In the midst of all that is written or spoken about the church, often overlooked is the truth that the church must be defined to a large extent by its practice of assembling. The Greek word which is translated church over 100 times in the New Testament is also translated assembly three times when the …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: The Church Demonstrates Its True Nature”
Today I will assemble with the spiritual family on Baxter’s campus. Perhaps as many as 1000 Christians will gather to worship, representing different countries of Latin America and various states of the United States, and representing many different congregations. Gathering together in the amphitheater, now covered with a permanent roof, we will sing and pray, …
During my years of preaching ministry, I usually awoke early on Sunday mornings. I remember that often I wondered what God would do among his people on that day. That attitude of anticipation blessed my preaching ministry across more than four decades. As I thought about what God would do, I considered that he might …
The first Sunday of November–time to adjust the clocks (Fall Back, Spring Forward). This is the good time change, or at least it is the easier time change for my body. For me, changing the clock marks the seasonal transition. Summer is really over, fall has arrived. I like to look back and evaluate where …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Park Plaza IdC Seminar”
Another Sunday, worship with another congregation within the spiritual family. I have been asked to teach and preach. No specific instructions, but I know what is needed–a word of encouragement! We will focus on missions–God blesses us with marvelous opportunities to make a difference in our world. We will remember God’s love and Christ’s sacrifice …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: A Word of Encouragement”
Today will be a spectacular day in the Lord! First, the opportunity to worship and praise the Lord is an incredible thing when one considers the human frailty and the divine righteousness. That God accepts our worship is unbelievable. That God wants relationship with us is beyond imagination. To worship and praise the Lord is …
Continue reading “It’s Sunday Again: Praising, Praying, Preaching”
I have been thinking about and anticipating today since last Wednesday evening’s Bible class. The conversation during the class and afterward, and the sweet fellowship we enjoyed as we lingered together to laugh and love, whetted my appetite for sharing time with the spiritual family. Today is the day we meet. Together we will come …
Today I will be with my local church family again–I have been away on missionary travels for the last three weeks. I have enjoyed the time with hundreds of brothers and sisters in Ecuador and Colombia, but I have missed my time with the local church family, and I am anticipating the joy and celebration …
The church is not God’s gift to the world. Christ is God’s gift to the world. The church is a part of God’s plan. The church is the repository of those who are saved by Christ. The church is a demonstration of God’s power and wisdom in uniting diverse people. The church willingly accepts the …
Sunday is many things to me. Some Sundays I contemplate one aspect of God and the Christian life, on another Sunday my thoughts take a different turn. Today I am grateful. First of all, for the forgiveness and restored relationship God provides in Christ. Second, for the blessings he provides–especially family, Christian family, and friends. …
