Sermon Series "Graefenburg Receives Mail"
Who doesn't love receiving mail? Whether it be a computerized email or an old-fashioned, hand-written piece of mail delivered by my postal worker, I enjoy reading what someone has taken the time to sit down and write. Even more so when that piece of mail comes from someone I dearly love or respect.
We receive mail at GBC all the time. Sometimes our mail contains advertisements, bills to be paid, and other stuff that isn't particularly fun or exciting. But we also receive thank-you cards, letters from folks desiring to become members, and exciting announcements about a birth, anniversary, or engagement. Many of these letters you can find reprinted right here in the Encourager (take a look at page 10). So what if I were to tell you that last week we received a series of letters from Jesus Christ? In them He described some of the things He was pleased with, but also mentioned some things that we could improve on. I think most all of us would be running into the church office to read these letters. The excitement at GBC would be uncontainable.
Well, the fact of the matter is that we have received mail from Jesus. In Revelation chapters 2-3, Jesus Christ writes letters to seven churches throughout the 1st century ancient world. Are we prepared to give an honest assessment of what He has written? How do letters written to a 1st century church provide relevance for 21st century Christians?
Graefenburg Baptist Church will bring in the year 2012 by responding to these questions. What we will discover rather quickly is that the letters Christ has written to the original churches in Revelation are timeless in their application and critical for our fellowship. Many of the victories and struggles they were experiencing are precisely what we are experiencing today.
The book of Revelation is not included in Holy Scripture for
a fruitless discussion of curiosity and speculation. It was written
so our lives and our church could be changed by its message; the
relevance of its teaching is for today. I look forward to exploring
this popular but misunderstood book with you in January.
Soli Deo Gloria,
Pastor Philip
Hosanna House - Extreme Makeover Honor Edition
Sunday, January 29 at 6 p.m.
2012 is going to be an historical and exciting year for Hosanna House! We have a brand new colorful Hosanna House space in Graefenburg Baptist's Ministry Activity Center! And we have a beautifully designed new Hosanna House set!
JOIN US for a Historical Hosanna House Extreme Makeover: Honor Edition at 6PM! We will also have a light supper and fellowship at 5:30. Donations are appreciated to cover the cost of the food. This will be our Hosanna House for the months of January and February. Then we will be in full swing for March! Read more >>
Local Pantries Running Low
Food donations are needed due to the economy and job losses. Both food pantries in Franklin and Shelby counties are struggling to meet the need for distribution. Please purchase one extra item at the grocery to help these ministries. Drop items off at mission table and they will be forwarded.