The following are some of the basic principles by which we seek to plan and practice corporate worship at High Pointe Baptist Church. (As best as I can remember, these principles were influenced by a sermon series I listened to by John Piper on worship titled, 'Worship God'.)
Author Archives: Juan Sanchez
Why Have Confidence in Prayer?
July 7, 2010 – 9:53 PM
It is amazing to consider that we are children of the living God who have come to the Father through the beloved Son, Jesus. Since the Father delights in His one and only Son, He also delights in us who have been adopted through the Son. And if He does not withhold any good thing from His Son, He will not withhold any good thing from us. After all, He has already given us the greatest treasure—Jesus Christ, the beloved. Why would He withhold anything else (Romans 8:32)?
Don’t Waste Your Summer: Read with and to Your Kids!
June 28, 2010 – 12:52 PM
Don’t waste your children’s summer (or yours for that matter) on television and video games. Instead, utilize this time to read with and to your children. One thing for sure, you should be reading Scripture with your family on a regular basis, and you can enhance your family Scripture reading with helpful devotional material. Beware of children’s material that merely promotes moralism. I prefer books that help explain the storyline of Scripture (biblical theology) and present a BIG God! Here are some helpful suggestions.
Love Never Ceases
June 10, 2010 – 8:26 AM
Paul argues for the priority of love over gifts by stating that while prophesies will pass away and tongues will cease and knowledge will pass away, love never will. Love is enduring; it is permanent. Why such an emphasis on love? To be sure, Paul does not discard gifts; he urges the pursuit of the higher gifts (1 Corinthians 12:31, 14:1). Nevertheless, we are to pursue love as THE more excellent way.
Love: The Most Excellent Way
June 3, 2010 – 1:18 PM
If you have ever been a part of any church for any amount of time, then chances are you have witnessed conflict, perhaps even major conflict. This is a sad reality of life and ministry. You would think that a church full of professing Christians would be able to avoid divisions, but the truth of the matter is they don’t. Why is that?
How do I discover my spiritual gift?
May 6, 2010 – 2:19 PM
The question about discerning particular spiritual gifts is probably the primary question on many a Christian’s mind. However, I want to propose that it is the wrong question. It is the wrong question because as I have already argued, the lists are representative, not exhaustive. Consequently, any spiritual gifts inventory will be limiting.
Questions About Spiritual Gifts: What is the purpose of spiritual gifts?
May 4, 2010 – 9:32 AM
Understanding the purpose of spiritual gifts goes a long way in helping us think more clearly about their use. Clearly, spiritual gifts are not given for self-promotion or self-profiting. Spiritual gifts are given for the common good (1 Corinthians 12:7, 14:12, 26). Literally, spiritual gifts (charismata) are given for profitability (1 Corinthians 12:7). The context [...]
Who are the ones gifted by the Holy Spirit?
April 29, 2010 – 11:25 AM
Are the ones gifted by the Holy Spirit a select few? Is it only the leadership of the church or perhaps the more mature Christians? Do I have a spiritual gift?
"In Remembrance of Me"
March 11, 2010 – 11:06 AM
Whenever we have out-of-state guests, we try to go to San Antonio to show them the Alamo. Perhaps the best know phrase regarding the history of this fort is, “Remember the Alamo.” The fort sits today in the midst of a concrete jungle as a commemoration of that historic battle and in memory of those [...]
How Can We Vote to the Glory of God?
Many people will tell you that on Tuesday, November 2, Americans will participate in the most important election of our time. This will be true, of course, until the next election comes along. How should Christians approach voting? First, we must not forget that as Christians we are citizens of a heavenly kingdom first and [...]