We read in 1 Timothy 6:3-4a, “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing.”
False teachers impart a “different doctrine.” But what is a “different doctrine?” Paul goes on to define this different doctrine on two bases: “It does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and it does not “accord with godliness.”
Sound doctrine always points directly to the supremacy and centrality of Jesus Christ and his sacrificial death on the cross. For example, as we read in 1 Corinthians 1:23-24, “but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to Jews and folly to Gentiles, but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” Or as we read in Hebrews 1:3-4, “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs”
Sound doctrine also conforms to godliness. This is godliness that is not subjective or relative. In our culture today there is so much focus on relativism. For example, “That may be your truth but it is not my truth!” But “godliness” is conduct or behavior in concert with God and His revealed truth. And, this revealed truth is truth as revealed through Jesus Christ. As we read in another of Paul’s pastoral letters, Titus 1:1, “for the sake of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness.”
So much of present-day theology focuses on what’s in for “me” (we even have “Me” TV); but when theology focuses on what’s in it for me and not on who God is and how God calls us to live, it is not true doctrine. Therefore, may we be alert to false teachers and false teaching, which are all around us in our current cultural climate!
Worship
Pastor Glen will continue our study of the wonderful letter of 1 John. His message this week is “The Importance of Spiritual Discernment,” based on 1 John 2:18-23. Please read this text in preparation for worship.
Adult Sunday School
Our Adult Sunday school class will meet this Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in the large Sunday school room. Please join Lowell Gross and others for a wonderful time around God’s Word!! We will focus on Romans 10: Saved by Faith. Please bring your Bible.
Called Congregational Meeting
The Session has called a congregational meeting for THIS Sunday (July 28th) immediately after worship to elect church officers. Please make every effort to attend this meeting!
Pastor Search Committee Update & Prayer
Your Pastor Search Committee is in the process of searching for our next lead pastor.
We invite you to covenant to pray for the next pastor and specifically for the Pastor Search Committee, as they seek the Lord! You may even wish to fast for a meal or a day or more as the Lord directs. Corporate prayer is so needed! Join with other sisters and brothers if you can.
Martin Luther wrote: “A Mighty fortress is our God, a bulwark never failing; our helper he, amid the flood of mortal ills prevailing. For still our ancient foe does seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.
Did we in our own strength confide, our striving would be losing, were not the right Man on our side, the Man of God’s own choosing. You ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is he; Lord Sabbath his name, from age to age the same; and he must win the battle.
And though this world with devils filled, should threaten to undo us, we will not fear, for God has willed his truth to triumph through us. The prince of darkness grim, we tremble not for him; his rage we can endure, for lo! his doom is sure; one little word shall fell him.
That Word above all earthly powers, no thanks to them abideth; the Spirit and the gifts are ours through him who with us sideth. Let goods and kindred go, this mortal life also; the body they may kill: God’s truth abideth still; his kingdom is forever!
PRAYER: “Gracious and Loving Heavenly Father, you are our mighty fortress. You are our ever-present help in all the ups and downs of life. We turn to you in our times of trouble. And, though our world is full of difficulties, and even when we feel afraid, we are not overcome because we know we can trust you! Guide our Pastor Search Committee so that they may trust you amid the search process. Thank you that you already have named our next pastor! We pray in the strong name of Jesus! Amen!
Tithes & Offerings
An offering box is available when you enter or exit the sanctuary. Additionally, Online Giving
Financial Assistance
In the wake of Jeff Forbis’s serious accident, we would like to help raise some funds to help assist with medical expenses. If you are interested in helping, you can contribute on his GoFundMe site: https://www.gofundme.com/jeff-forbis
Individuals may also contribute directly to Hope Community Church. Just indicate for Jeff Forbis Support to the Caregiving and Relief Ministry. Thank you!
Session Highlights
Our Session met on July 22nd at 5:00 p.m. The following are some of the highlights:
- Study and Reflection on Joshua 1:1-9, Esther 4:13-14, and Matthew 28:18-20 led by Elder Bob Simmons
- Review of the budget by Elder Tim Stewart
- Orville & Laurie Bame were in attendance and shared their thoughts regarding the proposed choir loft redesign, etc.
- We were updated on the HCC website redesign, which is in process
- Discussed the potential of Fifth Sunday Fellowship Lunches after worship
- Outreach Ministry Update, including plans by the team (Co-chairs, Nina Gross & Candi Brown). We also discussed utilizing the ALPHA Course and exploring a Trail Life Troop for youth
- The Air Conditioning unit in the welcome center area is scheduled to be replaced in August.
- We discussed asking Karim Spencer (one of our new members) to send prayer requests about different Middle Eastern countries regularly which will be in our weekly Prayer Requests and Praise Reports.
- Discussed upcoming Congregational Meeting (July 28th) to elect new officers.
Please pray for the Session, as they will meet next Monday, August 19th.
Budget Update
Total Tithes/Offerings for June: $24,566.75. YTD: $165,906.71
Total Expenses for June: $24,757.14 YTD: $110,120.99
Golden Oldies
There will be NO meeting in July due to the fun trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania.
We will meet on August 14th at 11:30 a.m. for lunch at Sooner BBQ & More in Stuarts Draft.
We will meet on September 11th at 10:30 in the Waynesboro Panera Bread Community Room. Attorney Bill Watkins will be the speaker to give help on navigating legal paperwork. In addition to the Golden Oldies, other church folks are invited to join us! Have your questions ready!!
THANK YOU
To all the wonderful church ladies . . . THANK YOU!! I am overwhelmed by all the love and generosity you each poured into me at the bridal shower last weekend. It was so incredibly fun catching up with old friends and getting to know all the new friends! Each one of you is so immensely special to me, and I am grateful to know such strong, Godly women. I cannot thank you all enough for celebrating with me as I enter into marriage. I hope you all have a blessed week/month!
Love, Kristen
Driver Assistance
If you or someone in our congregation needs a ride to a doctor’s appointment or other appointments, please call Tom Reider (540.649.5162). He has agreed to coordinate rides. He has a list of those who have volunteered to give those rides. We are grateful for this important ministry!!
Mission Corner
ComfortCare Women’s Health
We are excited to report that our church family donated $2,254.58 in 67 bottles to the Baby Bottle Campaign this year!! To give a comparison, last year we contributed $1,082.51 in 40 bottles.
The total amount for our area this year was $177,292.72, and 7,700 bottles were received!!
Love INC Support: From July through September, we will be collecting paper products (Paper towels, toilet paper, Kleenex, etc.). May we be a blessing to those desiring to improve their lives.
The Missions Team is active keeping in touch with our missionaries and other ministries. Please keep updated! You can visit our website and go to the Outreach page
July Birthdays
Nina Gross & Marty Porter (7/27); Ted Brown & Bill Watkins (7/31)