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Paul White explains in this video that families need to focus their attention on Christ and see Him as a great treasure in all of life. If they do this, there will be fewer distractions and a greater desire to learn more about the things of God. Time spent studying God's Word, fellowshipping with fellow believers, and in prayer is certainly not wasted time. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV) - "Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

How are strong churches built? Rob Ventura explains in this video that strong families make strong churches. When we think of the work of the devil, the first place that he attacks is the family. Satan hates the family and wishes to destroy it. If the family can be broken, so can the church. However, there is hope for the family. There are many God-fearing families across the world. A family that perseveres must be rooted in Scripture. No matter how bleak things get, God will always have a remnant. Matthew 28:19-20 (NKJV) - "Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen."

The Importance of Expository Preaching for Strengthening the Church By Scott Brown This pillar holds a unique prominence among the other pillars of the ministry in the sense that if we get this one right, many of the other pillars will function properly. In this article, we will answer two questions: 1. What do we mean by expository preaching? 2. Why are we committed to expository preaching? 1. What do we mean by expository preaching? Essentially we define it as preaching and teaching through books of the Bible, giving weight to the context, the definitions of the words, the flow of thought, the theological issues and the evangelistic implications. Expository preaching will have the following characteristics: 1. Preaching through entire books of the Bible. 2. Using the context of the passage to shape it’s interpretation. 3. Moving line-by-line and principle-by-principle through the logical sequence of a passage. 4. Bringing out the meanings of the words, to the best of our ability, from the original Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic meanings. 5. Using the theological ideas in the text and correlating them to the broader sweep of theology throughout the scriptures. 6. Cultivating a love for hearing the Word of God We appreciate the faithful adherence to these principles that John Calvin’s life illustrates. Throughout Calvin’s preaching ministry, there were fewer than 6 instances where he broke the pattern of working through the context of a book of scripture. He preached completely through entire books. For example, Thessalonians: 46 sermons, Corinthians: 186 sermons, Ephesians: 48 sermons, Job: 159 sermons, Isaiah: 353 sermons. John Piper has a classic chapter in his Book The Legacy of Sovereign Joy, that describes his great passion for revealing the majesty of God through expository preaching (p114-148). On Easter 1538 Calvin was banished from Geneva for his preaching and went to Strasbourg for three years. Conditions changed and the city fathers invited Calvin back to Geneva. So in Sept 1541 he walks into pulpit and picks up at the next verse from where he stopped when banished. He comments that he wanted them to know that his time in Strasbourg was just an interlude in his preaching through the text. Why that kind of preaching? Luther did not do it. Spurgeon did not do it. Why did Calvin mainta

In these verses Isaiah communicates one of the most gripping metaphors of the church. He declares that the church is your mother who feeds you. Yes, each member is responsible to nourish one another as a mother does her suckling babes. Isaiah 65 and 66 hold together to present the final picture in the prophesy. In these chapters, God is crying out to those who find no delight in Him and encourages those who do delight and tremble. Now the Lord turns to a picture of a mother giving birth and how the child who is born nourishes the others. Isaiah continues to make the distinction between those who tremble at His word (who are deeply affected by it) in contrast to those who outwardly testify to it but are not inwardly moved. 

The speaker discusses the importance of establishing biblical churches for the glory of God, rather than following personal traditions. He emphasizes the need for men whose souls are burning with zeal for the church, like Jesus Christ's did.

This sermon, led by a panel of experienced shepherds, focuses on the importance of shepherding in the church and the lessons that can be drawn from Ezekiel 34. The shepherds discuss the need for pastors to care for their flock, especially the weak and marginalized. They emphasize the importance of touch, hospitality, and spending time with the flock, as well as balancing time spent studying and caring for the church members. The panelists also share practical tips for shepherding and examples from their own experiences, highlighting the influence of Jesus' ministry and how he related to people in need.

Scott Brown explains in this video that God has made it very clear what the role is of the Church and what the Church is to do. The congregation of a local church is to gather to spend time in prayer with family, participate communion, and sing praises to God, to name just a few. One thing the Church is not to do is to focus on other things that God has not commanded or worse yet, to participate in things that God has prohibited. Acts 2:42 (NKJV) - "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers."

In this video, Ryan Walcott tells of how the Lord lead him to start and family integrated church. 

Kevin Swanson explains in this video that the Church must be careful that it doesn't become negatively impacted by the world. It is important that churches foster a love for those brothers and sisters in the congregation as well as a love for the lost and those outside of the church. Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (NKJV) - "Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken."

In this sermon, Scott Brown discusses the effects of easy believe-ism in the church and emphasizes the importance of preaching the gospel in dark, superstitious, and corrupt environments. He explains that the gospel involves recognizing our condemnation due to sin, but also recognizing that God has provided a sacrifice in the Lord Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for our sins. He encourages people to repent of their sins and trust in the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation and the grace of God, which will enable them to become a new person and live differently.

Scott Brown emphasizes the importance of building one's house upon the rock of obedience to the Word of God, rather than the sand of neglecting God's commands. He cites the devastation of youth ministry as an example of what happens when we neglect obedience to scripture. Brown encourages viewers to see the beauty and richness of scripture's commands and patterns for ministering to youth, and to reject the unbiblical modern youth ministry methodology. He challenges viewers to replace it with the healing salve of the Word of God.

Why are we to plant churches?  Is it to make worship comfortable? Is it to show the world we have it right?  Is it simply to be able to rally the troops and be among others that have similar interests?  How one views the purpose behind planting a church will not only greatly affect one’s efforts, it will greatly affect whether the church is one that magnifies Christ, its head, or glorifies man.  We need to clearly understand the purpose of the church, His bride, if we are to start churches that glorify Christ.