I'm not even sure what I would do if I had been blessed with some musical talent (God knew what He was doing), but God has given me the opportunity to be a part of the ministry that HE has entrusted to Adam. Last weekend, he got to lead music for his friend, Rich. Rich pastors at Audubon Park Baptist Church which is in the heart of Memphis. They were having a church conference. He invited 3 different preachers to preach on different aspects of the church. It was incredibly convicting! More on them in a second.
Adam had the opportunity to play and sing with so many talented musicians. I think "the band" consisted of 11 people and it was awesome to see some unique instruments like the mandolin, violin, and viola that are not so common in praise bands. I think they did an excellent job of pointing our hearts to the Savior and His Word through music. I know it was a fun experience for him to play with such a variety of musicians!
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| Worship - I tried to be a little sneaky, so not the best quality pic. |
Dr. Tim Seal spoke on 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 on "God's Glory in the Church."
1. They spoke the Word of Christ boldly (v. 1-6)
a. In adversity
b. With authority
c. With honesty
d. With loyalty
2. They cared deeply. (v. 7-9)
a. With gentleness
b. Through giving
3. They lived holy. (v. 10-12)
Dr. John Mahoney spoke on the "The Congregation and Repentance" from 2 Corinthians 7:8-13.
He started out his sermon asking, "Are you ready to repent?" He was very straight forward on sharing what the church lacks in repentance, not just repentance at salvation, but what he called "progressive repentance." It is what God uses to produce growth in believers and the congregation.
1. Context is sin.
2. Confrontation with the truth.
3. Concept of repentance.
-sorrow that results in life-change
4. Contrast is sorrow that produces repentance.
a. Genuine sorrow before God's holiness, think of Isaiah in Isaiah 6.
b. Genuine sorrow before God's presence.
5. Characteristics (v. 11)
6. Consequences of repentance.
a. Back in step with God's purposes.
b. Encouragement.
Dr. Phil Newton finished on Sunday morning from Colossians 3:15-17 with "What is the Congregation?"
God's desire was dwell with a people not in a building, think of Israel in the Old Testament. To be a congregation is to be involved in one another's lives, centered in the Gospel, for the glory of God.
1. A Referee of the Body (v. 15) - "Let the peace of of Christ rule."
2. A Residence within Us. (v. 16) - "Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly"
a. Word of Christ dwells in you!
b. Teaching and admonishing - each one contributes to the worship of the body
c. Produces thankfulness in your heart
3. The Atmosphere in the Congregation (v. 17)
a. Invoking the name of Christ in every aspect of the congregation
b. Do it with thankfulness.
A congregation lives with such a consciousness of the work of Christ that one cannot help but be thankful! His challenge to the church: Live out the Gospel!
Each message was convicting and very challenging. Dr. Newton has been a pastor for over 30 years and it was easy to see his heart for the congregation. He desires to the see the church be what God has called the church to be. It was incredible and encouraging!
It was a fantastic weekend with a sweet body of believers. Adam and I were especially encouraged by the words of a sweet lady in the congregation. I love how God uses His people to edify other believers! May God continue to use this congregation for His glory! Adam and I were definitely blessed to be a part of this special time with the Audubon Park congregation.
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