Sermon Preview
Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
As you know by now, the month of October brings us closer to the 500th Anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. The beginning of this critical period in Church history, what J. I. Packer has called, “a spiritual revival, if any movement in Christendom ever was,” is forever linked with the date October 31, 1517. It was on this day that Martin Luther nailed his famous ‘Ninety-Five Theses’ to the church door in the German city of Wittenberg. With this simple request for debate on some of the questionable practices and beliefs of the Catholic Church, the Reformation was ignited, and we are the direct heirs of its gospel flames.
The Protestant theology that resulted from this time of theological and spiritual renewal was set forth by five Latin slogans, each representing an essential doctrine that, as the Reformers insisted, must be believed and proclaimed in order to be faithful to Christ:
Sola Scriptura-By Scripture Alone
Sola Fide–By Faith Alone
Sola Gratia–By Grace Alone
Solus Christus–Through Christ Alone
Soli Deo Gloria–Glory to God Alone
Throughout the month of October, we will be focusing our sermons on these five Reformation slogans that find their foundation in the Word of God.
This coming Lord’s Day our text will be 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17, and our message will be entitled, “By Scripture Alone.” When the Reformers coined this phrase, they had in mind the Scripture’s self-testimony regarding its claim to be the ultimate authority for faith and practice. And this claim regarding the written Word of God was made in view of the assertions of the medieval Roman Church that ultimate authority was found in the Church, in her authorized teachings, and in her traditions. For the Reformers Sola Scriptura answers the essential question, ‘Where has God spoken with final authority?’
Then, on October 8, Rev. Jim Daughtry will preach from Romans 1:16-17 on the “Righteousness That is By Faith Alone.” Then I will follow with sermons on the three remaining solas, ending on the triumphant note of Soli Deo Gloria on October 29.
Let me also encourage you to take advantage of our current Adult Sunday School Class on Church History. Cliff Smith is leading us through the interesting, if not often tumultuous, history of the Reformation and the growth of the Protestant Church. In the next few weeks we will be considering some of the more notable Reformers and their teachings.
On a personal note, I will be on vacation from Monday October 2 through Sunday October 8. I am so thankful to have Jim Daughtry filling the pulpit for us while I am away.
I love you all, and find great joy in serving our Lord with you!
In His abundant mercy,
Mike
Upcoming Events:
October 1, 2:30 PM – Men’s Fall Study
October 1, 4:00 PM – Children’s Choir
October 3, 6 PM – Women’s Evening Study
October 4, 9:30 AM – Women’s Morning Study
October 9, 6:30 PM – Young Adult’s Study
October 12, 6 AM– Men’s Morning Bible Study
October 15, 12:30 PM– Visitor’s Luncheon
October 15, 2:30 PM– Flower Guild Demo
October 22, 4:30 PM – Youth Group
October 27, 6 PM – Reformation Walk
October 28 – Church Work Day
December 6 – Women’s Christmas Party
Order of Worship:
You can access this week’s Order of Worship by clicking here
The songs for this week are:
He Leadeth Me
Oh Love That Will Not Let Me Go
God of My Life, To Thee I Call
Doxlogy
Announcements:
Men’s Bible Study: The Fall Men’s Bible study concludes Sunday at 2:30 PM at the church. The subject is maintaining purity. All men are encouraged to participate, and please invite guests. There is also the morning study, meeting every other Thursday at 6AM at the church.
Women’s Bible Studies: There are two Fall Women’s Bible Studies going on, Tuesday evenings at 6PM and Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM. For more information about these or any other women’s ministries please contact Denise Scrip.
Youth Group: Youth Group will meet again on October 22 at 4:30PM at the church. All students in grades 6-12 are encouraged to attend, and please bring friends!
Children’s Choir: Children’s Choir continues Sunday at 4 at the church house.
Young Adults Study: Monday nights in October, starting on October 9th, there will be a Bible study for young adults at 6:30 PM at the home of John and Leslie Jeffery. The topic is “Humility.” This is open to anyone who considers themselves to be a young adult, single or married.
Visitor’s Luncheon: There will be a luncheon for all visitors of CPC at the home or Rich and Christina Bagdazian, 2614 Legacy Preserve Dr, Brownsboro, AL, immediately after worship on October 15. To sign up please see Christina at the table in the narthex.
Flower Guild Demo: The Flower Guild will be hosting a floral demonstration on October 15 from 2-4:30 PM in the Fellowship Hall. Sign up in the Narthex.
Reformation Walk – On October 27 at 6 PM, we will have our first ever Reformation Walk, celebrating the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation. This fun event for children will help them learn about the history of the Reformation through games, crafts, and songs. Volunteers are needed to help with this, so if you are interested please see Ashley Turnbull or Amy Drown. Afterwards we will gather to watch a little play, sing songs and pray. At 8:30, we will dismiss for hot cider and desserts outside! Get excited!
Church Work Day: We will have a Church Workday Saturday, October 28, starting at 8 AM. The purpose is to perform needed maintenance including landscaping and cleaning at the Church and Church House. In doing this we will have a great time of fellowship. We need the help of about 20 -25 adults and teens to help with this job. We also need tools. Please sign up to help and to bring designated tools in the narthex starting Sun, Oct 1. We will provide a light breakfast (coffee and donuts) and snack food. We plan to finish around noon. If the weather is bad, our backup day will be Saturday, November 4.
Women’s Christmas Dinner: Save the date for the Women’s Christmas Dinner at the Monte Sano Lodge on December 6 at 6 PM.
Prayer Requests:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Chris Smotherman, Elizabeth Holton, Janet Chou, Ramona Edwards, Nolan Osmer, George Boyd, John Baxter, Joyce Bosley, and Sondra Behmer
Expecting: Please pray for the Bryant family, expecting in December, the Townsley family, expecting in March, and the Staffords, expecting in April.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); RUF at Alabama A&M; Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky Garcia (seminary student).