I wish I could tell you that most pastors are preaching the Word. I can’t—some are not. Here are five things we may choose to do instead of preach the Word.

1. ENTERTAIN:  “Music, drama, and video, felt needs, topics, more stories”

2. SHARE:  “There are some things I just want to share with you today . . .”

3. WOO:  “Careful, careful, don’t offend, always comfortable, never pressured, just a pinch of truth, when they’re ready to handle it.”

4. INTELLECTUALIZE:  “I’ve been thinking and researching this in the original languages . . .”

5. ABBREVIATE:  “Twenty-minute sermons”

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John Piper

PURCHASE — This Momentary Marriage: A Parable of Permanence (Hardcover) for only $8.00

Reflecting on forty years of matrimony, John Piper exalts the biblical meaning of marriage over its emotion, exhorting couples to keep their covenant for all the best reasons.

Even in the days when people commonly stayed married “til death do us part,” there has never been a generation whose view of marriage was high enough, says Pastor John Piper. That is all the more true in our casual times.

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Once again this year Christian Education Ministries will be sponsoring an opportunity for evangelistic outreach in the tri-state area known as Appalachia. This mission trip is one of the highlights of our summer offerings. It gives young people and adults an excellent opportunity to do something more than hear about their faith, they can share it with others. It is a great experience for a youth group to grow spiritually.

ARP groups served 21 local sites last year with over 400 youth and adults from 40 churches. Each night the entire group gathered together to worship study the Word, pray and encourage one another in the Lord’s work.

All the information to register and participate as a group is included in the enclosed packet. Call the office of Christian Education Ministries if you have any questions.

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