Last Sunday Pastor Lucas preached from 1 Corinthians 16:1-4, concerning the collection for the saints. How we give will reveal what you and I believe about the greatest giver.
We give on purpose because it was our Father's purpose to give his Son. You can listen to the sermon here.
The bible doesn't primarily answer the question "How can you go to heaven?" It's about how God is remaking the heavens and earth, starting with Jesus and one day us and the world in kind.
Scott and Rachel participated in last year's Art of Marriage group. Here is what they shared on Sunday, encouraging us to register for this year. It starts in October.
- Scott
Rach and I did the Art of Marriage series at the Cunningham’s a little over a year ago. Up until that point we had gone to a few marriage conferences and seminar type things throughout our marriage. That might come as a shock to those of you who think I need much more help as a husband than what 3 marriage seminars has to offer. I think I’m becoming a better husband since the Art of Marriage series.
I’d invite you to think of this group in the same way you would our small groups. Our small groups aren’t exclusively for those who are near rock bottom in their lives, or for those who are championing Christianity. It is for the members of our church to share in this life together, and meeting together is a precious and joyous occasion for us. The Marriage series is an extension of that except the scope is narrowed to marriage and the Gospel and the obvious fact that it’s only 6 meetings or so. The video content is exceptional, but God meeting us through transparency and vulnerability in community was much more profound. So whether you are newly married or have been married for a long time, whether you are at a low point, a mid point, or a high point in your marriage, it is good to come together to help one another’s marriages be a better parable of Christ and the church. Paul teaches in Ephesians that the covenant between husband and wife is meant to tangibly illustrate the covenant between Christ and his bride, the church. This series is meant to aid one another toward that end. A lasting benefit for Rachel and me is that we communicate better with one another and handle disagreement much better though it took a few awful disagreements in the car-rides over to the Cunningham’s before progress was made.
- Rachel
Like Scott mentioned, the community aspect of the group really blessed us. We were the youngest and most recently married couple of the group and with marriage and Christ in common, we got to spend time with some amazing couples that we wouldn’t be able to spend that much time with otherwise.
One of my biggest take-aways from the group meetings was from the personal stories of some of the amazing marriages of couples in this church. We talked about the reality of dry-spells and times of easy loving passion- the reality of the possibility of “falling out of love” and still choosing to glorify Christ with their committed marriages and the work it takes to see one another as Christ sees us: broken and in desperate need of eternal love.
We hope that if you can carve out some time, that you would choose to participate in the Art of Marriage group. Conversation with good people about learning to love your spouse more like Christ loves us is a good thing, no matter where you are in your marriage, if you are engaged or married for 30 years, we can all use this reminder.
Our pattern of guest receptions (with our trademark BUCK-O-SLICE pizza) is changing. The Woman's Club garden is also becoming less available. All of this means we need a new place to picnic.
So beginning this November, we will move over to the plaza. First Sundays. Every other month. We'll have blankets on the lawn. A great time to share a meal and meet our neighbors.
You can read more about our new guest lunches here.
We share meals together. It's a wonderful expression of friendship and hospitality and we are always looking to make room for new friends. Yet as our congregation grows, old methods become less effective. We must adapt. The "guest" table is full.
Beginning this October, our pastors will host regular lunches at a nearby restaurant for newcomers. We'll limit the size of the party to ensure everyone has a seat at the table. Children are welcome and hopefully meaningful conversations will occur.
Please pray for these lunches. Searching for a church home is a challenge. It can be lonely, discouraging, and confusing. We want these lunches to be a blessing to our guests and newcomers, whether they stay at Sovereign Grace or not.
Please encourage guests to register for an upcoming lunch. Plans are in the works to improve our communications through print and web. However, you will always be the best invite.
Most people have no problem picturing Jesus as Healer, Teacher, Revolutionary, and Pharisee Basher. But we stumble when we think of him as Judge.
Have you ever considered that Jesus is a Judge unlike any other Judge?
He is the only Judge who makes guilty criminals into joy-filled sons and daughters.
This Sunday we will sing a new song of Confession that pictures Jesus as the Judge whom we have no reason to fear. Listen to it above and read the lyrics below.
VERSE 1
O holy Judge, here is my heart
What can I say to You?
Where could I run, how could I hide?
Darkness is day to You
The heart of a man is a maze within
So, come, light the way, illuminate sin
Nothing’s concealed, all is revealed
Jesus, I yield to You
CHORUS
Judge of the secrets
Of the hearts of men
Here I surrender
And humbly repent
You've conquered my soul
Now be its defense
Judge of the secrets
Of the hearts of men
VERSE 2
I was condemned under Your law
Rightly I stood accused
I felt my need, my conscience agreed
I was without excuse
So how can I judge the ones who fall?
I know in my heart I’m just like them all
I will confess: my righteousness
Jesus, must rest in You
TAG
O holy Judge, here is my heart
What can I say to You?
I will not run, I will not hide
I know I’m safe with You
Last Sunday Pastor Eric preached from 1 Corinthians 15:1-11, reminding us of that which is of first importance. The gospel.
The remedy for the soul that is restless or indifferent isn't the discovery of a new cause or subject of interest. It's Christ and what He has accomplished through His death, burial, and resurrection. He alone can fascinate us for eternity.