BCNE News
The latest news from our network of New England churches. Looking for our New England Perspectives Articles? Click here.
Preaching lessons
After having just finished a lengthy series through the Epistle to the Romans, which took over a year, it is a good time to reflect on the ministry of preaching. Here are some practical tips I have found helpful that other preachers might find helpful as well.
What is your church’s guidebook? Healthy growth and change part 2
A necessary question for analyzing the health of your church is: “What are the authoritative instructions that are followed by your church?” Every church follows some set of rules or guidelines. Some churches are very committed to careful adherence to their constitution and bylaws. In some churches, Roberts Rules of Order are the ultimate authority. In newer churches, the church might be following a church planting model or the individual church planter’s vision. The rules and guidelines may be an unwritten set of traditions – “the Baptist way” or “the way we have always done things.”
Bible illiteracy - it’s an epidemic
Did you know, in the average church:
⅓ of members read the Bible once or a few times per week
⅓ read their Bible rarely if ever
Only ⅓ read their Bibles daily!
(Approximate Statistics from Lifeway)
What to do when we don’t know what to do
Everything is changing. The ways we live, learn, work and play are all up in the air, and no one knows how things will land. Between the lockdowns, restrictions on gatherings, ongoing riots and protests in our cities, rising crime and racial tensions, it feels like we are lost in the wilderness without a guide. No one knows anything!
Meditating on Scripture
Meditate on Scripture. It’s the command in Joshua 1:8. The practice of the wise in Psalm 1:2. It’s the source of praise in Psalm 119:97. So, not surprisingly, it’s a common point of application in sermons on spiritual growth. But still someone recently asked me, “How exactly do you meditate on Scripture?”
Narnia and spiritual warfare
We may understand that we face battles, but why does Aslan say to Peter, “And, whatever happens, never forget to wipe your sword”? I believe there are two reasons that Christians ought to remember to wipe our sword.
Jesus and His teachings
Jesus Christ is the Son of God who came to walk among us. We must understand some critical things about Him in order to maintain a stable faith.
Why study and obey Scripture?
We need to study, know and obey the Word of God. We can’t underestimate the importance of this issue in our Christian lives.