Open Door Bible Church

This Sunday, in our annual business meeting, Randolph Christian Church will select a new name. In the process leading up to this decision, the church has narrowed the list of potential names to 3:

Open Door Bible Church
Friendship Bible Church
New Hope Bible Church

For the remaining 3 days in this week leading up to that final vote, I'd like to share a few thoughts about each potential name. Today, let's consider a few reasons why Open Door Bible Church might be a good choice in a name.

All three potential names contain the word Bible, for a good reason. We are becoming a non-denominational church, but we are in no way abandoning Randolph Christian Church's long-held belief that the Bible is our only rule for faith and practice. This church was founded on the Bible and must always be a Bible-based church. The original declaration affirmed that the church recognized "the Holy Scriptures to be their only guide" - a stand we cling to today, 180 years later.

An "open door" pictures hospitality, welcome, inclusiveness, belonging. It conveys a thought of invitation.

In the New Testament, the term was used to convey the thought of opportunity. To the church at Philadelphia, Jesus said, "I have set before thee an open door, and no man can shut it: for thou hast a little strength, and hast kept my word, and hast not denied my name." (Revelation 3:8) Again, in 2 Corinthians 2:12, we see Paul referring to opportunity with the term "open door" - "Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord..." And in Acts 14:27, we read "And when they were come, and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them, and how he had opened the door of faith unto the Gentiles." Here an open door describes the opportunity God gives for salvation.

Clearly, God has given us an open door to serve Him here. And He wants our church to have an open door to our community.

Will you pray about this potential new name for RCC?

Happenings - Week of July 14, 2008

Well, this is it! The last week that Randolph Christian Church will be called by that name. This coming Sunday the name will become either Open Door Bible Church, New Hope Bible Church, or Friendship Bible Church. Please pray with us about this decision.

Other things of note for the week:

Monday - Ladies Bible Study is cancelled for this week, and will resume next week.

Wednesday at 6:30 pm - Midweek prayer meeting. This week we will be specifically praying about the church reorganization and new church name. Will you pray with us?

Saturday at 7:00 pm - Campfire Fellowship at the Johnson home. Bring a lawn chair and a dish to pass. Burgers and hotdogs and drinks will be provided. Join us around the campfire!

Sunday, immediately following the worship service - annual business meeting.

Preparing For Battle

"The reason why many fail in battle is because they wait until the hour of battle. The reason why others succeed is because they have gained their victory on their knees long before the battle came... Anticipate your battles; fight them on your knees before temptation comes, and you will always have victory." (R.A. Torrey)

Have you ever considered prayer that way? Preparation for life's battles? Training of your spiritual muscles for the decathlon of life?

Prayer is a vital and wonderful discipline of the Christian life, and one which we all need to work on constantly. Will you join us for our midweek prayer meeting tonight? We'll work on learning that discipline together... together we'll prepare for what might be ahead.

Happenings - Week of June 29, 2008

Don't forget the midweek prayer meeting at 6:30 on Wednesday. Come as you are and spend a few minutes in prayer for your brothers and sisters here at RCC.

This Saturday we were scheduled to serve at the Haven of Rest, but I have cancelled that for this month due to the holiday weekend. Those who normally serve the Savior in this way - enjoy your holiday with your family! We'll resume our monthly service at the Haven of Rest in August.

Welcome Warnings

"So," my friend began, "here's the latest warning about motorcycle accidents." And she proceeded to tell me yet another tale of a motorcycle rider who had been severely injured while riding. And here I was, thinking about that very story, as I motored down the highway on two wheels. The thought struck me that such warnings really do serve a useful purpose. I find I am much more alert and cognizant of potential dangers when these warnings are fresh in my mind.

The Apostle Paul warned repeatedly of dangers we might face in our Christian walk. And many were offended or turned off to his message by those warnings, so much so that at one point he asked the question, "Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?" (Galatians 4:16)

I thank the Lord for good friends who will warn me of danger. And I thank the Lord for good Christian brothers and sisters who love me enough, and have enough courage, to warn me of spiritual danger.

The next time somebody points out an area of your life that the Bible warns is dangerous, or sinful, or foolish, try to remember that they act as a true friend. They are not your enemy, and their warning is welcome.

Happenings - Week of June 22, 2008

It's a quiet week at RCC this week:

• Monday, June 23 - Ladies Bible Study
• Wednesday, June 25 - Midweek prayer meeting.

See the church calendar for all church activities.

The Clock is Ticking!

Well, the renaming team met for the second time yesterday, and narrowed the list of possible new names down to the following three:

• Friendship Bible Church
• Open Door Bible Church
• New Hope Bible Church

The final decision will be made in our annual business meeting where, barring any last minute submissions, the new name for Randolph Christian Church will become one of the above.

Please pray for the Lord's will as we continue this process! And please get those last minute suggestions for the new name in. Name suggestions are being accepted through June 30th.