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Chapters 12-14 of 1 Corinthians address spiritual gifts. Many in the church at Corinth felt that gifts made one more spiritual than another. They emphasized the importance of these gifts without cultivating the quality of love in their lives. Paul sought to correct their understanding in this area and help them function more effectively in the body of Christ. There are many important truths from these chapters that apply to believers today.
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Jesus had a special message to each of the seven churches in Asia Minor. He usually commended each church for something good, and had a word of correction for something that needed to change. However, in the letter to the church in Philadelphia, Jesus didn't condemn or correct anything. He described this church as having "a little strength," and commended them for their faithfulness. Jesus may have described them this way because of some weakness in the church, but it is likely they were small in number and limited in their resources. What can we learn from the "small church?"
Hinckley Ridge Baptist Church has been part of the community since 1838. Keep reading to find out more of the history of the church.
Recently, I have been teaching and preaching through the Book of Acts. In chapter 18, Paul meets Priscilla and Aquila. It says that Paul stayed with them, "because he was of the same craft... for by their occupation they were tentmakers." The next verse tells us that, "he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks." At this point, Paul was a bi-vocational preacher.
Recently, we have been studying through the Book of James on Wednesday nights. In chapter four, James poses this question, What is your life? Take some time to consider this question, and the answer James gives us.
Probably the one thing that has impressed me most this Christmas season is the humanity of Jesus. Jesus left the glories of Heaven and was born as a human baby and laid in a humble manger. But this was just the beginning.
One term we have heard recently is "essential" - essential businesses, essential workers, etc. Christianity has some essential elements as well. Certainly, true Christianity is not possible without being born again. Jesus said, "Ye must be born again!" The Bible and prayer are essential to what we believe as well as our fellowship with God. Another necessary component to our faith is the church
What makes a great nation? Is it material conveniences, inspiring leaders, a powerful military, or a strong economy? What if a nation has all of those things and yet lacks in morality and religion? Is that nation great? In Deuteronomy 4, Moses addresses Israel and gives some characteristics of a great nation.
It is now mid-May. Although our country is still dealing with a crisis surrounding the Coronavirus Pandemic and the resulting shutdown of our country, what observations can be made as we look back over the past several weeks? How ought the church to respond in this type of a situation, and what about individual Christians?
This time of year brings many holiday parties, presents, family gatherings, caroling, Christmas lights shows, Christmas trees, parades and much much more. However, if it were not for Jesus Christ coming to earth in a manger that night there would be no reason to have any celebrations. At Hinckley Ridge it has been a busy but Christ focused Christmas.
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