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 12-10-19

Current Read: "Malestrom" by Carolyn Custis James

December Memory Verses: Luke 2:10-12 (click here to download the December verses as a phone background graphic)


Links

  • Five Years of Christ
    “If there is one thing that I have learned over the past five years, it is that life is still troubling from time to time but that God is near to those he has redeemed. The stormy waves of life are bearable when we are held up by the love of Christ.”

  • Alister McGrath: Both Science and Scripture Declare God's Glory
    In this interview, exploring the intersection of faith and science, Oxford scholar Alister McGrath explains his view on narrative apologetics.

  • A Controversial Compromise
    A bill is coming that is aimed at leveling the LGBT agenda and religious freedom. While this bill is gaining support, it is also alarming both sides.

  • How Does Humility Lead in Conflict?
    John Piper carefully unpacks the difference between godly conviction and arrogance as it relates to conflict management and resolution.

  • How to Become a Tech-Wise Family
    In this podcast, Collin Hansen interviews Andy Crouch about how families can safely navigate technology.

  • Help! My Folks are Driving me Crazy
    This time of year, we often find ourselves surrounded by our families. This can be both a wonderful reality and a difficult reality. How can we manage the holidays when our folks are driving us up a wall?

  • Football and Jesus
    This is an oldie but a goodie. An op-ed for the LA Times exploring the relationship between Christianity and its deep influence on one of America’s favorite pastimes.

  • Belichick, Brady, Big Wins and Bigger Expectations:  Inside the Patriot Way
    A very insightful and lengthy look, behind the scenes, at the New England Patriots organization. How have they been able to sustain their success in a sport that sees so many teams rise and fall?

  • Christmas Celebrations Canceled in Iraq After Deaths of 400 Protesters
    “Islam is established as the religion of the state and the foundational source of legislation. Christians are among three religious minorities guaranteed religious freedom, though the constitution protects the Islamic identity of the majority.”

  • Samoa Bans Kids from Church as Measles Outbreak Kills 63
    “Children in Samoa have been temporarily banned from attending church services and other public gatherings, due to a growing measles outbreak that has claimed more than 60 lives and threatens to cancel Advent celebrations.”

  • [Resource] Remember What You Read
    Some helpful tools and tips that might aid in what you are able to recall and remember from the many books that you might be reading.




12-3-19 Links




11-26-19 Links


11-19-19 Links


11-12-19 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