Welcome! Pastor Fred Monk and Dr. Michael Poke preached dynamic sermons at Fallowfield United Methodist Church on Wednesday, April 25. It refreshed my spirit. I soaked in their inspiring messages. As of this writing, I’ve only heard each pastor preach once. I’m so excited to hear their next two sermons. I’ll update you next week.
I think motivational preaching is a requirement for all ministers. If they can’t inspire their congregation, the church will stagnate and eventually die. After all, Jesus inspired people to action and led by example.
Pastor Monk preached on leadership, based on Hebrews 10:19-25. He spoke about people who are called to lead and reject the Lord’s invitation. He also encouraged those who aren’t called to leadership to pray for church leaders. Pastor Monk infuses his sermons with parallel scriptural references.
I love this! Comparing similar passages always helps me understand the Bible better.
Dr. Poke preached on Acts 2:42-47, when the early church shared everything in common. He said the people were unified, God was magnified, the church was multiplied, and Satan was terrified.
Whoo! I wish this is how the church operated now. Wouldn’t it be great if there were no division -- absolutely no infighting -- in the church? It’d be life-changing to see God glorified, churches growing, and Satan crushed by the influence the church has on our culture.
The Bible says when the disciples taught about Jesus it “turned the world upside down” (Acts 17:6 NKJV). How I wish the church wouldn’t cave into the pressure to be open-minded about sin and refused to tolerate people who lead others away from God. God could use Christians to change the world if we stood up and said no to these things.
I think this is why Christian music is so powerful. It inspires and feeds our souls, especially when worshipping in church and learning in Sunday school doesn’t.
Speaking of revival, First United Methodist Church in Greenville is hosting a unified prayer service on May 3 and May 10 at 6 p.m. The church is located at 73 Clinton Street, Greenville. They are praying for unity in combating the drug epidemic, as well as the cultural and spiritual decline, and hoping for a transformational revival.
The old-fashioned hymn sing on April 22 at Fallowfield was a real encouragement. We had about 50 people attend from many surrounding churches. People called out their favorite hymns, including “How Great Thou Art,” “In the Garden,” “Because He Lives,” and “Stand Up, Stand Up for Jesus.”
Mark Putman performed an original folk-style song he wrote. It’s titled, “Jesus, I’d Be Lost.” Allen Jacobs sang “The Day He Wore My Crown” by Phil Johnson, made famous by Sandi Patty. Linda Shearer sang “Wonderful, Merciful Savior” by Dawn Rodgers and Eric Wyse, made famous by Selah. Pastor Larry Corner of Fallowfield sang “I Can Only Imagine” by Bart Millard of MercyMe. The Sperry family sang “Victory in Jesus.”
Faith Sperry Taylor was visiting from Connecticut. She and Karl Dennis sang “Open My Eyes That I May See,” a song they first sang together at Fallowfield 60 years ago.
It’s always so refreshing to sing the old hymns and soak in the joy of those around me who love and long for the messages they contain. Many old hymns quote scripture, which makes these especially powerful songs.
Fallowfield is planning a ladies’ buffet on Tuesday, May 8. The theme is “Stitches in Love” and centers on quilting. Quilts will be displayed around the sanctuary. We’ll have a salad supper at 6 p.m. and a skit afterward.
Have a wonderful week. Blessings!