Fellowshipmtz

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. 

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?