Archive for September 2020

SERMON RECAP FOR 9/20/2020

Title: Preach the Word

Passage: 2 Timothy 4:1-5

Preach the Word

• Remember your direct report (v 1 & 2 Cor 5:10)
  • Two Implications:
    • Take your calling to serve seriously (James 3:1 & Hebrews 13:17).
    • Take courage! Jesus notices when others do not.
• Preach the Word fully (v 2)
• Be aware of the cultural challenge (v 3-4)
• Preach the Word with perseverance (v 5)

THOUGHTS…….

Some of you know that we have a dog.  Her name is Annie, and she is a 73-pound Lab/Blue Heeler/Great Pyrenees mix.  Last year, about this time, we took her to a dog park near our house.  She and another dog were having a great time chasing each other and play-biting. That night we noticed a small cut by her ear. Over the next few days, we saw her take her paw and scratch at the injury. Then, we noticed her rubbing her head on the sides of her dog crate. Soon after that, she began to scrape her head on our walls, on the corners of our furniture, and on anything else she could. A large bald spot began to emerge on her head by her ear.  Eventually, we had to take her to the vet for medicine and the crowning of all dog humiliations—the cone of shame.  Why?  All because she couldn’t withstand the itch from the cut on her ear as it healed!  Can you guess where I’m going with this?

In 2 Timothy 2 4:3-4, Paul talks about a time when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. Just like our dog was willing to do just about anything to relieve her itchy ear, my guess is that many humans will also do almost anything to avoid the conviction they feel in their hearts when the Word of God is preached accurately.

I had a friend once confide in me that she went to church to feel good and be inspired.  At least she was honest.  Now that I know better, I might gently suggest that someone who preaches the Bible rightly does inspire—people to examine themselves and repent.

It’s funny, too, because like in Matt’s illustrations about the auto repair shop and the doctor’s office, I’m sure my friend would find another repair shop if the mechanic hid the truth to make her feel good about her car instead of telling her what was actually wrong with it.  And I can’t think of anyone who would rather be told that they were in good health when they actually needed life-saving medicine–just because the doctor didn’t want to risk offending that person.

But not so, when it comes to modern-day church goers. The itch to feel good and be inspired is strong.  However, we all need to be very careful.  We can’t run from Bible teacher to Bible teacher with the goal of only getting our ears scratched.  Just like with our dog, Annie, that kind of behavior can lead to a “bald spot”—or worse.  May we all be challenged this week to open up the dark parts of our hearts to the light of all of God’s word for healing. It might hurt a little now, but I’m betting in the long run, it will be infinitely better than having to wear a cone of shame.

NOTEWORTHY-

There are only a few days left in September which means there are only a few days left in our “Bringing in the Harvest” Challenge to raise money for Manna House, a local ministry that provides food and other resources for the underprivileged of Midlothian.  $28 feeds a family of four for a month, so for every $28 donation, you will receive a 28% off coupon to shop at Heaven’s Attic, Manna House’s thrift store, and we will enter you in a raffle for some Manna House merchandise and a $100 Chick Fil A gift card!  You can donate on our website by clicking here and selecting “Giving” from the top menu bar. You can also leave a check with Mary Curry in the Hub on Sunday.  Click here to watch a short video with more information about Manna House and its mission!

Wednesday night ministries are back—and charging full speed ahead!  Please join us from 6:15-8pm for Bible studies for both men and women, activities for middle and high school students, and our CrossKids program for children. Registration for Re:Generation has closed, but the Re|Engage program to strengthen marriages remains open for newcomers until October 14th.  Contact the church office (click here) for more information on any of these programs.

Many of our Sunday morning adult LIFE groups have resumed meeting in-person here up at the church. Make sure to touch base with your group to find out when and where they are meeting next!  To find out more about what Sunday school classes and LIFE groups MBC currently offers, email the church office (click here). Unfortunately, we are unable to offer Sunday school for children at this time. However, if you have children, make sure to check out our Family Service in the Senior High School room on Sundays at 10am.  It is kid-friendly and approved for wigglers!  Email Lydia Weldy (click here) for more information.

