Application in Preaching
“Personal application has been called the ‘soul’ of preaching. A sermon without application is like a letter posted without a direction: it may be well written, rightly dated, and duly signed; but it is useless, because it never reaches its destination.”
– J.C. Ryle, Expository Thoughts on Matthew. 1856 (Edinburgh: Banner of Truth, 2012), 126.
Happy 175th!
First Presbyterian Church of Yazoo City turns 175 years old today.
The church has its beginnings in the protracted meetings that once played a vital role in the religious and social life of Southern Protestants. Believers from various denominations, some traveling many miles on shabby, bone-jarring roads, gathered to pitch camp and enjoy several days of fellowship, fine cooking, and the preaching of God’s word.
In late summer 1841 the kind Methodists of Benton, Mississippi hosted one such meeting. Gathering with them was a handful of Presbyterians from Yazoo City, who organized Yazoo Church on August 15, 1841. The church’s name was changed in 1843 to First Presbyterian Church of Yazoo City.
The Rev. Richmond McInnis was called as the church’s founding pastor and would stay until 1851.
Among the six charter members was Mrs. Sophia T. Whitman. Her descendant, ninety-seven-year-old Sam B. Olden, is active in the worship life of the church today.
“One generation shall commend your works to another, and shall declare your mighty acts” (Psalm 145:4).
Happy Birthday First Presbyterian Church of Yazoo City!
_____
Source: A Brief History of The First Presbyterian Church of Yazoo City, Mississippi (1841-1991).
Dr. John Kwasny Speaks at FPC Yazoo
My RTS Jackson colleague, Dr. John Kwasny, teaches FPC Yazoo’s teacher/parents on the theological and philosophical foundations of Christian Education. John is director of One Story Ministries.
First Presbyterian Church’s Fall Sunday School resumes tomorrow at 10 a.m.
Congratulations Brian Gault!
Congratulations Brian Gault! For 21 years Brian has faithfully served Reformed Theological Seminary Jackson. On Tuesday he was licensed to preach by Mississippi Valley Presbytery.
Bebo Elkin administered the licensure vows at Northpointe Presbyterian Church in Meridian.
Teach for America
The Blessings of Peace
FPC Yazoo Fall Christian Education Program
Dear FPC Yazoo Family,
A solid biblical foundation is essential to our church’s commitment to being Jesus’ faithful disciples. We are excited for the opportunities in this new school year. Following is our fall schedule, with all the information and dates for your calendar.
TEACHER TRAINING (August 13)
Saturday, August 13: Dr. John Kwasny, Christian educator and director of One Story Ministries, will join us. His two-hour seminar will provide a theological/philosophical foundation of Christian Education, introduce our new Sunday School curriculum, and answer questions. We will meet from 9-11am in the Fellowship Hall. Any person interested in strengthening the educational ministry of church and home is welcome.
FALL SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES (Resume August 14)
Grades K-3: Genesis 1-24
Grades 4-6: 1 Samuel 16-31
Grades 7-12: Christian Apologetics. Students will learn the basics of logic and defending the Christian faith.
Adults: “Christianity Explored.” This seven-week series will help us help others to know, love and follow Jesus Christ.
WEDNESDAY FIRST FAMILY (Resumes August 24)
First Family meets from 6-7:30pm on Wednesdays, August 24- September 21 and October 12-November 9. Children, youth, and adult Bible studies will follow the 6:00 meal. Childcare is provided. Thanksgiving Dinner is November 16.
Come join us as we grow together as a church family, fed and well nourished in God’s word!
In Christ’s Service,
Charlie
