COMPositions 34
One of the daily devotionals I read is LOVE WORTH FINDING (www.lwf.org) which posts the writings of the late Adrian Rogers, a conservative Southern Baptist pastor and author who passed away in 2005. I always find these brief devotionals poignant and inspiring!
Today’s post, June 23rd, was based on 1 Peter 3:15 (NASV) where the Apostle Peter challenges disciples of Jesus to “..sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
Pastor Rogers wrote: “In the first century, Christians were accused of subversion, of being an economic threat, and of condemning others. Their accounts are a clear warning of the days ahead for Christians of the twenty-first Century. In 1 Peter, we are instructed to be real, to be ready, and to be bright lights in a dark world. We must enthrone Christ as Lord. Often, we hear people say they’ve accepted Jesus as Savior, but we cannot have what He gives unless we accept Him as Lord. You’re not saved by the “plan” of salvation; you’re saved by the “man” of salvation and His name is Jesus. We must also be ready with an answer. If we have truly been saved, there will be something about us that is unexplainable; we must be ready to give a defense form our faith. And we must practice genuine humility. Meekness is not weakness; it is strength under control.”
The post concludes with 3 questions and a challenge: “Have you enthroned Jesus as your Lord? How ready do you feel to give and answer for your faith? How might you become more ready? Take time to write out your story of faith and how Jesus has changed your life.”
I find these words to be very timely both in relation to the cultural moment we live in and the current mini-sermon series on doubt and suffering. People have many questions they are wrestling with but if Christians are not living a distinctive life of holiness and hope, they most likely will never ask us. And if or when they do ask, we must be ready with solid answers which are true and reasonable AND those answers must be expressed with humility and respect. This is a tall order in our chaotic and hostile culture, but God has graciously given us His Word to stand on and His Spirit to empower us! Let us all and always be students of God’s Word and vessels of God’s Spirit.
The 14th Annual Reconciliation Week Celebration will take place in Meridian July 6th-11th with several special community events. What began as a one-day annual commemorative observance of the 2003 Lockheed tragedy expanded to a week-long celebration in 2008. This year’s theme is "Remaining Resilient for Reconciliation". For information and details visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/190527327665716/?ref=share
NorthPark will be hosting the Global Leadership Summit again this year on Thursday and Friday, August 5th & 6th. This is a great opportunity to grow your leadership skills and confidence by learning from some nationally known speakers and authors. Since we are a host site for GLS you can receive a significant savings of up to $80.00 by clicking on this link https://link.globalleadership.org/reg/host/?siteId=764779 and typing in the priority code 21HSFAMILY. The Early Bird rate of $99.00 expires after July 13, after that the registration fee will be $129.00. If you would be able to help host this event, contact Dan Petersen at [email protected] or 601-527-4137.
Big Week July 19-23: NorthPark’s annual VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL is happening each night from 6:00 to 8:30 pm for kids who have completed Kindergarten through 6th grade. This year Gerri Lynne Croley and her crew will be providing a meal each night to make it easier for families. You can sign up to register your child(ren) and volunteer by clicking this link https://northpark.church/vacation-bible-school Also, Northcrest Baptist Church will be hosting the LOVE OUT LOUD community event from 8:00 am to 2-3:00 PM each day. For more information and to register stop by the display table in the lobby or go to www.lolmeridian.com And don't miss the community worship services at the Temple Theater at 7:00 PM on Sunday, July 18th, Wednesday, July 21st, and Friday, July 23rd which is for the entire community, even if you are not able to participate in any of the daily work projects.
Reminder: The month of July there will be no Kids Connection (Kindergarten-Grade 6) during the 10:45 worship service. This will give our families an opportunity to worship together and our faithful volunteers some time off to be in adult worship. Nursery and preschool classes will be staffed and available. FYI: Next week, June 28th through July 3rd, my family and I will be vacationing in Gulf Shores, AL.
For His Glory, Pastor Greg
Today’s post, June 23rd, was based on 1 Peter 3:15 (NASV) where the Apostle Peter challenges disciples of Jesus to “..sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”
Pastor Rogers wrote: “In the first century, Christians were accused of subversion, of being an economic threat, and of condemning others. Their accounts are a clear warning of the days ahead for Christians of the twenty-first Century. In 1 Peter, we are instructed to be real, to be ready, and to be bright lights in a dark world. We must enthrone Christ as Lord. Often, we hear people say they’ve accepted Jesus as Savior, but we cannot have what He gives unless we accept Him as Lord. You’re not saved by the “plan” of salvation; you’re saved by the “man” of salvation and His name is Jesus. We must also be ready with an answer. If we have truly been saved, there will be something about us that is unexplainable; we must be ready to give a defense form our faith. And we must practice genuine humility. Meekness is not weakness; it is strength under control.”
The post concludes with 3 questions and a challenge: “Have you enthroned Jesus as your Lord? How ready do you feel to give and answer for your faith? How might you become more ready? Take time to write out your story of faith and how Jesus has changed your life.”
I find these words to be very timely both in relation to the cultural moment we live in and the current mini-sermon series on doubt and suffering. People have many questions they are wrestling with but if Christians are not living a distinctive life of holiness and hope, they most likely will never ask us. And if or when they do ask, we must be ready with solid answers which are true and reasonable AND those answers must be expressed with humility and respect. This is a tall order in our chaotic and hostile culture, but God has graciously given us His Word to stand on and His Spirit to empower us! Let us all and always be students of God’s Word and vessels of God’s Spirit.
The 14th Annual Reconciliation Week Celebration will take place in Meridian July 6th-11th with several special community events. What began as a one-day annual commemorative observance of the 2003 Lockheed tragedy expanded to a week-long celebration in 2008. This year’s theme is "Remaining Resilient for Reconciliation". For information and details visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/190527327665716/?ref=share
NorthPark will be hosting the Global Leadership Summit again this year on Thursday and Friday, August 5th & 6th. This is a great opportunity to grow your leadership skills and confidence by learning from some nationally known speakers and authors. Since we are a host site for GLS you can receive a significant savings of up to $80.00 by clicking on this link https://link.globalleadership.org/reg/host/?siteId=764779 and typing in the priority code 21HSFAMILY. The Early Bird rate of $99.00 expires after July 13, after that the registration fee will be $129.00. If you would be able to help host this event, contact Dan Petersen at [email protected] or 601-527-4137.
Big Week July 19-23: NorthPark’s annual VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL is happening each night from 6:00 to 8:30 pm for kids who have completed Kindergarten through 6th grade. This year Gerri Lynne Croley and her crew will be providing a meal each night to make it easier for families. You can sign up to register your child(ren) and volunteer by clicking this link https://northpark.church/vacation-bible-school Also, Northcrest Baptist Church will be hosting the LOVE OUT LOUD community event from 8:00 am to 2-3:00 PM each day. For more information and to register stop by the display table in the lobby or go to www.lolmeridian.com And don't miss the community worship services at the Temple Theater at 7:00 PM on Sunday, July 18th, Wednesday, July 21st, and Friday, July 23rd which is for the entire community, even if you are not able to participate in any of the daily work projects.
Reminder: The month of July there will be no Kids Connection (Kindergarten-Grade 6) during the 10:45 worship service. This will give our families an opportunity to worship together and our faithful volunteers some time off to be in adult worship. Nursery and preschool classes will be staffed and available. FYI: Next week, June 28th through July 3rd, my family and I will be vacationing in Gulf Shores, AL.
For His Glory, Pastor Greg
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