Good afternoon,
George Herbert called the Lord's Day, "the next world's bud." As in, every seven days we get to experience something of that which will blossom and bear fruit in the New Heavens and Earth. This past Sunday was yet another example of the Lord's previewing mercies toward us, His people. From the hearing, reading, and submitting to God's Word, to the exaltation of Christ through song and prayer, to the welcoming of new members to the body, and to the tasting and seeing the Lord's goodness at the Supper, it was clear that He was with us.
If you missed Sunday's message from James 1:1–4, you can read or watch it here: (Faith Works: Testing Joy, James 1:1-4). This coming Sunday our Bible Study Groups will continue through Romans (13:11-14) and we'll pick up in James 1:5. Debbie put together an aesthetically–pleasing sermon schedule that is attached to this email.
Speaking of schedules, we know yours is always filling up. So, here are a couple of important dates for those under 18 (and those that parent them). First, David will be leading our teenagers on their annual pilgrimage to Louisville from June 26–29. I wrote this brief promo years ago for D3 Youth Conferences, and I continue to stand by it: "Our church, and the parents at our church, desire to faithfully teach our teenagers the gospel. When I'm looking for a Youth Conference––rather than something that subverts that which is taught in the home or the local church––I'm looking for others to come alongside and teach the same truths we do with clarity and fervor. Bottom line: D3 helps to accomplish what our parents pray for their children and what we desire for them as a local church." So, parents of teenagers, mark those dates down.
And parents of younger children, Chris set the VBS date this summer for July 19–21. This year's theme is "Things Hidden: A Study On Kingdom Parables." Year after year, Chris and Jessica rally and organize the adults here to sacrificially serve those we long to see believe the gospel. Last year's Vacation Bible School was remarkably enjoyable and fruitful. So, mark those dates down. We're eager to see the Lord continue His faithful work in our children.
Tomorrow night I'll lead a discussion on chapter 3 in Crabtree's Practicing Affirmation. Affirmation is a preview of the world to come as well, when words aren't used in duplicitous ways, for flattery, or for deceit, but always for the purpose of building up. The teenagers will discuss chapter 1 of their book on consuming the Bible. I love that idea/image. And our children will press on in Wisdom Wednesdays. Continue to pray for all of the faithful volunteers instructing our children on Wednesday nights.
We'll see many of you tomorrow night!
Matt
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