Beginning this Sunday we’ll have 2 services: 9am and 10:45am. Check out this vid to learn a little bit about how and why:
https://vimeo.com/user88698418/download/580407177/3eb0cc6aae
Pastor
Wolves in sheep’s clothing…
Successfully creeped out the church family with this picture this morning 😅 And it should creep us out! Jesus gave us a strong and sobering warning when he said:
“Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves.” Matthew 7:15
Among other things, false prophets are known by being:
•Greedy
•Worldly
•Popular
•Teach unsound doctrine (out of step with God’s Word and void of the Gospel)
For additional reading check out 2Peter 2:2-3, 2Tim 4:3-5, and 1John 4:1-3.
We have to be vigilant in this, church! And the best way for us know a phony is to know the REAL DEAL — to be so familiar with Word and the gospel Good News of Jesus Christ when a counterfeit comes along, we recognize it. We have to seek God and wisdom above all else. And friends, please don’t be afraid to warn a brother and sister about unsound doctrine. Love them enough to point them to the truth, in love.
Wisdom Pyramid
I thought this was a helpful graphic and worth a reshare for last Sunday’s sermon
Jesus is worth it!
This past Sunday we look at Matthew 7:13-14 and talked about how the gate is narrow, the way is hard, but Jesus Christ is totally worth it! While looking at the narrow way of Christ we discussed how the gospel of Jesus Christ is different than any other approach to God. It’s been said that all other religions are man’s attempt at getting to God, but the gospel is God succeeding in reaching man, through Jesus Christ. Below is a source that I read part of that contrasts religion and the The Gospel.
Choices
Today, like every day, will be a series of encounters with imperfect people who don’t do things to our liking. When that happens we can get angry, frustrated, and feel superior over others, or we can be patient, remember our own flaws, and share a measure of the grace that God so freely gives to us. #choices
We love because he first loved us. – 1 John 4:19
THE BRIDGE
•Romans 3:23
•Romans 6:23
•Romans 5:8
•Romans 10:9
•Romans 12:1-2
Passion Week Timeline
Passion Week or Holy Week as it is also referred to records the last week of Jesus life on earth. It’s not an understatement to say that it’s the most important week of the most important person who ever lived. The gospel narratives reflect the importance of the week. About 25% of the gospel according to Matthew records the last week of his life. For followers of Christ, this week should be a time of focused reflection. Please make use of this Passion Week Timeline and follow the events of Jesus life in his last days on earth as we approach Resurrection Sunday. Each day read a corresponding passage and try and see the event with your mind’s eye, think about it’s significance, pray and seek God for how you might live differently based on what it’s showing us.
Who is your king?
Yesterday was Palm Sunday, the day when Jesus Christ made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, when he was praised and hailed as King, just days before he was crucified for our sins. As we reflect on Palm Sunday, this is a great time to ask: Who is my king? Who’s the one I trust the most? Who do I most want to be like? Who’s the biggest influence in my life? These are questions that can reveal our true allegiance to a king. We NEED a king. And no politician or religious guru or anything this world has to offer will do. Only Jesus. He’s the one true King. He’s the only King who knows all, sees all, loves us enough to die in our place, and is powerful enough to overcome death to save us.
He’s the King of Kings and Lord of Lord’s. Is He your King?
Pastoring With certainty In Uncertain Times, 30 Days of Prayer
Pastoring With Certainty In Uncertain Times, 30 Days of Prayer
Like you all, I’ve been taken aback by many things that have occurred in 2020 and now into 2021. At times I’ve felt especially inadequate to be your pastor. But the Lord has been faithful to give me continual reminders of the importance and sufficiency of the Bible, and how we simply need to stay rooted in His Word and we’ll be who He’s called us to be for His Glory (Psalm 1). This isn’t something new for me, about 10 years ago the Lord made it clear that He had 3 objectives for me as a pastor:
1. Preach the Word 2. Love people 3. Pray for the Spirit to move
That hasn’t changed, and His Word hasn’t changed. I want you to know that I am resolved in sharing the Truth of God’s Word with you with every opportunity I am given. I want GOD for us, church! And we can’t encounter Him apart from His Word.
This morning part of my Bible reading was from Mark 9, whereJesus corrected someone who was doubting his power and said “All things are possible for one who believes.” Captain obvious here, but JESUS IS RIGHT! There are no limits to His power! It made start thinking about the many powerful attributes of God. I did a quick search and came across an online post that outlined attributes of God as prayer prompts. What a great idea! Consider taking a news cycle break and spending 30 days reflecting on a different attribute of God each day.
Here’s a link to the post: https://www.navigators.org/resource/praying-names-attributes-god
Grace equip is back!
Grace Equip, our church’s 18 week training program, was back last Wednesday night! We looked at 6 different aspects of the atoning work of Jesus Christ.
This current group of students is halfway through this training program, 9 weeks left. Hopefully we’ll get to restart with a new group in Fall 2021.
C’mon somebody!
🙏🏼✝️ 📖 🛠 💪🏼
Pastor Roy Layman 