Praise God from Whom all blessings flow! Sunday's service with three additions to our church fellowship through baptism. These were all children and kudos to the partnership between parents, the church, and the Christian school. We also have several other children (and adults) awaiting baptism.
The morning message continued in our study of James and discussed the topic of faith and works. The Bible clearly teaches that a person is saved by by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. James 2 addresses the fact that genuine faith produces works and he stresses that a workless faith is a worthless faith. How do you reconcile James' teaching with those who claim to be Christians, but produce no evidence? I have to agree with Evangelist Billy Graham, who stated that the greatest mission field in all the world is found in the pews of American churches. James called believers to live what we say we believe.
During our evening service, we heard testimony of how one of our LIFE Groups is not satisfied to just learn the Scriptures... they are living and applying the Scriptures! Steve Garland, a long-time pastor and returning member of EBC, preached about passionately pursuing Jesus Christ. Steve was a blessing to this pastor who had one of the busiest weeks of my life. It is good to have godly men, mature in their faith, and experienced with the Word of God to fill the pulpit. Thanks Steve.
Following the evening service, the teens and their parents had GAS... Games After the Service. We've got some great teens, very involved parents, and a great youth leadership team! Thanks especially to Justin and Carie.
