Church Family,

I hope you have enjoyed the past several weeks of looking at Romans eight.  I would strongly encourage you to make it a regular habit to read Romans eight frequently and remind yourself of the greater realities we have in Christ.  We have endured a lot and will endure a lot before 2020 is over, so it would be wise for us to revisit what the Godhead has done and is doing in our life.  This past Sunday, we were reminded of Christ’s death, resurrection, ascension, and intercession.  That in Him, we are no longer condemned, and ultimately no charge can be brought against those who stand under the shed blood and broken body of Christ, who has been raised and now sits at the right hand of God interceding for us.  Good news, indeed!

God in Fullness

This week on Wednesday, September 2, at 6:30 pm, we will have our first lecture in our series God in Fullness.  This series will explore different attributes of God to stir our affections for Him and give us stability in such uncertain times.  The lectures will take place on zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89672108549) and have time for questions and answers at the end.  The lectures will be broadcast on Facebook Live, but to participate in the Q and A, you will have to use zoom.  Click here for the schedule of lectures.

Church Family,

The Lord has been gracious to us over the last several weeks through the encouragement He has provided in Romans eight.  This past Sunday, as we began the final section of this glorious chapter, we likened it to a crescendo.  Paul moves sound theology towards a magnificent culmination of realities we have in Christ.  We felt the weight of our adoption in understanding that God continues to give graciously as our Father.  The conclusion, “If God is for us, who can be against us” (Rom 8:31).  How can we say that, “He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” (Rom 8:32).  Brothers and Sisters, take adequate time this week to reflect deeply on these truths!

Let Us Pray!

This Wednesday (Aug 26th) at 6:30 pm will be our first in-person prayer gathering for the fall.  These gatherings will take place every other week with our lecture series God in Fullness on the off-weeks.  If you are unable to join us in person, here is the zoom link for you to participate (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88698579623).

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Bryan

Church Family,

This past Sunday was a time of deep encouragement as we looked at how The Spirit helps us in our weakness (Romans 8:26-27).  He intercedes with us and for us in our broken and incoherent prayers.  He brings them to God in accordance with God’s will.  The late J. I. Packer commenting on this verse put it in the simplest of terms, “The Spirit fixes our prayers on the way up.”[1]  He, God the Spirit, knows God the Father and God the Father knows The Spirit well!  There is no miscommunication between them, so when The Spirit helps by interceding, he takes our prayers and brings them into accordance with God’s good and sovereign will (Romans 8:28-30).  We are not alone in our present troubles and we can trust that the Godhead will carry us all the way home because of His sovereignty (Romans 8:28).

Fall Ministry Efforts

• God in Fullness:  This will be a series of lectures discussing the attributes of God.  These lectures will aim to define and show from Scripture the attribute being discussed, unpack the difficulties and misunderstandings, make general implications with specific applications to our current uncertainty, and lastly have time for questions and answers.  They will take place every other Wednesday starting on September 2nd at 6:30 pm.  These lectures will utilize Zoom.
• Let us Pray:  On the off-weeks of God in Fullness, we will have in-person prayer gatherings.  These prayer gatherings will begin on August 26th at 6:30 pm.  This time of prayer will be focused and guided by praying for church-related issues, and community and global gospel work.  If there are prayer requests you have please email us beforehand so we can compile a list of the requests we feel most urgent.

[1]  Derek W. H. Thomas, How The Gospel Brings Us All The Way Home, (Sanford, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011), p. 87

Church Family,

I do hope you all are well and enjoying God as your greatest source of comfort.  Sunday was a timely look at Romans 8:18-25 and provided truths that help sustain us during these uncertain times.  Unfortunate circumstances that bring suffering in various degrees we should expect, but those difficulties we are not to embrace as our ultimate reality.  “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Rom 8:18).  We should and must remain hopeful because we are children of God patiently waiting for the fullness of our union with Christ.  The already suffering serves as a potent reminder there is more to come and ultimately enjoy in the not yet glories.

Disciple-Makers

We began a two-semester course called Disciple-Makers in the fall of 2019 that we intended to have each fall.  As the fall approaches and there are still more concerns about the long-term effects of COVID-19 and uncertainty of what is most helpful to avoid spreading it, we are adjusting the schedule.  I will give more details this coming Sunday but mark your calendars to begin Disciple-Makers August 26th.  I’m excited about the fall, though it’s not what we had initially planned. I am praying, and confident the Lord will use our efforts to stir our affections for Him and strengthen our connections with each other.

Jefferson Elementary Donations

Many of you have already dropped off some supplies, but if you have not, don’t worry, we will continue collecting for the next few weeks.  Below is a list of the supplies needed.

We have tried to create more content for you to enjoy during these weird times to help stay connected, and more importantly, to hopefully continue to engage God’s Word.  Beyond the Sermon Podcast was created to continue the conversation about Sunday’s Sermon and help to push it into your week.  So much happens on a Sunday, and we don’t want to lose the convictions, truths, or fresh reminders uncovered by the preaching of God’s Word.  Click here to check out all the episodes.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Bryan

Church Family,

I pray and hope the last two weeks have been profoundly encouraging to you all as we have been exploring Romans eight.  It has been described this way, “We are not dealing here with mere theology. As Paul wrote, his pen gave evidence that he was caught up in an experience of profound worship and spiritual adoration.”[1]  Others have said that it is “profound in theology, soaring in eloquence, and thrilling in impact.”[2]  It is a great and encouraging word for us in these times that we live.  Last Sunday, we were reminded that our debt is not to the flesh/sin, but Christ, not to repay, but to enjoy all the benefits of His work on the cross.  We are ones who must battle sin, stay hopeful, enjoy God, pour ourselves out, disciple others, and a host of other joys; because we can!

