APRIL 13 - Spirit Matters: The Basics

(NOTE: You can hear audio of this message by going to this link.)

Important things to remember about the Holy Spirit:

• The Holy Spirit is not just a force.
• The Holy Spirit and the Holy Ghost are not different.
• The work of the Holy Spirit did not begin on Pentecost.
• The Holy Spirit is not primarily about speaking in tongues.
• The work of the Holy Spirit is not separate from the work of Jesus.

How does the Holy Spirit work in my life?

• The Holy Spirit works in my life by helping me come to believe.

1 CORINTHIANS. 12:3. No one can say “Jesus is Lord” except by the Holy Spirit.

• The Holy Spirit works in my life by establishing Jesus as Lord of my life.

GALATIANS. 5:25 (msg). Since this is the kind of life we have chosen, the life of the Spirit, let us make sure that we do not just hold it as an idea in our heads or a sentiment in our hearts, but work out its implications in every detail of our lives.

• The Holy Spirit works in my life by empowering and equipping my ministry.

EPHESIANS 4:4,7. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to the one hope of your calling…Each of us was given grace according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

So does this match up with what you believe about the Holy Spirit?
What questions does it raise for you?

Here are two key statements of historic United Methodist doctrine. (Remember, the names Holy Ghost and Holy Spirit are one and the same.)

There is but one living and true God, everlasting, without body or parts, of infinite power, wisdom, and goodness; the maker and preserver of all things, both visible and invisible. And in unity of this Godhead there are three persons, of one substance, power, and eternity—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost. The Holy Ghost, proceeding from the Father and the Son, is of one substance, majesty, and glory with the Father and the Son, very and eternal God.

We believe in the one true, holy and living God, Eternal Spirit, who is Creator, Sovereign and Preserver of all things visible and invisible. He is infinite in power, wisdom, justice, goodness and love, and rules with gracious regard for the well-being and salvation of men, to the glory of his name. We believe the one God reveals himself as the Trinity: Father, Son and Holy Spirit, distinct but inseparable, eternally one in essence and power. We believe in the Holy Spirit who proceeds from and is one in being with the Father and the Son. He convinces the world of sin, of righteousness and of judgment. He leads men through faithful response to the gospel into the fellowship of the Church. He comforts, sustains and empowers the faithful and guides them into all truth.

(From The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church)

APRIL 6 - Time for a Checkup

(NOTE: You can hear the audio of BUMC messages by going to this link.)

For this message, we reviewed "five practices of fruitful congregations," as highlighted by Bishop Robert Schnase in his recent book. (Our own Bishop Janice Riggle Huie first presented these five important concepts to us at annual conference in 2005. You can access her message in transcript form or in this audio link.)

If you want to receive a copy of Bishop Schnase's book, please call the church office, and we will order one for you - special price while supplies last is $10.00.

The five practices of fruitful congregations are listed below, along with the Bible verse that we looked at for each. Notice in each case that the "adjective" (CAPITALIZED) gives focus and power to each practice!


1. RADICAL Hospitality. This is not just being polite. It is a change of mindset. A church that focuses on cultivating a welcoming atmosphere for all. We give a big THANK YOU to our workers in guest ministries. You have helped us offer radical hospitality!

ROMANS 15:7. Welcome one another, therefore, just as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

2. PASSIONATE Worship. Too often our worship experiences may lack a contagious spirit. This is not about worship style. Worship of any style can become dry and lifeless. Worship of any style can become vibrant and meaningful! It is helpful to offer worship of more than one format, so that more people can connect to the presence of God. Passionate worship is usually connected not to what is happening up front - but to what is happening in the minds, souls and bodies of the worshippers.

PSALM 84:2, 10. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God...A single day in your courts is better than a thousand anywhere else!

3. INTENTIONAL Faith Development. The key word is "intentional." Lots of churches offer opportunities for growing in faith. Some churches, however, are very successful in charting a clear strategy for how each element of ministry helps grow more and stronger disciples!

HEBREWS 5:12-14. I find you need someone to sit down with you and go over the basics on God again, starting from square one - baby's milk, when you should have been on solid food long ago! Milk is for beginners...solid food is for the mature.

4. RISK-TAKING Mission and Service. Our church has a long history of being involved in forms of outreach. We are challenged to go a step further to be willing to risk in our hands-on efforts.

JAMES 1:22. Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.

5. EXTRAVAGANT Generosity. Sometimes our cautious approach to finances may cause us to "aim low." Although we have a strong generous spirit, we can learn from a biblical approach to faithful, visionary generosity.

2 CORINTHIANS 9:10-11. He gives you something you can then give away, which grows into full-formed lives, robust in God, wealthy in every way, so that you can be generous in every way, producing with us great praise to God.


Did Jesus call you to wear an apron or a bib? I ran across this story which helps clarify the difference:
Bibs or Aprons
See also this interesting article - Dirty Bibs vs. Dirty Aprons

There is also a wealth of material at the FIVE PRACTICES web site. Check it out. I especially liked Bishop Schnase's personal account of some hospitality he experienced that was - well - not very radical!

What do you think?

In which of the five areas have we seen the most improvement?

Which of the five areas is toughest for our church? For you personally?