MINISTRY

Spiritual Warfare July 2 – August 6

A Study in Ephesians 6:10-20: July 2 – August 6

WAR

This is something our world knows very well. Every day we heard about conflict overseas, in the culture of our country, and even in our own homes. Relationships are strained among family, friendships, and co-workers. Harsh words are common on our social media feeds. Here is the truth: we live in a world at war. Our world is fallen, broken and sinful. What is the Christian to do? 

 

This is where SPIRITUAL WARFARE comes in. Our battle is not against flesh and blood … it is spiritual. Too often we make people the enemy when it is the unseen enemy we must fight. The Apostle Paul knew this reality well. With that in mind, he wrote to the Ephesian Christians and exhorted them to STAND FIRM in the invisible war. Over the course of six weeks, we are going to examine this invisible, spiritual war and how to fight it. Paul offers specific tactics and weapons for every Christian. What are these weapons? How do we grow? That is what we will talk about during this series.  

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7/2 – Series Introduction — “The BELT of Truth” (Eph. 6:10-14a)

7/9 – “The BREASTPLATE of Righteousness” (Eph. 6:14b) 

7/16 – “The BOOTS of Peace” (Eph. 6:15)

7/23 – “The SHIELD of FAITH” (Eph. 6:5:16a) 

7/30 – “The HELMET of Salvation” (Eph. 6:17a)   

8/6 – “The SWORD of the Spirit” (Eph. 6:17b-20) 

Recommended companion reading:

Recap of the SWAT Series

Previous Sermons in this Series

Awana

Registration is Open!

Register Here

Wednesdays: Begins September 25th, 5:30-7pm (optional family meal at 4:45pm-5:20pm)

Awana is a world-wide nonprofit ministry focused on providing Bible-based discipleship and evangelism for kids of all ages. The name of the program is taken from Scripture found in 2 Timothy 2:15 “Approved Workmen Are Not Ashamed.” Activities include engaging large group sessions, small group time including Scripture memorization and Bible study, and fun games & activities. Join us for Awana this Fall and watch your children flourish! 

We’re offering Awana for preschoolers (starting at age 3) through 6th graders.

7th graders and above can sign up to volunteer.

Please email Lenore and ask about the roles available and the application process.

Registration Fee Information:

  • 1st Clubber $25
    • 2nd Clubber + $20
      • 3rd Clubber + $15

Club Supplies:

  • Cubbies
    • Uniform – $14
    • Book – $12
  • Sparks
    • Uniform – $14
    • Book – $12
  • T&T
    • Uniform – $19
    • Book – $12

Registration is currently full at this time.

Please e-mail  Liana Moore with questions

 

Street Hope Alive

Street Hope Alive | For the past 12 years, Street Hope Alive has been building trust and credibility in inner-city Paterson with youth and their families through a variety of activities, mentoring programs and community events.  Our goal is to promote personal development, mental health, spiritual renewal and community restoration.  The under-resourced demographic we serve is 90% African American and 10% Hispanic children ages newborn to 17 years old, living in the 4th ward and surrounding communities. 

 

What we do: 

For the past six summers, Street Hope Alive has sponsored and sent hundreds of kids to Inspire Sports Camps, a 6-day sleep away camp. The camp experience exposes the kids to life outside Paterson and many confirm their desire to continue growing their relationship with Jesus. 

 

In our effort to help the children thrive spiritually and academically, we provide tuition scholarships for them to attend Dawn Treader Christian School. These scholarships also inside school supplies and uniforms. We also provide scholarships for the kids to participate in a Christian after school program during week. Throughout the year, as opportunities arise, volunteers take our kids to Saturday church service and out for day trips. 

 

With support from ministry partners, we have an annual Christmas celebration which has recently been expanded to also include a Easter and Thanksgiving event that are held outside the Good Shepard Mission on Broadway. Every child that attends the Christmas event receives a wrapped gift. We average 800 children with their families. Event volunteers help to make this celebration a very special and memorable occasion. 

 

Street Hope Alive runs an Art’s Therapy Mentorship Program which we began at the start of this past summer at the Arts Factory.  The program has been incredible for encouraging our kids to use their painting skill and talent, which they are so excited to do. Moreover, the studio is a place where all of the kids we serve feel very safe leading to their willingness to open up. Imagine, our kids are learning to communicate their thoughts and  

feelings. We are teaching them God’s word and helping them work through difficult current and past situations, so that they may experience the hopeful future you and I enjoy. 