Make sure to stay connected to us and to each other—whether it be by watching the service on our YouTube channel or by attending in-person.  And the next time a scripture rubs you the wrong way, lean into it.  Pray that God will use His word to cut away and heal parts of your life that are damaged or diseased.  We don’t want to leave with our ears scratched if surgery is really what is needed.

In service to Him and to you,
Heather Hogue

Good morning, MBC Friends and Family!

Boy! Did it feel weird to type in the date in for today’s update! I’ve been watching Facebook over the last few days, and it’s been interesting to read where everyone was on 9/11/2001 and what they were doing. For the record, September 11, 2001 was the first and only time I directly defied an order from a military policeman and was chased through a parking lot of a Burger King by someone carrying an M-16 machine gun…  I’ll save that story for another time, but suffice to say, don’t try and separate a mother from her children–especially during a national emergency.

September 11, 2020 does share some eerie similarities to September 11, 2001, doesn’t it?  The world is seemingly out-of-control.  Fear runs rampant. Natural events seem almost apocalyptic.  However, one thing I learned from the Minor Prophets study is that God is just, and He is always working.  His plans will be accomplished, and He is in control of everything that happens here on this planet.  As Zephaniah said, “The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; He will rejoice over you with gladness; He will quiet you by His love; He will exult over you with loud singing” (Zeph 3:17).  To be honest, as I sit here and remember 9/11/2020, I am strangely comforted–not by the current mess we are in–but by the fact that God was, is, and still will be in control of 2001, 2020, 2021, 2025, and any subsequent years…no matter how bad things seem to get. And He has promised that all of this will work together for His good–which ultimately is OUR good.   And just like the rainbow in the sky reminds us: God always keeps his promises!

Noteworthy:

• This Sunday is our big Celebration Service!  Click here or copy and paste the following address into your browser for a short video message from Pastor Matt which explains why and how we will be celebrating! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qB6AG7ETKlI    Since it is an outdoor service, we have posted the lyrics for all the songs on our website!  Click here for the words to the great worship songs we will be singing on Sunday. This outdoor service starts at 10am and will be followed by free boxed lunches and snowcones in the back parking lot.  Bring an awning/canopy and lawn chairs if you have them.  You don’t want to miss it.

• We had a great turnout last week for the kickoff of our fall Wednesday night ministries!  However, it’s not too late if you couldn’t make it last week!  You can still join re:generation, Re|Engage, Finding God Faithful (for women), and a study of Psalm 23 (for men) from 6:15-8pm every Wednesday from now until December 16th. Please make sure to register in Realm–especially if your children will be participating in CrossKids or CrossKids Jr.  Contact the church office (click here) for more information on any of these classes!

• Don’t forget that since September is Hunger Action Month, MBC is sponsoring Manna House with a campaign to “Bring in the Harvest.”  Those who donate at least $28 ($28 feeds a family of 4 for a month!) will receive a coupon for 28% off their entire purchase at Heaven’s Attic—Manna House’s thrift store!  In addition, for every $28 you donate, you will be entered in a raffle for special Manna House prizes such as t-shirts, aprons, pens, bracelets, and a $100 Chick Fil A gift card. You can give now on Realm (click here) or by designating “Manna House Harvest” on your check or contribution envelope to support this gospel-centered ministry that meets the needs of the hungry and underprivileged here in Midlothian and Ellis County.

• Doug and Peggy Arendsee will be starting a new small group on Sunday mornings called Life with God.  Contact Doug @ douglasarendsee@hotmail.com  (307-286-1135) for more information.

• Mike has concluded his study of the Minor Prophets, but the group is continuing to meet with a new study of 1st John on Zoom!  Please email Mike (click here) if you’re interested, so he can send you the notes for the study and an invitation to join the Zoom meeting!

• Finally, we will be honoring the Clark family with a “Shower” for their new additions and a “Birthday Sprinkle” for Gracelynn.  See details on the MBC Women’s Facebook page or contact the church office (click here) for more information.  Collection of gifts will be next Sunday, September 20th in the Hub.

As crazy as these times were and are, we still have quite a bit to be grateful for, so when the world seems to be spinning all around us, remember 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17: Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  May you be aware of God’s comforting presence this week!

In service to Him and to you!
Heather Hogue