Author Archive

Posted on July 18, 2010 - by Admin

Appreciating Grace

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?”  (Romans 2:4)

This week’s message will examine how we can know we are not taking lightly the kindness of God to us – and answer the question, “How can I know I am heading in the right direction in my relationship with God?” . . .  During our recent children’s camp, we took the group one afternoon to a water park in LaGrange.  On one of the water slides, some of the children were amazed by a little boy who, having started going down the slide a certain distance, decided he didn’t want to go down the slide by himself.  So, mid slide he let go of his mat, reversed his direction and went against the flow of the water and the slope of the slide, crawling on his hands and knees back to his parent.  Through his perseverance, and to the delight of all watching, he made his way safely back to his mom or dad.  To me this child demonstrated what each of us are called to do at some point in our lives.  Reverse the downward direction of rebellion against God and truth (Romans 1) and then turning back to our Father on the upward path- going against the flow of the world, the flesh, and the devil.  God’s kindness and patience is to lead us to this very goal.  Romans 2:1-10 this week will give us the marks which will be in our lives if we are indeed headed in the right direction.  (See notes below)-

“The most important thing in life is to know that Jesus is able to save you from sin.  The second most important thing is to know that you require it.”  (James M. Boice)

*Pray especially for the Bulgaria missing team, leaving Wednesday.  Scott Googe, Cassandra Davis, Lois McHan , and myself will be traveling to share the Gospel, prayer walk, and meet with other Christians there to determine what work God may have for Glenloch in fulfilling Acts 1:8.

Romans 2:1-10                                                                        Appreciating Grace

“Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?”  (Romans 2:4)

To think lightly:  “to think down on, to despise”:

Do not presume or/take lightly the grace of God . . .

It is a sacred trust- do not waste the grace!

*Can you think of anything more dangerous relationally?

“But this kind of manipulative theologizing is to show contempt for God, not honour.  It is not faith;  it is presumption.  For God’s kindness leads us towards repentance.  That is its goal.  It is intended to give us space in which to repent, not to give us an excuse for sinning.”  (Stott)  See also 2 Peter 3:9

To appreciate is to “grasp the nature, worth, quality, or significance of;  to value or admire highly;  to judge with heightened perception or understanding;  to recognize with gratitude;  to increase in number or value.  Appreciation:  “a sensitive awareness.”

Marks of Appreciation:  Be a good steward of the Gospel – a sacred trust.  (2 Cor. 6:1-12)

1.  A repentant heart (v.5):  A turning way from your sin to Christ.

Do you agree with God concerning the nature, weight and effect of your sin?

Psalm 32; Psalm 51:17; Acts 3:19

2.  Good Works (v.6-7):  these prove the genuineness of our faith.

Ephesians 2:10/ Gal. 5:6/ James 2:18-26/ Titus 2:14

“The presence or absence of saving faith in our hearts will be disclosed by the presence or absence of good works of love in our lives.”

3.   Selfless attitude (v.8)

Phil. 2: 1-11/  Eph. 5:1-2/  Rev. 12:11

Give your life away:  die daily to self.

4.  Obedience to Truth (v.8)

Rather than suppressing the truth . . .1 Peter 2:8-9

Jesus said, “If you love me, keep my commandments.”

The end result?

Disobedience leads to wrath, tribulation and distress. (v.7-10)

Obedience leads to glory, honor, immortality, eternal life (John 17:3), and peace.  (See v. 7,10)  John 5:29

Posted on May 29, 2010 - by Admin

Memorial Day

“And when He had taken some bread and given thanks, He broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is My body which is given for you;  do this in remembrance of Me.’  (Luke 22:19)

This weekend we will reflect and remember the sacrifices of those who have gone before us as veterans– and the sacrifice of the One and only who could atone for our sins, Jesus.  Jamie Wynn will return home from seminary and preach a message on the Lord’s supper and its importance in our lives.  Jesus gave us a memorial meal in which we may consider the nature of His love to us;  his substitute for us, sacrifice on our behalf,  and satisfaction of the Father’s just demands.  I hope you will be able to come Sunday and be a part of this time of worship, remembrance and celebration.  Also, it will be Memorial day weekend.  This too is set aside as a time to remember our veterans and the importance of what they have given for us.  Our freedoms and blessings have come at a great cost:

It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.

It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.

It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.

It is the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.

It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.

It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.  By this all men will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”  (John 13:34-35)

“Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.”  (John 15:13)

Posted on May 14, 2010 - by Admin

The Apostle’s Heart

“First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all . . . Thus for my part, I am eager to preach the gospel to you also who are in Rome .”  (Romans 1:8, 15)

Paul’s greeting to the Romans is so packed full of deep theology and heart felt desires that if he were to greet us on the street in this manner we would probably all run for cover from this weird guy.  He greets these Romans with sincere gratitude, grateful for their authentic faith, and lets them know he has been praying for them and an opportunity to come and preach the gospel in Rome .  This is to people he most likely has never met! How his heart has changed from that of Saul’s.  All that follows in the letter will be the truth which transformed his heart, and so many hearts of all who take this letter by faith.  (more…)

Posted on May 7, 2010 - by Admin

The Gospel for Mother’s Day (and every day)

“To all who are beloved of God in Rome , called as saints:  grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.”  (Romans 1:7)

This week I am beginning a series in the book of Romans.  Happy Mother’s Day from the book of Romans!  Should be challenging and also take us into a greater and deeper understanding of who God is, and what He desires in each of our lives.  The church of today has been described as “a river that is a mile wide and an inch deep” – and this could be said of us as individuals and families.  May God save us from shallow faith, thinking and living.  (more…)

Posted on May 6, 2010 - by Admin

Vacation Bible School 2010