Jefferson Elementary School

As many of you know, we have established a long-term partnership with Jefferson Elementary to help in any way.  We’ve asked what they need in light of the unusual beginning to the school year.  They indicated that school supplies would be best because teachers are making up bags to give to the students.  So starting this Sunday, we will be collecting supplies in the foyer.  See the list below:

• crayons
• pencils
• pencil sharpeners
• spiral notebooks
• highlighters
• erasers
• colored pencils

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Bryan

[1]  Robert H. Mounce, Romans (vol. 27; The New American Commentary; Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1995), 174.

[2] From the forward by Sinclair Ferguson for Derek  W. H. Thomas, How The Gospel Brings Us All The Way Home, (Sanford, FL: Reformation Trust Publishing, 2011), xi.

Church Family,

I hope you all are well.  As our series in Proverbs comes to a close, I pray you have been encouraged, strengthened, and convicted.  Proverbs has spoken in direct terms and given us a lot to consider when it comes to everyday life.  This past Sunday was no exception.   Aging is something we all endure and cannot escape.  Get as many surgeries as you like, put on as much product as you can, or work out as often as you like, you simply cannot avoid aging.  Unfortunately, millions of dollars are spent to overcome something the bible says we should embrace with joy.  Aging does bring new realities and complications, but it should not be hated.  Proverbs tells us that aging brings with it an opportunity to see our impact on the lives of those who are close to us (Proverbs 17:6).  It brings with it a moment to pour out the wisdom we have gained (biblical gray hair!) through pursuing righteousness (Proverbs 16:31, 20:29).  As we concluded on Sunday, one thing is clear; aging is a process the Lord uses to create greater dependency in our hearts for him and creates greater strength for others.  Whether you are 20 or 60, age in such a way that you grow in dependence upon the Lord and that you become a spring of strength to others around you.

Members Meeting

If you are a member, mark your calendar for July 26th at 6:30 pm.  We will be having a Members Meeting to receive several new members and update everyone on how COVID-19 has impacted us.  There will be two ways for you to engage, 1) in person at the church building and 2) through Zoom.  I will be sending out a Zoom link next week for those who want to use Zoom.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Bryan

Church Family,

This is just a quick note to let everyone know that we will be on the regular schedule we’ve had for the last several weeks.  We will gather in person at 10 am with all the same restrictions in place.  We will continue to provide a Livestream on Facebook.  If you are more comfortable engaging online, feel free to do so with all our support.  If you do, let us know you are watching by saying hello in the comments feed.  If you feel sick, please make use of the Livestream and stay home and rest up.

If you have not checked out our podcast Beyond the Sermon, let me encourage you to click here and check out our latest episode.  It explores justice and mercy and all its complexities.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Bryan

Church Family,

I do hope you all are having a great week thus far.  This past Sunday, we explored the complex issue of justice.  Proverbs provide a lot for us to consider when thinking about justice and injustice.  We all have within us a sense of right and wrong, and when that is violated, we desire justice.  We long for the wrong to be put right and for the right to be celebrated and upheld.  That is what Proverbs precisely puts before us; to do right and fight for the rights of others (Pr 1:3, 31:8-9).  The beauty of justice is that when it is guarded and given, mercy results in that evil is dealt with (Pr 20:8), abuse will cease (Pr 22:10), and rights are protected (Pr 29:7, 31:8-9).  We, as God’s people, should be marked by justice and mercy, for this is at the heart of the gospel (1 Jn 2:1-1).

As we stated on Sunday, we will continue with our current modifications for July.  We will also continue to provide a live stream on Facebook for those who are vulnerable and for those who feel more comfortable staying home.

Lastly, with no end in sight and loads of uncertainty surrounding COVID-19, don’t hesitate to reach out.  You are not alone in your fears, frustrations, and weariness.  God’s good gift to us is each other, so reach out to one another and pray, read God’s Word, and spend time catching up.  If you feel particularly overwhelmed with anxiety, let’s chat.  There are excellent resources out there that I would love to put into your hands, and, more than anything, let’s explore God’s Word together and let His truths comfort us most.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Bryan

Church Family,

For many of us, these days are best described as a roller coaster.  Each day brings new information that brings new difficulties.  This often causes a weariness that begins to influence our hope and faith.  In times like this, it is essential to listen to the words of God more than news feeds and our anxieties.  Isaiah 40:28-30 reminds us that God does not grow weary and will give strength to his people as they cling tightly to him. As we discussed on Sunday, words are important; not only is it wise for us to use our tongue wisely but also to listen to truthful words from God’s tongue (Proverbs 16:24).

UPDATE:

With how rapidly things change, please stay tuned to our news blog and Facebook for the latest updates.  The Leadership Team and I are wading through the information as we receive it to evaluate our in-person Sunday gathering.

Check out episode three below of our Beyond the Sermon Podcast where I talk with Jared Whitehurst about our words.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Bryan