This is a great message delivered by Don Parks for Mother’s Day. More notes on this message coming soon! Continue reading

Elements of a Mature Church I. Discipline to Avoid  v.6 – We are commanded by God in Jesus’ name – This is not an option for us to do if we feel like it – We must obey – So what are we commanded to do? – Keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life – We must separate ourselves from:    * Brother – This instruction has to do with our Christian… Continue reading

Elements of a Mature Church I. For God’s Work to be Accomplished  v.1 – Paul begins by requesting the brethren at Thessalonica pray for them     * Isn’t it interesting that instead of requesting prayers for the work, Paul requests prayers for the people involved in the work – The effectiveness of the work is directly related to us, so we need to be praying for one another – Paul’s heart for the work was… Continue reading

Elements of a Mature Church I. Sanctification  v.13-14 – Give thanks to God because He’s chosen you – Not predestination, let’s explore – The salvation that comes thru sanctification has to do with cleaning up the effects our old sin nature upon us – We are being saved    * Define sanctification – This is the transformation process of bringing our mind, heart, thoughts, beliefs, and actions into alignment with God’s Word – So how does… Continue reading

Easter 2017 I. The Crucifixion  Matthew 27:33-54 – Many told Him, if He was the Son of God to save Himself and come down off thecross – The problem was, Jesus didn’t need saving, we did – He had already done miracles and they didn’t believe so one more wouldn’t convince them – Unbelief and proof versus faith – They left wagging their heads    * Even the chief priests acknowledged He had saved others… Continue reading

I. A Plot Revealed  v.17-25 – Jesus tells them who to speak with to host them for the Passover meal, they did as He told them, and they prepared the Passover – Sometimes in our obedience we don’t fully grasp all that God is up to – Jesus reveals that one of them would betray Him – Imagine the amount of introspection that was going on – Then they all try to find out if its… Continue reading

Elements of a Mature Church I. Don’t Be Deceived  v.1-4 – We need to know the truth about the coming of the Lord and our gathering together to Him – Second advent and the sheep & goats judgment Matt 25:31-46    * Don’t be quickly shaken from your composure    * Don’t be disturbed either by a spirit or a message or a letter as if it was fromPaul saying the day has come –… Continue reading

Elements of a Mature Church I. Have the Right Attitude  v.6-8 -What’s our normal attitude toward those who are persecuting us – Bad/anger – God repays with affliction those who are afflicting you – Law of sowing and reaping – Leave room for Him to get their attention – Don’t take revenge or believe you need to make things right:    * The idea of unfair sometimes drives our behavior instead of the Holy Spirit… Continue reading

I. Deacon Instructions  1 Timothy 3:8-13 – Let’s begin with the guidelines for deacons and their wives. Deacons must be:    * Men of dignity       * Not double tongued       * Not addicted to much wine    * Not fond of sordid gain       * Holding the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience    * Beyond reproach       * Husband of one wife    * Good managers of… Continue reading

I. Love  v.1-3 – Paul said they ought to always thank God for the Thessalonians because:    * Their faith was greatly enlarged – They learned from trusting God in the past that they could trust God in the present and future and were walking in that confidence    * The love they had toward one another grew ever greater – When we do life together as a church family who shares a desire to walk… Continue reading