Book of the Month – January 2012

To go along with this year’s Tabletalk magazine daily studies, which are based on the Heidelberg Catechism…

The Good News We Almost Forgot

In “The Good News We Almost Forgot” Kevin DeYoung explores the Heidelberg Catechism and writes 52 brief chapters on what it has shown him.  The Heidelberg is largely a commentary on the Apostle’s Creed, the Ten Commandments, and the Lord’s Prayer and the book deals with man’s guilt, God’s grace, and believers’ gratitude. The result is a clear-headed, warm-hearted exploration of the faith, simple enough for young believers and deep enough for mature believers.  As DeYoung writes, “The gospel summarized in the Heidelberg Catechism is glorious, it’s Christ gracious, it’s comfort rich, it’s Spirit strong, it’s God Sovereign, and it’s truth timeless.”  Come and see how your soul can be warmed by the elegantly and logically laid out doctrine that matters most:  We are great sinners and Christ is a greater Savior!

http://www.monergismbooks.com/The-Good-News-We-Almost-Forgot-Rediscovering-the-Gospel-in-a-16th-Century-Catechism-p-18958.html

 

Why I’m Thankful for Our Church

Pastor Monte has been preaching recently about the early church.  We’ve been studying Church History in the adult Sunday school class for a few months now as well.  Last Sunday evening we heard Vann Chinchen update the congregation on his “Recon” trip to a Bible Church in Alaska.  We heard of a struggling, small body trying to get established.  Out in the middle of nowhere, not enough willing people to serve, not enough leaders, no preacher — just a building.  I have to admit I left that night feeling a bit disheartened, overwhelmed, and somewhat helpless as we discussed the current situation at that church and how we might help partner them.  This got me thinking….about why I am thankful for our church.

There are many reasons that I am thankful for Summit Park Bible Church.  I’m thankful that we base our entire ministry on the Word of God.  We are an independent Bible church, and as such, we take no cues from synods or regional organizations — our head is Christ Jesus and our operations manual is the holy Bible.  I’m thankful that we have Pastor Monte, a committed, tireless, passionate expository preacher who is methodically taking us through the Bible on Sunday mornings.  I’m thankful that we have a vibrant youth program and for our assistant Pastor James who is dedicated, involved, and truly wants to see our kids nurtured and grow in the Word.  I’m thankful for our music directors and for our choir and musicians, as they lead us in music that is focused primarily on God and his glorification.  I’m thankful for our Sunday school and AWANA programs that allow us to educate our children with Biblical values and instill in them the importance of being well-versed in the Scriptures.  I’m thankful for the many others who diligently serve — often in the background: our deacons, deaconesses, hospitality committee, social event planners, building committee, etc.  I’m thankful for our congregation — a growing and maturing body that is eager to learn and to be molded after the church that we see in the New Testament.  I’m thankful for the prayer warriors that we have, who keep our prayer chains going and updated when situations arise.  I’m thankful for the financial giving and for the stability we have enjoyed for many years, not having to worry about how the bills are going to get paid.  I’m thankful for the opportunities that have been available to serve both God and His people in a variety of ways within our body.

These are just some of the reasons I’m thankful for our church.  Thank God for his provision and blessing!