Wise Speech from Proverbs

While usually we focus on the exposition of one particular text, there are some subjects which are best covered from several texts.
This week we are going to consider what the book of Proverbs says about our speech.
Wise speech is more than a matter of technique.
Our words have theological significance.
Our ability to speak is an important aspect of our being in God’s image.
Because of the fall we often use our speech to promote our own kingdom instead of His Kingdom.
It is only through the inward change which comes through union with Christ that we can change.

We Need Deacons

You may have noticed that there is a great variety of leadership structures used in churches today. Some look to tradition. Others look to a business model.
We believe that the Bible is sufficient, revealing all we need to know about how to run Christ’s church (II Tim. 3:16-17 I Tim. 3:15).
Christ is the head of the church. He has appointed Elders (Overseers/Pastors) to provide spiritual oversight. Deacons who do what it takes to help the Elders so that they can be devoted to the ministry of the Word and to prayer.

I plan to preach from the two New Testament Texts which set for the the origin, function and qualifications for our Deacons.

Because tomorrow is Fathers Day, I’ll also mention that every man should aspire to the character qualities expected of our Deacons, and I thank God that so many of our men do reflect these qualities.

Abide in Christ

This Sunday we will consider a most precious text in which Jesus portrays Himself as the Vine, His Father as the Vinedresser, and us as the branches.

This passage brings out both our total dependence upon Him and our responsibility to abide in Him.

Jesus also spells out what it means to abide in Him.

God seeks fruitfulness. Israel was the Vine in the Old Testament, but failed to produce fruit (Isa. 5).

Jesus is the True Vine Who brings forth fruit for God. We are intimately united to Him and are also fruitful unto the glory of God.

Restoring the People: Revival!

This week, we welcome back the Newheisers from the Phillippines, and are treated to a sermon prepared for that trip.

God Speaks Through Creation

I plan to preach from Psalm 19 over the next two Sundays. C.S. Lewis called this the greatest Psalm in the Psalter.
Psalm 19 praises God for the two ways in which He reveals Himself. He speaks through general revelation in the creation (which we will cover this week) in verses 1-6.
He also speaks gloriously through His Word (which we will cover next week in verses 7-10). Finally, we are called to respond to the Lord’s revelation of Himself (verses 11-14).

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.