Feeding Hands
Getting Connected
Internships
New Believers
Street Hope Alive
Teens
Senegal
World Partners

Passion Conference 2025

Atlanta, GA, January 2-4, 2024

MBC is inviting young adults (ages 18-25, post-HS) to the Passion Conference in Atlanta, Georgia which will take place January 2nd-4th. Come experience a life-transforming conference of worship, messages, and community together with your fellow young adults. Reserve your seat today!

The cost will vary depending on the number of people attending (estimated $200-$400), and there will be a $50 non-refundable deposit. The final cost will be determined once amount of attendees is finalized. Cost includes flight, event ticket, hotel, and rides All attendees will fly to Atlanta together and stay in a hotel near the conference arena. Register by May 28th, 2024.

From its start in 1995, the Passion movement has a singular mission—calling students and leaders from campuses across the nation and cities around the world to live for what matters most. For us, what matters most is the name and renown of Jesus. We believe in this generation and are watching God use them to change the climate of faith around the globe.

This wave is growing into a global awakening living for the name of Jesus. Join the movement.

 

Passion Conference Application

If you are 100% in please confirm by May 28th to guarantee a spot.

 

(tickets open May 29th, we feel it may sell out quickly)

 

If you are interested but not confirmed, sign up on the waiting list and we will attempt to purchase another round of tickets if tickets are still available later down the road. 

 

Please email/call Ben Youtkus or James Ciannello to confirm your spot. 

Choose Joy April 16 – June 25

A Study in Philippians: April 16 – June 25

A Joy that Endures

Philippians is a book about an enduring Christ-centered joy in all things. It’s about Christian unity through the path of Christian humility. It’s also about standing firm in the face of persecution and rejoicing in all circumstances. As background, Philippi was a Roman colony known for its affluence and patriotism. It was named after Philip of Macadon, father of Alexander the Great. Its citizens were citizens of Rome, dressed like Romans and spoke Latin. They prided themselves on this affiliation.

 

The church at Philippi was the first ancient Jesus community that the apostle Paul started in Europe (in Acts 16). Fast forward a few years later, and Paul was put in prison, this church sent him a gift and he intended to thank them. In so doing, he was able to, with proper perspective, see his trial as fitting into the sovereign plan of God which resulted in the expansion of the gospel of Jesus Christ. For Paul, his life was defined by the story of Jesus, his humiliation which preceded his exaltation. Therefore, whether Paul went on living, or whether he was called to die, Paul was also living out the story of Jesus, which involved suffering for the glory of God. This is why the book centers around the beautiful kenosis hymn or poem of Philippians chapter 2 (Phil 2:6-11), and this helps us to see how living as a Christian is a way of living out this pattern which Jesus set before us.

 

Because of our relationship with Christ, and knowing Him, we can have an enduring joy. Knowing Christ is what we want to pursue above all else (Ch 3), this is what offers us joy and the peace that passes understanding, and this is the secret of contentment (Ch 4), no matter our circumstances. Like them, we too, can learn to do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

Recommended companion reading:

PAINT RAIN too
jail-joy
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PAINT RAIN
dANCE RAIN

4/16 – Relational Joy Thankfulness & Prayer
4/23 –  Enduring Joy Paul’s imprisonment
4/30 – Citizens of Heaven Whether in life or death
5/7 – Jesus is Lord A call to humble sacrifice 
5/14 – Mother’s Day,
            Working out what God has been working in.
5/21 – A Model of Integrity
5/28 – Letting go of your inner Pharisee
6/4 – Pressing on Pursuing Christ
6/11 – Managing Anxiety God’s way Finding peace
6/18 – Father’s Day
6/25 – Learning Contentment, trusting Gods provision

4/16 – 1 Phil 1:1-11 Relational Joy Thankfulness & Prayer for the Philippians
4/23 – 2 Phil 1:12-26 Enduring Joy Paul’s imprisonment is for the greater good
4/30 – 3 Phil 1:27-2:4 Citizens of Heaven Whether in life or death, Christ is magnified
5/7 – 4 Phil 2:5-11 Jesus is Lord A call to humble sacrifice 
5/14 – 5 Phil 2:12-18 Cooperating with God Working out what God has been working in / conquering complaining Bob And Amanda Mother’s Day
5/21 – 6 Phil 2:19-30 A Model of Integrity Epaphroditis and Timothy
5/28 – 7 Phil 3:1-11 Letting go of your inner Pharisee Rejoicing in the true gospel
6/4 – 8 Phil 3:12-21 Pressing on Pursuing Christ
6/11 – 9 Phil 4:1-10 Managing Anxiety God’s way Finding peace, joy and right thinking
6/18 – 10 bob Father’s Day
6/25 – 10 Phil 4:11-23 Learning Contentment and trusting God’s provision Trusting God’s Provision, thanksgiving, contentment clint

