Peterborough church of Christ

“The Power of Listening”

Mac Erysthee — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 16:31:39 +0000

Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips. Psalm 141:3 (NKJV).

It is a natural human need to communicate, but more importantly, to have someone listen to us. But do we truly listen when someone is talking to us? Many times it seems that we enjoy talking, but have a hard time truly listening to others. It is a skill that requires much practise, because there is a big difference between hearing someone, and listening to someone. When we develop the skill of listening, it can become a powerful tool in our relationships. It will, of course, require us to stand still long enough, to let the other person finish what they are saying without interrupting them in the process, as well as keeping an open mind, in order to show that we are interested in what they are saying, we are actively listening as they speak, in order to show that we really care about what they have got to say. That’s why the Psalmist said: “Set a guard, O Lord, over my mouth… (Psalm 141:3), because, once a word is said, it cannot be taken back.

When we are listening to others, there are a few things we must do, in order to truly listen. James says: “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;” (James1:19). Hear-Listen-Speak. We should try and make eye contact, show interest in the other person, (watch our body language), and when appropriate, ask questions that relate. When we are really listening we can learn so much more about the other person, and about ourselves. It is not easy listening to someone until at the end of their conversation, especially if it is something we are not interested in, or we don’t like what they are saying. However, when you let them finish, you can often get a better understanding of the issue or the concern the other person has. Afterwards, we can correct then wisely with love if necessary. Remember communication is a two-way process, were a message is given and received. Quite often, we want to be the talker, but we also need to be ready to listen to the response to what we have said. In turn, the other person or persons may not want to hear what we have to say, but they may be more likely to listen to us because we have taken time to listen to them.

Listening is a very valuable and powerful talent in our lives, that we all need to work on constantly because it can help us in so many ways. On our jobs, marriages and in our families, it can strengthen our relationships.

I am guilty in so many ways for not taking the time for not listening to end of what a person has to say. Therefore, let us each determine to be better listeners, and remember the words of Jesus: “He who has ears to hear, let him hear! (Matthew 11:15)

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IS THE CHURCH OF CHRIST A NEW CHURCH?

David Hepburn — Thu, 17 Oct 2019 14:30:48 +0000

No, the church of Christ is not a new church. It was founded by Jesus, through His apostles, in Jerusalem in the first century. This makes it hundreds of years older than any denomination in existence today.

In Matthew 16:18 Jesus made this promise: “I will build My church.”

On the Day of Pentecost in A.D. 33, that promise was fulfilled and the church of Christ came into existence. On that occasion, the gospel was first preached by Peter and the other apostles. They revealed the Lord’s plan of salvation: “Repent, and each one of you be baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (Acts 2:38).

Those who responded had their sins forgiven and were added to the church of Christ (Acts 2:47). Members of the church of Christ today are members of that same church which was established 2,000 years ago.

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WHAT IS THE DISTINCTIVE PLEA OF THE CHURCH OF CHRIST ?

David Hepburn — Sat, 12 Oct 2019 14:09:32 +0000

Members of the church of Christ today want to restore the original New Testament church. To do this, it is necessary to set aside creeds and doctrines created by people. We must go back beyond all the denominations that people have established, back to the pattern for the church left for us in the New Testament.

To be God’s true people, we must accept the Bible alone as the authority in all religious matters. Therefore, we should be able to give a “thus says the Lord” for everything we teach and practice. We need to “speak where the Bible speaks and remain silent where the Bible is silent.” If we teach the pure Word of God today, we are planting the same seed that was planted in the first century. When that seed was planted then, Christians and only Christians were produced and the church came into existence. The plea of members of the church of Christ today is for religious unity based upon the Word of God.

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What is wrong with the church?

bmd — Wed, 25 Sep 2019 15:18:58 +0000

An interesting point of view posted by Charlie on his blog

Last week I asked for your opinion on why we can have such highly rated churches while at the same time the church in American is in decline if not in free fall or collapse. I can’t find any measure of the church, as a whole, that indicates the church in American is doing well both in terms of numerical growth and in discipleship.

So, back to the question: Why are we Christians in the church in America experiencing high levels of satisfaction with our churches while at the same time our churches are for the most part static or in decline?

