For those who have attended our online learning sermons at Altar Fellowship Ministries, you may have noticed that I deliver my addresses in an expository style, discussing the Bible verse by verse and principle by principle. Unfortunately, many churches today limit their preaching of the Word of God. In the past, however, preachers like Charles Spurgeon delivered powerful messages that lasted as long as our Learning Sermons. Nowadays, many pastors believe that sermons should last only 18 to 30 minutes, with some even advocating for even shorter messages. Why is this? It's because many people are not prepared to engage deeply with the Word or prefer messages that tell them what they want to hear. Additionally, for many, attending church has become just a way to check off a box in their weekly routine.

As pastors and parishioners, we must recognize that preaching operates as a two-way street, where an open and dynamic exchange occurs between the preacher and the congregation. This interplay is crucial, as the man of God delivers sermons with the intention of imparting spiritual truth. At the same time, the parishioners engage in active listening—an essential element emphasized in Romans 10:17, which states, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.”

Active listening is more than just hearing words; it involves a heart and mind fully attuned to the message being conveyed. It requires parishioners to reflect on the teachings, consider their personal implications, and be willing to respond in faith. Subsequently, this engagement demands action or obedience in accordance with Scripture, as highlighted in John 3:36, which underscores the importance of aligning our lives with the truths we receive.

This reciprocal relationship not only strengthens the faith of the individual listener but also enriches the community as a whole, fostering an environment where spiritual growth, discussion, and transformation can flourish. By committing to this two-way interaction, we cultivate a church that is vibrant, united, and wholeheartedly dedicated to living out the principles of our faith.

In light of this, I am eager to share some valuable tips for nurturing this mutually beneficial relationship, drawing from the insights of Pastor Mike Fabarez. I've taken the liberty to elaborate on his suggestions, aiming to provide a deeper understanding from the perspective of a devoted parishioner.

Focus on Preparation – During our weekly expository sermons, there’s a familiar rhythm to the themes we explore each Sunday. With the messages often anticipated by a line-by-line process from chapter to chapter, I encourage you to delve into the scripture beforehand! Engaging in this practice not only enhances your attentiveness during the service but also offers an excellent chance to deepen your relationship with God throughout the week. It allows you to reflect on His word and prepare your hearts for the insights that will unfold. If yoy go to a church that shares expository messages in this way, please engage in this activity. It will undoubtedly be a benefit to you.

Pray for Something Significant – As you prepare to hear the word of God preached, take a moment to pray for a transformative encounter. Let each member of our community join in this devotion, lifting their voices in prayer for our service. Together, we seek God’s divine wisdom, asking that He enlighten our hearts and minds, guiding us to a deeper understanding of His message. May these gatherings be filled with purpose and revelation, as we open ourselves to the profound truths that await us.

Pray for the Pastor – Lift up prayers for the pastor's continuous enlightenment as he diligently strives to convey the profound and true message of God. Though God's wisdom is infallible, we, as human beings, are inherently flawed. It falls upon the pastor to earnestly seek divine guidance and ensure that he is worthy of sharing the sacred word, doing so with accuracy and unwavering faithfulness. Support him in this noble mission so that his efforts may inspire and uplift all who listen.

Create your Weekly Schedule around Church – As a pastor, I recognize the profound importance of establishing a well-structured schedule that places the church at the very heart of our weekly rhythm. Unfortunately, many churchgoers may view attendance as a mere checkbox on their to-do list, something to be ticked off in the rush of life. To truly foster a vibrant relationship with God, it is crucial that we allow our commitment to Him to take precedence in our lives. This involves thoughtfully organizing our other responsibilities and activities around the sacred act of worship and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge through Christ. By cultivating a steadfast focus on our faith, we can open ourselves to a richer and more fulfilling spiritual journey, illuminating our lives in ways that transcend the ordinary.

Think – In our bustling daily lives, we often find ourselves engulfed by a myriad of thoughts and responsibilities that vie for our attention. For many individuals who attend church, this sacred experience has, unfortunately, morphed into a routine obligation—a mere checkmark on a list of commitments rather than a profound engagement with the divine. However, if we take a moment to pause and reflect deeply on the role of the church in our lives, we can unveil a wealth of significant insights. Mindful attendance invites us to immerse ourselves in worship actively and the vibrant tapestry of community life, encouraging us to let the teachings and fellowship resonate within us on a deeply personal level. It serves as a gentle reminder to reflect on the core values and principles that shape our beliefs and guide our actions. How does this spiritual practice shape your worldview, influence your decisions, and enrich your relationships? By thoughtfully contemplating the significance of the church in our lives, we can uncover a richer, more profound connection to our faith and gain greater clarity regarding our purpose on this journey.

Taking Notes – While there may be moments when the word of God resonates deeply within you, evoking a profound sense of peace that washes over your spirit like a gentle, refreshing stream on a warm day, taking notes presents a valuable opportunity for deeper reflection on the messages delivered. As you jot down key insights, meaningful verses that speak to your heart, or personal reflections that arise in the moment, you engage more fully with the material and immerse yourself in the experience.

This practice not only reinforces what you've learned but also paves the way for our next focus: the importance of applying these insights to your daily life. The simple act of writing transforms the message from mere words into something more tangible and personal. As you engage with scripture through note-taking, you cultivate a richer understanding and a deeper connection to your faith journey, allowing those lessons and divine whispers to resonate even long after the moment has passed. This intentional reflection becomes a powerful tool for growth, guiding you as you navigate the complexities of everyday life.

Review the Sermon – By thoughtfully recording quotes, scripture references, and your own reflections, you craft a personalized resource to revisit whenever needed. This careful approach not only aids in digesting the sermon's content but also encourages deep contemplation about how its teachings apply to your own life. Engaging with the material in this manner fosters a deeper connection to the message, providing opportunities for meaningful discussions with others. This process transforms passive listening into an active dialogue, enriching your spiritual journey and fostering community through shared insights.

Use your Bibles – While we recognize the convenience that iPads and smartphones offer access to scripture, we strongly encourage everyone to bring their physical Bibles to both the sermon and Bible study sessions. Holding a tangible Bible in your hands enhances your connection to the scripture, allowing you to follow along more deeply as the pastor explores the text. This intimate engagement fosters a richer understanding of the message and provides an ideal space for taking notes on insights that resonate with you. Additionally, using a physical Bible helps to diminish the potential distractions that electronic devices can introduce, creating a more focused and spiritually enriching experience for all participants.

These practical tips aim to help you become a more intentional and engaged Christian. At Altar Fellowship Ministries, our mission is to cultivate a rich and nurturing environment where the word of God can be shared in its entirety, free from distractions. We also prioritize creating a space that encourages open dialogue and deep reflection, allowing every member to connect meaningfully with Scripture and with one another. By focusing on community involvement, personal growth, and spiritual development, we strive to create an environment where every worship experience is impactful, enriching, and reciprocal.

Grace and peace to you.

Pastor Anthony

Join us as we enter into our studies of the Book of Revelation.