Bibilical Doctrines
Posted by jeff in God's Word on August 18th, 2010
God tells us in 1 Timothy 4:16 to “watch your life and doctrine closely.” The word “doctrine” means “teaching.” The doctrines of the Bible are God’s teachings or lessons for our lives. Read the rest of this entry »
The Closing Statement
From time to time I am asked how the closing statement came about that I use at the end of the Sunday morning services. Here’s the answer. Read the rest of this entry »
The Importance of a Mission (Part 3)
Posted by jeff in Mission Statement on July 8th, 2010
I have been addressing the nine reasons why having and understanding a mission is important based on Aubrey Malphurs’ book, Advanced Strategic Planning: A New Model for Church and Ministry Leaders. As with the first two parts, I will summarize his reason followed by some thoughts. I covered the first six in parts 1-2, I will continue with number seven. Read the rest of this entry »
The Importance of a Mission (Part 2)
Posted by jeff in Mission Statement on July 8th, 2010
It is important for church leaders to understand the significance of a clear mission. Aubrey Malphurs gives nine essential reasons for a well defined mission in his book, Advanced Strategic Planning: A New Model for Church and Ministry Leaders. As with part 1, I will summarize his reason followed by some thoughts. I covered the first three in part one, I will continue with number four. Read the rest of this entry »
The Importance of a Mission (Part 1)
Posted by jeff in Mission Statement on July 1st, 2010
Over the past several months I have been studying the mission of the church and examining different mission statements by other churches. In my readings I came across Aubrey Malphurs’ book, Advanced Strategic Planning: A New Model for Church and Ministry Leaders. In it he explains the reasons why it is important for a church to have a clear mission and to have it stated. I want to summarize those for you and share some thoughts. Read the rest of this entry »
The Way of Your Mind Determines the Way of Your Life
Dr. Jeff Stott
The Bible contains several spiritual laws or principles that deal with your mind. One of those laws is called “The Law of Thought-Direction.” This law says that the way you think determines how you behave. Your mindset will establish the kind of decisions you will make and those decisions will determine the direction of your life. The way you think determines where you go in life and how you behave. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (NIV). In the Old Testament the “heart” includes the mind (the part of you that thinks, believes, and reasons). You are to guard your heart (and mind) because out of it your life springs up. The kind of life you have is determined largely by how you think. The New Century Version paraphrases this verse: “Be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.” How you think directs your life. Your thoughts will direct your decisions. Your thoughts direct what you will do and not do. Your thoughts control your life. Read the rest of this entry »
The Purpose of the Lord’s Supper
Dr. Jeff Stott
When it comes to the Lord’s Supper there are several reactions toward it. For some, it is a dreary religious ritual. The few times I went to church as a child and even after I was saved as a teenager, I considered the Lord’s Supper as an uninspiring church activity. When I walked into the church and saw the Lord’s Supper table set up my first thought was, “Oh no! The church service is going to be longer and I have to sit through this boring activity.” I hope that doesn’t describe you, but if it does, I hope the following truths will help remove the boredom and replace it with enthusiasm along with a deeper understanding of the significance of the Lord’s Supper. Read the rest of this entry »
My D.E.S.I.G.N. for Ministry
Dr. Jeff Stott
Did you know you were made by God with a purpose in mind? You were created for a unique ministry. You were designed and put together in such a way that you would be the perfect person to minister and bless in that situation, at that time, and in that place. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” You are God’s workmanship. He created you with a unique personality, a giftedness, and a passion to serve Him in special ways that only you can do.
But how can you know what you have been designed and created to do? God’s Word gives you the direction you need. To help you identify your uniqueness in ministry, it is helpful to use the D.E.S.I.G.N. approach in identifying the different ingredients that, when combined, provide you with information regarding God’s purpose for your life and ministry. Read the rest of this entry »
How to Improve Your Marriage
Five Foundational Truths For Every Couple
Dr. Jeff Stott
She was sitting in my office crying with her face buried in her hands and he was staring at the floor not knowing what to say. It was their first session of premarital counseling. Denise and John had been referred to me by a couple in the church. When asked if they were Christians, she said “yes,” and he said “no.” I then asked if they were living together, and that’s when she broke down. The Spirit of God had been convicting her for some time about their lifestyle. When I asked about it, the conviction and guilt poured over Denise in a flood of embarrassment and shame. Denise was being convicted about living with her fiancé. At the same time God had been working on John regarding his own personal relationship with the Lord. After some discussion, I asked John if he wanted to receive Jesus Christ as the Lord of his life. He did. I then suggested one of them move out of the house and that they reserve any physical intimacy for the wedding day. They did. From that day on, both Denise and John began to apply what the Bible teaches about marriage. They are now both highly involved servants in the church and a great testimony that God’s way is the best way. Read the rest of this entry »
Baptism
Dr. Jeff Stott
The Definition of Baptism
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolizing the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ. It is a testimony to the believer’s faith in the final resurrection. Read the rest of this entry »
