The dictionary defines “investigating” as: “carry out a systematic or formal inquiry to discover and examine the facts of (an incident, allegation, etc.) so as to establish the truth” and secondly “carry out research or study into (a subject, typically one in a scientific or academic field) so as to discover facts or information”

So for 3 weeks beginning on September 5th, we will investigate the subject of angels, demons and the Devil. We will look at the origins, nature, characteristics, purpose and powers of these spiritual beings. I am sure you will be fascinated by what the Bible has to say so mark your calendars.

Biblical Worldview

One recent study of people attending church found that according to Barna Reasearch “The research indicated that everyone has a worldview, but relatively few people have a biblical worldview - even among devoutly religious people. The survey discovered that only 9% of born again Christians have such a perspective on life. The numbers were even lower among other religious classifications: Protestants (7%), adults who attend mainline Protestant churches (2%) and Catholics (less than one-half of 1%). The denominations that produced the highest proportions of adults with a biblical worldview were non-denominational Protestant churches (13%), Pentecostal churches (10%) and Baptist churches (8%).”

Why

Why do so few have a biblical worldview that claim to be Christians. I believe it is because we do not have Biblical Preaching in todays pulpit.   The Apostle Paul warned us about this. 2Tim. 4:1-4 I solemnly charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by His appearing and His kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction. For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths.”

At Saguaro Buttes we are committed to preaching the Bible Verse by Verse, Chapter by Chapter. We want a person who comes regularly to church services to learn “The Bible”.  We want you to go away saying, ” I learned something today about the Scriptures”.

Here are a few reasons why some prefer a smaller church.

Stronger Sense of  family

A small church is one where almost everyone gets to know one another. We celebrate each others birthdays, anniversaries, and important days. We pray for each other when in the hospital, or sick, or have a death of a loved one.  It becomes like a weekly family reunion each Sunday. You know each other, you share your lives with each other.

Greater Opportunity to Grow

In small churches people are needed. If you have a music talent, teaching talent, cooking talent, etc. and want to serve, there are plenty of places to serve. In a large church you don’t always feel that sense of being needed or wanted. I have known a number of people over the years that want to go to a mega church because they want their anonymity. This is not an option at a small church, if you go for any length of time, you will get to know people and they will know you.  It’s a matter of choice.

We are currently in a sermon series on I Kings. Each week we take one or two chapters of this fascinating book and cover it verse by verse. Pastor Dave Hallstrom delivers the messages each week with an emphasis on learning some of the interesting passages in the Old Testament.

Living Well by Living Wisely

First Kings
20 Messages from First Kings

Chapter 1. How to Raise a Fool

2. Passing on your legacy, and a New Beginning

3. Where does True Wisdom Come

4. What is it like to be Richest Person who ever lived

5. How Do You Honor God with your Wealth

6/7. Building God’s House with Quality

8 How to Bring God Into Your House

9 Don’t Forget God’s Promises and Warnings

10. A Wisdom Greater than Solomon

11. Avoiding the Slippery Slope

12. How to Make Good Decisions

13. How Do You Deceive a Man of God

14. Reaping what You Sow

15/16. The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

17. How God Provides in Dry Times

18. When Standing Up Means Standing Alone

19. When Life Gets You Down

20. How To Avoid Costly Mistakes

21. How Repentance Turns Away Judgement

22. Speaking the Truth when it’s not Popular