Tanglewood Church of Christ

"His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Ephesians 3:10-11) This morning we begin a seven lesson series we call, “7 Things to Know about the Church!” Our first message focuses on the role of the church in God’s eternal purpose. Some religious groups teach that the church is simply a "stop gap measure" by God until He can bring in the Kingdom at Christ’s second coming. Many groups and individuals seem to believe the church should be whatever they want it to be – in organization, worship, practice, finances, and purpose.  Paul’s statement in Ephesians 3 (above) says that "through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known." The church reflects God’s planning, wisdom and purpose! It is not an afterthought or temporary measure. Click the blue button to hear our message.

As we continue or short, two lesson study of "Christians and Government," this morning we look at the Christian’s responsibility to government. We cannot emphasize enough the believer’s duty toward both government and its rulers. Three obligations are pressed upon us by the Scriptures: to submit, to give government its due, and to pray for it. To hear the complete lesson, click on the blue button. 

“Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” (Romans 13:1-2) The Bible has not and does not endorse any particular style or kind of government – whether monarchy, democracy or dictatorship. Instead the Scriptures in both Old and New Testaments establishes that the very concept and principle of government is is ordained by God. These governements, one and all, have been appointed a task by the Almighty, and each will be held accountable for how it does its job. To hear the entire sermon, click the blue button.

"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and speed its coming. That day will bring about the destruction of the heavens by fire, and the elements will melt in the heat. But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, the home of righteousness." (II Peter 3:10-13)

Peter is writing his last letter. He tells his beloved brethren that he will be dying soon (1:13-14). He assures them once more that the gospel about Jesus is based on solid evidence, not clever fiction (1:16-18). This is in stark contrast to the false teachers who were circulating fantastic claims and doctrines aimed only at personal profit (2:1-22), and which promotes immorality and abandoning of the faith. He emphasizes  the coming again of the Lord, which was being denied by these false teachers (3:1-9). He then asks his readers, "Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be?" If we really, REALLY believe the Lord Jesus is coming back, and that it may be at any time, it will change the way we live! Click the blue button to hear our message for today.

 What should be the Christian’s relationship to sin? While we have had our sins forgiven (Acts 2:38), we are not immune to sinning (I John1:8). In Romans 6 Paul says that Christ died for our sins, but we need to realize we died with Him to sin! Those in Christ have been set free, not just from the guilt of sin, but also from the power of sin to enslave us. Our commitment is now to Him who died for us and set us free. To hear the rest of our lesson today, click the blue button now.

Larry and Holly Conway and their family are missionaries in Nairobi, Kenya. Our Wednesday night Bible class helps in a small way to help support their work in Kenya. Tonight Larry has come to visit and speak to us about their work. Click the blue button to hear his report. We are especially thankful to Jim and Sue Tillets for helping us keep in contact with the Conways, and for providing a place for Larry to stay while in town. To learn more about the Conways’ work, visit www.made-in-the-streets.org.

About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them.  Suddenly there was such a violent earthquake that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the prison doors flew open, and everybody’s chains came loose. The jailer woke up, and when he saw the prison doors open, he drew his sword and was about to kill himself because he thought the prisoners had escaped. But Paul shouted, "Don’t harm yourself! We are all here!"
     The jailer called for lights, rushed in and fell trembling before Paul and Silas. He then brought them out and asked, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?" (Acts 16:25-30)

The question asked by the jailer at Philippi is one of the most important questions ever asked! Today we talk more about what led to this question… and the answer that was given to it. Click the blue button to listen.

(Pictured are the remains of ancient jail in biblical Philippi! Original is on the website of Luther Seminary.)

“What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26) As we begin a new year and a new decade together at Tanglewood, we want to rededicate ourselves to God’s purposes for us. During these rocky financial and political times, it is easy to be distracted by these serious but lesser things. We must not give in to the single-minded pursuit of financial security, personal success, or political influence. Where is our faith and confidence? Is is possible some have already exchanged their "souls" for these things? Click on the blue button to listen to our message.