Contentment (9-15-2016) - MLIBC email update

- Contentment -

Philippians 4:11,
"...for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content."

Contentment is greater than riches. To be content is to be rich in heart and mind. God wants His people to be content. "...Godliness with contentment is great gain." (1 Timothy 6:6)

The following are a few thoughts about contentment...

We Are By Nature, Discontented.
Babies are contented... as long as they are getting what they want. From the womb, we are a discontented people, it is a major characteristic of our fallen nature.
Contentment Must Be Learned.
Even the great Christian, Paul had to LEARN contentment.
Difficulties And Destitution Are Often Necessary To Learn Contentment.
Prosperity and ease generally do not develop contentment.
Contentment Is A Chief Characteristic Of A Mature Christian.
Immature and carnal Christians whine and complain when things are not going there way or they are not getting what they want.
Regardless Of How Great My Trial Or Need May Be, Christ Can Enable Me To Be Content.
This is the context of Philippians 4:13.
The Argument Can Be Made That, Ultimately, Discontentment Is The Basis Of All Sin.
Satan convinced Eve to be "discontented" with what God had provided in the garden of Eden.

Let's seek to be content with whatever state we find ourselves in.

Western Maryland's 22 Annual Sword of the Lord conference is just a little over a week away (September 25-27). We are anticipate great blessings from the Lord. Dr. Shelton Smith will be speaking throughout the day on Sunday, then on Monday and Tuesday. Brother Byron Foxx will be leading the musical all day Sunday and then throughout the conference on Monday & Tuesday. Dr. Norris Belcher will be joining us on Monday and Tuesday. Tuesday evening, Dr. Dan Hummel will also be preaching.

Our nation is in dire straits and we are anticipating that the major moral changes that have taken place in recent years will no doubt continue to "snowball." Now, more that ever, we need straight forward, Holy Spirit empowered, Christ centered, Bible based preaching on revival and soul winning. Please be much in prayer for this meeting and join us if at all possible.

Our annual Fall Teen Rally will be on Saturday, October 1. The theme for this year's rally is - "Behind Enemy Lines" with Brother Bill Ramos and Bro. Lee Bowman preaching. Great food and games will also be a part of the day. Call the church for information about schedule and costs.

God has blessed us here at MLIBC in great ways and we are very grateful. This Sunday I'll be preaching on "What God Wants" and Pastor Grant Gerdom will be preaching the evening service.

God bless you. Bring your Bible and a friend to church Sunday!