Sing the Story!

August 13th, 2008 FirstNet Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

FNC Worship Minister Rob Wren shares in his most recent blog:

Spiritual Songs are the Word of God

There is an old cliche’ regarding music in the church. It’s claim is that “music warms us up for the preachin”. The underlying philosophy in that statement insinuates that singing gets us in a good mood so that when the preaching steps on our toes we can’t get too mad about it. If that is the case, then there have been a multitude of failed music services.

I grew up with that philosophy and when I decided to formulate my own beliefs about the subject, I came away with a different mindset. I began to view music in the worship service as actual expressions of worship as opposed to some sort of spiritual pep rally. The early church in Ephesus gives us a model of what singing in the church is about. Eph.5:19-20 Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” [More...]


Substance

August 11th, 2008 FirstNet Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

In Java-Jireh this week, we talk about the absolute necessity of faith in the life of a Christian…

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for… Heb. 11:1 (NKJV)

This is the best definition of faith available. It is also a powerful
statement concerning the importance of faith to the believer.

The word “substance” is translated from the Greek word, hupostasis, which is
a compound word literally indicating a foundation. Figuratively, it carries
the idea of assurance or confidence.  [MORE...]


No Turning Back!

August 8th, 2008 FirstNet Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

In her blog, Disability Minister Holly Strother talks about the decision to follow Christ…and what that really means!

I choose who/what I follow.  Do I follow depression, loneliness, or bitterness? Do I follow mistrust or anxiety? Do I follow what I believe is right and true for my life? What I believe will bring about great purposes?

Or do I follow Christ and the mystery of His purposes… with those things being left behind me, and the glory of His Cross before me. [Read the full article here]


The Cost of Truth

August 4th, 2008 FirstNet Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »

Jeff Lemarr, in his latest SLAM article, examines the cost - and absolute necessity - of taking a stand for truth:

We know all about the truth, right? I mean, at some point we came to the truth of Christ, accepting Him as our savior and allowing Him to change us – make us new creatures through the power of His blood. We know that His truth is THE TRUTH and believe it is the only thing that can impact this world for the better. Jesus said that He was (and is) the way, the truth and the life. If we, as believers, are to take Christ to the world, then we are taking them the way. We are bringing them the truth that can cut through every lie. We are bringing them the life that has power over death. [MORE...]


When Brokenness is More than a Word…

July 18th, 2008 FirstNet Posted in Brokenness, Faith, God's glory, Lordship of Christ, Singles | No Comments »

FNC Singles Minister Beth Banning has written a beautiful, heartbreaking story in her blog, One Single Thought. Her openness, honesty and spiritual insight will bless your soul!

Read it here