Sunday Preview -- March 2, 2014

The temple in the Old Testament was where God's presence dwelled (at least in part). It was a sign of His covenant relationship with Israel, His chosen people. He had promised that He would be among them. That temple was destroyed by the Roman army in 70 A.D. Does that mean we are left without God's presence today? The New Testament teaches that God dwells within both the church collectively and the individual Christian. The question is, exactly HOW does God's Holy Spirit dwell within us? Is it literally within our bodies in a physical sense? Or, is it only in a representative and figurative sense through His Word? We will examine this important and often confusing topic as we finish up our Sunday morning series with Part Nine of "The Sweet Sixteens: Temple of the Holy Spirit (1st Cor. 3:16)." Sunday evening we will be studying the "City of Refuge (Numbers 35:9-15)." Under the Law of Moses, God provided a place of safety for those running from danger. He has provided a place of eternal safety for us today in Christ and His church. We will try to understand the symbolism of those cities in the Promised Land and how they form a picture of our eternal place of refuge--heaven. Elder Don Peters is winding down the Gospel of Luke class and I will be discussing infant baptism with the teens. Hope to see you there!

In His service,
Rob Lester <9)))><

Sunday Sermon Preview -- February 23, 2014

I can hardly go a week it seems without hearing some reference to the "Rapture." Maybe it's the uncertain times we find ourselves in (which have always existed). Or maybe it's that the world seems to be falling apart (as it has been since the Garden of Eden, see Romans 8:20-22). Whatever the reason, more and more people are talking about the return of Jesus and what that means for both believers and non-believers. The apostle Paul wrote First Thessalonians to comfort the church there in Thessalonica about their misunderstandings of this very topic. What can we learn from it and can it offer us any hope or comfort as well? We will continue our Sunday morning series "Sweet Sixteens Part Eight: Something to Shout About (1st . Thess. 4:16-17). Come back Sunday evening as we consider what it means to "Break the Mold (Romans 12:2)." Although the world seems to encourage tolerance of everyone's opinions and beliefs, it actually demands conformity. This is a challenge because the world's standards are always changing! Paul wrote to the Roman church to warn them about following the world's pattern. The will of God which is revealed in His Word is what should be the standard for us. Come and let us reason together!

In His service,
Rob Lester <9)))><

Sunday Preview for February 16, 2014

After worship one Sunday, the song leader for that morning came up and gave me the obligatory compliment, "Good sermon." I thanked him and told him I appreciated the songs as well. He raised his hands in humble protest and said, "Well, it's nothing like what you do up there." I reminded him that although the sermon may be involved in scriptural commands regarding the assembly, there is no clear command that a formal sermon must be presented when the church gathers to worship. We ARE, however, clearly commanded at least twice to sing songs of praise to God and encourage one another. What exactly are we to sing and how are we to sing it? Join us Sunday morning as we continue our series on the "Sweet Sixteens Part Seven: Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs (Colossians 3:16)." Sunday evening we will examine Paul's advice on what to do when we feel mistreated or unappreciated by others. We must remember to "Be Patient When Wronged (2nd Timothy 2:24). Hope to see you there!

In His service,
Rob Lester <9)))><

Sunday Preview - February 9, 2014

What is the definitive statement on love in the Bible? Many would quickly say John 3:16. Some might prefer Romans 5:8. Others still might point to the beauty of 1st Corinthians 13:4-8. These are all wonderful statements and descriptions of love in its many aspects. But I would suggest to you that the most extensive discussion of "agape" may be found in 1st John 4:7-21. The centerpiece of this treatise is found in the simple but deeply profound statement of verse 16 in that passage. Join us as we continue our Sunday morning series "Sweet Sixteens Part Six: God is Love (1st John 4:16)." Today many people (not just Christians) are concerned about the moral decay of our nation. America has turned from its Christian foundation and embraced increasingly godless behavior. David asked in Psalm 11:3 "If the foundation is destroyed, what can the righteous do?" We will attempt to find an answer to this question Sunday evening as we consider our "Broken Foundation (Psa. 11:3)." Hope to see you there!

In His service,
Rob Lester <9)))><

Preacher page

I have a personal blog where I share thoughts and articles. Please check it out:
http://beamsofpharos.wordpress.com/
 
Christian evidences were an important part of my journey to faith in Christ and they remain a passion of mine. This is a blog I began to discuss evidence for creation and the debate over evolution. There are extensive archives and article links.
http://preachrr.wordpress.com/
 
Take a look and comment if it catches your interest!


In His service,
Rob Lester  <9)))><

Each New Day is a Gift

Every new day ahead of us is a gift from God. Thanking him for this bright and beautiful day.

 

Susan