“From the Pastor’s Office”
Week of March 10, 2019
Enter to Worship
· Scripture Memorization Verse (3/17): 1 Corinthians 9:23
· Sermon Review (3/10): “Boast in the Lord” / 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
-In this week’s passage, we are warned against boasting in ourselves, especially when it comes to the operating of our spiritual gifts in the context of the local church. Paul tells us from 1:9, that the church at Corinth was not lacking in any spiritual gift. However, in vv. 10-11, we see that there are divisions and quarrels in the church, according to a report by Chloe’s people. So, the question is, how can a church filled with born-again followers of Christ be quarreling to the point that it required Paul’s attention? We see the root of the issue in vv. 26-31: boasting in themselves! Paul, as always, anchors the solution to the issue in the gospel. He asks them to reflect on their calling (cf. 1:9), that it is God who is faithful and who called them into a relationship with Christ. If God initiates their salvation, where is the boasting? Were they chosen by God for their great societal status, intelligence and strength according to the world? No! In fact, God usually uses those whom the world would not choose! If God choses them for salvation, then He also gives the gifts (chapters 12-13). If He give the gifts, how can they boast in the gifts? The answer is, they cannot.
-Application for New Life: As always, we can know the meaning of the text; however, the most difficult part is applying the text. How can we apply this at New Life? Are you proud of your gifts, talents, achievements, etc… so that you can boast of what you have accomplished? Or, are you proud of these things because it provides an opportunity for you to boast in Jesus Christ, and for the doors that He has opened in your life? Are you using your spiritual gifts in church so that you can boast in your abilities? Or, are you using your spiritual gifts in church to boast in Christ’s work in you and for the building up of your brothers and sisters in Christ? Remember: Boast in the Lord!
· “Dinner and Devotion” (3/13): March Business Session
· Sunday Morning Preview (3/17): The Biblical Jesus
· Sunday Evening Discipleship (3/17): A Unified Church: 1 Corinthians 3
Depart to Serve
· 2019 Guyana Team: Scott Parrish, Noel Faulkner and Pastor Joel. Dates: Apil 23-May 1.
· Brittany Williams’ Medical Trip to Armenia. We thank God that He has raised up such a servant as Sister Brittany, and we thank Him for opening these doors for her. Please prayerfully consider donating to both the Guyana Trip and to Brittany’s Trip. Envelopes are in the foyer!
· 2019 Prayer Ministry: New Life Prayer ministry kicks off Easter Sunday!
Week of March 10, 2019
Enter to Worship
· Scripture Memorization Verse (3/17): 1 Corinthians 9:23
· Sermon Review (3/10): “Boast in the Lord” / 1 Corinthians 1:26-31
-In this week’s passage, we are warned against boasting in ourselves, especially when it comes to the operating of our spiritual gifts in the context of the local church. Paul tells us from 1:9, that the church at Corinth was not lacking in any spiritual gift. However, in vv. 10-11, we see that there are divisions and quarrels in the church, according to a report by Chloe’s people. So, the question is, how can a church filled with born-again followers of Christ be quarreling to the point that it required Paul’s attention? We see the root of the issue in vv. 26-31: boasting in themselves! Paul, as always, anchors the solution to the issue in the gospel. He asks them to reflect on their calling (cf. 1:9), that it is God who is faithful and who called them into a relationship with Christ. If God initiates their salvation, where is the boasting? Were they chosen by God for their great societal status, intelligence and strength according to the world? No! In fact, God usually uses those whom the world would not choose! If God choses them for salvation, then He also gives the gifts (chapters 12-13). If He give the gifts, how can they boast in the gifts? The answer is, they cannot.
-Application for New Life: As always, we can know the meaning of the text; however, the most difficult part is applying the text. How can we apply this at New Life? Are you proud of your gifts, talents, achievements, etc… so that you can boast of what you have accomplished? Or, are you proud of these things because it provides an opportunity for you to boast in Jesus Christ, and for the doors that He has opened in your life? Are you using your spiritual gifts in church so that you can boast in your abilities? Or, are you using your spiritual gifts in church to boast in Christ’s work in you and for the building up of your brothers and sisters in Christ? Remember: Boast in the Lord!
· “Dinner and Devotion” (3/13): March Business Session
· Sunday Morning Preview (3/17): The Biblical Jesus
· Sunday Evening Discipleship (3/17): A Unified Church: 1 Corinthians 3
Depart to Serve
· 2019 Guyana Team: Scott Parrish, Noel Faulkner and Pastor Joel. Dates: Apil 23-May 1.
· Brittany Williams’ Medical Trip to Armenia. We thank God that He has raised up such a servant as Sister Brittany, and we thank Him for opening these doors for her. Please prayerfully consider donating to both the Guyana Trip and to Brittany’s Trip. Envelopes are in the foyer!
· 2019 Prayer Ministry: New Life Prayer ministry kicks off Easter Sunday!