STAY TRUE TO THE END

March 29, 2026

See if you can guess what famous American general I’m about to describe.

He was born in Connecticut and joined an army near Boston to fight the British in the American Revolution.  George Washington spoke glowingly of his bravery, intelligence and endurance.

He captured Fort Ticonderoga in 1775.  He also forced the British to delay their attack on New York, allowing Washington to secure the city.

He was brilliant in other battles until he was injured and couldn’t fight for a few years.

He was promoted to major general.  Washington made him commander of the strategic West Point.  But this brilliant soldier felt he was being ignored by the Continental Congress.  He also married into a family which was loyal to Britain.  So, he planned on giving West Point to the British.  The Continental Army discovered this and hung one of his accomplices.  The officer then defected to the British and led British armies to victory against his former comrades, even burning a city in his native state.

That brilliant traitor was Benedict Arnold.  His name is synonymous for traitor not only in American history but also in Britain.  He began well but ended horribly.

We can begin well, but to find favor with God we must stay true to the end.

Sunday I’m preaching on “Stay True to the End” from John 19:16-30.  We’ll talk about “See the King of Truth,” verses 16-22; “Stay True to Your Family,” verses 23-27; and “Stay True till It is Finished,” verses 28-30.  This passage is about one of the greatest, most moving events in all of history, the crucifixion of Christ.  Please join us as we worship and learn together.

Also, please invite people to our Good Friday Service, April 3, 6:00.  We’ll have music, the Lord’s Supper and a dramatic monologue in which I’ll portray John in “Go from the Cross to Pure Joy.”  The Easter Season is a great time to invite people to church.  Seize the day!

Love,

Jim Meek