As I read over the numerous answers I received (thank you by the way) a couple of general themes kept recurring. If you would like to read the answers they are posted at http://beyondharan.blogspot.com/2019/09/here-is-what-you-said.html. The two very general themes are that we are selfish in our expectation of what the church should be and do and that develops from a failure to die to self. Also, we have become addicted to the consumer culture and have translated it into our expectation of the church. If we don’t like the experience at Outback we will go to Ruth Chris. If the wings at Beef O’Brady’s don’t please us we will watch the game at Buffalo Wild Wings. If the music at First Tall Steeple Church is too stuffy we will go to Mega-Wonder Church by the interstate.

When my son was about 5 years old a little girl at church had a crush on him. As much as a 4 year old can have a crush. We had been visiting the family and as we were saying our goodbyes the little girl ran up to my son, started dancing, shaking both arms and chanting, “Do you like me? Do you like me?” The embarrassment of my son was hysterical to watch. And it was cute coming from a 4 year old girl. But it feels like the church stands in front of the carnal world dancing and pleading, “Do you like me? Do you like me?” Christianity has become one more consumer product that is to be marketed and presented as we plead with carnal people to please like us.

But lest I confess the sins of others I must also confess my own sins. As a minister I have a tendency to expect the church to provide me with affirmation, love, support, a good salary, benefits and a retirement plan. I have wanted to work a grueling 29-hour week, use recycled or stolen sermons, and not be bothered with the demands of dysfunctional people that want me to visit them. I have wanted to be treated like a professional, work like a toddler, and put out like an amateur. I have fought these tendencies and in most of my ministry I have done a good job of doing so, but when I do I whine like a spoiled 13 year old in private and subtly play the martyr in public. I think I am not the only one.

I am not saying all preachers are lazy nor am I justifying the evil behavior of clergy killers in the church. I am saying that as ministers we can identify the problems in our churches, but are less apt to see them in the mirror. The church is a mess in

America and we in leadership are part of the problem. We are also the beginning of the solution. One responder said, “We need a Third Great Awakening.” That will only happen if we speak the truth and call our people to die to self. If we speak the truth we may find our churches dismiss us. We may lose good paying jobs and retirement options might be taken from us. We may find that we reenter the work force not as professionals but as laborers drawing pay that doesn’t afford the niceties we are accustomed to. If we find that price too high then we are part of the problem, we are not ready to die to self. We will go our way, “…grieving; for he (we) was one who owned much property.”

What is wrong with the American Church? Join me and let’s all say it together, “I am.”

Beyond Haran, 17/09/2019
https://www.blogger.com/profile/06742143620983427199

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Who Can Go To Heaven? – Event

bmd — Fri, 30 Aug 2019 23:00:53 +0000

Venue:

Sawtry W.I. Hall,
Gidding Road,
Sawtry.
PE28 5TS.

Time:

05:30 pm – Doors Open
06:00 pm – Event Starts
19:30 pm – Finishes

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The church of Christ

bmd — Sun, 19 May 2019 13:24:27 +0000

“God is Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.(Jn. 4:24)” Peterborough Church of Christ is a group of Christians striving to follow the pattern of worship found within the Word of God. Our goal is to simply be Christians who are pleasing to God. We do not claim to be perfect, but we do proclaim the excellencies of Him who is perfect (1 Peter 2:9).
Jesus is the foundation of the church (1 Cor. 3:11), and He purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28). Jesus makes the statement, “If you love me, keep my commandments” (Jn. 14:15).After the great love Jesus showed us by dying on the cross for our sins, we simply want to love Him back by obeying His commands.
As you read through the Scriptures, you will not find denominations. Instead, you will discover that there was only one church/body (Eph. 4:4). The apostle Paul emphasized over and over again that the church was to be in unity and of the same mind (Phi. 1:27). In fact, Paul condemned the concept of denominations when he wrote to the church at Corinth: ” Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10).Paul continues on in that same chapter talking about how some were calling themselves by the names of men. Then Paul asked the question, “ Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul?” (1Cor. 1:13). Obviously the answer to Paul’s question is no.
This is why we believe it is imperative that we worship God and live our lives according to His Word and His Word only. If you are interested in learning more about the church that Jesus purchased with His own blood, then feel free to contact us or worship with us. Glory be to God and the wonderful grace He has given us.

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