Today will go down in history, at least in my own little world, as a radical rollercoaster. We had an incredible day at First Baptist Church, Cave Springs today, including the addition of a new church member and a discussion with another couple who expressed their intent to join next week. We had a fabulous … Continue reading Glorious Day, Yet Grieving…
I have watched with great interest (and concern) at the evolution of "church membership" over the years. This obviously is seasoned with my own personal experiences, from an early background attending (and technically a "member" of) the Episcopal Church while growing up, to various excursions into differing faith groups - and ultimately being redeemed, baptized, … Continue reading Redefine or Rediscover Church Membership
There are many misconceptions today about many areas of Christianity. There is even a movement among some Christian groups away from a “formal” church membership. The New Testament never mentions the term (in any translation I am familiar with) “church member”, but the attitude with which Paul writes to the various churches and to Timothy … Continue reading Church Membership? (why should I join?)
Biblically, we see in the New Testament, elders/pastors basically appointed by the faithful to lead local congregations. Those men were entrusted with "feeding" Christ's sheep. They were appointed to be leaders who literally ran the affairs of each local church. Church members (saints) were expected, so long as that elder/pastor remained qualified and faithful to the work, to submit to their authority, and to serve along side them willingly and with joy in the Kingdom work.
As I sit here trying to engage fully in prayer and study, I find my self flooded with tears. Certainly there is plenty to grieve when it comes to the condition of our nation - the hatred, the resurgence of politician and media-fueled (even engineered) racism, the ongoing holocaust of abortion, and of course - … Continue reading US Elections and Divisions Among Brethren
Jesus promised that the "gates of Hell" won't prevail against His church, but someone once opined "Satan couldn't beat the church, so he joined it". While this might be a bit melodramatic it does sadly portray what has become of "church" in so many ways - whether it be the world coming in and turning the … Continue reading How to Discourage Your Pastor (Or Even Kill Your Church)
Paul wrote to the Corinthian Church: It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife. And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.For though absent in body, … Continue reading Immorality Destroying the Church
Jesus was preached... ...were you there?The Word of God Proclaimed... ...were you there?God was glorified... … Continue reading Where You There?
This post is going to reflect my heart - and unfortunately, in large part - my fleshly heart. My heart aches tonight. After what I believe was a great Sunday School lesson that dealt with idols in our lives, a spirit-led message this morning that was an incredible encouragement to me (the preacher!) about the … Continue reading Missing In Action
Jesus said in Matthew 16:18"I will build my church, and <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(C)">the gates of <span class="crossreference" style="font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(D)">hell shall not prevail against it."But what exactly did Jesus mean by that? The common interpretation is that the church that Jesus built in His earthly ministry would not succumb to Satan's attacks - … Continue reading The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail…But what about Apathy?
Contending For Christ 