In the days when the monarchs reined no one would dare question the word or authority of the king. Such a notion is foreign to those of us who have only lived under a democratic republic governed by the people. We’ve even taken the American experiment and imposed it onto the text of Scripture. “The … Continue reading Jesus Is Lord over His Kingdom
"Mark writes to show us that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. In part I, He is the Sovereign Lord who wields authority over His Word, over the spiritual forces of darkness, even over sickness, disease, and death. In part II, He is the compassionate Shepherd who feeds His sheep with truth and love. And in Part III He is the Suffering Savior King who has come to redeem His people at the cost of His own life."
Perhaps the most famous passage on love in the Bible is I Corinthians 13. This passage of scripture is so famous that even lost people use it in their wedding ceremonies, films, books and other media. However, Paul wrote I Corinthians 13 in the context of instruction regarding spiritual gifts. Consider chapter 12. Believers at … Continue reading Love Abides
Over the last few months, we have been looking at what it means to be God's church and how acknowledging this can bring healing and change to troubled congregations. In looking at the Corinthian church and Paul's opening remarks to her, we have seen that she owed everything she was and every good thing she … Continue reading God’s Church-Part IV: Confirmed by God’s Power
Paul’s greeting to the troubled Corinthian believers was one filled with hope. He began his letter by taking the time to reassure the Corinthian church of her salvation in Christ. At the heart of this glorious reminder, however, lay another truth, that the church at Corinth belonged to God. She owed everything she was and … Continue reading God’s Church-Part III: A People by God’s Design
The church at Corinth, like the churches in the book of Revelation and so many churches today, was a sick and troubled church. Paul’s letters and visits to her were stark reminders that there was hope for a vibrant future if she would only repent of sin and return to gospel faithfulness. They are reminders … Continue reading God’s Church-Part II: Foundation & Governance
Unexplained illness often prompts the dispatching of an expert to assess the situation. In looking at common symptoms, he or she can determine the precise cause of death and so prevent future occurrences. A band of farmers with failed crops might call in the environmentalist. The homicide detective looks to the medical examiner. A failing … Continue reading “God’s Church-Part I”
"When people are searching for a church to join, they usually have a set of criteria in mind. These criteria can revolve around sermon delivery or personality of the preacher, stance on the Bible, mission activities, local outreach, social awareness, church programs, music or the friendliness of the people. I understand this is not an … Continue reading Ephesus: Have we lost our first love?
On Sunday, June 17, I preached my final sermon in our Common Confession series, a look at what our church has adopted in our constitution and bylaws as our official statement of faith, the Baptist Faith and Message 2000. Over the last five months we have been asking the questions What do we believe? Why … Continue reading Common Confession Wrap-up
This month's article will be the final entry in a series on the nature and commission of the church under the Lordship of Jesus Christ, her Commander and King. So far, we have learned that: 1) The church is comprised of the people of God, only those who have repented of sin and turned in … Continue reading The Church-Part IV-Leadership
Reddicks Grove Baptist Church 