Sunday April 3rd
All Aboard (the Jesus Cruise)
Congratulations! You've made the most important decision of your eternal life, what's next?
Like booking a cruise, you've done your research and have discovered that in Christ there is true joy and blessings. You've made your decision and are now "Born of the Spirit". You want to tell the world and God about your decision (Baptism, Confirmation) and tell God too (Communion). All Aboard!
Sunday March 13th
Dynamics of Repentance and Forgiveness
Please watch this video before you watch the message: https://www.facebook.com/pauldchambers/videos/497487738694513
What is the objective of Repentance if not Forgiveness? Can Forgiveness exist apart from Repentance? What does "Biblical" Repentance look like? These questions and more are answered based on 2 Samuel 12 and Psalm 51. This video does not include our time of worship.
A study of Repentance: A study of 2 Samuel 12:1-14 and Psalm 51
The Bible describes the process of genuine repentance and King David is an excellent example (2 Samuel 12:1-23). David suffered punishments and consequences for his sins, but his genuine repentance, beautifully expressed in Psalm 51, restored his relationship with God. If we don’t genuinely repent, we lose our discernment and distance ourselves from God. Those who genuinely repent: 1. Know the gravity of their sin and feel genuine sorrow (James 4:7-10). 2. Know they deserve punishment (Hebrews 12:6). 3. Know they’ve sinned against a holy God (Psalm 51:4). 4. Are grateful they’re forgiven and delivered from eternal punishment (Psalm 103:10; Romans 6:23). 5. Understand forgiveness does not free them from earthly consequences and punishment (Psalm 51:12-13(1); 1 Corinthians 11:32; Hebrews 12:11; 1 Peter 4:17).(2) 6. Make restitution and confession when possible and necessary (Matthew 3:8; Luke 19:8; Acts 19:18-19; Acts 26:20; James 5:16).
Sunday March 6, 2022
Message Notes
The History of Lent
Before Lent the first century Christians would fast for 1-2 day, before being baptized on Easter Sunday. Then during the second century the Christian leaders, in solidarity with their congregations, began to fast for 6 days.
At the Council of Nicea, in response to increasing numbers of believers from pagan background and a need for more time to teach about the Resurrection, the church adopted the first Lent of 40 days.
Later in 1966 and 2003 the Catholic church eased the emphasis on fasting.
Examination of the process and actions of Lent
Sacrifice: Not only that of Christ but our sacrifice for others. Fasting: Remembrance tool as well as a physical sacrifice, Pray: Not just for ourselves, but others Give: Acts 2:44-45, Penance: Reflection on what part we contribute to others suffering; either by action OR our inaction, Reconciliation: Annual review of separations and ACTION to repair relationships.
Social Justice Demands Action; James 2:14-17; Matthew 7:12
Scripture
Acts 2:44-45; 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need.
James 2:14-17; 14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.
Matthew 7:12; 2 So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.
