Agape Baptist Church http://agapebaptist.org Thu, 17 May 2012 18:31:10 +0000 en hourly 1 May 2012 Video Update http://agapebaptist.org/james-blog/may-2012-video-update/ http://agapebaptist.org/james-blog/may-2012-video-update/#comments Wed, 16 May 2012 15:18:17 +0000 agape http://agapebaptist.org/?p=1323 Pastor James’ May 2012 video update is available here.

]]> http://agapebaptist.org/james-blog/may-2012-video-update/feed/ 0 Love God, Not Money sermon video http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/love-god-not-money-sermon-video/ http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/love-god-not-money-sermon-video/#comments Sun, 13 May 2012 15:47:42 +0000 agape http://agapebaptist.org/?p=1314 Love God, Not Money

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]]> http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/love-god-not-money/feed/ 0 Being Pious without Being Pious http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/being-pious-without-being-pious/ http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/being-pious-without-being-pious/#comments Sun, 06 May 2012 14:54:00 +0000 agape http://agapebaptist.org/?p=1310 Being Pious without Being Pious

]]> http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/being-pious-without-being-pious/feed/ 0 Love Your Enemies http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/love-your-enemies/ http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/love-your-enemies/#comments Sun, 29 Apr 2012 20:36:09 +0000 agape http://agapebaptist.org/?p=1307 Love Your Enemies

]]> http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/love-your-enemies/feed/ 0 When to Forgo the Offering http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/when-to-forgo-the-offering/ http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/when-to-forgo-the-offering/#comments Sun, 15 Apr 2012 12:44:41 +0000 agape http://agapebaptist.org/?p=1302 When to Forgo the Offering

]]> http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/when-to-forgo-the-offering/feed/ 0 Easter and A-HA Moments http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/easter-and-a-ha-moments/ http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/easter-and-a-ha-moments/#comments Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:59:44 +0000 agape http://agapebaptist.org/?p=1291 Easter and A-HA Moments

]]> http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/easter-and-a-ha-moments/feed/ 0 When Kingdoms Collide http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/when-kingdoms-collide/ http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/when-kingdoms-collide/#comments Sun, 01 Apr 2012 14:37:45 +0000 agape http://agapebaptist.org/?p=1287 When Kingdoms Collide

]]> http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/when-kingdoms-collide/feed/ 0 Being the Church in a Melting Pot World http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/being-the-church-in-a-melting-pot-world/ http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/being-the-church-in-a-melting-pot-world/#comments Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:28:33 +0000 agape http://agapebaptist.org/?p=1285 Being the Church in a Melting Pot World

]]> http://agapebaptist.org/sermons/being-the-church-in-a-melting-pot-world/feed/ 0 Some Helpful Reminders http://agapebaptist.org/james-blog/some-helpful-reminders/ http://agapebaptist.org/james-blog/some-helpful-reminders/#comments Mon, 26 Mar 2012 20:22:57 +0000 agape http://agapebaptist.org/?p=1283 Our Lenten Conversations concerning the teachings of Dr. T.B. Maston on Christian Ethics have been fruitful, to say the least. Each Wednesday, a cordial bunch has gathered for study each Wednesday for lunch and some mouth-watering desserts (thanks, Betty!), and we have struggled with all sorts of ethical issues–from race relations to just war, to human sexuality. Many thanks to all who dropped by for a visit. Accordingly, below I have posted some helpful reminders from our study. These points are not exhaustive by any stretch, but they help to give you a flavor of some running themes in our conversations in the past weeks. No, we didn’t solve all of the issues, but we did talk through them in a kind and encouraging way.

1. Christian ethics may be better understood as Bible-based reference points rather than moral absolutes.

2. The Bible is authoritative and relevant to Christian Ethics.

3. The Christian life should not become a nominal existence.

4. The Christian life values the local church.

5. God is impartial and looks on the heart. This is quite helpful in relating to people across ethnic lines.

6. Consider materialism in the local church and denomination. We are accountable to God for how we make and spend money.

7. God is the source of government, but God’s demands are superior to the demands of the state.

8. Participate in politics by voting intelligently. Be on your guard in dealing with political personalities over principles. Be aware of “litmus test” issues or problems with “one issue” Christianity.

9. Consider the minority voices in a democracy. A “creative minority” is needed.

10. Consider a Christian theology of physical death for both the young, elderly, and terminally ill.

11. Respect different opinions regarding war. A “proof-text” approach will not work. Balance the “real” and the “ideal.”

12. Issues of the family and sexuality continue to be divisive in our culture today. Pastors and churches ought to be ready to counsel with parents and teenagers about sexual issues.

13. The pastor’s wife can teach circles around the pastor! Thanks for helping, Shannon!

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