How do churches get their names? The first church we served was named Pleasant Grove, named for a beautiful grove of trees which shaded the church. Our second church was named for Williams Creek, near Mart and Elk, Texas. New Hope in Cedar Park was founded in 1868 right after the end of the Civil War. I thought people moved there looking for new hope. Russell Dilday chose the name Tallowood. We could have been Perthshire Baptist Church. I complimented him on his choice.
My ancestors on my mom’s side started a church along the Red River near Bonham. I visited it one time and read the old church minutes. The community was named Ridings, but they named the church Corinth Baptist Church. I wonder why? True, the church in Corinth has the most words written to it of any of the New Testament churches. But most of the words are corrective. Nobody asked me, but if we are looking for a Biblical model, why not Philippi Baptist Church or Berean Baptist Church?
When Paul and Silas escaped from Thessalonica at night, they arrived in Berea and continued their pattern of preaching first in the synagogue. The Jews in Berea were more noble than the Thessalonian rabble rousers. Notice Luke’s description of the Bereans: they received the message of the Kingdom of God with great eagerness. Then they examined the Old Testament passages which Paul used to see if he was telling them the truth. Finally, they believed. Their faith opened the door for a good number of prominent Greek women and many Greek men to believe as well.
Somebody asked me how long I prepare to preach a particular sermon. At one level, I have been preparing since I was thirteen. But each week I translate the text, read from a dozen or so commentaries, and spend around fifteen hours writing the sermon. I hate to ask, but I need to ask: how do you get ready to listen to a sermon? Do you read the text before you come to church? Are you eager to hear a message from God? Do you examine the scriptures later to see if the preacher’s words are true? Last night I listened to Ethan Barton preach. I was eager to hear his words. He invited us to see the story of God visiting Abraham and Sarah in the larger light of God doing the impossible by sending his Son to be born of Mary. Our God can do the impossible!
Next Sunday, we continue our series in the books of Samuel. Sunday night, Trent Smith will preach from 1 Kings 19. God will show up. Let’s get our hearts ready to eagerly receive the word. Whatever the name on our church buildings, we can all be like the Bereans who believed.
