epcblog

Devotional thoughts (Monday through Thursday mornings) from the pastor of Exeter Presbyterian Church in Exeter, NH // Sunday Worship 10:30am // 73 Winter Street

Tuesday, September 19, 2006

Why so much teaching?

This week and next we are starting many new classes. We are reminded of the Lord's words, "If you continue in my word, then are you my disciples indeed, and you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." (John 8:31-32)

For this reason we try to take advantage of every opportunity to teach and preach the truth.

This obviously begins with Sunday morning and evening (including adult and children's Sunday School), but it continues in other opportunities throughout the week. These include:

1. Daily morning worship (going through the entire Bible in four years).
2. Short courses in Theology, Bible, Church History, and Practical Christianity
3. Women's Study every Tuesday (going through JC Ryle's "Holiness")
4. Doug Camp's Wednesday night Bible Study

Everyone is welcome to attend these various sessions. This kind of intensive teaching approach is based on the idea that God has spoken in His Word, and that we are commanded to come to Him and to learn from Him.

Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Come and learn.

Thursday, September 14, 2006

Reformation of the church

My trip to Romania has allowed me to see the example of Hong Key Chung working for the reformation of the church throughout that nation. God has given this dedicated missionary many opportunities to speak about basic reformation principles to people in positions of influence. I am eager to see the fruit that the Lord would bring from these important efforts and to consider the implications for this kind of plan in our own environment in Northern New England.

Monday, September 04, 2006

Back from Romania

It is great to be home, and I am so thankful for an excellent trip. My time with the kids was wonderful (though too short) and my work with Hong Key was fruitful and very useful for my ministry in New Hampshire. Below is a portion of the Sunday School handout from yesterday.

Our mission work in Romania

My recent trip

Family camp in Buzau – teaching on Calvinism

Preaching and meeting in Cluj – Relationship building and teaching

Time with kids we have been praying for

Driving with Hong Key and planning conference for next year

Meeting with Susters – Closing the loop on six years of work together

The Bigger Picture

October, 2000 – Introduction to AG church movement and particular kids

January, 2001 – Introduction to Presbyterian church planting movement

2001-2004 – Personal efforts to have kids come to America

2002-2007 – Presbytery Involvement

2004-2007 and beyond – 2nd stage of Presbyterian movement

Conclusion: What has seemed to work? Building relationships and teaching

“Pillars” of Calvinism

1. The glory of God

2. The surprising depth of man’s sin

3. The all-sufficient savior – Jesus Christ

4. The powerful and orderly new testament life of prayer, sacraments, and the ministry of the word

5. The resulting transformation of the world by the power of God and for the glory of God

(Contrast with Islam: 1. Witness, 2. Prayer, 3. Charity, 4. Fasting, and 5. Pilgramage)

Romans 11:36 For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:36 Din El, prin El, şi pentru El sînt toate lucrurile. A Lui să fie gloria în veci veci! Amin.

The Post-Christian Environment of Europe and America

1. Family

2. Church planting

3. Works of mercy

4. Educational reform

5. God and every opportunity that He grants…