Many of us enjoyed a time of fellowship at Grace Baptist Church Port Erin, for a one-day conference under the title of "Gathered for Glory: Why We Worship." Friends from several churches met to hear Oliver Allmand-Smith (Trinity Grace Church, Ramsbottom, England) speak on topics drawn from the first three chapters of his book of the same title. His earnest desire was that we look to scripture to find our purpose, meaning and practice for worship. The sessions were recorded and are available on YouTube. 1: Drawing Near to the Triune God Link session one, 2. Gathering with Our Covenant Lord link session two, 3. Listening to Our Enthroned King link session three.
Oliver Allmond-Smith's book, published by Broken Warfe, is available here.
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Much is said about Genesis 12:3, where the LORD said to Abram, And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. Abram received that promise about 500 years before the Twelve Tribes of Israel existed! And now, Genesis 12:3 is often misquoted in a way that says that all who bless the Modern State of Israel shall be blessed. However, when read alongside other verses in the Book of Genesis, it can be seen that the promise of blessing to all families of the earth in Genesis 12:3 was given to Abram and his seed.
In the New Testament, in Galatians 3:16, Paul explains plainly and simply what is meant by seed when he says, Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He saith not, And to seeds, as of many; but as of one, And to thy seed, which is Christ. Then in verses 28-29, Paul says, There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. So, the promise is to Abram and his seed, who is Christ, and extends to all who are trusting in Christ.
The word of God could not be clearer. Women are not to preach or teach in the Church. In 1 Timothy 1:1 we read, "If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work." Remember that Pastor, Elder and Bishop are the same office. Have a listen to Pastor Glenn Walters deal briefly with this.
Women Preachers And Apostacy
1 Timonthy 1:1 by Glenn Walters
Audio: Download
What can we do as Christian parents to help our children live in a fallen world? What can we do to help our children find peace? Read the very helpful post Andy Feather has written at Built On His Means.
Our brother Andy Feather has a keen interest in home schooling and has a blog relating to this. A recent post of his is very relevant for all Christian parents and the local church.
"I believe that one of the main causes of those brought up in the church walking away is the fact that they were denied access to the Means of Grace. Let’s think about this for a minute and look at the church life of those in many Christian homes." Read the full article at Built On His Means