Sermons
These modern conveniences, which we take for granted, were absent from the culture in which the New Testament was written. No wonder the New Testament places a heavy emphasis upon a gathered community of believers (Acts 14:27; 1 Corinthians 5:4; etc.) for the express purposes of reading the scriptures publicly (1 Timothy 4:13) and instructing the members (1 Timothy 4:11; 6:2; etc.) and using one’s spiritual gifts to minister to others within the local church (1 Corinthians 12:12-26; Ephesians 4:12; 1 Peter 4:10).
While there might be many advantages to modern technology, and many could claim that the church has benefitted from this technology, a good case could be made that the church has not benefitted as much as many like to think.
Invariably, easy access to popular but distant ministries has fueled a lack of commitment in Christians in being vitally connected to a local church to worship, learn, and minister together. (If Christians can get their “church” online, why should they feel compelled to personally attend anywhere? If Christians find a wonderful teacher online, they will not be compelled to belong to a church which they view as inferior.)
Based upon the teachings of the New Testament we believe every Christian must be a member of a church in his/her area so he/she can be pastored by the local church’s pastor (Acts 20:28; Ephesians 4:11-12; Hebrews 13:7, 17) and so that he/she can give financially to and minister wholeheartedly in his/her respective church. Therefore, sincere Bible-believing Christians will not allow themselves to be distracted from God’s prescription for believers to gather together in a local church setting.
And because of our strong belief in God’s plan for a gathered community of believers, we don’t offer weekly sermons online.
However, you may be in the position of having to look for a local church in which to be a vital member. And before you make the decision to “check out” New Life Baptist Church you would probably prefer to listen to a few representative sermons. We hope the series below from the book of Ephesians will not only be a blessing to you but that it will encourage you to come and visit New Life Baptist Church personally.
We look forward to seeing you soon!