Media
The Church's One Foundation
May 22, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
This passage gives the reason for the apostle’s writing this letter, the reason we have this part of God’s inspired word. It is so that “people will know how to conduct themselves in the household of God.” The letter is written so that we will know how to conduct ourselves as God’s family, His church. We will see that our conduct arises from who we are in Christ and what we believe about Christ. In this short passage we have a beautiful description of who we are as the church and a concise statement of the belief that shapes us.
A Few Good Men
May 15, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
This passage describes the character needed in men who serve the church as Deacons. The word deacon literally means servant or minister. The deacons are men who love God and serve His church in whatever way necessary to help it progress in His purpose. We will not only study about Deacons on Sunday but we will open the process to nominate new men to join our Deacon Ministry Team. Pray for the men who are now serving as Deacons and that God will add to their number a few more good men.
A Noble Work
May 1, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
As we continue our journey through 1 Timothy, our focus now turns toward those who are called to lead (overseers) and serve (deacons) the church. This week's passage is concerned with the overseer or pastor. While these verses give us some insight into the work of an overseer, the primary focus is on the character needed in a man who serves as an overseer of God's church. Whatever one's role of service may be, character matters with God and is essential for faithful service to Him and His church.
Worship that Exalts and Edifies
April 24, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
1 Timothy is instruction for how God's people should conduct themselves as His church (see 1 Timothy 3:15). Chapters 2 and 3 deal with the worship of the church. The verses we will focus on this Sunday have been the subject of some debate in the church over the last few years. However, if we correctly understand and practice the timeless truths they contain, they will help us to worship God in a way that exalts Him and edifies those who are present.
Perplexed, Amazed, and Forever Changed
April 17, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
For Jesus' original followers, His death was dark and discouraging and the discovery of the empty tomb was perplexing. However, when they saw Jesus alive they were forever changed. We sometimes experience discouragement, perplexity, and doubt. Other times we may experience peace, joy, and amazement. Whatever we are presently experiencing, we can find hope and life in a fresh encounter with the risen Lord Jesus.
God Our Savior
April 10, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
Savior is a title we normally use in connection with Jesus Christ. But in 1 Timothy 2:3 it is applied to God (meaning “God the Father”). Salvation begins with the Father who loves sinners and desires their salvation. It continues with the Son who came in obedience to the Father’s will to provide the way of salvation for us. Salvation is a work of God in all His being—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It is a precious gift for us to receive and a then offer to others as God our Savior has called us to do.
First of All Pray
April 3, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
This passage begins to address some matters related to how a church should worship. It begins with prayer. We might be tempted to relegate prayer to places of unimportance but Scripture, therefore God, elevates it to the place of first importance. These verses instruct us concerning a way that "pleases God our Savior." Our ears ought to perk up when we hear these words. May our hearts desire to learn what pleases God so that we can put it into practice.
Fight the Good Fight
March 27, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
Paul encouraged Timothy to fight the good fight as he served the Lord Jesus in a challenging situation. This encouragement to Timothy is applicable to every Christian who is serving Jesus in this world. It is at times a fight but it is a "good" fight worthy of faithful effort and promising great reward.
The Power of the Gospel
March 20, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
The apostle Paul never ceased to be amazed that God saved such a "notorious" sinner as him and made him a messenger of the good news to others. The grace of God that saves and transforms sinners is amazing! We need to receive it and rejoice in it. The more we contemplate the power of the gospel in our lives the more joyful we will be and the more eager we will be to share it with others.
Serving God With Money
February 20, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
Jesus warns us that money and material things can either be a danger to our soul or an opportunity to glorify God. Money is neither good nor bad in itself but our attitude toward it and our use of it can be good or bad. Our STWG campaign is a good time not just to think about what we might give but to examine our whole attitude toward material things in the light of Jesus' words. We enter into great blessing when we practice Jesus' teaching.
Seeking God's Guidance
February 13, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
The Psalmist knew that he had enemies about and weakness within himself so he confidently and humbly appealed to God to guide him in the right paths. We are beginning a season of prayer in the STWG campaign to seek God's guidance for ourselves and our church. This Psalm helps us to know how to seek God in this and at all other times when we need His guidance in the right paths.
So They Will Grow
February 6, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
Colossians 2:7 NLT is our theme verse for the So They Will Grow campaign. It communicates that the vision that leads us to undertake this campaign is much more than building a building. Our calling is to build up people (children, youth, and adults) in Christ. Buildings provide a place to do ministry but it’s building up that must most capture our time, treasures, and talents for the glory of Christ.
In the Lord's Presence
January 23, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
This week's message is "In the Lord's Presence" from Luke 10:38-11:4. In the beginning of a New Year we often make resolutions about Bible reading and prayer. We want to grow in our relationship with the Lord. This requires choice and discipline as well as learning helpful practices for spending time with God. In this passage of Scripture the Lord Himself encourages us and helps us to grow in a dynamic relationship with Him.
The Gospel and Race
January 16, 2022 • Dr. Mark Kemp
This week's message is "The Gospel and Race" from Acts 11:1-18. Racism has been a hot topic in our culture and it can quickly rise into a heated debate. As Christians, we need to recognize the reality of racism and learn to view it through the lens of Scripture. The Gospel is meant for all people because God created and loves all people. Whomever God values and loves we should value and love.
Turning to Jesus
December 26, 2021 • Dr. Mark Kemp
We'll continue this Sunday with the story of Christmas as we have it in the Gospel of Matthew. But we'll fast forward thirty years to consider the question, "What do we do with Christ?" This Sunday's message is "Turning to Jesus" from Matthew 3:1-12. It's not enough to celebrate the baby in the manger. We must respond to who He is and what He accomplished in His coming.
