Minister's Blog

Is there any value in our “church words?”
Do you know any church words? I bet you do, if you really thought about it. Church words are terms that find their usage primarily in church life. They may refer to church practices, church doctrine, or theological matters. I was reminded of these words or terms due to last week's big question. A couple of months ago I was in a meeting with several other pastors. We were planning an upcoming event. I mentioned a need to emphasize the ordinary means of grace. I was told folks would not know what I meant by that term. I am thankful folks here at Emmanuel would, and I think it might be helpful to introduce others to this and certain other “church words.” As our catechism states, “the ordinary means of grace are His instructions, particularly the Word, ordinances (baptism and Lord’s Supper), and prayer all of which are made effective for the salvation of His chosen ones.” These practices, instructed by Christ do not save us, but they become “means” or practices we employ to receive the grace of God we so desperately need to sanctify, (another church word) or continue to deliver us from our sin. They are ordinary because they are commanded to be practiced by all disciples of Christ.
Why do we need “church words” for doctrines or certain practices, truths, in the church? There are certain truths that cannot and should not be described with common, worldly language. We have been called out of the world and into the Kingdom. When we talk about the “Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ” we will necessarily use some terms that are not common to the kingdom of this world. These terms are not to be used in a way that promotes pride or haughtiness. We should use them as Kingdom citizens, one to another as we encourage each other to persevere and as Kingdom ambassadors, ready to share the Gospel to those who are not yet a part of the Kingdom. This is one of the reasons I appreciate the EBC Family Bible Study (Catechism) so much! In the Catechism we have heavy “church terms” stated and defined, along with scripture references for support! May grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. His divine power has given us everything required for life and godliness through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 2 Peter 1:2-3
I am thankful for the ordinary means of grace the Lod has given to us. We do not simply get grace as a result of practicing the study of the Word, the ordinances, and/or prayer. In the Christian life grace and faith are intertwined. I utilize the ordinary means of grace in obedience to and by faith in the Word of God. I have been saved by grace through faith and I need the grace of God experienced through the keeping, sealing, and persevering power of the Holy Spirit to stand against temptation and to grow in holiness. We will be reminded of these means of grace as we reflect upon each of them in our catechism readings for the remainder of the year.
Sober Living Ministry Update:
We have begun a next step residency program as part of our Sober Living Ministry. We had to give up one of our houses last month and now have our five men that have been with us the longest living in two apartments. It is our hope this will be an encouragement to help our men embrace greater freedom and independence with continued discipleship and accountability. Please be in prayer for these men as they transition.