In the first sermon, "What is Church?", we spoke about the universal church. It is worldwide. Believers everywhere are part of the universal church. It spans the ages. Believers everywhen also are members of this body of Christ.
Then there is the local church. This is the body of believers with whom we personally interact. These are friends and loved ones. This is the local assembly.
We concluded that it makes no sense to think that you belong only to the universal church. It is too huge. It can't attend to your needs.
Last Sunday we spoke about "What's in it for Me?" In this sermon we discussed what it means to you to belong to a local body of believers. As a member of a godly, Biblical church you can expect;
- Truthful teaching
- Fellowship
- Unity
- Gifts
- Freedom
- Discipleship
- Citizenship
Heavenward Bound
She has a website that is full of inspirational and devotional readings. If you are interesed in this then click on Heavenward Bound for more information.
Route 66 - Through the Bible in a Year
If you think that you might like to get involved, the classes are every Monday evening from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. We work in twelve week "pods" and then take one week off. Come on out and give it a try!
Vacation Bible School
Noah's Ark!
Begins Monday, July 28th
We still need teachers, cooks, artists and animal wranglers. Plus, one or two carpenters to help put together some ark "sets". If you are interested please contact Mark. Also, contact the church office, or Mark, to enroll your children in this year's VBS.
I am more than a little numb from the experience. I can't quite get my mind around the event. The graduation ceremony will be on Friday (see the next posting). Wham. Bam. I'm finished. I'm outta there.
I have noticed recently the tendency of fellow students to look at me, deep into my eyes, and express some sort of solemn, or soulful, emotion. But my emotion mainly is joy, which peeks out from behind the numbness every so often.
Why joy? First, this is a world class Christian education institution. An opportunity that just happened to be in my vicinity, practically my backdoor. All of the professors here are loving, godly men who have a passion to train up pastors and teachers. I was like a little duck in a great big puddle.
Second, when I first read the school's doctrinal statement, about six years ago, it was like coming home for the very first time. We live in a liberal age and to find this kind of conservative teaching anywhere is like finding a treasure in your backyard. What a blessing!
Finally, I came to this school with the express intent of Christian growth and maturity. As a working pastor I have been able to put lessons learned in the classroom to work at church almost immediately. This has had a very profound and powerful impact on my ministry throughout these five years. Again, what a huge blessing to be involved with Northwest Baptist Seminary!
You are invited to Mark’s graduation ceremony
7:30 - 9:00 p.m.
Reception to follow
9:00 - 10:00 p.m.
NBS Chapel
A Monthly Newsletter
This month's E-Connection features:
- Christianity to become a minority religion in England
- Jimmie Carter lays a wreath on Yassar Arafat's tomb
- McDonalds joins National Gay and Lesbian Chamber of Commerce
- Plus much more!
2008 DHF National Conference
July 10-13, 2008
Eastridge Park Christian Church
Mesquite, TX
Conference Schedule
Please keep Bill and the entire Stochosky clan in your prayers as he approaches the end of this season of his life.
