Thanksgiving has come and gone, and the Christmas season is in full swing. And while we decorate our homes and purchase presents, we always hear the exhortations from “The Charlie Brown Christmas” reminding us of the true meaning of the day. So many of us love Linus’ speech telling us that it isn’t the tree that matters. With so many things to distract us, we always need to take a moment to remind ourselves the importance of the season. That…
Mere weeks ago, South Carolina suffered from what many called a “thousand year” event. Heavy rains flooded the rivers and banks, and devastation overran much of the area leaving many with damaged homes and even more homeless. Business and government buildings were not spared either. Sadly, in our minute by minute culture the events a month ago have been long forgotten while the need ever increases. Just this past week, rains once again flooded much of the SC. Evident Grace, like…
The flooding devastation in SC has been described as a “Once in a 1,000 year” event, and some newscasters have been so bold as to declare it as, “Biblical in scope”. The bottom line is that the cost is in the 100’s of millions, and the loss of life and effects on people’s lives will be felt for generations. Evident Grace wants to help, and we want to invite the church and the community to partner with us. Our denomination’s disaster…
In our last blog post, we looked at why should Ruling and Teaching Elders leaving their churches for a week, travel hours away, and vote on motions and even obscure points of theology each year. Many of you will never attend General Assembly unless is again return to Virginia (in 2012 it was in Virginia Beach). Gordon and I don’t want what happens in our denomination to be disconnected from our local expression here in Spotsylvania, VA. To that end…
Why should Ruling and Teaching Elders leaving their churches for a week, travel hours away, and vote on motions and even obscure points of theology each year? When I (Gordon) became a Ruling Elder some 15 years ago, I thought that General Assembly was at best a boondoggle and at worst a boring use of time. However, my attitude soon changed. While General Assembly does offer great opportunities for fun, and there are some tedious moments of Robert’s Rules of…
Biblically, a church is commanded by God to have elders, and the qualifications for such an office are outlined in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1 This office is an overseeing and shepherding office designed to “keep watch over your souls” (Hebrews 13:17). With as much ink as the Bible gives to both examples and qualifications, it is astounding how many churches disregard the office. Listen to a few of the dozen plus examples in scripture: Acts 20:28 “Pay careful…
At Evident Grace, practically every Sunday is Easter as the celebration of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection is key to everything we do. Jesus’ work on the cross ushers us into our relationship with God. Jesus’ work on the cross enables us to understand scripture. Jesus’ work on the cross guides us in our obedience. Jesus’ work on the cross motivates us to love our neighbor. To put it in EG speak: Jesus’ work on the cross builds our community,…
When I arrived in Virginia, it was on the heels of several moves. Everyone from a church member to the chief of police helped me get here. When Amy and I finally got into our apartment, so many folks from Evident Grace showed up that I didn’t even know everyone’s name. What I did know was that we were being cared for and that people loved us. There is a unique blessing in helping someone move. Showing up early to…