October 29, 2023 • Dr. Mark Kemp • Ephesians 4:1–6
The church is made up of many members yet we are called to be one body in Christ. Jesus prayed on the night before He was crucified that those who believe in Him would be one so that the world would see and believe that the Father sent the Son (see John 17:20-24). Our unity has far reaching implications! It glorifies Christ, testifies to the world, and blesses us. Therefore it should be carefully guarded.
We Serve
October 15, 2023 • Dr. Mark Kemp • 1 Peter 4:7–11
Jesus came to serve and those who follow Him will serve. In the Lord's church, we have opportunity to serve one another through the abilities and power that He Himself provides. We are blessed when we serve, others are blessed through our service, and God is glorified by our service.
We Give
October 8, 2023 • Dr. Mark Kemp • Acts 4:32–37, Acts 5:1–11
When the church talks about giving we may tend to get uncomfortable. But the truth is there is not much more basic to being a Christian than giving as God has given to us. When we are part of a church, we give to the Lord through the church to further His kingdom and glory. This passage tells how the first church gave to meet a particular need. It illustrates principles that guide all Christians in faithful giving.
We Pray
October 1, 2023 • Dr. Mark Kemp • Acts 2:42, Ephesians 6:18–19
Prayer is to our spiritual life what breathing is to our spiritual life. We cannot be alive and vibrant without it. The first Christians were "continually united in prayer" (Acts 1:14) and God used them to change their world for the glory of Christ. May we have the same practice and make the same impact in our day.
We Participate
September 24, 2023 • Dr. Mark Kemp • Acts 2:41–47, Hebrews 10:23–24
We are the church when we gather for worship and when we scatter to witness. Both the gathering and scattering of the church is important. Our ability to live faithfully for Christ and serve Him in the world is largely dependent on our faithfulness to gather with other believers for worship and fellowship. Being part of the church means faithfully participating in these gatherings for God's glory, our good, and the benefit of other believers.
We Believe
September 17, 2023 • Dr. Mark Kemp • Ephesians 2:19–20, 2 Timothy 3:13–17, Acts 2:42
Because we are the church of our Lord Jesus Christ, we believe and live according to His Word as revealed in the Scripture. The Bible is foundational and profitable for the church and every believer in it. As Jesus Himself said, "Blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it” (Luke 11:28).
We Are The Church
September 10, 2023 • Dr. Mark Kemp • Acts 2:36–42
This passage tells of the beginning of the Christian church. From it we learn how a church is formed, who is a part of it, and what they do. In the following weeks we'll focus on different commitments we make and things we do as the people of Christ together in His church.