Recap of the Philippians Series

Previous Sermons in this Series

Meaning in the Madness

A Study in Ecclesiastes: January 8-April 2

Chaos. That is a word that seems to capture the zeitgeist of our age. Instability, wars, pandemics, and institutional breakdown have led people to wonder: is anyone in control? Do meaning and purpose exist?  Indeed, with endless choices and uncertain times people today are less secure and more jaded than ever before. Doubts about everything are the new normal. We are living through an era that feels a bit … mad.

 

So… how do we live by faith in a world of madness? That is what the book of Ecclesiastes is about. It assumes doubts and offers answers not addressed anywhere else. It explores issues that haunt us at the end of life. In short, this ancient book offers meaning in the madness by directing us to the purpose giver: God himself.

 

Over the 12 weeks, we are going to explore all the important issues in life: Meaning, purpose, happiness, work, wealth, fame, power, suffering, justice, and death. The world’s answers are incoherent and incomplete. The teacher of Ecclesiastes shows us that order is possible in chaos, meaning is birthed despite the madness, and true beauty is revealed at the feet of our Creator King. Join us as we discover meaning in the madness.

Recommended companion reading:

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1/8 – Book and Series Introduction
1/15 –  Meaning in the Madness
1/22 – Purposeful Use of Time
1/29 – CONTEND CONFERENCE
2/5 – Meaningful Work
2/12 – False Meaning: Worship and Money
2/19 – Meaning in the Midst of Pain
2/26 – Wisdom and Meaning
3/5 – Meaningful Joy 
3/12 – The Danger of Folly
3/19 – Meaningful Risk
3/26 – The Creator of Meaning
4/2 – Meaningful Death 

Previous Sermons in this Series

Unbelievable-Christmas

Sermon on deck…

Is Christmas Unbelievable: December 2022

Many people assume that the story of the baby in the manger at Bethlehem is just another made-up fantasy for kids. In this series based on the book by respected apologist Rebecca McLaughlin, we will outline the evidence that Jesus was a real person, explaining the reliability of the Bible’s accounts of his life and why believing in a virgin birth is not as ridiculous as it might sound. This series shows that there is a rational basis for the belief that the world’s most famous story is fact, not fantasy—and how those events in history can infuse our lives today with meaning and joy

12/4 – Was Jesus Even a Real Person?

12/11 – Weren’t the Gospels Made Up Later? 

12/18 – How Can You believe in a Virgin Birth?

12/23 – Christmas Eve Eve

12/24 – Christmas Eve

12/25 – Christmas Online Event

Recommended companion reading:

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Inside out Sermon
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Previous Sermons in this Series

MBC Communion / Lords Table

The next Baptism will be:
August 25

Lord’s Table | We practice two ordinances at MBC: Baptism and the Lord’s Table. By participating in these ordinances, Christians proclaim both their individual faith in Christ and our whole congregation proclaims our unity in the Gospel. MBC believes that the Lord’s Supper (Communion) is a commemoration of the Savior’s death, and, through participating, we “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes.” MBC Articles of Faith, Article XI – To prepare our hearts for the Lord’s Supper we must understand that we are practicing these four things when we come to His table:   

We Worship

This ordinance is part of corporate worship, normally on the first Sunday of each month. This is why the Lord’s Table is for believers only. It is an act of the gathered family, the church. Unbelievers may be present, indeed, we welcome them to be present as there is nothing secretive about the Lord’s Supper, it is done in public, but it is the family meal for those who have already professed their faith in Jesus Christ and have come to worship.

 

We Remember

Human beings are prone to forgetfulness. This is especially true spiritually. Therefore, the mental action of all the participants of the Lord’s Supper is to focus our minds on Jesus, especially remembering his sacrificial and historical work of dying on the cross for our sins. 1 Corinthians 11:24-25 says “Do this in remembrance of me.” At the table we remember.

