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The Christian Life
Are you living in hope? “Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone a precious corner stone and he who believes in Him will not be disappointed “. (1 Peter 2:6) “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”. (Hebrews 6:19) The Christian`s hope is not in the here and now but in what is to come. It is based on Jesus (the precious cornerstone) through his teachings, his death and resurrection. The Holy Spirit is given to open our spiritual eyes to these truths and sincerely believe in Jesus. John 3:3 says “unless a man be born again (born spiritually) he cannot see heaven”. This work of the Holy Spirit indwelling in born again Christians brings spiritual understanding, real belief, a new hunger for God, and assured hope. Another aspect of Christian hope, is the promise that it will not leave us disappointed. ”Philippians 1:6 reminds us “being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus”. Because our hope, is not based on our own ability, but the work of Jesus in us, we can be confident of it’s success, a confident hope. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am”. (John 14:3) Our hope is validated, through the witness of others. Hebrews 12:1 reminds us, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” We are not alone. The Scriptures tell us of those who have gone faithfully before us and of those who have fought the good fight. As witnesses they encourage us to follow their example. Seeing God working in other believers strengthens our own faith and testifies to us that our hope is based on truth. And this is the will of him (God) who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day”. (John 6:39) The future of God’s children is more secure than tomorrow’s sunrise. When the Holy Spirit is given, it is a seal of our salvation. The names, of those to whom the Holy Spirit is given, are written in the Lambs book of life, paid for with the Savior's blood. 1 Corinthians 6:20 tells us, “for you were bought with a price” . Our hope is not just wishful thinking, but anchored on the promises and power of God. Leaving a sinful life is hard, but for those who leave and live for Jesus, there are no regrets. “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to give you a hope and a future. ‘” (Jeremiah 29:11). As Christians we must ask, does our life reflect this hope? If you will come to Jesus, and follow him, he will give you this Hope. Come! Colby Reeves – Evangel member Evangel Church PCA (evangelchurchpca.org) Thompson Rd, Alabaster - SS 9am, Worship 10:15 The Christian Life
Easter, the celebration of “New Life” ! John 12:24 – “Very truly I tell you, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds”. As Easter approaches, Christians look forward to celebrating all that it means to us and what it offers to non Christians. All people are born sinners. All of us are naturally drawn to sin. We can all look at our lives and see areas of rebellion against God. We don’t follow some of God’s commands because of the sacrifice involved. When we read God’s commands they are offensive to us. We don’t want to be told what we can and cannot do. We make excuses to justify sinful thoughts, words and deeds. God does not force obedience but warns that the penalty of our rejecting Him, through disobedience, is eternal death. We need a Savior! In the verse above Jesus illustrates the miracle of how death brings life. Having lived a perfect life, Jesus could have gone to Heaven without dying and suffering the cross. Without his death, we would all die as payment for our sin. In God’s wisdom, He provided a way for sinful mankind to return to Him in righteousness. It required someone who was without sin to be willing to die in our place. “ For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the forgiveness of sins.” Matthew 26:28. In this verse new covenant refers to newly revealed. It was always God’s plan to provide redemption through a Savior. In the Old Testament, God foretold in Isaiah 53: 5 “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our sins, the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed”. “7 He was led as a lamb to the slaughter, And the LORD ]has laid on Him the sins of us all”. 11 “My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their sins”. So Jesus’s death provides life to many by believing in Him. This is the reason we celebrate Easter. While Jesus did die and suffered death, God brought him back to life to signify that the payment for sin was accepted. For Christians who have trusted in Christ, death is now only a transition from mortality to immortality. 2 Corinthians 4:14 tells us “knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus” . Christians who have sincerely placed their faith in Jesus are now justified. This means their sins are removed and they are righteous in God’s sight by faith in Jesus and will be raised back to life just as he was. Christians share in Christ’s death in that they are putting their old sinful life to death. They are sharing in His resurrection by living a new life in obedience to Him. This new life is eternal. Yes, He died to bring new life for many, to all who will trust in Him. You can have a new life too! Come! Evangel Church PCA 423 Thompson Rd. Alabaster, Al evangelchurchpca.org Sunday - SS 9 am - Worship 10:15 am The Christian Life
Are we about our Father’s business? “Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations.” (Matthew 28:19) .In our September article (on our website) we looked at the need for Christians to search out a Church that teaches and obeys God’s word and join in membership. This month we look further into why we join the Church. In Hebrews 10:25 we’re reminded that as Christians we’re to join together in the Church, the body of Christ. Though the Church has a diverse membership we are united in our faith in Christ and in submission to the Holy Spirit who guides us. We gather for worship, study, ministry, and fellowship. We could say we gather to honor God, learn his will, and to make plans for accomplishing his will. It’s vital that we not only say we believe but live it through the Church and ministry. “That those who have believed in God should be careful to maintain good works.” (Titus 3:8) We actively live out our faith as we become involved in the business that God has assigned his people. The ministries of the Church are as diverse as the members involved. Some perform multiple tasks while some are more specific. Some members are trained to preach, some teach and some help the needy. Some donate time or money in supporting roles. Some help maintain the property while some oversee financial business. Some have musical skills while others teach and care for the children fulfilling Gods call to sing praises and bring the children to him. Titus 3:14 says “Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.” In Acts 6 we read that the Apostles were so busy preaching the gospel that they didn’t have time to check on the needy among them. They formed a separate group for this purpose and fulfilled Gods commands to share the gospel but also care for the needy. There is a need and a place for each member who is dedicated to participating in the Father’s business. “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven”. (Matthew 5:16) When we actively engage in the work of the Church it honors Christ and gives credibility to the gospel to an unbelieving world. “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12) We also join together in ministry for strength. We are encouraged to be faithfully obedient when we are with others who are doing likewise. ” And He said to them, Did you not know that I had to be about My Father’s business?” (Luke 2:29). Herein is Christ’s example. It becomes the children of God, to conform to Christ and attend their heavenly Father's business, and make all other concerns secondary. This is the Christian life. To obey Jesus and continue the work of the Father’s business. Come! All are welcome! Evangel Church PCA, 423 Thompson Rd, Alabaster. Al. SS 9 am, worship 10:15 am evangelchurchpca.org I do all things for the sake of the gospel, that I may become a fellow partaker of it.”I Corinthians 9:23NASB Note: The combined Sunday school for Feb 27 will be 7th grade- adults in the sanctuary. (Not 5th grade- adults as shown on schedule below) Also, Sunday School will be streamed LIVE for this coming Sunday Feb 27th.
O Come, All Ye Faithful Christmas Night of Music —Wednesday, December 15, at 6:30 p.m. Please contact Connie Reynolds at the church office (664-0889) if you would like to participant by sharing a song or instrumental with us.   What is Your Favorite Christmas Carol? For each week of this Christmas season, one of our pastors will be expounding the great Advent truths found in your favorite Christmas carols. Please place the name of your favorite Christmas carol or carols in the box located underneath the world map in the vestibule and we will pick from these carols for this year's Christmas sermon series.  |
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