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 3-31-20

Current Read: "The Care of Souls" by Harold L. Senkbeil

April Memory Verse: Isaiah 41:13 (click here to download the April verse as a phone background graphic)


Links

  • 7 Ways to Find Joy in Isolation
    I genuinely appreciated this list, especially #6. Helpful ways we can remain full of joy, even in isolation.

  • Obedience to God and Love of Neighbor during COVID-19
    Al Mohler shares helpful advice on how we can remain obedient to God and love our neighbors in the midst of this outbreak.

  • Turning Thunder into Song
    “We’re all processing current events differently. No matter our felt level of fear or anxiety, no matter the actual peril of present times, there is something worth doing besides washing hands and reading news.”

  • What Will the New Normal Look Like?
    Our world has changed, dramatically, in just a few short months. Things will never be same, so what will the new normal look like?

  • Public, Private, Online, or Homeschool?
    With the new educational realities stemming from the Coronavirus, the debates and the questions have again emerged. Pastor John Piper digs into this sensitive family question and offers wisdom on how to determine what might be best for each of your children.

  • Family Worship Starts Now
    What a great opportunity to continue, expand, or begin the way that you are currently doing family worship time! Make the most of the opportunity of having family at home together to worship.

  • An Easter to be the Church, Outside of the Building
    It looks like Easter will be celebrated in our homes with our families this year. That’s okay! Since you know this now, take time to prepare for your Sunday morning worship on Easter Sunday today.

  • Gone and Back Again: Departure and Return from the Immigrant Church
    “As people immigrate from different places, they bring new customs, cultures, and languages with them. As a church, we must share the gospel with them, minister faithfully the Word of God to them, and shepherd them in love. But we must also speak their language. In our ministry to them, we must also consider their children, who will grow up speaking English. If we are to reach this generation raised in America, then we must also speak their language.”

  • Your Wife and Daughter Might Become Eligible for the Draft
    Denny Burk dives into some new legislation that might open the doors for women and teenaged girls to become eligible to be drafted into military service in the United States.

  • The Fright of Death
    Tim Keller offers insights into how believers can approach the darkness of death with great hope and great courage.

  • Video: Is it Okay for Christians to Take Antidepressants?
    Dr. Jeremy Pierre from Southern Seminary takes on a multi-layered and touchy question.

  • The Historical Background Leading to the Synod of Dort
    This was a fabulously written and researched “theology geek” article. Loved every sentence of this read, diving into the historical background that led to the Synod of Dort. Why did Arminians and Calvinists square off in this historic council over 400 years ago?

  • Forgotten Jobs:  Dog Whipper and Sluggard Waker
    In the olden days of church gatherings, which job would you have rather had? I don’t think I would want to whip the dogs, but I might enjoy waking the sluggard!




3-24-20 Links


3-17-20 Links



3-10-20 Links


3-3-20 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