In a previous post, we offered some tips for preparing for the sermon.  Now, as we practice “expository listening” here are some tips for while the word is preached.  The following suggestions are adapted from Expository Listening, a helpful book by Ken Ramey. 

(Please note, we are not saying that anyone has to do any of these things but merely highlight some suggestions that seem to be helpful in achieving the goal of expository listening)

 

1.  Greet one another warmly when you arrive at church.

2.  Sit down a few minutes before the service starts, and spend a few moments in silent prayer to prepare your heart for what you about to hear.

3.  Follow along in your own Bible when the Scripture is read, taking special note of the verses that most apply to you.

4.  Sing joyfully and enthusiastically, thinking about the words and considering them personal prayers of praise or petition.

5.  Listen attentively to the prayers that are prayed, and respond by affirming what you hear. 

6.  Take notes during the sermon so you have something tangible to take home and reflect on.  Write down the outline and any key principles and implications you want to remember.

7.  Seek to encourage the preacher by your attentiveness while he is preaching (maintain eye contact, smile, nod your head, say “amen”, etc.)

8.  Fight off all distractions (concentrate, sit up front, etc.) and make sure that you are not a distraction to others.

9.  Exercise discernment by making sure what the preacher says matches up with what God has said by comparing everything to the Scriptures. 

Dave Pugh 

Good morning! I trust you are doing well today in the grace of Christ. I just have a couple of notes about ministry that I wanted to pass along.

 1. As you know if you were there on Sunday morning, the elders brought Matt Fudge forward to you the congregation as an elder candidate. After a lengthy season of testing we have concluded that Matt is a guy who loves Christ, is gifted to teach, has a desire to serve as an elder, meets the moral requirements, and loves the sheep at Emmaus. Therefore we bring him before the church with confidence that you too will be encouraged. Please talk to one of the pastors if you have any questions or concerns.

2. We are about a week away from closing on the new building. Please continue to pray and rejoice in the goodness and specific kindness of God to us as a church. I have had people from other churches contact me and remind me that this type of thing doesn't "just happen." That's exactly right! We rejoice in how God has providentially worked.

3. Please remember that there is a work day at the new building on Saturday 3/3 and then a potluck after service on Sunday 3/4. Maximum participation always maximizes encouragement.

Have a great week!

Erik 

It is great to hear of many people being encouraged as we study the book of Ezra. This is an exciting time for us as a church. It is as important as ever to remember God's faithfulness to his mission and those whom he dispatches in this world on his behalf. 

This Sunday we find ourselves parachuting into a conflict story. In the midst of this conflict we find some very encouarging principles for us as a church.

Here is the outline and direction for Sunday. Please note, we'll be covering chapters 4, 5, and half of 6. As you might imagine you will only help me help you if you read the passage in advance of Sunday.

Title: "But the eye of their God was upon them..."

Scripture: Ezra 4-6

Outline: Timeless encouragement for weak missionaries

1. God has opponents (4:1-24)
2. God uses ordinary means  (5:1-2)
3. God always has the last laugh (5:3-6:15) 

The new building brings great opportunities for ministry. One way we can serve together is in the upkeep of the building. Instead of paying for the service we want to serve together in this ministry. I am currently putting together ministry teams for building cleaning. The teams will serve once every two months and consist of 8 team members. Sign-ups will be available on this Sunday morning.

This is a great ministry for couples, families, and singles to do together. This is a terrific opportunity to serve alongside of other brothers and sisters whom you may not get to spend such quality time with. Take advantage of this new ministry.

Contact me with questions.

Sam Greenwell 

As you know we are slated to be in the new building on the 4th of March. We are planning to enjoy the new space by having a potluck lunch in the fellowship hall after the morning service. 

Please see the list below for the food assignments:

Potluck after church on 4 March - our first Sunday in the NEW Emmaus Bible Church
Please Bring the following and plan to help as assigned
Atkins Care Group: Salads/Side dish - Clean Up
Fudge Care Group: Desserts - Set Up
Martina Care Group: Main dish - Clean Up
Pugh Care Group: Main Dish - Clean Up
Raymond Care Group: Main Dish - Set Up
If you are not yet part of one of these Care Groups: Bring a Main Dish or a Side Dish or a Dessert 

Bob Atkins