With the upcoming child dedication, January 17th, it is important that we take a moment to discuss its meaning and purpose.
Beginning January 3rd through April 24th we will work our way through the book of Philippians. These months will provide for us a with an opportunity to examine consider Paul’s heart for the church in Phillipi. Read more
Some may not understand why I get so excited about a sermon series, so allow me to explain. First, it is the word of God and I am always amazed by the depth and hope of each passage. This is true of 1 John, because every passage is an explosion of life changing truth. Secondly, every new book has some unique benefits. You may be asking, “What are the unique benefits of 1 John?” Read more
Most people think Christmas is about traditions, family time, and gifts. Marty Machowski doesn’t disagree, but helps us find all of these in Christ. Read more
When this church has a special Sunday to invite friends, there will be no pyrotechnics, no motorcycle stunts, and no elaborate stage set. While those things may make for great entertainment, they are a cheap substitute for worship. Instead it will be a normal Sunday with Scripturally centered Bible study, God exalting worship, and a Gospel centered message. So, why have a special Sunday for inviting friends to your church? Why invite friends into the normal rhythm of Church life? I would like to answer this in the following two ways.
Maybe you have noticed some new updates to Facebook this week. In their desire to continue to develop the world’s largest social media website, they are constantly seeking to enhance many social aspects. Since 2009 they have had the following mission statement,
You can see this mission being carried out in many of their new updates. For example, this week they have added “What You’re Doing” to status updates. You can now share at any moment how you are feeling, what you are watching and reading, and activities. They have made it even more convenient to for people to share every aspect of their lives.
The Vacation Bible School craft cost $2. The Inflatable permit cost $120. The value of the members participating, priceless. The value of church members cannot be determined by their tithe, hours of service, or abilities. It is not determined by the number of children they bring to Vacation Bible School or lead to Christ. The value of a member is directly related to God’s placement of them in the body of Christ. In other words every member of the Church is irreplaceable because they are placed there by God. Read more
“…manifested in his word through the preaching…”
WHY IS LISTENING IMPORTANT?
Preaching finds its importance in the doctrine of Scripture. If we value the Word of God then we will value the exposition of it from the pulpit. If we value the exposition of the Word from the pulpit then we will value each opportunity we have to listen. We will listen with intensity as the words of the God who created all things is being proclaimed before our eyes. Titus 1:1-3 says,
Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness, in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in his word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior…
Paul as a servant of God understood his role was to preach the word and here he is reminding Titus that the hope of eternal life was made known to us through the preaching of the Word. Thus we understand that preaching finds its significance in the hope of eternity found in the Word. Read more