both yours and mine
For I am longing to see you so that I may share with you some spiritual gift to strengthen you - or rather so that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. Romans 1:11-12
A simple truth is Christians need each other. When we gather we are right in expecting it to be a mutually encouraging experience. Sin often prevents this but it should never be considered the norm. Why not sow seeds of encouragment into the life of your church and accept the grace that comes to you through your sisters and brothers.
See ya'll Sunday!
A simple truth is Christians need each other. When we gather we are right in expecting it to be a mutually encouraging experience. Sin often prevents this but it should never be considered the norm. Why not sow seeds of encouragment into the life of your church and accept the grace that comes to you through your sisters and brothers.
See ya'll Sunday!
John Piper on Healing, Signs, and Wonders
I went to a prayer gathering at the Church of the Way earlier today. I heard some beautiful stories of God's grace and we prayed bold prayers for God's intervention in our churches. As I was leaving I began to think about God's purposes for answered prayer. This led me to a quote from John Piper. In his sermon titled, How Signs and Wonders Helped Add Multitudes to the Lord, the Baptist pastor said -
But even if signs and wonders can't save the soul, they can, if God pleases, shatter the shell of disinterset; they can shatter the shell of cynicism; they can shatter the shell of false religion. Like every other good witness to the word of grace, they can help the fallen heart to fix its gaze on the gospel where the soul-saving, self-authenticating glory of the Lord shines.
Let's join with the early church in praying - "And now, Lord...grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:29-30 NRSV
But even if signs and wonders can't save the soul, they can, if God pleases, shatter the shell of disinterset; they can shatter the shell of cynicism; they can shatter the shell of false religion. Like every other good witness to the word of grace, they can help the fallen heart to fix its gaze on the gospel where the soul-saving, self-authenticating glory of the Lord shines.
Let's join with the early church in praying - "And now, Lord...grant to your servants to speak your word with all boldness, while you stretch out your hand to heal, and signs and wonders are performed through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:29-30 NRSV
Thanks Ladies
The support staff of FBC Meridian gave all the ministers gifts for one of the Hallmark Holidays relating to bosses. I laughed when I found out I was included in the list but I'm grateful for the gift certificate to Books a Million. With it I was able to purchase -
Unchristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity and Why It Matters by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons
Praying The Psalms by Elmer Towns
Thanks Ladies. You are the best!
Unchristian: What a New Generation Really Thinks About Christianity and Why It Matters by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons
Praying The Psalms by Elmer Towns
Thanks Ladies. You are the best!
Revitalization
I went to The Church Revitalization Conference at the Leavell Center for Evangelism and Church Health last Thurday. It was great to be in the city and to hear Ed Stetzer. Check him out at www.edstetzer.com
I was affirmed because the conference addressed many of the things we are in the process of doing at FBC, Meridian. It seems like we are on the right track. Pray that God will bring growth from the seed sowing and watering.
The conference addressed Stetzer and Dodson's latest research into churches that moved from seasons of decline to renewed vitality. Much of what they dealt with was the spirituality of the congregations. They sampled over 300 Baptist, Holiness, and Pentecostal churches and concluded that the greatest need in the church today was a revived commitment to the basics.
Stetzer and Dodson identified three faith factors that were consistent across the congregations.
1. A renewed belief in Jesus and the mission of the church.
2. A renewed attitude of servanthood.
3. A more strategic prayer effort.
Let's continue to follow God into the process of renewal. He has great plans for our congregation!
I was affirmed because the conference addressed many of the things we are in the process of doing at FBC, Meridian. It seems like we are on the right track. Pray that God will bring growth from the seed sowing and watering.
The conference addressed Stetzer and Dodson's latest research into churches that moved from seasons of decline to renewed vitality. Much of what they dealt with was the spirituality of the congregations. They sampled over 300 Baptist, Holiness, and Pentecostal churches and concluded that the greatest need in the church today was a revived commitment to the basics.
Stetzer and Dodson identified three faith factors that were consistent across the congregations.
1. A renewed belief in Jesus and the mission of the church.
2. A renewed attitude of servanthood.
3. A more strategic prayer effort.
Let's continue to follow God into the process of renewal. He has great plans for our congregation!
Healing
Last Sunday night I preached a message from Acts 4:24-31. In that passage the early disciples called on God to, "stretch out your hand to heal..." I found some instruction from Calvin Miller this week that I had to share.
Calvin Miller is professor of preaching and pastoral ministries at Beeson Divinity School at Samford University and was a Baptist pastor. The following quote is taken from his book, Miracles and Wonders: How God Changes His Natural Laws to Benefit You.
"I continued my praying, healing ministry for three reasons.
First; it is always right to ask God for what we want.
Second, it is always better to intercede for someone else than it is to ask them to pray for themselves.
Third, my ministry of prayer for other people's healing does include touch. Touch is going as far as we can to assure someone else that we are really there with them. If we refuse to touch, we cannot offer this last, best certification of human nearness. When we touch as we talk to God, a new kind of prayer power is born."
Miller shares that over the course of his ministry he has seen dramatic healings. He has seen others receive strength to face sickness. He has seen family members comforted. He has concluded that it is always right to touch and ask God to heal. I think he is a good model for us.
Calvin Miller is professor of preaching and pastoral ministries at Beeson Divinity School at Samford University and was a Baptist pastor. The following quote is taken from his book, Miracles and Wonders: How God Changes His Natural Laws to Benefit You.
"I continued my praying, healing ministry for three reasons.
First; it is always right to ask God for what we want.
Second, it is always better to intercede for someone else than it is to ask them to pray for themselves.
Third, my ministry of prayer for other people's healing does include touch. Touch is going as far as we can to assure someone else that we are really there with them. If we refuse to touch, we cannot offer this last, best certification of human nearness. When we touch as we talk to God, a new kind of prayer power is born."
Miller shares that over the course of his ministry he has seen dramatic healings. He has seen others receive strength to face sickness. He has seen family members comforted. He has concluded that it is always right to touch and ask God to heal. I think he is a good model for us.
Praying Together
Last Sunday night was the third message in the series Missio Dei: Being the Presence of Christ in our World. We talked about the importance of fundamental congregational practices. This week we will explore the vital role prayer plays in shaping a mission formed congregation. Read Acts 4:23-31. Notice the early church - praying together - for boldness to speak the gospel - for power to demonstrate the gospel. I hope to see you soon!
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