The Blog

Sunday School Information | April 19, 2020

CHBC,

Here is your Sunday School Resources for this week! Who would have thought that this virus would have us separated from the community of the body for this many weeks?  It is not normal for us to be doing our ministry in this way.  We know it is necessary for this season, and we believe God has ordained this time for a purpose, and He has called us for “such a time as this”.  So, we are embracing this as an opportunity to do ministry uniquely.  I heard today that Bibles and books on prayer are selling at a record setting pace.  People are looking and are hungry for ways to connect with God.  The resources we are putting in your hands are for you, and are for you to share!  It is up to you how best to reach out and connect with others.  Do not go it alone!  And do not believe that safer-at-home means there are no ways to reach out to people or to share the gospel.  Take advantage of these free resources as you gather yourselves for Sunday School:

• Neighboring Bible Studies Attachments: Neighboring Study Guide; Neighboring Study Handout
• Pre-School Sunday School: Gospel Project for Preschool 
• Children’s Sunday School: Gospel Project for Children
• Adult Sunday School: Explore the Bible
• Adult Sunday School: Gospel Project for Adults
• Adults Sunday School: Bible Studies for Life for Adults
• Adult Sunday School: Bible Studies for Life for Young Adults
• Adult Sunday School: Bible Studies for Life for Senior Adults

We love you and we miss you!  Press on in the faith and hope of the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ! 

By His Grace and for His Glory,

Mark D. DeMoss, Senior Pastor

Resources for Spiritual Growth During COVID-19 Crisis

Opportunity

The shelter in place orders, the quarantines, the closures of schools, sporting events, theaters, and public gathering spaces has caused many personal and social challenges.  But we need to remember that God is not surprised at what is occurring.  In fact, God is at work actively doing something intentional with all that is transpiring.  These moments offer you and I the opportunity to connect with God and others in ways we may not have considered before.  People keep saying these are unprecedented times.  This truly is an unprecedented opportunity for the gospel.

Faith vs. Fear

From early on in this pandemic I began to talk with people about how we would manage our lives in the balance of faith versus fear.  Would we live our lives fearful of what we see around us? Would we become fearful of people and contact with others?  Would we fear for our loved ones and ourselves?  Having a robust faith in God does not mean we will not and should not take precautions.  But we must also actively live with a clear sense of God’s sovereignty.  Here is a resource that you can stream for free to help you understand more about God’s providence, especially in times of suffering or fear: The Providence of God, by RC Sproul.  As believers we have the opportunity to represent the hope of the gospel as we live cautiously, but with faith, and to share with others why we do not need to be afraid.

Spiritual Growth

How many times have you said or wished you had more time to read Scripture, to have a quiet time, to spend more time on prayer, to read good books, or listen to some podcasts?  Perhaps God is slowing some of us down for that very purpose.  We currently have the opportunity to make use of time that is usually captured by longer work hours, more school activities, more time going out to events, or taking in the latest movie or a sporting event.  Consider some of these resources:

• Free Study Guides by R.C. Sproul: Ligonier Ministries Study Guides
• Stand to Reason videos, podcasts, and articles: Stand to Reason
• Books on Audible or Kindle: attached reading list from Pastor Mark.  Look at the highlighted books first.
• A Bible Reading Plan for the year: Discipleship Journal Bible Reading Plan 

Pastoral Ministry Reading List

Neighbor Love

As fallen human creatures we are great with our intentions, and we are poor at fulfilling our commitments.  The mission of CHBC is to develop disciples who live by the Great Commandment (Matt. 22:36-40), and who fulfill the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20).  We have the opportunity to show that we will love our neighbors by abiding by the suggestions of the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the President, and the Governor.  We can also love our neighbors by checking on one another, meeting the needs that are safe and reasonable, by prayer, and by speaking of our faith in Jesus Christ.

Mark D. DeMoss, Senior Pastor