Review, Reflect, Relax (Sunday, June 6, 2010)

07 Jun Review, Reflect, Relax (Sunday, June 6, 2010)

Today was the first official summer Sunday of 2010.  I have to say that I was very pleased with how today went at Temple.  This morning’s attendance was a real encouragement and was much more than I expected, especially since I knew that many of our teachers were going to be out on vacation.  There were many guests in all three services today and all seemed to have enjoyed the worship services.  There was one particular young lady that visited last week and again today – both in the morning and evening services.  It’s always good to see folks returning and saying how welcome they felt when they visited Temple for the first time.

I was very proud of Samuel Humphreys at his baptism this morning.  For a young man of Sam’s age the idea of getting into that deep pool of water in front of all those people must have been a little daunting.  But he stepped right into that water, even though it was almost up to his chin, and boldly made his public profession of Jesus as his Lord and Savior.  I enjoyed so very much talking to him about when He asked Jesus into his heart and I enjoyed ti just as much when today he took the first step of obedience as a Christian.

I felt very comfortable in preaching both messages today.  This morning’s message on the parable of the soils was a new message that I had prepared as part of my Summer Bible Conference series.  There was much more that I wanted to say, but as always, didn’t have time to say it.  The most important truth that I walked away with from this sermon was that if I am faithful in planting the seed and there is no growth, the problem is not with the seed or the sower, but with the soil.

Tonight’s message from Ephesians 5:1-7 was evidently more personal that I had realized.  I’ve already received several messages tonight about how the Lord used this simple Sunday night message to convict about different areas in their lives.  I know that there are many churches today who don’t see the value or need to still have Sunday night services, but tonight’s response just reiterates to me the benefit of having people under the expository preaching of God’s Word.

I took this picture on the way home from church tonight. The color of the sky reminded me of the skies in West Tennessee just before a big storm.  I’ve always liked to sit out on the back porch and watch a storm roll in.  I liked it just as much tonight.

I pray that you enjoyed the Lord’s day as much as I did. I hope that the Lord spoke to you and blessed you today.  I’m looking forward to a great week of ministry as we talk about a new Hispanic work and our outreach opportunities for the summer.

Have a great night and a wonderful week.

Pastor Brad