Offices Closed

A reminder that church offices are closed on Fridays. If there is an urgent pastoral need, leave a message for me on my church voicemail (215.735.7688x245) or email. I will check periodically throughout the day as able.

Fine False Speech

Proverbs 17:7

Fine speech is not becoming to a fool;
still less is false speech to a prince.

Fine speech from the mouth of a fool comes out as mockery and sarcasm. That which should be deemed honorable is made to seem silly. The speaker is embarrassing. Having said all that, even worse is for a person of high and noble position to lie. Thus, as bad as it is for a president to be lampooned, it is worse for a president to lie with his noble words. As bad as it may be for those under authority to mock their superiors, the greater sin is committed by those superiors if they abuse their positions through lying. The fools demonstrate their own foolishness; the "princes" betray the character that should be inherent in them. The fools withhold honor they ought to give; the princes betray the honor given to them.

Of Grandchildren and Fathers

Proverbs 17:6

Grandchildren are the crown of the aged,
and the glory of children is their fathers.

This is a good reminder of what family relations should be. It is not merely a matter of having children who then have children. It is about investing in your family relationships so that there is a strong, loving bond, and that your children live lives that are deemed honorable.
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Musical Instruments Needed

The Colombia short-term team is requesting small musical instruments and a sound mixer to equip the church in Barranquilla and help start a music lesson program. Donated items can be dropped off at the Global Outreach no later than August 4.

Mocking the Poor

Proverbs 17:5

Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker;
he who is glad at calamity will not go unpunished.

This is a sober warning for us all. First, we should not be quick to mock anyone. Mocking may have its place, but such times are far fewer than we tend to think. We are quick to mock those whom we do not know and those with whom we differ. As Christians we should be distinguished by the respect we accord even to our opponents. And yet in matters such as politics or social issues, we mock, exaggerate, and misrepresent them. We rejoice over their calamities and are quick to believe the worse in them. This should not be. Our opponents should be surprised by the love and respect we show them.
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Farewell Reception

Our neighbors across the street - Bill and Ellie Melton - are moving, soon. They move August 8. Many of you know Bill, the neighbor sitting out front across from the Delancey Street entrance. To say goodbye, we are holding a reception for them the first Sunday in August, the 4th, from 2-4 in Reception Hall.

Thanks for Praying!

The TCF trip to Fenwick Island, DE went very well, thank you for your prayers. 88 children from pre-school to 6th grade heard the gospel in the mornings and around 20 Middle School-aged people heard the gospel and had their specific questions answered in the evenings, Tuesday through Thursday. Continue to pray that the seeds planted last week will grow and yield professions of faith and true belief.

Sunday Services 7/28/2013

Join us this Sunday for our services.
AM (9 & 11): Dr. Liam Goligher preaching, “What’s Great about the Commission? Be Fruitful and Multiply” (Matthew 28:16–20). Hymns: Jesus Shall Reign; Lord, Speak to Me That I May Speak; All Authority and Power.
PM (Soli Deo Gloria 6:15): Benjamin Beilman, violin
(6:30): Dr. Liam Goligher preaching, “Ordinary Lives” (Ruth 2:17–23). Hymns: Hallelujah, Praise Jehovah; Brethren, We Have Met to Worship; All Praise to Thee, My God, This Night.

Bad Hearing

Proverbs 17:4

An evildoer listens to wicked lips,
and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.

Have you ever been frustrated trying to convince others that a rumor is false? You encourage them to think positively about others, but they assume the worse. Maybe you are trying to clear up your own name. You think that if you can only explain clearly the facts, they will listen. If you can only reason with troublemakers, they will see the error of their ways. They must be acting out of misinformation.
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Housing Needed Immediately

Looking for housing in a hurry! Nate and Sabina Shannon, with their 1 1/2 year old daughter, are looking for housing. Nate graduated from and now works at Westminster Seminary, but he is happy to commute from the Philly area. Looking for 2 bedroom apartment or something similar by Aug. 1, if possible. Contact Nate (nateshannon at yahoo.com or 215 749 0345). Thank you.

New Security Team

We are replacing our Sunday security team with this elite group.

The Gospel of Christ

The Gospel of Christ
1 Corinthians 1:18-25

We have spent two Sundays exploring the gospel of man in its two forms. There is the gospel of law-keeping, which tells us that if we do our part in meeting the requirements of God, he will do his part in accepting us. The other form of the gospel of man is the gospel of the heart, which declares that there is nothing for us to do because we are already accepted by God, who knows that our hearts are basically good.
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Center City Commuting Survey

A Center City district survey is being taken of workers who work in CC to understand the commuting patterns and preferences of downtown workers. Here is the link. I just took it - only a few minutes of clicking multiple choice.

Tests

Proverbs 17:3

The crucible is for silver, and the furnace is for gold,
and the Lord tests hearts.

If the Lord knows our hearts, why does he need to test them? Consider Peter's teaching:
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