PAST SERIES

This fall we will be examining the doctrine of the church - the Ekklesia (ἐκκλησία). Ekklesia is made of two words: ek (ἐκ)  + kaleo (καλέω). It can be translated - those who are called out. The New Testament authors usage of this word speaks to the gathering of God's people to himself. 

However, what does this mean? What has the church been called out to? In this dispensation, some have attached political affiliation to the church. Others have defined the church more by her actions than her essence, while some skeptics have asked if we really need the church at all and created their own ministry outlets. 

With all this confusion, this series is designed to biblically call out the church: call her out to be the people of God, the body of Christ, the temple of the Holy Spirit, and so much more. Our hope is that understanding the church both locally and universally, we will commit more to her and live out the mission given to us by the head of the church, Jesus Christ.

One of the great quotes on spiritual discipline is "Discipline without direction is drudgery." If you do not have direction in your spiritual discipline it will be painful work. For example, fasting without purpose is just dieting. One of the primary reasons we resist spiritual discipline is because of a lack of purposeful direction. 
 
This sermon series is called Spiritual Disciplines. We want to equip our family with the importance of worship, prayer, and fasting. And not just the activities but also the attitude. The purpose of spiritual discipline according to the scriptures is "for godliness" (1 Timothy 4:7-8). Practicing discipline is designed to help disciples of Jesus to look more like our Savior. To sacrifice like Him! To depend upon the will of the Father like Him! To make disciples who make disciples like Him! 

Life isn't easy. It is filled with problems that range from serious illnesses to relationship problems. Sometimes we wake up in the morning and see the day as a series of obstacles to be avoided. And we have asked ourselves questions like: How do we handle life's problems? How do we deal with difficult people or uncomfortable situation? What do we say and how do we act?      

The book of Proverbs has answers to these questions. This book is a collection of wisdom from a generation of godly insightful people. Its primary purpose is to teach people Hokma (Hebrew transliteration of the word for wisdom). Not just intellectual "wisdom" but how to skillfully navigate through life by "the fear of the Lord." This series was designed to equip the MSC family with "Wisdom for Wise Living."