A plaque hanging on the wall at the YMCA uses the words “that they all may be one” (John 17:21) to speak of the unity that exists between all races and religions through the teachings of Jesus. Such a pluralistic statement clearly reveals that the plaque’s creators do not get it.  1 Corinthians 2:14 says, “the man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
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The country fair kicked off with 5 entries in the chili cook-off. Terry Thomas won first with Christy Kelley coming in as a close second. With almost 200 people attending there was plenty of activities to keep everyone busy! From the preschool game room to the pie eating contest there was a good time had by all. Several kids commented on their way out the door that this was “the best party ever!”

1 Corinthians 12

In the Baptist circles that we travel in, it could be said that there are some words associated with the Holy Spirit that make us slightly uncomfortable. Ok, let’s be honest, due to the rise of Pentecostal theology, they make us very uncomfortable. Indwelling is a word we seem comfortable with but as we move towards words like filling and baptism our theological ground begins to shake. Often we simply say something like, “they all mean the same thing and praise God for that. Now let’s all take our dish to pass and go eat.” These words do not need to strike us with fear but with joy…a joy unspeakable. For the work of the Holy Spirit is for the glory of God and our enjoyment of Him. Read the rest of this entry →

The work of the Holy Spirit in the New Testament is by a wide margin more connected to life after conversion than before.  There is, however, a work that he has prior to conversion.  He convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8).  And even though there is scant teaching on it, it is essential; the larger work for believers would never occur if there were no activity to make such believers in the first place. Read the rest of this entry →

I Corinthians 12