Story of the Church - Spirit and Worship, part 2: When We Come to Worship

"Worship" is a church word we use all the time, but it's used in a lot of different ways.  What does the Bible say about worship? What is worship?  What makes a “worship service” distinct from a bible study or Sunday school class?  Why is it important to worship?

That was our focus as we "worshiped" this past Sunday...

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The Story of the Church - Spirit and Worship, part 1: Modern-Day Pentecost?

We say we believe the stories of the Bible, but few of us have experiences with the power of the Holy Spirit as depicted in the book of Acts.  In the early 20th Century, a group of people started seeking God to reveal Himself as He did at Pentecost.  A remarkable breakthrough happened in California called the "Azusa Street Revival."  What happened there?  Was it a true move of God?  What kept it from having a broader impact in the church?  Most importantly, can we still live by the power of the Holy Spirit today?  These are some of the questions we explored this past Sunday.

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The Story of the Church - Reformation, part 3: Church and State

Most of the accusations in history against Christians can be laid at the feet of an improper relationship between church and state.  Baptists have historically led the way in religious freedom and the separation of church and state, since the founding of the first Baptist churches in England and in America.  What is the biblical view of the relationship of the church to the state?  Should we seek political power?  Should we seek to establish God's standard as the law?  This week, we look at these issues...

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The Story of the Church - Reformation, part 2: To the Ends of the Earth

Yes, God is still sovereign over history.  His kingdom is advancing, despite the church's stumbles and imperfections and retreats.  Let's concern ourselves, first and foremost, with being on mission with Him.

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Story of the Church - Reformation, part 1: Martin Luther's Stand

The basis for how someone comes into a reconciled relationship with God is probably the fundamental question of religion.  The Reformation was about correcting confusion in the church about the answer to that question.  How are we saved?  The church had become corrupt, and their answer had more to do with gaining wealth and preserving power than what was taught by Jesus and the Apostles.  Then on October 31, 1517, a monk named Martin Luther took a stand for truth...

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