Do you ever find yourself withdrawing from fellowship? Neglecting your duty to make disciples and encourage your brothers in the Lord? Perhaps you are may even be hiding in plain sight, avoiding spiritual conversations like the plague. What causes us to get in such a state? Listen as Pastor Matt explains how such withdrawal is […]
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 The Partnership of Leadership and Laity- A Charge to the Church-Pastor David Province
In an ordination service it is a familiar practice to have a charge preached to the minister. No one would disagree that a minister has responsibilities towards the congregation but what about a church’s responsibility towards its leaders? Listen as Pastor David helps the Church understand some of these responsibilities at Pastor Josh Woody’s ordination […]
I Thessalonians 5:27-28- The Parting Pleas of a Pastor’s Heart- Part 3 of 3 Prioritize Scripture- Emphasize Grace
Prioritize Scripture! In order that true religion may shine upon us, we ought to hold that it must take its beginning from heavenly doctrine & that no one can get even the slightest taste of right & sound doctrine unless he be a pupil of Scripture. Calvin, J. The Institutes of the Christian Religion Emphasize […]
I Thessalonians 5:26 The Parting Pleas of a Pastor’s Heart_ Part 2 of 3_ A Plea for Brotherly Affection
Worship is first about God. We are to praise Him; to see Him and exult in what we see. But we are also placed in the church by God to use our spiritual gifts. Do you come to church to use your spiritual gifts? Are you looking for people to whom you can minister? A […]
I Thessalonians 5:25 Parting Pleas of a Pastor’s Heart_ Part 1_ A Plea for Prayer
It’s particularly troubling that people skim right over parting statements. Often the last thing we say is what we deem the most important not the least. Think also of the last words of a dying man as he utters his final labored pleas. Often he’ll attempt to bind his hearer with an oath that they […]
I Thessalonians 5:23-24 The Cause of Complete & Certain Sanctification
“[Sanctification] is a principle of grace savingly wrought, whereby the heart becomes holy, & is made after God’s own heart. A sanctified person bears not only God’s name, but His image” – Thomas Watson But where does Sanctification come from? Is it ultimately a work of God or do we play a role in becoming […]
I Thessalonians 5:19-22 Your Role in Becoming Holy
Sanctification is not like regeneration. Regeneration is all God’s work- Sanctification is a joint endeavor. We cooperate with the Spirit of God to be sanctified…we actually work at it. It’s what Kevin DeYoung calls Spirit-Powered, Gospel-Driven, Faith-Fueled EFFORT. Listen as Pastor Matt explains things we must incorporate into our lives to become more like Jesus.
I Thessalonians 5:16-18 The Will of God Concerning You In Christ Jesus
How would you like to live a life that is characterized by constant rejoicing, peace, and thanksgiving? Sounds nice, huh? The truth that it takes to ground such a sublime existence is found in I Thessalonians 5:15-18. Listen as Pastor Matt presents a simple truth that has life altering impact when believed.
I Thessalonians 5:15 Doing Right While Being Wronged
For Christians, the severest, most painful disappointments come not from the wickedness of the unbelieving world but from other sheep within the church. Sheep are definitely capable of harming other sheep, sinning against them in a variety of ways, such as attacking them with wicked words that include gossip & slander, ostracizing them from fellowship.- […]
I Thessalonians 5:14 How to Help Your Pastors
The work of a pastor is difficult. However, much that is considered as the pastor’s work is actually the work of the entire congregation. A healthy church member is a disciple making church member who takes seriously his/her responsibility to shepherd other members. Listen as Pastor Matt explains from I Thessalonians 5:14 how to help […]
