LBCF Ch. 26 - The Church - Sec. 1 & 2 (Pt. 1)

2 Timothy 1:3-9 - "A Spirit of Power, Love, and Self-Control" (Pentecost Sunday)

The same Holy Spirit which appeared at Pentecost is at work today. He has sustained and energized the Christian church through the ages, and He does so still. He provides the power to not be ashamed when the father of lies continues to bring false charges against God's elect. He stirs up the mutual self-giving love among believers. He gives a sound mind and self-control as we pursue our holy calling. As each one of us fans the flame of the gifts of the Spirit, remember that these gifts are always in service of the fruit of the Spirit. He has called us to good works from before the foundation of the world, so get to it in Pentecostal power. No fear. No shame. A holy calling. A sincere faith. Power, love, and self-control. All of it integrated together, knit together in love (Col. 2:2), as the Spirit completes the work He was sent into the world to do.

LBCF Ch. 26 - The Church - Sec. 1 & 2 (Pt. 1)

Study in the 1689 Second London Baptist Confession of Faith

Acts 2:29-41 - "Baptized Into the Reign of Christ" (Ascension Sunday & Baptism)

Ascension Day reminds us that Christ not only rose from the grave, but that having done this, He was exalted to a universal kingship far greater than His grandfather David's. Christ remains seated at the right hand of the Father until all His enemies have been made a footstool. The time between Christ's first coming and His second coming is the age of the conquest and victory of The Great Commission. Christ's most glorious way of subduing His enemies is by making them friends, as He does each time a sinner is converted. Baptism is a picture of this glorious turn of events; of Christ's kingdom being established on earth. Christian, as you leave here this morning, see to it that your efforts this week are consistent with God's will being done on earth as it is in heaven. Leave in Ascension power, Ascension confidence, and Ascension joy.

Romans 6:1-11 - "Baptized Into Christ" (Baptism Sunday)

Baptism is a step of obedience for those that have been transferred from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. It is a public sign that our allegiances have changed; that we are no longer slaves to sin but belong body and soul to Jesus Christ. In baptism we are confessing that we have died to sin and been made alive to the things of God. As we do this, Christ is also ministering to us, reminding us of what He has done on our behalf. Adoption into God's family and union with Christ are two of the sweetest gifts of grace that God gives. So the charge is to remember your baptism! Reflect on what this all means. Reflect on the sign that God has put on you. You have been baptized into Christ! Let us spur each other on as we pursue this new identity.

Trinity Education Meeting

Resuming discussion on the possibility of establishing a Classical Christian School, supporting Christian homeschooling, and possible areas of overlap.