Church

The following message by Michael Reeves was given at the Serious Joy: The 36th Bethlehem Conference for Pastors: “I Will Build My Church: Christ’s Promises for his People.”

The church derives its life from the sweet fellowship of the Father, Son, and Spirit, creating a people of worship, fellowship, and mission who are animated by the gospel and empowered by the Word of God.

The past twelve months, in a lot of ways, have been most discouraging. Perhaps you feel it too. Name-calling. Factions. Slander. The binding of consciences. Grumbling. Disunity. All of this may have you tempted to think that the church is just plain ugly. Providentially, Dustin Benge has penned his new work, The Loveliest Place: The Beauty and Glory of the Church, at this precise moment.

Jeremy Walker picks out nine qualities to nurture as we speak about Christ to friends and family who don't yet believe. 

Steffen Jenkins explores how Jesus offers his salvation from Esther 7–8. 

Nathan Fellingham and David Fellingham help us think about music, singing, worship, and the Trinity. 

Emma Scrivener chats to Dan Hames about her book, 'A New Day', considering mental health, the Church, and the gospel. 

Dan Hames quizzes Mike Reeves about 'Why the Reformation Still Matters', his book co-authored with Tim Chester. 

Stephen Nichols looks at the significance of the power of the Word of God in Josiah's reforms in 2 Kings 22, stopping to look at the Reformation, the evangelical revival, and more. 

Martin Ayers gives advice, food for thought, and suggested further reading for helping those struggling with doubt.