Bible, theology, culture, etc.
On these shows, the preacher is tops. God comes out as second banana.Neil Postman, Amusing Ourselves to Death, p. 117 Neil Postman wrote his classic, prophetic work, Amusing Ourselves to Death, a jeremiad on the consequences of television on American society, over 35 years ago. He details how TV has permanently altered not only how … Continue reading Your Church Livestream Isn’t Neutral
Depending on what church you are a part of you might have very different perspectives on what a “deacon” is. Whatever your view is, if you are tempted to think that the role of deacons is something relatively yawn-worthy, something on par with organizing church yard sales or pointless committee meetings, Matt Smethurst would like … Continue reading Book Review: Deacons
Discipleship programs can be a helpful tool in the life of the church. Far better, however, is a culture of discipleship that has taken root in a church. Rather than being a spasmodic event that took place one time, a culture of discipleship permeates the whole being of the church, organically growing out of every … Continue reading 8 Ways to Cultivate Discipleship
Like most of the country, our city just emerged from an unusually intense winter storm. In a few short days, we were sunk under a heavy blanket of snow. While our children were thrilled to death about getting to go sledding, the hazardous snow conditions made us uneasy about driving. Our driveway is fairly steep … Continue reading “You! Yes, You Christian, Make Disciples”
*I know, I know, Covid. If you are forced to stay home because of medical complications, the Lord understands. Hebrews 10:24-25 refers to willful neglect of missing church on Sunday; being forced to stay home because of medical reason does not necessarily mean you are breaking this commandment. But, if you are healthy and are … Continue reading Skip Church? Consider the Cost
In my church's statement of faith, statement XV, "Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper" explains baptism as, "a prerequisite...to the Lord's Supper." My church previously practiced what is known as "open" communion, which is a position that states that the Lord's Table is available to anyone who has professed faith in Christ. Our new statement of faith, … Continue reading Requiring Baptism for Communion
Sermon Video: https://www.facebook.com/QuinaultBC/videos/2670491949873628/ Sermon Manuscript: 1 What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 By no means! How can we who died to sin still live in it? 3 Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into … Continue reading Displaying Death and Life: Baptism and the Lord’s Supper
What is the Church? Is it a denomination? A hierarchy of old guys in funny hats? Is it a building? A liturgy? Is it a club? Is it a set of traditions, values, or political commitments? Hopefully the answer to those questions seem transparently obvious--No. A Mostly Right Answer But what about this: the Church … Continue reading The Peculiar Assembly
Churches around the world have had to make very difficult decisions in the past week due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Out of love for neighbor (Matt 22:39) and a desire to obey the governing authorities (Rom 13:1-7), many churches (ours included) have temporarily suspended their Sunday services, small groups, Bible studies, prayer meetings, and so … Continue reading Why You Can’t Have Church Online
Is being a part of a local expression of the invisible body of Christ, the church, something that Christians should do? Is it taught anywhere in the Bible that we should actually go to church, or simply just be the church? Here are eight huge blessings you miss when you divorce yourself from the church: You Lose the Effectiveness … Continue reading Churchless: 8 Reasons To Be A Part Of A Church
Marc Sims 