There is so much wrong with the world that it is easy to get discouraged and forget that God is bigger, greater, more powerful, and more loving than I can even imagine. But even with my forgetfulness, God is faithful to remind me what is true. So here are few things that encouraged me from being with the saints yesterday.
My pastor has been leading a theological fellowship with 5 students from Christopher Newport University. These 5 young men shared with the adult Sunday school class what they have been learning. Each took turns briefly speaking about the doctrine of God including the Trinity and Simplicity, the doctrine of Creation, and the need for an historical Adam. It was encouraging to see them make the connection between good doctrine, the gospel, and discipleship, a connection which many of us don't get until we are much older.
In the morning sermon from the 1 Cor. 2, Pastor Ryan spoke on how much we owe the Holy Spirit in our salvation. We were bumbling around in the dark with no clue where we were going, actually "dead" is a better adjective. Without any assistance from us, He makes us alive. He grants repentance and faith to believe in Jesus and what He has done. We would never have discovered this on our own no matter how smart we think ourselves. It was truly God's initiative. This should give us hope in evangelism. Our efforts are far from perfect, but the power to save does not come from us. It is God who saves and saves us to the very end.
During the time for corporate prayer on Sunday evening, the elder shared a request that the men in the church would continue to respect and honor their sisters in Christ. He didn't use this exact phrase, but he described the women in the church as necessary allies who serve practically but also contribute theologically. Given the horrible stories that have come to light and the patronizing attitudes you come across sometimes even in Christian circles, this was such a contrast. I have never felt anything but respect from my brothers, but an awareness of this issue shows a sensitivity that I greatly appreciate.
God is good.
My pastor has been leading a theological fellowship with 5 students from Christopher Newport University. These 5 young men shared with the adult Sunday school class what they have been learning. Each took turns briefly speaking about the doctrine of God including the Trinity and Simplicity, the doctrine of Creation, and the need for an historical Adam. It was encouraging to see them make the connection between good doctrine, the gospel, and discipleship, a connection which many of us don't get until we are much older.
In the morning sermon from the 1 Cor. 2, Pastor Ryan spoke on how much we owe the Holy Spirit in our salvation. We were bumbling around in the dark with no clue where we were going, actually "dead" is a better adjective. Without any assistance from us, He makes us alive. He grants repentance and faith to believe in Jesus and what He has done. We would never have discovered this on our own no matter how smart we think ourselves. It was truly God's initiative. This should give us hope in evangelism. Our efforts are far from perfect, but the power to save does not come from us. It is God who saves and saves us to the very end.
During the time for corporate prayer on Sunday evening, the elder shared a request that the men in the church would continue to respect and honor their sisters in Christ. He didn't use this exact phrase, but he described the women in the church as necessary allies who serve practically but also contribute theologically. Given the horrible stories that have come to light and the patronizing attitudes you come across sometimes even in Christian circles, this was such a contrast. I have never felt anything but respect from my brothers, but an awareness of this issue shows a sensitivity that I greatly appreciate.
God is good.
It was a good day.
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