TIMELY TOPICS FOR THE NEW YEAR

 

In January, the Sunday morning message series will strive to address some “Timely Topics for the New Year” from a biblical perspective.  Below is a summary of four topics that we will cover this series along with some other pertinent information.

 

January 4 – False Versus True Christian Unity

Meditation:  “Christian Unity:  What it is and isn’t” – John 17:20-23; 2 John 1:9-11

During our Ordinance Services where we focus on the unity that believers share, we will look at the difference between so-called “unity” that is contrary to Scripture versus true Christian unity that the Lord Jesus Himself prayed for.  Pastor Jensen noted of a recent meeting between Pope Leo XIV and Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople regarding the Nicene Creed, an historic Christian confession of faith.  One major goal of this meeting was to foster unity among Roman Catholics and Eastern Orthodox.  This caused our pastor to ask, “Biblically speaking, what is the true unity that Jesus prayed for concerning genuine disciples?”  That is the issue we will address.

 

January 11 – Human Trafficking

Message:  “Human Trafficking and the Christian Response”

This Sunday will be the first time we gather following the Epiphany of or Lord (which is January 6).  Another meaning for “epiphany” is “an illuminating discovery.”  It may be an “epiphany” for many to learn about a terrible scourge happening across our land – human trafficking.  It is even a problem in our area.  We are inviting Pastor Greg Hench from the Carlisle First Church of God to come and speak on what the Christian response to human trafficking should be.  Pastor Hench is passionate about this matter and devotes much time to alerting Christians to it and how to respond. 

 

January 18 – Immigration and Borders

Message:  “Blessing Sojourners and Sustaining Borders” - Deuteronomy 24:14-22, Romans 13:1-7  

In commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Many churches designate this Sunday as Human Relations Sunday.  The questions and the debates in our nation go on and on about legal and illegal immigration, the border, and related matters.  We will look at what the Bible has to say about these matters – in particular, the roles of the government and the church in addressing them.

 

January 25 – The Sanctity of Human Life Sunday

“Stand Up for Life Though Many Stand By’’ – Deuteronomy 30:19-20; Proverbs 24:11-12

On this Sanctity of Human Life Sunday, we will talk about the Biblical call for all believers to champion a wholistic view of human life.  The lives of all people, including those yet to be born and the elderly are precious to God.  However, it appears that churches are less willing to address this matter than they were just a few years ago.  It is time for all followers of Jesus to be champions for life. 

 

We invite you to join us at 8:00 and 10:30 AM each Sunday this January for “Timely Topics for the New Year.”