Sin’s Wages and God’s Gift

Romans 6:23 - For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

A Model Church

When developers start a new housing project they usually build a “model home” which serves as a pattern for the other homes to be constructed. In Acts 2 God establishes the first church which serves as a pattern for us. We will look at the way in which the church was initially formed: through the preaching of the gospel. Then we will consider the practices to which the early church was devoted as a model for our church.

Financial Wisdom from Proverbs

Most of you are aware of the sharp downturn in the housing market which has been caused by defaults by subprime borrowers.
As we drive around our neighborhood we see many “for sale: foreclosure” signs. These problems in the housing sector have caused major problems in the construction and banking sectors which have led to significant layoffs. There is concern that the entire economy may go into recession.

What does all of this have to do with the Bible? These problems in our economy are caused by what the book of Proverbs calls foolishness. If more people had been following the principles of financial wisdom contained in Proverbs (especially concerning debt), their problems would be much less severe.

Today I will be preaching on “Financial Wisdom from Proverbs.” Proverbs gives a balanced perspective on wealth and teaches us how to acquire, spend and save money wisely. We also will speak of Him who took our debt upon Himself and thereby made us rich (II Cor. 8:9).

Missions to the End of the Earth

In our Sunday evening service, Fikret Böcek, a pastor from Turkey, shared about his conversion from Islam to Christianity and Christ’s commission to His church.

Wise Work in Proverbs

This past week we celebrated “Labor Day” which may be fitting because most of us spend more hours on our vocation than on any other activity (or at least we should be!). The Bible has much to say about Christian vocation, especially in the book of Proverbs. The Word of God teaches us that the wise and godly person isn’t found in the monastery meditating and reading all day, but rather in the field, in the office, and in the kitchen working for the glory of God. The Scripture tells us the secrets to success in our careers and warns us against the folly of laziness.

We will be covering many texts, but a focus will be Proverbs 6:6-11.

Unity

Ephesians 4:1-6 – Therefore I, the prisoner of the Lord, implore you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling with which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, showing tolerance for one another in love, being diligent to preserve the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all who is over all and through all and in all.

The Victory of God’s Anointed King

I will be preaching from Psalm 2, which declares the victory of God’s anointed King over those who rebel against Him.
Though the world is in turmoil because of its rebellion against God, He Who sits in heaven is not disturbed. He has established His Anointed One to rule over the earth.
Those who rebel will be crushed which is why all people should submit to God’s Anointed Son while there is time.

As you read the Psalm think of how it speaks of David, how it speaks of Jesus, and how it speaks of our situation.

Radical Grace for Rebellious People

No one likes to hear bad news, but often through it good can come. The same is true for the people of Judah. Their condition was far worse than they imagined, yet the Lord was willing to show them incredible grace. As we look at this passage tomorrow, we will be made aware of the sins that lie deep within our hearts, and be encouraged by God’s gracious work to remedy the situation through faith in Christ.

Please read Isaiah 1 before you come to service tomorrow.