An Announcement and a Word

ANNOUNCEMENT:

I'm excited about home group this summer. We will be going through a new DVD study by John MacArthur called "A Tale of Two Sons". It's a 6 week series on the most famous parable Jesus ever told, commonly known as "The Prodigal Son" (even though that title may not be very accurate since the story is really about all three figures: the father, the son, and the brother). Perhaps you're thinking, "I already know that parable inside and out". Well, let me tell you: not like this you don't. The historical data that he talks about will shed new light on this parable for you in a profound, life-changing way. I promise. (And it has a surprise ending to the story you've probably never heard before.)

This study comes from a five week sermon series John MacArthur did at his church. He's been preaching there for over 40 years. That's right ... 40 years. The people at his church said it was the best sermon series he's ever done. It will be very fresh, very fun, and very ... what's another word that starts with "f"? ... anti-Futilitarian. :-) (I know it doesn't start with "f") If you'd like to view a short, heart-wrenching, theatrical preview of the series, go here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4QABrwP-W3Y

For the other 4 weeks of home group we'll be doing a variety of things. I'd like to have one or two nights reserved for Q&A. For those sessions, I'd like everyone to prepare one major question you have about the Bible/God/life/theology. For example: 1.) What's the unpardonable sin? 2.) Are Christians required to tithe? 3.) Why are there 4 gospels? 4.) What's wrong with Mormonism? 5.) Is smoking a sin? - If you think about it, there are tons of questions out there. Craig and I will do our best to answer those questions along with the collective wisdom of everyone else present. The other 2 or 3 nights are still being decided upon. One or two of those nights will probably be a family fun night (perhaps a "subs and kickball" night).


Word:

Often times we aren't satisifed with our church experience because it doesn't seem to square with the experience of the early church. The early church was described in the book of Acts as happy, praise-filled, loving, powerful people. They saw lives saved, they took care of one another, shared their possessions, and saw God work in miraculous ways. This is what we want. We want our church to be like this.

But let me tell you WHY the early church was this way: Acts 2:42 - "They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer." Their blessings didn't just happen. They weren't sitting around getting zapped by God's Spirit. That's lazy Christianity. That's American Christianity: "Please God, work a miracle in my life! ... But I don't want to have to work at anything." The lazy culture in which we live has utterly permeated the modern church. We must remember that nothing valuable comes easy or automatically. NOTHING. You have to devote yourself. To devote yourself means to make up your mind about something beforehand and stick with it. For example, when you sign your kids up for music or swim lessons, you take them every week. Unless you're sick or on vacation, you're there. You don't say, "Oh, let's skip tonight." No. You go because there are other people depending on you, there are important things to be learned, etc. You make it a priority.

The same must be true of a church. You must make up your mind: "We're going to be committed to this thing. Unless we're sick or on vacation, we're there." If you don't do this, do not expect to experience the blessings of Christianity. Also, if you're not committed to regular prayer, fellowship, and learning, you cannot criticize anyone or anything in the church. If you're not committed to fellowship (and not just one hour on Sunday), prayer, learning the Word from your leaders, and the institution of the Lord's supper, as described in Acts 2:42, you have absolutely no voice in the church. You'll lose blessing and you'll lose your moral authority. I don't want that for anyone. I want everyone to be blessed and I want everyone contributing to the vision and moral direction of our church. But that can't happen unless you devote yourself to the things described in Acts 2:42.

Remember: now that you're a Christian, your life is no longer about temporary pursuits. It's not about t-ball. It's not about entertainment. It's not about shopping. It's not about securing my financial future. It's not about my business, my goals, my work, my hobbies, or even my family. It's about one thing: the Kingdom. It's about seeking and building HIS kingdom. Not MY kingdom. HIS kingdom. Do this ... "and all these things will be added unto you".

Grace and peace.