Sermon Preview

Dear Brothers and Sisters in the Lord,

On Sunday we will continue our summer series of ten messages on ‘ The Church Under the Cross’ with our second look at the words of our Lord discovered in Mark 8:34–

And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

In this passage, one that reveals our Lord’s candid message to the twelve Disciples and to the crowds that were attracted to Him, we find three phrases that help us to understand what is required to “ come after” Him. That is, we see what Jesus demands from anyone who would seek to be associated with Him and gain entrance into His kingdom.

Last Lord’s Day we examined what Jesus meant when He said that “ anyone” desiring to walk with Him must first “ deny himself.” In addition to this first requirement, our Lord adds that each must also “ take up His cross,” and then must “ follow” Him.

As we compare these words in Mark to the way that Luke also records this episode, we can gain a fuller picture of the scene:

And he said to all, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23).

You can immediately see the addition of the word “ daily.” The act of taking up our cross is something that, according to our Lord, is to be done each day. But what does this mean to pick up our cross? And what does it mean to do this each day. And what is the difference between the cross upon which Jesus died, and the one we are commanded to carry? And what is indicated and implied by the word “ follow.”

I hope you will pray for the preaching of the Word, and for the Lord to teach us how we might be more faithful to Him in these very critical days.

I love you all!!

Mike

Announcements:

COVID-19 Message:

Our weekly service of worship has resumed! Please observe the following guidelines. First, practice distancing as much as possible – no physical contact, and keep 6 feet between your family and other families. Sit in pews where marked. There will be no nursery or childcare, or any other food or beverages on church property. There will also be no communion or congregational singing. Masks are highly encouraged. There will be no Sunday School until September. Per the State Health Department, if you have been in contact with someone who been sick, if you feel sick yourself, or if you have any pre-existing health conditions, you should remain at home. We will continue to provide a recording of the worship service to allow for participation in worship at home.

Message from your Diaconate:

As we continue through this difficult time, if you have needs of any kind, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the Diaconate. We’re eager to help you or to find someone who can. This is one of the main reasons the church has deacons, to make sure that congregational needs are being met. Please remember that your Diaconate and Session are praying for you, and we’re here to help however we can.

Parenting Conference:

Please save the dates of August 28th and 29th for our parenting conference!  Our guest speaker is John Perritt, current director of resources for Reformed Youth Ministries.  Please mark your calendars for a Friday evening/Saturday morning event to consider how we might better disciple our children in today’s challenging culture.  Further details will be forthcoming.  For questions, please contact Matthew Elliott at matthew@christpreshamptoncove.org.

Psummer Psalms:

Announcing our 3rd year of Psummer Psalms! Everyone, young and old, is invited to memorize one entire Psalm this summer. Then join us for a recitation and light dinner at church on Sunday afternoon, Aug 16. Recitation can be individual, or together in a group or family. New this year: a trophy t-shirt for anyone who recites an entire Psalm from memory! If interested, email darondrown@gmail.com for periodic encouragement and accountability.

Resources for Further Study:

Pastor Mike has posted a list of books on a variety of theological topics that you might find useful. Check out the list by clicking here. You can also find this list from the About Us menu on the web site home page.

Children’s Ministry:

Women’s, Career/Singles, and Youth Ministries:

Ministry activities have been canceled pending the virus quarantine. Check this space for rescheduled events.

Men’s Studies:

The weekly Men’s study of John Calvin’s Institutes is meeting via Zoom, contact Daron Drown for details.

Prayer Requests:

Healing: Please pray for the health of the following individuals: Zig and Virdia Jastrebski, Ramona Edwards, Bill Dent, Jacky Haynes, Steve Terry, John Baxter, Bill Cowley, Larrabee Kirkland, Elizabeth Holton, and Nolan Osmer.
Expecting: Please pray for the Libertos, expecting in August, and the Elys, expecting in September.
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); 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); 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