Sermon Preview:
Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,
What if someone said to you, “We must obey the gospel”?
Likely, it would strike you as a bit strange. The juxtaposition of obedience and the gospel seems odd. It smells strongly of legalism. And it reminds us of what we absolutely do not believe; namely, that we are saved by our obedience rather than by faith in our Lord’s perfect obedience.
But, what if the person who made such a statement about obedience and the gospel was an Apostle?
Two times in his inspired New Testament letters, Paul does just this very thing!
Romans 10:15-16
And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!” But they have not all obeyed the gospel.
2 Thessalonians 1:7-8
when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
And then the Apostle Peter makes this same connection:
1 Peter 4:17
For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
What are we to make of such statements? Do we need to adjust our view of salvation? Have we misunderstood the Bible and its message of redemption?
Well, this is where Romans 12:1 helps us enormously with these questions! It is here, in such simple words, that the relationship between the gospel and our obedience is made clear.
Paul tells us that there is, indeed, a vital link between our life of obedience and our reception of God’s mercy in Christ. But the order in which they function is critical. The “ mercies” of God come first. Then, the presentation of our “ bodies” to Him and our life of obedience!
This coming Lord’s Day, we will look very carefully at this connection. And we will discover that the more-than-abundant “ mercies” that we have in our Savior provide all the incentive that we need for a life of obedience to Him!
I love you, each and every one, with all of my heart!
Mike
PS: Next week’s Monday Encouragement will be posted on Tuesday.
Announcements:
Summer Worship Time Change:
Continuing throughout the summer, Sunday worship will begin at 9:30 AM in the Sanctuary. At 9 a.m. we have our coffee, snack and fellowship time just off the Narthex. We are serving special snacks to the children in the fellowship room at the same time. Parents, please encourage your children to enjoy their snacks where they are served.
Parenting Conference:
We wanted to invite you to save the date for an upcoming parenting conference on August 20th and 21st. The conference will focus on the topic of parenting in the digital age. Our speaker will be Dr. John Perritt, the Director of Resources for Reformed Youth Ministries. There will be family meals and childcare activities included at the event. Sign-up and additional conference details are forthcoming.
Are you in a season of life that might deter you from participation in a conference about parenting? We would invite you to consider the blessing the whole body of believers may be to parents and the parenting endeavor. We are in need of volunteers to assist in setting-up, serving, and clean-up at the event, as well as volunteers to assist in Bible club and fun activities for the children. If you are interested in serving, please contact Ashley Turnbull for more details.
Thank you!
Psummer Psalms:
I’m happy to announce that we will continue the tradition of our Psummer Psalms for the 4th straight year!
Please join us for an afternoon/evening of reciting Psalms followed by some food and fellowship. Everyone of any age is invited to memorize one entire Psalm this summer and then come together Sunday afternoon, August 15th, for a recitation and dinner.
Recitation can be individual, or together in a group or family.
Simple steps:
1) Pick a Psalm, any Psalm
2) Memorize it
3) Recite it on Aug 15th, to God’s glory
It’s fine if multiple people pick the same Psalm. This happens every year!
As we get closer to Aug 15, I will send out more details about the event and get you to send me the Psalm you have memorized.
Join us by sending an email to schnorrenberg@gmail.com for periodic encouragement and accountability.
Youth Group:
Stay tuned for upcoming youth events.
Children’s Ministry:
A note from Amanda, our Nursery Coordinator:
First, a huge thank you to those you have volunteered in our nursery during Sunday worship over the past couple of months. It has been a great blessing to our children, nursery staff, and families.
I have created a new sign up extending through the summer months so please click on the link below if you would like to help in the nursery in the coming weeks. Don’t forget our new worship schedule this summer! Since service will begin at 9:30 as of May 30th, we ask that you arrive in the nursery at 9:15 to help welcome our children in. More details can be viewed on the sign up page.
https://www.signupgenius.com/
If you have any questions or comments, please reach out to Amanda Dean or Ashley Turnbull. It has been such a blessing as a parent to see our church as a whole lovingly take part in helping raise our children in a way that points them to their Creator. Thank you all!
Love,
Amanda Dean
Women’s Ministry:
Monthly Lunch: Our next monthly luncheon will be on August 5 beginning at 11:30 at the Timbers Edge Clubhouse located at 1 Timbers Main, Brownsboro. It’s potluck – feel free to bring a dish or just yourself.
Wednesday Summer Fellowships: Make plans to join other ladies in the church for fellowship throughout the summer. Our goal is to connect across generational lines and encourage one another. All ages welcome! Groups will meet on Wednesdays at 10:00 am at Sharon Daughtry’s (5726 Jones Valley Drive, Huntsville 35802) as well as at 6 pm at Panera Bread on Airport Road. Contact Denise for more information.
Career/Singles:
The weekly bible study and fellowship for career/singles meets at 5:30 PM Sunday evenings at the home of Jim and Sharon Daughtry.
Senior Fellows:
On Tuesday, July 6 at 9:00 AM the Senior Fellows will enjoy breakfast, fellowship and a devotional at the Church. This will be followed by a special treat, Perry Calvert’s testimony. Guests are welcome. Please notify us at seniorfellows@
Prayer Requests:
Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Dave Angotti, Zig and Virdia Jastrebski, Ramona Edwards, Bill Dent, Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, and Elizabeth Holton.
Expecting: Please pray for the Deans, expecting in July, and the Prinzingers, expecting in November.
Ministries: Please pray for the following missionaries and ministries: Seth and Jessica Lewis (Ireland); Steve and Rita Williams (New Zealand); Noah and Karleigh Stephens (Thailand); Vinnie and Molly Athey (RUF at UAH); Amos and Jessica Williams (RUF at Alabama A&M); Ken and Angie Burnett (FCA); Franky and Alaina Garcia (church plant in Canada); Dieter Paulson (church plant in Scottsboro, AL); Gannon Miles (seminary student); The Huntsville Pregnancy Resource Center.
Online Donations:
If you would like to give to Christ Presbyterian, you can do so at the following link:
Emails:
general inquiries: admin@christpreshamptoncove.org
benevolence needs: benevolence@christpreshamptoncove.org
counsel and ministry needs: matthew@christpreshamptoncove.org
men’s ministry: men@christpreshamptoncove.org
women’s ministry: women@christpreshamptoncove.org
children’s ministry: children@christpreshamptoncove.org
youth ministry: youth@christpreshamptoncove.org
senior fellows: seniorfellows@christpreshamptoncove.org
Address:
288 Old Highway 431
Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763