To Become A Disciple (02/22/25)

"A disciple is one who learns; an apostle is one who, having been instructed, is sent to teach others what they have been taught." The distinction here made is basic and is useful (in a general way), but it does not convey the full meaning of discipleship. By definition, a disciple is more than one who receives instruction from another; they are also defined as "accepting the doctrines of their teacher, becoming their follower, and assisting in spreading their teachings. Thus discipleship implies personal adherence to the master's doctrines: an implication that becomes clear when we say of someone that they were another's pupil and remained their disciple. 

When we turn to the Gospels, the fuller meaning of discipleship at once becomes evident. As the conditions for becoming His disciples the Lord said that people must abhor their life; forsake all, namely, the things of self and the world that meant all to them; and bear their cross, by which is meant to enter into temptations. He added that they should be His disciples if they bore much fruit; and He spoke of the bearing of love one towards another as the sign by which it should be known that people were His disciples. Evidently, then, much more is involved than learning the Lord's teachings (although to be taught by the Lord in the Word comprehends all that is involved). 

To be a student of (our theology) is not necessarily to be the Lord's disciple! The Lord's doctrines all look to the good of life; His leading is to the same end; and to accept His doctrines, adhere to them and follow Him is to learn and try to understand His teachings for the sake of life, to see their application to one's uses, and then translate them into action. It is also to spread those teachings wherever it seems that they may be received.  ...In this deeper sense all in the church should become the Lord's disciples. That, indeed, is what regeneration is; and the becoming is the work of a lifetime of devotion.  (NCL Editorial, 1964 - edited)

SRC Announcements: 02/23/25

David Lindrooth Visits (03/02/25)

The first Sunday of March, worship will be presided over by Rev. David Lindrooth, who will then join us for lunch.  He will be in town for the Western Clergy Meetings (which will be hosted in Anthem AZ this year.  More below...)

Pastor's Family Away (03/02/25)

The pastor's family will be away on a short vacation over the same weekend David Lindrooth is here.  This will be followed by the Western Clergy Meetings.

Western Clergy Meetings (03/03/ - 03/06)

The ministers in the Western US region will be gathering next week in Anthem AZ for a set of regional clergy meetings.  The theme: what is it the Lord teaches makes the church?  I will return Thursday night and expect to report on these meetings at Friday's staff meeting (as well as next steps from our planning mtgs).

Discussion Group with Sue Carr (02/25/25)

Join us this Tuesday at 1pm in the Chapel for our next video and discussion group.  The topic: Hell's Playbook - How to Break the Code.  Join us!

Updating the Directory (Ongoing)

Kris Bernardy has volunteered to lead us in an updating of our congregation directory.  There will be a sign up (and correction) sheet to add your information in the chapel lobby.  If you wish add electronically, email: sssherona@aol.com

BLESSINGS ON YOUR WEEKEND!  

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