Thursday, March 31, 2016

Evidence

The courtroom has long provided dramatic fodder for television and movies. From Perry Mason to Matlock (did he have a first name?) to the "Order" of "Law and Order," bright attorneys have solved cases in sixty minutes (minus commercials). Everything hinges on the evidence, the "smoking gun," the last second confession.


Hebrews 11 provides definitive evidence on the meaning of faith. Over the next few weeks, we will examine the evidence and discover the powerful impact of life in Christ. Join us this Sunday as we begin this journey in Hebrews 11:1.

See you Sunday!

Thursday, March 17, 2016

Why Go to Church?

If someone called you one evening and asked you the reason why you attend (or do not attend) church, what would you answer? Gallup did a poll in 2007 asking just that. The answers were basically what they expected: people who attend church indicated they do so for spiritual reasons (because of their faith) and for reasons of community (to gather with other believers). Those who do not attend cited their lack of belief, or what the Gallup pollsters defined as being "just plain lazy." (http://www.gallup.com/poll/27124/just-why-americans-attend-church.aspx)

Why go to church? The passage for this week's message, Hebrews 10:25, answers that question, and the reason may be more important than you think.

See you Sunday!

Hear this message at http://nhbcspringfield.sermon.net/mca/main/main/20635662

Thursday, March 10, 2016

House for Sale

Denise and Robert Webb built the home of their dreams overlooking Lake Whitney in Central Texas. The home had a commanding view of the lake one from one of of the prime lots in the area. The Webbs enjoyed the pristine views and beautiful sunsets. All was well, except for one small detail.

The land under the house fell off into the lake.

Fortunately, the process took several weeks, and the Webbs were able to safely remove most of their property. They even burned the house to the ground, hoping to keep debris from the house out of the lake. Eventually, the entire cliff where they had built their dream home collapsed into the waters below.

Realtors around the country then recited their mantra, "Location, location, location" - and checked the foundations of all their current listings.

It's always a good idea to check your foundation. This week, we will read how Hebrews 10:23-24 describes the sure foundation we have in Christ, and how that knowledge can spur us to love and good deeds.

See you Sunday!

Here this message at http://nhbcspringfield.sermon.net/mca/main/main/20629990

Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Time Change

This weekend we are supposed to "Spring Forward." The only thing I like about that phrase is the word, "Spring!" I will miss that hour of sleep until we "Fall Back!"

One of my favorite scriptures is Ephesians 5:16, where it speaks of redeeming the time. We often speak of making the most of every opportunity, time being short, etc. However, I read an interesting commentary that brought in the fact that to redeem is to gain or regain possession of something. We regain our time to be used for good things rather than bad. God redeems us so we can be restored and used for good. 

I'll still miss that hour of sleep....but maybe now I won't waste time grumbling about it!


Thursday, March 3, 2016

Tickets, Please

 It's almost time for post season college basketball tournaments, otherwise known as March Madness. One March I saw my dad get mad when we tried to go to an NIT game, and all the tickets had been sold to scalpers who would gladly sell you a seat a four times to original price. The practice was supposed to be illegal where we lived, a fact my dad shared with the police officer we found standing about twenty feet from a half dozen of the guys scalping tickets. The officer was very apologetic, but admitted there was little he could do.

So my dad and I went home and watched the game on TV.

No ticket, no entry. In Hebrews 10:19-22, the Bible explains that Jesus has made it possible for us to enter the Most Holy Place, the very presence of God. We will explore this extraordinary truth in this week's message.

See you Sunday!

Listen to this message at http://nhbcspringfield.sermon.net/mca/main/main/20624791