Prayer & Preparation for September 22nd, 2024
This Lord's Day
Hey church,
Please note that there is a marathon in Plainfield Sunday morning, and some streets will be closed. You may need to re-route to get here for our services.
As we've studied through the book of Acts, a recurring theme can be seen in some of our texts. And that theme may raise some questions, as it did for one of our members. I received an email a few weeks ago, and part of it read like this:
The topic of spiritual warfare and how the Christian should speak has brought up some questions for me. You helped today by defining boldness as an uncompromising clarity, but I did want to dig in a bit further. I think my question comes down to a definition of terms. Specifically, two we discussed today: gentleness and respect. Then I'll also include love.... [Here are] examples of speech that doesn't seem to fit...(at least by today's definitions?): 1 Kings 18:27; Matt. 12:34; 23:27; 1 Cor. 16:22; and Gal. 5:12. [So] are we guilty of allowing a secular culture to define terms and then silence Christians with them?
Good thoughts and questions. I'll do my best to answer and address what I can this Lord's Day by considering how Steven's words can be both gracious and direct. Being full of grace and truth like Jesus. Speaking the truth in love.
This week I read an article by John Piper. In his usual manner, he's addressing the same topic with fresh words: brokenhearted boldness. I like that. Here's a link if you want to read all that he said on the subject.
Please pray for me to model what I'm preaching in my preaching: to be full of grace and truth like Jesus, to speak the truth in love, to have brokenhearted boldness.
Here are some more details about this week's morning service:
Songs we'll sing: "The Lord Is My Salvation," "Only a Holy God," "Living Hope," "Crown Him (Majesty)," and "Speak, O Lord"
Sermon text: Acts 6:3, 5, 8, 10; 7:51-53
Sermon title: Full of Grace and Truth
Cross-references: Jonah 3:1-4:4; Luke 3:7; 11:40-45; 20:45-47; John 1:14; 16:13; Acts 3:26; 1 Cor. 13:1; Gal. 5:22-23; Eph. 4:15; Phil. 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:24-25; 1 Pet. 3:15
Love you, church!
Jeff Tague
