So, here we are. As I write this letter, we are 7 days into 2021.
Pottstown Bible Church has just completed its 17th year in Ministry.
Yet, it seems like our world is moving headlong into chaos. As I search the scriptures, I found myself reflecting on Revelation chapter 2: 1-7
“To the angel of the church in Ephesus write:
The One who holds the seven stars in His right hand, the One who walks among the seven golden lampstands, says this:
2 ‘I know your deeds and your labor and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil people, and you have put those who call themselves apostles to the test, and they are not, and you found them to be false.
3 and you have perseverance and have endured on account of My name, and have not become weary.
4 But I have this against you, that you have left your first love.
5 Therefore, remember from where you have fallen, and repent, and do the deeds you did at first; or else I am coming to you and I will remove your lampstand from its place—unless you repent.
6 But you have this, that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate.
7 The one who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who overcomes, I will grant to eat from the tree of life, which is in the Paradise of God.’
I asked myself, Lord have I left you as my first love?
Am I allowing things in my life that are slowly moving you off the throne room in my own heart that only belongs to you?
Lord help me.
Back in John’s day the Nicolaitans we involved in immoral behaviors and brought sensual temptation and self- indulgence right into the church.
Sadly, we see this happening still today in churches across this country.
Do we look any different to unsaved people than the world looks?
As I pen this letter, last night, our capitol was under siege, all kinds of rhetoric flowed off of our TV screens right into our homes.
So, as a church, are there things that we should be doing that were not doing?
As I continued to reflect on this, I think about the church God has placed me in as a Pastor.
I’ve been thinking about some foundational principles, distinctives that are especially important today.
Seven Foundational Distinctives of Pottstown Bible Church
Preaching Solid Expository Preaching of Scripture
Discipleship One on One offered to anyone who wants to grow.
Prayer Available to anyone who wants to join us each week.
Fellowship Mid-week Bible study, Divorce care. Celebrate recovery.
Worship Live worship service every Sunday to glorify God.
Mission Feeding those who are hurting and homeless.
Leadership Elders and deacons to lead and guide PBC.
Through all of the chaos we’ve all been witnessing these words from 1 Peter 1:13-15
flowed through my mind as a warning.
13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.
14 As obedient children, do not be conformed to the former lusts which were yours in your ignorance,
15 but like the Holy One who called you, be holy yourselves also in all your behavior;
Lord what are you attempting to tell me?
Prepare your minds for action.
Back in Peters day this had the idea of gathering up you’re clothing in a hurry to be able to move, it seems that Peter is applying this to our thinking, our thought process, gather up the loose end of your thinking by rejecting all of the hinderances and trappings of this fallen world.
Keep sober minded.
This fallen world wants to pull all of us away from trusting in the Lord and His sovereignty.
Be sober minded by practicing self-control, keeping your mind clear and fixed on Christ.
Don’t be conformed to former lusts.
Listen, when things get really tough and uncomfortable it can be easy to revert back to the way you used to live before you were saved. Peter is stating to us here to not conform, don’t slip on back to your former sinful desires, evil thoughts, sensual appetites, and impulses.
Don’t self-medicate with the trappings of this fallen world, it will only leave you worse off.
WHY??
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, this person is a new [creation; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.
Okay Okay, enough Preaching
What’s happening right now at PBC??
There has been a significant increase in the amount of people we are feeding
We average well of 75 meals every Sunday.
Due to COVID-19 and loss of jobs we are seeing many folks in desperate need, some families we give up to ten meals to take home for their families.
2. We have been streaming our church services live via Facebook and sermon audio, and we are putting together a YouTube channel as well.
3. We have recently begun a Divorce Care program for singles who have gone through a painful divorce.
We are also very soon, beginning a Celebrate recovery ministry as well.
In closing, we are on the offensive not to retreat.
We are meeting in person as well as live streaming but were are following the CDC guidelines as well.
Masks, hand sanitizers, social distancing and disinfecting each week.
Please keep us in your prayers as expenses have gone up.
Your financial donations help make what we do possible. We really do appreciate all you do for us.
Donations can be made online at
www.pottstownbible.org
or by mail at Pottstown Bible Church PO Box 551 Pottstown Pa. 19464
Blessings, Pastor Jack
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