Working on sermons...your input appreciated (long)

[Pete in MI]

We have been unable to find a church up here that falls in line with God's Word or close enough (with gas prices high and long way between citied up here) so we are looking to start a Home Church in our area. Though we have several who would make good ministers, I may be the one to serve as minister of our small body of Christ. I want to start preparing and have started making some sermons. I'd appreciate your input as Brothers and Sisters in Christ. Thank you for taking the time to help me to keep to the Word.

***************************
More than believing, more than confession, more than repentence, more than accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour and more than water baptism....

Receiving of the Holy Spirit - a second baptism

Acts 8:

(14) Now when the apostles at Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent to them Peter and John,

(15) who came down and prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit,

(16) for he had not yet fallen on any of them, but they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.

(17) Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit.


As we see here Samarians had received the word of God. They not only heard but they believed Jesus was the Lord and Saviour.
We detertmine that they confessed their sins, repented, accepted Jesus because why else then would they have been baptized in the
name of the Lord Jesus. Non-believers do not get baptized. They shared in the death and resurrection of Christ by being baptized
in water.

But notice this: Though they had been baptized, the Holy Spirit had not been received by them. Peter and John were sent to pray for
them that they might receive the Holy Spirit and they laid hands on them - it was then they received the Holy Spirit.

Why is this important?

Many churches go as far as water baptism and unfortunately many fall short of the glory of God as they do even less than that. Remember Jesus said these
words:

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:26 But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

John 15:26

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

Very true we need to live with the spirit in our lives every day. Too many times we choose our own path that is easier. As for sermons, I find that one should study the word, and when he or she feels confident they are receiving guidance from the spirit on what to preach, how to present it, and when to present it. Then they may proceed. You can always use a study guide to find more sermons and directions to go. Just seek His direction and He will point the way!

Mike

 

[Mike Chgo area]

n/t

 

[Pete in MI]

most churches are 'established' they way they want them with little blue haired ladies playing piano and organs. Most churches don't have youth ministry - or even youth - which is something we need for Casey. The one that provides a good youth ministry for teens and youth isn't following the Word. Baptisms = sprinkling not immersions as an example. Many don't have a communion service or if they do they are far and few in between. They have a great exercise program - up down up down up down and repeat after me type things. Not knowing who to talk to at the church and being viewed as an outsider trying to change their way of doing things makes us a big nervous about discussing the way they do things as the way we perceive the Bible instructs to do otherwise.
One church that comes close to doing what is Biblical is too far away.
Never know up here in the north country - they might shoot the messengers (of Truth).
We discuss those options to Mike but glad you mentioned it as well.

 

[MI$$OURI BETTY]

St. Mark 1:12,13....And immediately the Spirit driveth Him (Jesus) into the wilderness and He was in the wilderness forty days, tempted of satan; and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered unto Him.

After we receive Jesus, as our own personal Savior, by confessing that each is a sinner and confession of all our sins! Then baptized with water and the Holy Spirt...each of us are tested and given strength to go forth and serve God in whatever capacity He calls each of us to do for our good and for His purpose! Jesus passed the testing of His humanity and finished the business of His Father by going to Calvary's cross and dying for all sinners, which is a free gift that we can accept or refuse, for it is our choice to believe or to not believe in Jesus, as our Savior and Lord! And it is God's Holy Spirit within us, Who leads us into all truth and keeps us on the straight and narrow when we truly love and obey Jesus!

You will do well I'm sure and have what it takes as a blood-washed, Spirit-filled servant of God! Prayers are with you and may there be many who will come to Jesus in your Home Church and do God's holy will!

God Bless!
Sister Betty

 

[warthog]

hey Pete-at St.Paul Lutheran Church in West Branch;(my in-laws church)they just got a new pastor-we will be going tomorrow....Have you checked them out?service is at 9:00A.M.tomorrow morning-My wife and I;and her parents will be there....how about it???

 

[Pete in MI]

it is a ways away - not for regular church services but for Casey to be active in a youth group driving to WB several times a week puts a lot of wear and tear on the old vehicle and gas prices don't help much either. Can't make it Sunday as we are up in Charlevoix this weekend to celebrate our 4th weding aniversary. Won't be back to Houghton Lake til about Monday night - or later.

Will let Sherry know of the church you mentioned and see what happens.
We really are looking for something close, something with a good youth program and definitely a church that keeps true to the Word of God.

Thanks for letting us know about the church Steve.