Sharing the Speaking Schedule Message!

On Monday, I sent out the new speaking schedule to everyone involved in supporting our weekly services. As part of preparing the schedule, which occurs three times a year, I’ve developed a tradition of including some thoughts to set the tone and direction for the upcoming messages.

When thinking about the message, I thought everyone might benefit from it, so I wanted to share it in the weekly Sabbath message. In addition, I’ve included a few thoughts at the end that I hope will encourage us all in the important role we each play in ensuring that we are fed with solid spiritual nourishment every Sabbath and Holy Day.

Here is the message I sent out Monday.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who contributes to our services, whether by playing hymns, preparing special music, performing in the ensemble, leading hymns, or delivering a sermonette, split sermon, or full sermon. We are blessed by everyone's dedication to serving and following God, which strengthens our congregations.

Our congregations are known for their team of speakers, who present well-thought-out, spiritually grounded messages that exhort, encourage, and comfort one another. Let's continue in our shared goal of seeking God's Kingdom and righteousness.

As we approach 2025, it’s sobering to consider that many of our long-time members will soon mark 30 years since experiencing the warning in 2 Peter 2:

"...there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed." (2 Peter 2:1-2 NKJV)

Sadly, we’ve seen this fulfilled circa 1995. The truth of God, including the truth of the Sabbath and His Holy Days diminished, disregarded, and replaced by destructive heresies that minimize the promises of God and the good news of the gospel of the Kingdom of God.

However, Peter reminds us of God's promises earlier in his letter:

"Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust." (1 Peter 1:2-4 NKJV)

Peter emphasizes that through God's power, we are granted everything necessary for life and godliness and that His promises are exceedingly great and precious. These promises offer a future beyond the corruption of this world— a future where we partake in the divine nature of God Himself.

This powerful truth should be embedded in the foundation of our messages. As we prepare our sermons and teachings, let us remain rooted in this awe-inspiring truth. Paul reminded Timothy that the Church is "the pillar and ground of the truth" (1 Timothy 3:15). Let’s strive, through the work of God's Spirit in us, to inspire, encourage, and comfort others by proclaiming and expounding upon the Truth of God.

Thank you all for your ongoing diligence, growth, and willingness to serve. I am deeply grateful for your commitment to our shared mission.

I wanted to share a few additional thoughts on how we can each contribute to our congregations being blessed with messages that exhort, comfort, and encourage us in God’s Truth.

1. Pray for the Speakers

Members often share how they prayed for guidance and then received an answer or direction from the message that was especially relevant to them. Let’s continue to support our speakers with prayer, asking God to guide their words and inspire them to deliver the message He wants us to hear.

2. Actively Listen

It’s important for us to listen to the messages actively. Let’s do our best to listen attentively, consider taking notes, and reflect on how the scriptures and lessons in the messages can be internalized.

3. Offer Encouraging Feedback

When a message especially helps us, all glory goes to God. However, in addition to giving God the credit, let’s take the time to personally thank the speaker and let them know how their message impacted us. Encouraging words can uplift and inspire the speakers after many hours of preparing a message.

As we look ahead to 2025, we can be excited about the continued spiritual growth and depth that lies before us. Let’s all commit to dedicating time, study, and prayer to God, trusting that God will continue to guide and bless us on our path to the Kingdom of God.

Thank you for your continued dedication and support. It is a blessing to serve the Beloit, Chicago, and Northwest Indiana Congregations.

May you have a peaceful Sabbath rest!