I've been slacking on my blog posts--being out of town for the Southern Baptist Convention and fulfilling other obligations has caused me to pause my weekly pastor's blog for a couple of weeks. However, it is my sincere hope to get "back on track" in the coming weeks.
The Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting in Indianapolis was a very encouraging time. If you missed the update last Wednesday night, click here: https://fb.watch/sWzrRNO9Lv/
Sermon Recap
Last Sunday, we continued our 5-part sermon series in the book of Jude, "Contending for the Faith in Faithless Times," as we considered being "More Than Contenders." If you missed our Sunday service, you can watch that here: https://fb.watch/sWG0tpPNl8/
I presented three words last week, three words much better, I might argue, than those of "Live, Laugh, Love," which often adorn the kitchens and living rooms across America.
These three words sum up our entire responsibility as Christians: “Loving, Leading, and Living.”
Loving: Christ loved us, so we love Him as we spend time with Him in communion and prayer. Because Christ loved us first, therefore we love one another. While we don’t love the things of this world, we ought to love the people in this world, enough to be moved with a sincere compassion for them. This is our worship life.
Leading: We lead by example—we practice what we preach. But, moreover, we lead others into a relationship with Jesus Christ. This is our witness life.
Living: We live for the Lord Jesus Christ, by His commandments, and for His commission. We desire to do all that our Heavenly Father asks of us, and to live life to our fullest Christian potential, fulfilling the calling and utilizing the giftings that our Lord has bestowed upon us. This is our work life.
Why do these matter? Because one cannot contend for the faith if they are not concreted, rooted, standing firm in the faith. So, Jude gives us three principles of how to contend, but they reveal that, while we ought to contend for the faith, that is not all we must do. There are other responsibilities we possess as Christians.
First, Jude encourages us to remember the words of our Lord. He first alludes to the presence of false teachers, as stated repeatedly in the New Testament, and then gives us their portrait in verses 18-19, describing them as scoffers, sensual, schismatic, and spiritless.
Second, Jude encourages us to remain in the watchcare of God's love. We do this, Jude argues in verses 20-21, by growing in the Scriptures, praying in the Spirit, and waiting for the Savior.
Third, Jude encourages us to rescue the wandering who are lost. Perhaps this is the Christian's greatest responsibility. According to the North American Mission Board (NAMB) of the Southern Baptist Convention, approximately 95 percent of Southern Baptists never verbally share the gospel with a lost person. Never in their life to they engage in a gospel conversation. Isn't that sad? However, it is merely an indication of the spiritual health not only of Southern Baptists, but as Christians collectively. But, surprisingly, Jude does not simply utilize a pithy statement to implore Christians to become propagators of this good news, but tells us how to handle gospel conversations with specific people in specific situations. In verses 22-23, Jude tells us to deal gently with those who doubt, deal quickly with those who are in danger, but, most importantly, to deal carefully with those who are defiled. Yet, while they may be "sin stained," we have a responsibility to be proclaimers of truth. So, we deal with some gently, with some quickly, and with some carefully. But we must deal with all we can in one way or another before the clock runs out.
A missionary to Africa told the story of an elderly woman who was reached with the gospel. Though she was blind and could neither read nor write, she wanted to share her newfound faith with others. She went to the missionary and asked for a copy of the Bible in French. When she got it, she asked the missionary to underline John 3:16 in red and mark the page it was on so she could find it. The missionary wanted to see what she would do, so one day he followed her.
In the afternoon, just before school let out, she made her way to the front door. As the boys came out when school was dismissed, she would stop one and ask if he knew how to read French. When he said “Yes” she would ask him to read the verse that was marked in red. Then she would ask, “Do you know what this means?” and tell him about Christ. The missionary said that twenty-four of the school boys that the lady led to the Lord became pastors.
So, how do you become a contender of the faith? Remember, remain, and rescue.
So, back to “live, laugh, love”—it’s a bad phrase. Rather, we ought to love Jesus and those around us, lead others into a relationship with Christ, and live for Christ and His purpose.
Church Events
We are preparing to have two revival Sundays at the end of July. Michael Mason will be with us in both services on July 21st, and Johnny Tucker will be preaching in both services on July 28th. Pray for a time of renewal. Invite someone. Make plans to attend.
This Wednesday at 6:30 pm, I'll resume our study, "Minor Prophets in the Major League," as we begin a two part examination of Obadiah.
We will have our normal Sunday evening service this Sunday at
Arrangements for Jim Bowers are as follows: Visitation at Peck Funeral Home from 10:00-12:00 on July 2nd. A graveside service will follow at Forest Hills in Birmingham at 3:00pm.
Prayer Needs
Jim Bowers went to be with the Lord on Sunday morning. Continue to pray for Kay, Brian, and their family.
Continue to pray for Deb Ornburn and her continued chemotherapy treatments.
Continue to pray for Bobby and Karen Tapscott's daughter, Amy Harvel and her Mastocytosis.
Bobby Ray Halbrooks is home and recovering. We're grateful for answered prayer.
Remember those on our prayer list this week.
Church Information
Contact: (256) 773-8997 / office@mzbchartselle.org
Address: 250 Mt. Zion Road, Hartselle, AL 35640
Office Hours: Monday-Thursday 8:30-4:30
Staff
Senior Pastor - Rev. Spencer Bell
Minister of Music - Randall Key
Minister of Students - Gavin Lee
Pianist - Allison Keenum
Deacons
Myron Tapscott
Tim Sivley
Charles Lott
Kenneth Clark
Trustees
Gary Mote
Frank Thompson
Gerry Holmes
Jim Boyer
Tyde Tapscott
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