We Give Thanks

The word “Eucharist” in 1 Corinthians 11:24 means to “give thanks.” We are filled with gratitude at the table because Jesus paid our sin debt and provided for us in abundance all that we need.

We Practice Self-Examination

The Scripture says a person “ought to examine themselves before he or she eats of the bread and drinks of the cup. For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body of the Lord eats and drinks judgment on themselves. (1 Corinthians 11:28-29) It’s important that we come to the table with a clear conscience before God. We come and confess our sins and renew our covenant commitment before God.

 

For Further Study

Communion is explained in the following key Scriptures: Matthew 26:26-30, Mark 14:22-26, Luke 22:14-20, 1 Cor 11:23-32.

Check our our informative Mini-Series on the Lords Table

Check out more of our relevant content on our You Tube Channel

Resources to Learn More:

Questions?

Pastors Bob Erbig & Dave Hentschel

Lead Pastors

Contact Bob & Dave with any questions

“For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes.”

- 1 Cor 11:26, ESV)
Luke-Act III: On the Road with Jesus
Luke-Act IV: Stories with Jesus
The Unveiling, Revelation of Jesus Christ
Overhaul of the Heart - Begins January 5th
Unbelievable-Christmas
Meaning in the Madness
Choose Joy April 16 - June 25
Spiritual Warfare July 2 - August 6
Playlist - Psalms - August 13 - September 10

Family Ministries

The next Baptism will be:
August 25

Family Ministries Resource Page | We live in a complex world. Raising the next generation to own their faith has never been more challenging—or more necessary. Yet, in the Scriptures, we see three institutions that God created: The Family, The Church, and the Nation—but the family is the foundation of society.

At MBC, one of our core values is building strong families. One of the ways we do this is by equipping parents and their children to navigate the difficult issues of the day. This page is for you. Below you will find some suggested resources to help you answer the most pressing issues of the day. Don’t see something? Ask us a question below!

 

MBC Kids Philosophy of Discipleship | We are passionate about discipleship. This resource was written to explain how we aim to lay the foundation for kids to grow in God’s Word while they are a part of our MBC Kids ministry. Download this document for more on our philosophy.

Don’t see something? Ask us a question below!

Submit your question

Websites

  1. The Colson Center for Christian Worldview
  2. Breakpoint
  3. What Would You Say?
  4. AXIS
  5. The Center for Parent & Youth Understanding
  6. The Barna Group
  7. Fuller Youth Institute
  8. Impact 360 Institute
  9. Summit Ministries
  10. Stand to Reason
  11. Reasons to Believe

Video

  1. Raising The Next Generation in Turbulent Time by Voddie Bauchum
  2. Helping The Next Generation Navigate Today’s World by John Stonestreet and Brett Kunkle
  3. How to Raise and Alien Child by Jen Wilkin
  4. The Storm Tossed Family: How The Cross Reshapes the Home by Russell Moore
  5. The Strange New World of the Modern Self by Carl Trueman

Books

  1. Parenting: 14 Gospel Principals That Can Radically Change Your Family by Paul David Tripp
  2. The Tech Wise Family: Everyday Steps to Putting Technology in Its Proper Place by Andy Crouch
  3. Running With Horses: A Parenting Guide for Raising Children to be Servant Leaders for Christ by Larry Taylor
  4. A Practical Guide to Culture by John Stonestreet & Brett Kunkle
  5. Strange New World by Carl Trueman
  6. How Children Raise Parents by Dan Allender 
  7. The Intentional Father by Jon Tyson
  8. Faithfull Different by Natasha Crain
  9. Another Gospel by Alisa Childers

Podcast

  1. The Think Biblically Podcast
  2. The Upstream

Seminars

Several times a year we offer seminars for MBC families and those in our community. We run these events to equip families to navigate the difficult cultural terrain we are living in. Here are examples of past seminar topics:

  1. The Tech-Wise Family
  2. Raising Generation Z
  3. Families in an Age of Anxiety

Questions?

Bob Erbig

Bob Erbig

Lead Pastor: Preaching,
Family Life & Mission

Contact Bob with any questions

Questions?

Bob Erbig

Bob Erbig

Lead Pastor: Preaching,
Family Life & Mission

Contact Bob with any questions

I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.

-2 Timothy 4:1-5, ESV-
The Unveiling, Revelation of Jesus Christ
Overhaul of the Heart - Begins January 5th
Market Street
Share your Gifts
Times & Directions
Baby Dedications
Baptisms
Meet With A Pastor
Small Groups
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