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 5-26-20

May Memory Verse: 2 Timothy 3:16-17 
Click here to download the May verse as a phone background graphic

Click here to download and print the May memory verse bookmark


Links

  • Can the Pandemic Be an Answered Prayer?
    “Can a global pandemic be an answer to prayer?  Yes, if we are praying for more than physical health and safety.”

  • The CDC, Coronavirus, and the Importance of Religious Liberty
    “Love of God and love of neighbor require that under almost all circumstances, Christians can and should respect generally applicable policies. We respect government and understand its role as revealed to us in the Scriptures."

  • One Could Never Say Enough
    It is so easy to forget that we live in a big, diverse world. All of our ethnicities speak something to the grandeur of our God.

  • On the Passing of Ravi Zacharias (1946-2020)
    Ravi Zacharias’ homegoing came quickly and caught many off guard. He left behind an incredible legacy as one of the most renowned and respected apologists of this modern era. Ravi’s contributions to Christian literature were significant, and his influence as a teacher & apologist will live long into the future.

  • New and Notable Christian Books for May 2020
    Summer readings!! We recently purchased “Exploring the Bible Together” and look forward to beginning to work through this family worship plan through the summer.

  • The Nightmare that Colleges Face this Fall
    Public and private institutions across the country face a myriad of challenges as they seek to reopen before their fall semesters.

  • How do we love our children without making them into idols?
    Trillia Newbell answers a complicated question.

  • The Life of Sons and Daughters
    For those who are in Christ, we are children of the King. Why live like slaves when God calls us his children?

  • GOD TV Dispute has Israel talking about Messianic Jews
    A broadcast ministry that was airing in Israel created enough wakes to lead to its eventual removal from programming. GOD TV is a ministry of Jews for Jesus, Messianic Jews desiring to present the Messiah of the New Testament to the nation of Israel.

  • Unreached of the Day: The Mongol People in China
    A large people group of 5,614,000 in China who are less than 1% Christian. This population largely adheres to Buddhism. The Mongolians in China live in an area that is difficult to access. Obstacles by both the Chinese government and Chinese landscape make reaching these people with the gospel a challenging task.

  • Hymnday Tuesday: I Need Thee Every Hour
    Annie Sherwood Hawkes (1835-1918) makes her Hymnday Tuesday debut. This deeply rich and theologically instructive hymn has instructed, encouraged, and reminded the Church about her (The Church’s) desperate need for Jesus. Written at 37 years of age while raising 3 children, the message of the hymn’s lyrics did not hit home for Annie until her husband died later in life. This is Fernando Ortega’s rendition, lyrics included so you can sing along.





5-19-20 Links



5-12-20 Links



5-5-20 Links



4-28-20 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