 Hello, Community Bible Church family! This is Pastor Joel, and I wanted to take a moment to share why I am incredibly thankful that we are a non-denominational church. Recent events in one of the major denominations in America have reinforced this gratitude and highlighted the unique benefits of our non-denominational status.
At the recent general conference of the United Methodist denomination, decisions were made that diverged significantly from traditional Christian beliefs. They approved the blessing and marriage of homosexual couples, allowed practicing homosexual or transgender pastors, and even discouraged using male gendered pronouns for God. These developments, while concerning, serve as a reminder of why our non-denominational identity is valuable. Being non-denominational means we have no external authority dictating our beliefs or practices. We are self-governing, with the freedom to interpret Scripture and uphold our doctrinal statements without interference. This autonomy empowers us to stay true to biblical principles and prevents external pressures from compromising our faith. However, with this freedom comes responsibility. As members of a non-denominational church, we must be actively involved in ensuring doctrinal fidelity. Unlike denominations that provide a safety net through collective oversight, we rely on our collective discernment to stay aligned with biblical truth. This necessitates a deeper engagement with our beliefs, understanding, and adherence to our doctrinal statement. One advantage of non-denominationalism is the flexibility to draw from various theological perspectives. Our church welcomes individuals from diverse backgrounds, fostering a rich tapestry of beliefs and interpretations. This diversity challenges us to approach Scripture with humility, seeking unity in essential doctrines while respecting differences in non-essential matters. In my preaching approach, I prioritize a verse-by-verse exposition, aiming for clarity and accuracy in interpreting Scripture. This method allows everyone, regardless of their denominational background, to engage with the Word of God authentically. Our shared commitment to scriptural truth transcends denominational labels, fostering a unified understanding of biblical principles. One of the greatest strengths of a non-denominational church is its adaptability to scriptural insights. If we discover areas where our beliefs deviate from biblical truth, we have the freedom and responsibility to correct course. This continual alignment with Scripture ensures that our church remains steadfast in its commitment to genuine, biblically grounded Christianity. In conclusion, the non-denominational nature of our church provides a unique opportunity for spiritual growth, doctrinal fidelity, and unity amidst diversity. Let us embrace this identity with gratitude and dedication, striving to honor God and serve one another as we journey together in faith.
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 We all know Christians are supposed to do certain things: going to church, reading your Bible, being generous, etc... These practices are called spiritual disciples, and it’s these actions that train ourselves to become more like Christ. Over the next few blog posts we will be posting about different disciplines, the reason they are important, and some practical tips on how to do it so that “that the man [or woman] of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:17).
At Community Bible Church, we are currently memorizing one or two Bible verses each month. This practice is so crucial because Scripture commands us to "Hide God's Word in our heart so that we might not sin against Him" (Psalm 119:11). Memorizing Scripture is not just a command in the Bible but a spiritual discipline that strengthens our faith, equips us for life's challenges, helps us grow closer to God, and it is the most important way to combat temptation. When Satan tempted Jesus, how did Jesus respond? By quoting Scripture. If Jesus used Scripture to defeat temptation, how much more do we need it! So the moment you are tempted you can recall a verse that speaks to you and that scripture has the power to overcome the temptation you are facing! So here are a few practical tips on how to memorize Scripture effectively: 1. Pray for Guidance: Begin by praying and asking God to guide you in selecting the right verses for memorization. Seek His wisdom and discernment to choose verses that speak to your heart and align with your spiritual growth journey. This step is crucial because it invites God into the process, acknowledging our dependence on Him for understanding and retention of His Word. Prayer is essential in the memorization process because it fosters a deeper connection with God and opens our hearts to receive His truth. It invites the Holy Spirit to illuminate the meaning and significance of the verses we are memorizing, making the experience more than just a mental exercise but a spiritual encounter. Through prayer, we invite God to speak to us through His Word, transforming our minds and conforming us to His will (Romans 12:2). By starting with prayer, we acknowledge that memorizing Scripture is not just about rote memorization but about cultivating a vibrant relationship with God. It reminds us that His Word is living and active, capable of transforming our lives as we hide it in our hearts (Hebrews 4:12). Prayer infuses our memorization journey with purpose and meaning, ensuring that we approach Scripture memorization with a humble and teachable heart. 2. Break it Down: Divide the verse into smaller sections or phrases. Focus on memorizing one part at a time before moving on to the next. This incremental approach makes memorization less daunting and more manageable. 3. Repetition is Key: Repetition is a powerful tool for memorization. Recite the verse aloud multiple times each day, and write it down on index cards or sticky notes to review throughout your day. The more you engage with the verse, the more firmly it will stick in your memory. 4. Use Memory Aids: Mnemonic devices, such as acronyms or visual imagery, can aid in memorization. Create a memorable phrase or image that encapsulates the verse's meaning, making it easier to recall when needed. 5. Apply Scripture: Connect the memorized verses to real-life situations. Reflect on how the verse applies to your circumstances, and incorporate it into your prayers and daily conversations with God. Applying Scripture in practical ways reinforces its significance and deepens your understanding. 6. Accountability and Community: Share your memorization goals with a friend, family member, or in your Community Group. Accountability and mutual encouragement can provide motivation and support in your memorization journey. Consider participating in group memorization challenges or activities within your church community. The importance of memorizing Scripture extends beyond mere recitation. It transforms our hearts and minds, aligning them with God's truth and wisdom. Memorizing Scripture equips us to combat temptation, encourages us in times of trial, and guides us in making wise decisions. As we internalize God's Word, it becomes a source of strength, hope, and assurance in our daily lives. Let us embrace the discipline of memorization, knowing that it leads us closer to God and strengthens our walk of faith. Looking for a place to start? Join us in memorizing our Verse of the Month for May: Matthew 6:33-34 “33 But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. 34 “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” |
Dr. Joel HastingsThank you for visiting the blog of Community Bible Church. Check back each week for new content! Archives
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