This coming Lord’s Day, we will (DV) bring to a conclusion our study of the book of Hebrews, looking at the glorious benediction and final words in Hebrews 13:20-25. “20 Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, 21 equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 22 I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. 23 You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. 24 Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. 25…

From these passages we can glean at least eight things we can pray for ministers: Gospel fruit in ministry; dependence on the grace of God in ministry (and not earthly wisdom); boldness and clarity in proclaiming Christ and the Gospel; faith and faithfulness even in suffering for Christ; Gospel opportunities and successes; deliverance from evildoers and persecutors; ministry to be well-received by God’s people; and the joy and refreshment of being with God’s people

Last Sunday morning I announced that our church is now debt free. This is a cause for thanksgiving to God and for a little explanation. When I arrived as your pastor back in the summer of 1996, you had just completed the Study Center, and we had significant debt on the books in association with that project. We paid that off in a couple of years, and, as I recall, we were debt free in 1999. Then came Twin Lakes expansions, phase one and phase two, the purchase of houses and property adjacent to our church campus, the purchase of property for Twin Lakes, and of course the sanctuary expansion project. All in all in my time with you, the congregation has undertaken well north of $20,000,000 in capital projects improving, expanding, and extending our facilities and church property (not…

A Continuation of Ten Principles of Christian Giving: Very often people ask or wonder “what are the basic biblical principles for Christian giving?” As we seek God's answer to that question and contemplate our own giving to the Lord's Church in response to the clear teaching of His Word, perhaps it would be wise and helpful to review those principles. First, I would encourage you to read the following passages in the Word of God itself: Matthew 6:1-4; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2…

Very often people ask or wonder “what are the basic biblical principles for Christian giving?” As we seek God's answer to that question and contemplate our own giving to the Lord's Church in response to the clear teaching of His Word, perhaps it would be wise and helpful to review those principles. First, I would encourage you to read the following passages in the Word of God itself: Matthew 6:1-4; 1 Corinthians 16:1-2; 2 Corinthians 8:9-15; and 2 Corinthians 9:6-7. In our…