Download “In the World” for September 1, 2024 here.
DEDICATING THE REBUILDING EFFORT
In July of this year, a fire burned down a portion of the 134-year-old sanctuary at the heart of enormous campus of First Baptist Dallas, which occupies six blocks of the city. But last month, some three thousand members gathered around the destroyed area for a photo, vowing not only to rebuild but also to show the community that the church isn’t a building but a people, and their ministry never stopped. Extensive investigation and “selective demolition” work must be done before reconstruction can begin, but the church leadership urged its people to come, to serve, to give, and most of all, to pray.
DEDICATING THE NEW HOME
When Abram and Lot decided to settle in different parts of Canaan, as covered in today’s text, Lot chose the well-watered plain of the Jordan River. Then God showed Abram the four corners of the land and told him to tour it all, because the Lord was giving it to him and his descendants. When Abram decided to put down roots near the oaks of Mamre in Hebron, the first thing he did was build an altar for the worship of God.
- If you were building a new church, what would your first steps be?
- Why do some churches collapse as a result of a crisis (like a fire or COVID-19) while other churches seem to find new life?
- What does it suggest to you that Abram pitched his tents and immediately built an altar to the Lord?
Additional Resources
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