In a recent Christian Chronicle article titled “Why are kids leaving the church? The answer lies in Parents” the statement was made that “Children will look as much like Jesus as their parents and fellow church members do.” With that thought in mind, we decided at a recent family outing to ask our children what it was that influenced them to become Christians and what motivated them to actively keep their faith in God. Some of t... read all »
If you were to ask an honest saint how their prayer life is going, most will likely tell you that their prayer life is poor. If prayer is so highly praised and so encouraged in the Bible, how come we don’t pray as often or as fervently as we should? Here are a few thoughts.
Prayer life is adversely affected at various times and to various degrees by:
1. The sneaking feeling that prayer doesn’t really work
2. Perso... read all »
I recently read the following article about evangelism that could be adapted for our use.
“What is the method? I call it newsletter evangelism. It involves passing out a series
of about 25 different newsletters to homes in your area by church members who volunteer
to have “paper-routes” of the size of their choosing, for about a 3 month period.
After passing out the series of newsletters, members then go into the community and
meet these fine ... read all »
The following points are recurring topics in these letters and they would likely be things that Jesus would say to us today.
Jesus knows His churches. He said such things as: “I know your deeds”, I know where you dwell”, “I know your tribulation”. He knew Antipas of Pergemum by name. He knows us very well.
He wants churches to guard their teaching. We must understand there is always a tendency to drift away, so we must caref... read all »
In this season of the year, we look forward to the Thanksgiving holiday. It is a time to remember the reasons we have for being thankful. Among other things for which we should be thankful would include our family, friends, the food and the freedom we have in this great nation. Yet another and most important is remembering all the benefits provided to us by Jehovah God. A great source of joy and thanksgiving surely comes from being a child of God; a Christian. Paul&... read all »
Have you ever wondered what Jesus the Christ looked like? It is rather amazing that we have much information about what He taught and what He did, but we have no description of His appearance. Artists have over the years given us paintings of what they assumed He looked like, yet not one of them ever saw Jesus. Perhaps His earthly appearance was not important since we have no description of Him. However, with that being the case, we are not left without information ... read all »
The Apostle Peter gives to each of us some keys for sharing God’s nature with ourselves. These characteristics are to be added to our life since they do not come naturally. In other words, it takes effort on our part.
“Now for this very reason also, applying all diligence, in your faith supply moral excellence, and in your moral excellence, knowledge; and in your knowledge, self-control, and in your self-control, perseverance, and in your perseverance... read all »
The word “worship” is nowhere defined in Scripture. Worship is defined from “proskuneo” meaning to make obeisance, to do reverence to. Worship is an act. It is not an unconscious something or other, not accomplished unthinkingly or accidentally, but by intent and discipline. Worship comes from the heart. While worship is an act, it is not by rote, or a mechanically performed ritual.
A second word that helps understand worship is “lat... read all »
Jesus taught his disciples parable about a man going on a journey and while he was to be gone, he entrusted his possessions to three slaves. To one he gave five talents, to another, two and to another, one, each according to his own ability. Immediately the one who had received five talents went and traded and gained five more talents. In the same manner the one who had received two talents gained two more. But he who received the one talent went away and dug a hole... read all »
We can learn much about our circumstances of life from the parable of the sower. We can learn that as we go through life there is always a real possibility of falling away from God. Jesus said there are those who have heard the word of God and as they go their way, they are choked with worries, riches and pleasures of this life. (Luke 8:14)
Mark 4: 18,19 records that some because of worries of the world, the deceitfulness of riches, and the desires for other thin... read all »
Our Bible classes are one very important way we can all pursue spiritual growth as our Lord intended for us. Our spiritual growth should include:
A. Growing in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (II Pet.3:18).
B. To our faith we are, with diligence, to add moral excellence, knowledge, self control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness, and love in order that we may be useful and fruitful for our Lord (II Pet. 1:5-8).
C. We gr... read all »
Your shepherds in this church have a tremendous responsibility in trying to provide you a continuous opportunity to learn the scriptures (Matt. 28:19,20). That learning opportunity includes equipping each one through Bible study so that we can all be built up together in the work of service to the Lord and each other (Eph. 4:11,12).
At least three methods of learning are very important to every family.
1. We are all encouraged to read and study the scriptures ... read all »
In the congregational survey, one of the areas frequently mentioned was an improvement in our parking. Much of the concrete at the west of the building has cracked over time and has become a bit of a tripping hazard because of uneven surfaces. I am aware of two incidents in which two of our members have caught the toe of their shoe and have fallen down on the concrete. This needs correction.
Other suggestions were that it would be very helpful if the parking spac... read all »
A few weeks ago, we asked this church family for suggestions/comments on several areas which included worship, Bible classes, youth work, fellowship events, sermon topics, office, building & grounds, and other categories. We received responses from 22 individuals. Every suggestion/comment has been reviewed. We are very thankful to those who took the time to respond because these have presented ideas for improvements. This entire effort has been very positive bec... read all »
Most of us can recall what it was about your future spouse that attracted you to that person. It was thrilling (or I sure hope it was). We were so happy to be together, to do things together and to talk together. That romantic time together was exciting. Take a minute and recall for yourself those days of fantastic togetherness. We could not seem to do enough for each other. We were nice to each other, never critical of the other and never spoke harsh words to the o... read all »