BGBC Elders & 9Marks

Can’t wait for this weekend!  The Bethel Grace Elders are heading to beautiful Riverside, California for the 9Marks “Building Healthy Churches” Conference this Friday and Saturday.  And we are very excited to have Alvin Colston joining us!

Please be praying that we will…
1 – Be drawn closer to the Lord Jesus
2 – Be drawn closer to one another
3 – Be refreshed in our ministry to love and lead the flock
4 – Be energized in our commitment to nurture biblical church health
5 – Be given wisdom and clarity in applying the biblical principles to BGBC.

To read the ”9 Marks of a Healthy Church” as discerned by Mark Dever, click here.

To see the conference speakers and schedule, click here.

On behalf of the elders, thanks for your prayers!
~Jeff

What is 9Marks?

The ministry of 9Marks is very familiar to the men of our church who were a part of Men’s groups this year. They read the book Nine Marks of a Healthy Church together. This video gives a helpful overview of this ministry, it’s aims, and the resources (many of which are free) that it provides: 

    

See the latest free 9Marks e-journal here.

Visit their website here.

The Gospel Coalition

Some of you may not know about The Gospel Coalition. Click here to see their website and watch an introductory video.

Witness to me!

I’m reading a helpful book called The Gospel and Personal Evangelism by Mark Dever.  Here is a little quote that has had an enouraging effect on me to share the Gospel even when something in me resists:

“A friend once asked me, ‘So you’re a Christian?  Then tell me the Gospel!  Witness to me, or somethin’!'”

Is there anyone in your sphere of friendships that you’ve not shared the Gospel with?  Might they think it strange that, being a Chrisitian, you haven’t? 

“Let your conversation always be full of grace…”
Colossians 4:6

 

 

Free Sermons from Sovereign Grace Ministries…

This is a great sermon archive!

Speakers include CJ Mahaney, Mark Dever, Ligon Duncan, Wayne Grudem, Josh Harris, John MacArthur, Al Mohler, John Piper, and Bruce Ware (amongst other great speakers) (search by speaker from the menu on the left of the page).

Topics include marriage, worship, “business to the glory of God”, “sanctifying the ordinary”, “suffering and sovereignty”, etc. The messages from the Together for the Gospel conferences are available here too.

To see the archive/ access these sermons, click here.

The Church Landscape

Pastor Mark Dever of Capitol Hill Baptist Church describes four kinds of churches, each with its own method of appealing to the lost and the unchurched.  Which would you say describes Bethel Grace?  What do you think of his descriptions?  Which kind of church should we aim to be?  Perhaps a blend?

1.  The Traditional Church.  Appeal to the world with church programs and door to door evangelism.  Conclude sermons by inviting people to “walk the aisle” – Jesus longs for a personal relationship with you, so invite him into your heart.

2. The Seeker Church.  Build everything around the idea of being non-Christian or “seeker” friendly.  Remove churchy cultural barriers and appeal to “felt needs.”  Tell them Jesus promises purpose, fulfillment, and better relationships.

3. The Missional Church.  Missions isn’t just one activity the church participates in; it defines the church’s essence.  So move into the city.  Get involved with the arts, schools, and soup kitchens.  Be incarnate in the culture and transform it.  Serve and bring healing.

4. A Godward Church.  A bunch of people get together in a room.  Someone stands up, opens a Bible, and says, “This is what God says.”  He explains it.  The church sings, prays, shares the bread and cup, and goes home… The words come with power, the Holy Spirit, and deep conviction.  Consciences are pierced.  Lives changed.  People go home worshiping God by hating sin, loving each other, and seeking their neighbors.