and trust within society is diminishing. In such an environment, a Christian’s responsibility is to help point those seeking answers to Jesus.

While these factors may seem bleak, Brother Sola closed the evening with a message of encouragement, reminding the congregation, “There is hope!” Christians can heed the signs that Jesus’ return is near and look forward to being with Him for all eternity.

The evening concluded with a time of prayer, then a time for fellowship and dessert.

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