Fellowshipmtz

Are People Generally Good? or Bad?

James 4:6-7

How the problem is diagnosed and understood will determine what solution is applied.  Our contemporary western culture overwhelmingly believes in the essential goodness of man -- as exemplified by Luke Bryan's song, "Most People Are Good" ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liqktLC7xR0 ).  But G. K. Chesterton (1874-1936) thinks otherwise (an audio excerpt from his book, ORTHODOXY, is embedded in the Sunday message.

Stop and Consider God's Wonders!

Job 37:14-24 with James 4:6

Today's message is entirely focused on our first observance of the Lord's Supper since pre-Covid restrictions.  From Elihu's final words to Job we see the truth of James, "But He gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.'"

Today's message includes an excerpt from C.s. Lewis's book MERE CHRISTIANITY on the sin of PRIDE.  Today's message also includes an excerpt from a message Bryan Stevenson shared in conjunction with Tim Keller at Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City.  The full video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MyBfOX5OHRQ

We're Back! Holy Spirit in the World and the Church

John 16:5-15 (among others)

Our church has not gathered INSIDE our sanctuary since March 16!  During this interim, we broke from our regular teaching series from JAMES in order to explore a number of other topics (that were not recorded).  On May 31 (Pentecost Sunday) we began a series of messages on the terrific importance and significance of the sending of the Holy Spirit.  Today's message represents the culmination of this series -- especially highlighting the Holy Spirit's activity and ministry in the Church.

Guest Speaker: John Davis

Isaiah 55

John Davis visits us from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky.  His message comes to us from Isaiah chapter 55, focusing on:
I. God's Free Invitation
II. The Sinner's Need to Respond
III. God's Sure Guarantee
IV. Points of Application

Guest Speaker: Ray Clark

Isaiah 43

Ray Clark provides today's message.  Ray pastors a "sister church" -- Baptist Bible in Decatur (IL).  We are very happy to have him (and his church) worshiping with us today!

CONFLICT, The Roots Are Deeper Than You Think!

James 4:1-6

James describes not one, but two wars in the life of the church/believers.  The more obvious (and glaring) conflict that is seen is evidence of a more dangerous and largely unrecognized conflict/war taking place beneath the surface.

We also carefully examine what is largely regarded as the most difficult verse written by James: chapter four, verse 5.

Conflict! (Understanding the nature of wars, quarrels, fights)

James 3:13-4:3

We start by establishing, recognizing a tight and necessary connection between the WISDOM of chapter 3 and the CONFLICT of chapter 4.  In order to appreciate James' alarm in chapter 4, a good bit of time is spent on understanding the Five Levels of Conflict (as was taught to me, primarily by Dr. Jim Mason -- former professor at Bethel Theological Seminary).

THIS, Is Wisdom (from above)

James 3:13-18 & Job

Today's teaching will still raise good questions as you try to grasp the importance and significance of receiving God's wisdom, BUT today's teaching will explicitly declare the wisdom that necessarily and exclusively comes from God!

Two Varieties of Wisdom

James 3:13-18

After an 8 week hiatus, we resume our regular series examining the General epistle of James.  In verse 13, James asks a very good question, a question worth pondering: "Who is wise and understanding among you?"  How DO we identify and measure wisdom and understanding?

Church on a Mission! (Part 6 of 6)

Miscellany Topics!

Today's message concludes the mini-series that started on Christ's Incarnation.  We lightly touch on WHY and WHAT the Christians ought to be doing when they gather together as a local church.  We also lightly touch on WHY and WHAT Christians ought to be doing when they are dispatched to go into an unbelieving culture, world.