Is HBC a friendly church? It is our desire for us to demonstrate God’s love to our guests, Rom 12:11-13. We must seek and pursue friendliness. Suggestions? Approach those you might not know and introduce yourself. “Hi, I’m ____. How long have you been coming to church here?” Remember those visiting might naturally feel a […]
Kingdom & Covenant. That’s what we’ve entitled a new expository series beginning September 7 in the book of 1 Kings. I preached through 1-2 Samuel over 10 years ago. Our new study is the continuous narrative of the monarchy from when David handed the kingdom over to his son Solomon – and what transpired after. […]
One of our initiatives in our current strategic plan addresses the discipleship of young families. That has been a matter of prayerful brainstorming for me. This fall we will conduct a special class for parents. The best time to offer such a class we felt would be during the SS/ABF hour. From September 7 through […]
One of the most precious portraits of our Lord is him holding children in his arms. It was a Jewish custom for parents to bring their children to rabbis to be blessed, so it was perfectly natural for people to bring their children to Jesus as one of the most popular rabbis of the day. […]
When life takes a difficult turn, we all have quoted Isa 55:9 to ourselves and others, “Well, his ways are not our ways.” It is true that God orchestrates events in ways that surprise and puzzle us. But in reading the book by Dane Ortland, Gentle and Lowly, I was surprised to learn using this verse that […]
It is funny how you can read the Bible over the years and not see a particular verse, but then it jumps out at you. Luke 12:32 was “new” to me a few years ago. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. It continues to provide comfort and […]
One of my mentors has died. John MacArthur was ushered into the Lord’s presence on July 14. He was 86. MacArthur served Christ as pastor at Grace Community Church in Sun Valley, CA for 56 years. Of course, he’s most well-known for his radio ministry, Grace to You. Susan introduced me to that program in 1979 […]
Let me give you four reasons why I believe small groups are essential for us as a church. Small groups promote fellowship. I love corporate worship, and yet genuine fellowship isn’t practical in a crowd of 100 people. The NT contains 30 “one another” commands. True fellowship isn’t just socializing – it’s sanctified relationships. We […]
Happy Birthday America – belated. How thankful I am for the USA. There’s no question our founding fathers created a nation based on Judeo-Christian principles. Tragically we have seen a distancing of that under the false idea of separation of church and state. Our nation’s founders meant that there shouldn’t be a nationalized religion – […]
Elisabeth Elliot’s book, Keep a Quiet Heart has been a source of blessing to me. She recounts a story of her youth when on vacation her father tried in vain to coax her little brother to come into the ocean with him. Dad promised the waves wouldn’t wash David away. But the boy wouldn’t budge […]