Most of us have heard some form of the argument against God that “the church is full of hypocrites.” It is a good argument because it is often true. Don’t be offended - it is true of all humanity at some level. To live a life where we act in ways that always reflects our words is unrealistic. We are bound to fail due to the pull of sin on our lives. One couple once told the great British preacher Charles Spurgeon that they were leaving his church because they were going to find a perfect church. Spurgeon responded; “When you find it, please don’t join it, because you’ll ruin it!” Ouch.

So the argument has some merit. Here is what is wrong about the argument that the church is full of hypocrites - it misses the point that God is perfectly holy and His people are in process toward holiness. Life is a series of sinful acts being repented of, learned from, and us moving forward in grace. This is the Christian life. The gospel is all about a holy God forgiving sinful humans by grace and giving them life in Jesus led by the Holy Spirit. It is not a perfect life in a perfect church. It is a redeemed life in a Spirit-filled church.

This Sunday we see in Acts 5:1-11 a couple that proves the church is messy and in process. They look to imitate Barnabas from chapter 4:36-37, but trust in their own strength rather than God’s power. It gets messy. We can relate to this in our lives. Come be encouraged in the gospel of God!

We are meeting outside at Manhattan Beach Pre-School. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, masks and Bibles! For a complete copy of our guidelines for re-opening CLICK HERE.

We will also be live on Zoom. If you don’t feel comfortable joining us in person, are feeling sick, or have been exposed to someone who is sick stay connected through Zoom - CLICK HERE at 4:30 Sunday afternoon.

Finally we will provide a video link to the sermon. I will send out an email Sunday night with the sermon link attached.

"And great fear came upon the whole church and upon all who heard of these things.” - Acts 5:11


- Pastor Curt

Theological Word of the Week:

Heaven

The place where God most fully makes known his presence to bless. It is in heaven where God most fully reveals his glory, and where angels, other heavenly creatures, and redeemed saints all worship him.


Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology

Wayne Grudem, Systematic Theology

Upcoming Events

Children's Ministry

See you at our Zoom weekly children’s time!

-Cameron

Sermon Topic - June 28

Acts: A Holy Spirit Inspired Legacy

Acts 5:1-11

“Would You Sell Your Soul for a Nickname?”

2020 YTD