Every week, I would like to share with you a round up of links to articles and videos that have resonated with me in some particular way. It is important that you realize that I am not endorsing everything in these articles, videos, or sites but I share them with you as a way for you to see what has engaged my thinking and caught my attention online through the week. Some of the links are related to current events, some are related to current realities facing the church, some are just cool and random facts that you may or may not have known.

 -Pastor Chris Lenhart

Link Roundup 2-18-20

Current Read: "Beauty" by Sir Roger Scruton

February Memory Verse: Psalm 90:14 (click here to download the February verse as a phone background graphic)


Links

  • No Social Media Algorithm Rewards Grace
    Without wisdom and discernment in what and how we post, our social media accounts can be viewed as a terrible testimony for the church, and for Jesus.

  • Church Should be Your Excuse for Missing Everything Else...
    “I am under the unwavering conviction that unless I am genuinely ill, people are in the throes of death, my legs are rendered inoperable, or we are trapped in our house, church attendance is mandatory. I will not miss it. Even when I’ve had to miss it under those circumstances, which is quite rare indeed, I have hated it.”

  • The Satanic Doctrine of a Wrathless Cross
    If Jesus’ death does not turn back God’s wrath, then what does? Without a solid view of penal substitutionary atonement, we are at risk to be taken captive by deceptive philosophies of a wrathless cross.

  • Can an Angry Judge be Just?
    Our fair and furious God.

  • How to Pray the Psalms
    There is a beautiful book in the Old Testament that is full of hymns we can sing, and prayers we can pray. Here is encouragement for us to make the book of Psalm a regular visit in our prayer lives.

  • 7 Details We Get Wrong About the Bible
    Some fun facts that we might often overlook when studying and making observations regarding some of our most well-known and well-studied Bible passages.

  • Welcome to the Era of Fake Products
    If you buy products online frequently, there is a good chance you have already purchased a counterfeit product, perhaps without even knowing. This recently happened to me with socks! Buyers beware: the counterfeit items look almost exactly like the original. Amazon is investing massive amounts of resources to stop the selling of counterfeit products on their website.

  • The Dominion of Drunkenness
    Allowing ourselves to be subdued by the very creation that we were called to subdue is counter to God’s intention for our purpose and ultimately counter to His will for our lives.

  • Head Down and Into the Wind
    “Hope in Christ changes our goal from deliverance of circumstances to simply being faithful in them. Because that is the real work isn’t it? Learning how to be faithful when things don’t get better.”

  • Deserted Shanghai in the Midst of the Coronavirus Epidemic
    Check out these photos showing how empty Shanghai looks in the middle of one of the worst epidemics in recent history.

  • Marriage Was Never Supposed to Fill the Empty Spaces
    “Marriage cannot fill the empty spaces but it helps point us to the God who emptied himself so we could be filled up with the knowledge of him.  As we continuously seek to fill ourselves up with the knowledge of God, through his word and through prayer, he fills us with everything we need for life and godliness.”

  • 15 Killed in Fire at Haiti Orphanage Run by US Church
    Unfortunately, many of these “orphanages” are not regulated or overseen by the Haitian government, allowing for some rather disconcerting conditions and circumstances. This orphanage was run by a church in America that had lost its accreditation with the Haitian government.  



2-11-20 Links



2-4-20 Links



1-28-20 Links


1-21-20 Links



It is important that you realize that I am not endorsing everything in these articles, videos, or sites but I share them with you as a way for you to see what has engaged my thinking and caught my attention online through the week. Some of the links are related to current events, some are related to current realities facing the church, some are just cool and random facts that you may or may not have known.

 -Pastor Chris Lenhart

Discipleship Toolbox

Spiritual Growth

Our desire is to develop fully devoted followers of Christ who make disciples. In light of that vision, we are very passionate about helping every person who attends CMBC to take their next step. No matter where you are on your spiritual journey, there is always another step to take towards being fully devoted in your following of Christ. There is no one prescription for spiritual growth because everyone is different. But there are some basic areas to consider. It is our desire that each person intentionally participates with God and others in this transforming process. We invite you to consider what’s offered at CMBC and how that may be used by God to mature you in the faith.


Daily Bible Reading

We believe that reading God's Word, the Bible, daily is vitally important and absolutely necessary for spiritual growth. There are many different devotionals and guides for helping you read and apply the Bible, and we encourage you to find something that works for you. Here are a few suggestions:


Preparing for Baptism

Baptism is important, but it is not salvation. Baptism should be among the first steps of a new believer’s walk in obedience to the Lord. This booklet will help you more thoroughly understand baptism.


Steps to Membership

What is church membership? Although “official membership” is not found in Scripture, the idea of being a regular, integral part of a church fellowship is indicated throughout the Bible. It is not an option. It is mandatory for the kind of healthy spiritual life God intends. (1 Cor. 12:27)

 

Here are some ways to get integrated into the fellowship at CMBC.

  • Attend the “Exploring CMBC” class. This 4-week class is normally offered once a year during the ABF hour (9:45-10:45) on Sunday mornings and is for those desiring to know more about CMBC or intending to join. These classes are required for membership.
  • Click here to download and read the “Becoming a Member” booklet. If you wish to become a member and have completed the “Exploring CMBC” membership class, fill out the form at the back of the booklet and turn in to the church office.

The Story

The Bible is the story of God’s love for you. A love that goes beyond what we as humans can fathom. And because it is a story about the relationship between God and humans, it is sometimes painful. But there are times when hope is evident and God’s love is victorious.


 

The purpose of the story is to introduce us to Jesus Christ and his victory over sin and death. The story is complete in one verse which many of us know – John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

 

But there’s more to the story. Listen and allow The Story to change your heart and life...thestoryfilm.com