Diocese of Camden’s Post

Is there any connection between our heart of worship and the facility where we worship? I suggest there is in a paper I presented at the Evangelical Homiletics Society: Fall, 2010. You can find a free copy here: https://lnkd.in/geZNzPvy. #FacilityMinistryArticles

Can we communicate with the dead? A lot of people seem to think so. They go to graves, make social media posts to deceased loved ones, perform rituals, and worship ancestors. Christians should know that direct communication with the dead is impossible. Trying to do so is sin against God (Lev. 20:6; Deut. 18:10-11; 1 Sam. 28:3). But what if I was to tell you that in a certain sense, the dead can speak, and we can listen? How, you ask? Through the medium of reading their writings. https://lnkd.in/etZStFw5

We must imitate both the man with leprosy and Jesus. The man with his humility and faith in bringing his problem to God and Jesus in hearing the man, touching him, and helping him be included back into the community. We are called to be inclusive, breaking down barriers, by being compassionate to others' struggles and working to have everyone enter into communion with God. Want to better understand the bible readings for the Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time? CHECK OUT the many reflections, commentaries, sermons and homilies from various Christian experts 👇 https://lnkd.in/gRXBu7cU

Reaffirm - Asking for the Spirit to have the last word There are two strains of thought in the Basis of Union about what kind of church the Uniting Church should be, which I believe are important for us to reaffirm. The first is the vision of the church as repentant, which is at the beginning and the end of the Basis - in the first paragraph about the three uniting churches that, ‘none of them has responded to God's love with a full obedience’, and in the final paragraph, ‘The Uniting Church prays that, through the gift of the Spirit, God will constantly correct that which is erroneous in its life.' Thus, it is important to reaffirm that since church union, the Uniting Church has also not responded with full obedience, and so as we look forward, as the three churches looked forward, let us begin with making our confession and asking for the Spirit to have the last word. Read more of the article by Rev Adam Tipple on the new Reflection and Prayer page on the Synod website: https://ow.ly/urWy50SaweB

Secularization, defined as the withdrawal of whole areas of life and thought from the Church’s influence, has proceeded for 500 years and continues unchecked. Indeed, secularity has accelerated in Europe since World War I, and in the US since World War II. The Church enjoys less and less of the “home field advantage” it experienced in the “Christendom” period of Western history, when parish churches influenced virtually everyone in Western culture. Consequently, we observe an increasing number of “secular people “ - who have navigated their whole lives beyond the serious influence of Christian churches. They have little or no Christian memory, background, or vocabulary. Many of them do not even know what we are talking about, and have little or no experience of “church.” George G. Hunter II Church for the Unchurched Page 20 This book is copyrighted in 1996, yet does this not sound like the world today? I always try to advocate for “defining your terms” when speaking with the unchurched, or even other believers. If you don’t all understand a word the same, it is easy to seem at odds with them even though you are in agreement. Likewise, it is easy to seem like you agree with someone even though you have different definitions of the words. #JesusisLord #YouNeedJesus

The Power of Praying for Your Pastor: This insightful piece highlights the vital importance of praying for our spiritual leaders. From praying for pastors' fear of God over man, their confidence in God's Word, their love for family, and their growth in godliness, to seeking wisdom, rest, and joy for them - this article provides a powerful guide. As the body of Christ, upholding our pastors in fervent prayer enables them to shepherd with grace and strengthens the church.

Today's Daily Devotion: What He Opens No One Can Shut, And What He Shuts No One Can Open Revelations 3 To the Church in Philadelphia 7 “To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open. 8 I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name. Read complete article, click link below: https://lnkd.in/dsUbcBeA Visit: www.elorasblog.com

Learn about Pursuing Authentic Worship, the 4 pitfalls to genuine worship and the five principles of worship from John 4: 21-24.

We know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. (1 Thessalonians 1:4–5 ESV) Listen to today's program: https://bit.ly/3RpbLAx

What would it look like for our prayers to move from activity to attention? To setting our gaze upon Jesus. To simply create space to be with Him. Something beautiful takes place when we choose to look at Him, to yield to His will in our lives, and to rest in His love and kindness. 2 Corinthians 3:18 tells us that when we contemplate and behold the Lord’s glory, we are transformed into His image. It’s in being with God that we become more like Him. So, as you create space this week to pray, what if your prayers focused less on activity and more on attention? // To learn more about this stage of prayer, check out the latest teaching from Shiloh Methodist Church at the link in the comments!