Jesus’ feeding of the 5000 and then the 4000 (Mark 8:1-10) should have been the greatest thanksgiving celebrations ever!  And yet, we are not surprised that the Pharisees somehow missed the point (8:11-12).  The surprise for us is that his disciples at that time also missed the point and probably all to often his disciples today can miss it as well.  God has shown us as a church how abundantly he can multiply and provide. The danger is that we could still miss the point.  This Sunday we will hear from God’s word how his multiplying grace calls us to take a next step.

Psalm 23 tells us a lot about the Lord our good shepherd. In the Psalm, one of the flock is boasting about their shepherd. There is a lot to learn of our Lord for any who want to lead in God's flock. There also are some things to learn from the trust of the sheep in their Shepherd. The Apostle Peter picks this idea up in 1 Peter 5:1-7. He has instructions to the church, both in leading and following. He gives instructions both for shepherds and for the flock of God. Today we will look at some things God has to say to us about both leading and following well.

When was the last time you couldn't wait to tell someone about something that happened to you? Maybe it was something funny that happened at work that day, or maybe it was a big event like an engagement or pregnancy. What we are excited to talk about says a lot about what is most important to us. At the beginning of 1 John, the apostle John writes with that kind of excitement. He has seen, heard, and even touched something so real and life-changing that he must share it. Join us as we discover what John was so eager to proclaim, and why it should shape what we talk about today.

The letters from Jesus to each of the seven churches in Revelation concluded with promises to those who overcome. These are not promises to a select few, they are promises meant for the whole church. But, with our own tendencies toward temptation and sin, and our preference for comfort over sacrifice, can we really overcome and experience victory? What would that take? How would I take the next step? This Sunday come and hear a refreshing word God has for us on how those who trust Him will over come even in the worst of times.

Among the seven churches of Revelation, just as everyone wants to be the faithful and protected church in Philadelphia, no one wants to be the church Laodicea. But, if the situation in Laodicea is closer to our context than the other cities, we have more to learn from Laodicea than we might think. This Sunday come and hear what our Lord has to say to a church in the midst of the dangerously prosperous age.

A Faithful Church

When considering the seven churches in Revelation, everyone wants to be the church in Philadelphia. It's one of only two that there is no fault mentioned. The other church similarly praised is Smyrna, but they are called to suffering (Revelation 2:10), while Philadelphia will be kept from "the hour of trial" (3:10). We'd really rather be Philadelphia. But what does it mean to be like this church? What will that take? This Sunday we will see what God says about a Philadelphian level of faithfulness.

Julie and I have had the privilege of serving here at bpChurch for 20 years. Along the way, I've asked myself, "Bob, what in the world are you doing?!" As you think about serving the Lord in the church, do you ever wonder, "What is it that we're trying to do?" Or maybe the what is clear, but the direction or goal seems fuzzy. Sometimes in spiritual matters or when building a building, we may understand the what and the why, but the pressing question is "How can we ever do it?" This Sunday, from Colossians 1:24-29, let's look at what God says about the who, what, why, and how of the ministry He has given us.

When we visited the site of ancient Sardis this summer, I wish we had more time, there was more I wanted to see. The same was true last Sunday. The message that surfaces in the letter to Sardis to walk worthy is worth more time and attention. There's more to see there. I believe that several questions which emerge from the Biblical commands to "walk worthy..." will help you and I to know and follow the Lord's will in the bigger and smaller choices we face.

The church in Smyrna is not the only time God's people are urged to wake up. This was also the call of the prophets to Israel, Jesus' word to His disciples, and God's word to at least five churches in the New Testament. We don't realize how important this warning is to us, possibly because we too are a little drowsy, already drifting off. Wake up early this Sunday and come hear what God has to say to a sleepy church.

Revelation 2:18-29 reveals how people can shockingly make what is obviously evil sound good. It shows that even in the church we can be deceived that wrong is now right. The worst tragedies often began with irrational rationalizations. We see that in the public arena and I hear it in private counseling. Twisting the truth can ruin lives and it will also ruin good churches. This Sunday, while our men's retreat will be focusing on "Being Men of God's Word," we will also see that faithfulness to God's truth is essential if we are going to live for God's kingdom in the midst of an evil age.