Baptism and Fullness

One of the books I’ve been reading this month is Baptism and Fullness by John Stott.  Bill Barnes (one of our elders) graciously gave a copy to each of the elders and pastors so we have the opportunity to study it together.  I wanted to pass along what I thought was a very cool excerpt from pp. 74-75:

“It is very striking that the first evidence of being filled with the Spirit is that we speak to each other.  Yet it is not surprising since the first fruit of the Spirit is love.  However deep and intimate our communion with God may seem, we cannot claim the fullness of the Spirit if we are not on speaking terms with any of our fellows. The first sign of fullness is fellowship.”

It seems simple, doesn’t it?  Simply speaking to each other? Sharing concerns, asking for advice, being encouragers and connecting with each other?  So many times we have thought that the filling of His Spirit becomes something supernatural or extraordinary when Ephesians 5:19-21 gives us such a natural outcome and ordinary responsibility.  As a matter of fact, you might want to spend some time in the rest of the passage seeing the three other evidences of that filling - because they all continue to reiterate what the Lord has been teaching us throughout the month of June.

Let’s continue this summer in unity, order, and authority as we exalt Jesus and live in obedience to His word!

Brent Allen

Reflection and Anticipation

As I reflect back on the month of June, I’m thanking God for the things He has taught us in some very unique ways. Old North is a diverse church but our unity is in Jesus Christ. God is affirming that truth to us more than ever. His providential hand through the month of June gives me great anticipation and excitement of things to come this summer!

Studying the book of Galatians this spring has taught us that it’s only by God’s grace we are saved through faith in Jesus. We believe that our authority comes from the written word of God revealed to us by the power of God the Holy Spirit - and it’s on that foundation that we stand. God has confirmed those truths over and over as we’ve transitioned into the summer season. As your pastor, I want to thank you for being part of what God is doing through this unique and special season in the life of our church. Thank you for your encouragement, participation, and perseverance, as we face some spiritual challenges that we’ve never faced before. We know that God is sovereign and “for those who love God, all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

As we’ve been studying 1 Corinthians 12-14 on Sunday mornings, we’re learning that the way we function as a church flows from our unity in Christ. This coming week, we will be very specific about that, so please join us in the study of God’s word. A key verse from chapter 14 says, “all of these must be done for the strengthening of the church,” so we’ll see that even with different gifts and perspectives, God strengthens and unifies us.

Interestingly enough, the next series we’ll begin this summer is called, “Living in the Last Days.” This teaching series will include admonition and direction from Jesus, Peter, and Paul concerning what is taking place in our world today and in the days to come.

By the way; if you didn’t hear Rick Enlow’s message on Father’s day, order a CD or download it free from our web site - you will be challenged and encouraged through God’s word and Rick’s incredible story. Thank you all for your participation in the Gospel and your continued commitment to connecting with God, one another, and our communities!

Brent Allen

Guys in White Suits

Why is it that when I think of prophecy, I think of guys on TV in white suits, sitting on gold thrones? Presuppositions are so interesting.

The truth is, God's Word speaks to the gift of prophecy and contrary to some stereotypes, it is a wonderful and profitable gift to God's church.

Paul says in 1 Corinthians 14:1, "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy.” Interesting that Paul pairs prophecy with love. This is especially potent, as the entire previous chapter of 1 Corinthians is dedicated to elevating love as the regulator for all the spiritual gifts, including prophecy and tongues. The Corinthians were in a situation where some within their church were elevating certain gifts (most likely the gift of tongues) above others. This is why Paul takes so much time laying a foundation of love and purpose for the spiritual gifts. With love as the governor, the purpose of all the spiritual gifts is “for the common good” and mutual upbuilding of all those within the church (1 Corinthians 12:7). This “common good” is also true of the gift of prophecy, for “everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort” (1 Corinthians 14:3).

Paul continues along this theme of upbuilding, noting “one who prophesies builds up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:4). This truth also confirms that prophecy is even more beneficial to the church than tongues (less an intelligible interpretation), which would have really hit the Corinthians who were potentially elevating tongues over the other gifts.

Regardless of where we fall on the modern day use of tongues and prophecy, all of God’s people can and should rally around the truths of love, unity, and mutual upbuilding. May we walk in obedience to God the Holy Spirit, as Paul encouraged the Corinthians, “since you are eager for manifestations of the Spirit, strive to excel in building up the church” (1 Corinthians 14:12). So much for guys in white suits.

Join us this Sunday morning, as we gather to worship Jesus and continue in the study His Word!

Chris Drombetta

Lessons from the Church in Corinth

What an encouraging time of worship, instruction, and community we experienced on Sunday! God’s grace and faithfulness were clearly evidenced in our time together. If you missed the morning teaching, it is now available via our website.

This week we continue in our study of the book of 1 Corinthians. Specifically, we’ll be unpacking chapters 12 and 13, which contain some amazing and challenging truth. Please take a look at these chapters this week, study their content, write down your thoughts and questions, and come Sunday ready to learn and worship!

We decided to take a peek back at some earlier chapters in 1 Corinthians in attempt to gain a little momentum coming into chapters 12 and 13. We're so glad we did. Check out Paul’s words in chapter 10, verses 23-24:

23 “‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is beneficial. ‘Everything is permissible’—but not everything is constructive. ²⁴ Nobody should seek his own good, but the good of others.” (1 Corinthians 10:23-24, NIV)

Paul continues in this manner with the closing words of chapter 10:

³¹ So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. ³² Give no offense to Jews or to Greeks or to the church of God, ³³ just as I try to please everyone in everything I do, not seeking my own advantage, but that of many, that they may be saved. (1 Corinthians 10:31-33)

In these verses, a key theme jumps out at us. It is one that runs through the book of 1 Corinthians and provides some critical context as we look ahead to chapters 12 and 13. That key theme is one of looking to the “good of others”, rather than to the good of “me”. The apostle Paul is communicating to the Corinthians that the question should not be, “what about me?” Rather, the question should be, “what about them?” Paul is calling the Corinthians away from a “me” mentality, to glorify God and look outside of themselves for the benefit of others.

This truth also reflects the theme of unity that Paul so clearly communicates throughout the book. How much easier is it for us to be unified when we are continually laying down selfishness and picking up selflessness? This “common good” (1 Cor. 12:7) is something Paul touches on early in chapter 12 as he outlines spiritual gifts and carries it over throughout his illustration of the human body. He then transitions to the “more excellent way” (1 Cor. 12:31), teaching the Corinthians about love and its role as the foundation of the spiritual gifts.

As we look to the week ahead and prepare for the study of 1 Corinthians 12-13, let us set the stage by living “to the glory of God” and “the good of others”. Have a great week, everyone!

Brent and Chris