Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Throughout church history, the importance of preaching has been emphasized and explained as being a vital activity of the church. John Calvin said that where the word of God is not preached and heard, there is no church. Preaching is a ministry that Jesus himself authorized and continues to empower … Continue reading “Encouragement for preachers”
Last week, over 75 GCI leaders joined with about 5,000 others at the Exponential Conference in Orlando, Florida. In addition, about 45,000 church leaders from 93 countries watched the conference on live video streamed over the internet. Those in Orlando from GCI included church planting teams, ministry developers, regional and district pastors and pastoral leaders … Continue reading “Exponential Conference”
Following is a sermon outline that expands on the message of Holy Week and the season of Easter concluding with Pentecost. It was written by GCI, Philadelphia member John Kossey. Hosanna Precedes Hallelujah In this sermon we’ll remember the old, old story of Jesus and his love—his love for us unto death on the … Continue reading “Sermon outline”
As reported last week, LaVerne is in serious condition. Here is an update from district pastor Glen Weber. LaVerne was doing a bit better and was more conscious late last week. Saturday she enjoyed a visit with some friends who visited from Southern California. However, after a period of time she suffered a seizure and had … Continue reading “LaVerne Wyatt-Paige”
Larry Wooldridge, who pastors GCI churches in Meriden and Stratford, Connecticut, was born in Buena Vista, Georgia, a farming community of about 1500 people. “It was very much an ‘Andy of Mayberry’ type existence. Our town was built around a square with the courthouse, which looked like an old antebellum home, at the center. Family-owned … Continue reading “Larry Wooldridge”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ: As our understanding of who God is (our theology) developed, we began using the term “Incarnational Trinitarian Theology” to identify and summarize our understanding. However, use of that term (and others like it) might cause some problems. First, it might confuse some who are not trained in theology. Second, … Continue reading “Beware theological labels”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, As we begin a new year, I want to focus on the calling that is shared by pastors. As shown below, many people have no idea what pastors do. And it’s not unusual for pastors to feel inadequate in their role. I’ve felt that way too, as apparently did … Continue reading “The pastor’s calling”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, You probably know about the 1815 Battle of New Orleans, in which the Americans resoundingly defeated the British. But do you know that this battle was fought two weeks after the signing of a peace treaty ending the War of 1812? News traveled slowly 200 years ago—but not today! We are kept … Continue reading “Here’s good news”
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In Clean Jokes and Inspirational Stories, Rod Dykstra tells about a successful young executive who was driving through the neighborhood in his new Jaguar. Suddenly a brick smashed into the side of his car. He slammed on his brakes, and jumped out to confront a guilty-looking small boy standing … Continue reading “Why be concerned about mission?”
Here is an update to the previous prayer request. We are pleased to report that Surgay is doing better. His liver enzymes are lower, his white blood count rising and his kidneys are better. The doctors took him off the ventilator and took out the feeding tube. He is out of ICU and in a … Continue reading “Surgay Kalamaha”
