Fellowshipmtz

Christ's Prayer: For Himself, His Disciples, and His Church

John 17

In our current (temporary) series of messages on Christ's Incarnation we have paid particular attention to the fact that Christ was SENT on a MISSION by the Father.  One of the important implications of this mission is something Jesus told His disciples after His resurrection in JOHN 20:21b: "As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you."  I am of the sound conviction that this instruction continues to be Christ's charge to His Church -- including ours!  One of the evidences of that deduction/determination stems from Jesus' "High Priestly" prayer as recorded in John, chapter 17.

Incarnation & Mission (Part 3)

John 20:19-23

In this third message pertaining to Christ's Incarnation, we hone in on the SIGNIFICANCE that Christ was SENT on a MISSION by the Father and the IMPLICATIONS for us.  My Main Point from the start: Christians are called to intentional (missional) living.

Why the Incarnation? (Part 2)

Assorted Scripture

The Bible is very clear that Christ's coming was not a "chance" event; not a "fortunate" happening (happenstance, coincidence); not an independent action taken by the SON (Christ).  Rather, the incarnation was a willful, intentional action/event that occurred as (pre)determined by GOD (the Trinity).  Moreso, CHRIST was sent by GOD (the Father) on a mission! If this is so/true (and I think it is!), then DO I KNOW what Jesus' mission was/is? Do I know what GOD'S PURPOSE was/is in sending Christ?

What Is the Purpose (and Mission) of the Church?

John's Gospel Texts (Assorted)

Why has our church gathered here this morning?  What are we hoping to accomplish?  What happens to the church when we dismiss?  Does our mission change once we exit?  To keep today's lesson concise & simple, I propose the following:

The Purpose of the Church is Threefold:
#1 — to worship the living GOD to glorify God!
#2 — to minister to believers (the gathered church)
#3 — to minister to the world (the dispatched church)

Our emphasis this morning is on the Bible's teaching that the Church is sent by Christ into the world just as the Father sent Christ into the world.

Brian Baker: An Attitude of Humility

Philippians 2:1-11

Brain Baker, North Regional Coordinator at Word of Life Fellowship in New York, returns (annually) to visit church and family.  His message this morning explores Paul's pertinent instructions regarding our attitudes, servanthood, and humility.

Christ's Incarnation!

John 1:1-14 ; Philippians 2:6-8
Breaking from our normal series from the Epistle of James, today we consider the INCARNATION of Christ -- and the four themes (or points of emphasis) used to teach us about this important doctrine.

Blessings & Cursings from the Same Mouth?!

James 3:8-12

Matthew Henry (1662-1714) writes: "Other sins decay with age, this many times gets worse; we grow more froward and fretful, as natural strength decays, and the days come on in which we have no pleasure. When other sins are tamed and subdued by the infirmities of age, the spirit often grows more tart, nature being drawn down to the dregs, and the words used become more passionate. That man's tongue confutes itself, which at one time pretends to adore the perfections of God, and to refer all things to Him; and at another time condemns even good men, if they do not use the same words and expressions. True religion will not admit of contradictions: how many sins would be prevented, if men would always be consistent!"

The message ends by listening to a song, "Age of Reptiles," by Showbread.

Fire in the Hole (My Mouth)!

James 3:2-8

James paints a VERY unflattering picture of our tongues.  James contends our tongues are setting on fire "the whole course of life".  Make no mistake, he means my tongue blazes away from infancy to the grave, in good times and in bad times, among friends and foes alike!  What?  And what hope (if any) exists?

Introduction to our Tongues: Teachers Beware!

James 3:1

The short video that was played to demonstrate the power of words can be viewed here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzgzim5m7oU

James warns that teaching God's Truth (Scripture) is dangerous business and ought not be taken lightly.  This (it seems to me) was especially true in the ancient Greco-Roman world where teachers were more highly regarded.

Father Abraham Had Many Sons -- Am I One of Them?

James 2:21-26

Abraham's faith is so much more than a children's Bible story, so much more than a mere historical event that occurred 4000+ years ago.  Abraham's faith serves as an important and necessary model for those who receive the blessing of Abraham -- namely, "righteousness, God's declaration of justification".  Oh, and we'll consider Rahab's faith and works too!