CBC,
Before I share a little about this coming Sunday, I would like to let you know about something some of our members are trying to do on the 24th of April.
Evan N. Is helping coordinate with our care groups to participate in Love Fullerton Day.
Love Fullerton, what is that about?
It is a city wide service day put on by a local non-profit organization. They identify what they call COVID friendly projects for groups to participate in.
What’s the point for us as a church?
We’re hoping it is a simple way for us to engage with our community, to show the love of Christ, and to spend some time doing what we as Christians do, serving together.
If you would like more information about the details, please talk to Evan on Sunday or send me an email!
Ok, that’s the announcement.
Now, this Sunday, we are talking about the Old Testament. I don’t know what comes into your mind when you think about studying the Old Testament But looking at the writers of the New Testament, I think we can identify at least 7 characteristics regarding their attitude toward the Old Testament.
The Old Testament is important.
You see that in how often they quote it, the way they use the Old Testament to establish their argument, and all the images and allusions they make to it.
The Old Testament is relevant.
They use it when speaking to unbelievers and when speaking to believers.
The Old Testament is true.
They make whole arguments that hinge on stories in Old Testament.They describe Old Testament as inspired by God.
The Old Testament is authoritative.
The writers never argue with the Old Testament. When they say ‘It is written’ that basically functions in their argument as a way of saying, ‘Case closed.’ Sometimes will describe Scripture simply as God speaking.
The Old Testament is understandable.
They don’t use the Old Testament allegorically. They expect listeners to be able to look at quotes and follow the argument.
The Old Testament is beneficial.
Peter says prophets were serving us. Paul speaks of it as being profitable.It is beneficial for practical every day living. (1 Cor.10) It gives the wisdom needed to lead us to salvation.
The Old Testament teaches us about Jesus Christ.
It is really impossible to appreciate and understand Jesus without understanding a little bit about the Old Testament.
And ultimately that is why we are taking several weeks to do a deep dive into the Old Testament. We want to enjoy Jesus as much as we possibly can.
Over the course of these weeks, I want to give you four key concepts that will prepare you to understand what Luke says about Jesus. Last week we looked at the kingdom of God. This week we look at the idea of covenant.
Come ready! Come expectant! Come humble! Come praying!
Joshua
Parents,
There are lots of things you want to do for your children I am sure. But there’s hardly anything more important you can do than help them learn how to benefit from listening to God’s Word. Lord willing, they are going to sit listening to many hours of preaching over their lifetimes.
But we all know it’s very possible to sit and listen and not benefit. Ultimately of course you can’t put the hunger for the Scripture in their hearts, but there are simple things you can do to help them develop habits that will put them in a place where they will more easily benefit from what they are hearing.
(For example, reading. Can they benefit from God’s Word without learning to read? Yes, I think so. But learning to read is definitely going to help. And so is learning how to listen.)
What can you do?
Obviously they are children, not full grown adults so your expectations need to be a little different. But while recognizing they are children, there are some simple things you can do without exasperating them.
(And by the way, I’ve been so encouraged by how you are doing just that! In fact, someone mentioned to me the other day they went away as encouraged by watching the parents at CBC with their children as they were by the sermon itself! That’s a pretty great testimony!)
But as the Bible likes to say, abound still more! Here are some ideas to help you keep going. (And I know most of them are probably so obvious!)
On the way home or at dinner, you might ask:
If they did a good job during the service, encourage them! Let them know specifically what they did well. "You really did great work with your notes today.” Or, “It was amazing how well you did sitting still. That really helped mommy and daddy be able to listen.” And even if it wasn’t perfect, you might say something like, "I know it was a little harder today, but I think you really started out well! It was so helpful. Next week, we’ll keep trying! Is there anything I can do to help you more?”