-Anonymous 

Nov. 7, 2024

Today, most Christians believe the Words of God are rules we need to follow. By obediently following God’s rules, we, Christians will be able to win God’s favor.  From First Baptist, Conroe Church, Senior Pastor Jeff Berger reexamined this misconception of the Gospel and created a sermon about legalism. 

In Pastor Berger’s sermon, he reviewed the definition of freedom in Christianity according to Galation 5:1.  Berger paraphrased freedom in Galatians 5:1 as Jesus Christ’s redemption for our curse of sin. Thanks to Christ’s loving sacrifice, God will mercifully overlook our failure to have a relationship with us again. Undoubtedly, Christ’s loving sacrifice uplifted our hearts to freely and truly compel us to love other people. 

First, what is legalism? Pastor Berger defined legalism as “adding to God’s Words.” Legalism is one of two ways Christians forsake the True Gospel for personal definitions of the Gospel. The second way is theological liberalism, which Pastor Berger defined as “taking away from God’s words.” Pastor Berger analyzed the symptoms of legalism: replacement of rules over the Gospels, rules themself as a weapon, not redemption, and using Christ’s name in creating personal rules, or “Jesus plus personal rules” for a simplified equation. To combat legalism, Pastor Berger advised us, Christians to stand firm on God’s Words, create policies based on Scriptures to aid our neighbors, and put up “guardrails” for ourselves. 

At the end of the sermon, Senior Pastor Jeff Berger volunteered to answer some questions: First, what drove Pastor Berger to share his sermon? He said Mr. Penland and a group of CCS students asked him if he wanted to “adapt [his series of sermons about legalism] for CCS chapel.” Secondly, how was this sermon meaningful to Pastor Berger?  He explained that there are many “false teachings” and “moral compromises” in today's society, which Christians need to be wary of and “guard against” them. He noticed some Christians were taught “God’s love is based on performance” and others have a quick judgment on their fellow Christians and non-believers since “they cannot love.” Pastor Berger shared this sermon to warn Christians of the power of legalism because he concluded legalism is “destructive” and “denies the Gospel.” 

Lastly, Pastor Berger wished to share thoughts he did not share during chapel. In his eyes, Covenant Christian School has done great work, but he encourages students to continue growing their love for Christ and His Gospel. Here is his additional advice for students: Do not allow your self-righteousness and judgments to convince you to target students and teachers in public schools. No competition will win God’s love, for His love spreads to everyone in the world. Pastor Berger believes having a “healthy, Christian school like CCS” in the world will help people see the true nature of God’s love. 

Thank you Senior Pastor Jeff Berger for visiting Covenant Christian School to teach us about legalism. Your message inspires us to become more aware of legalism in order to defend ourselves from its temptation.

-Anonymous 

Oct. 28, 2024

At 9:45 a.m., students from seventh to twelfth grade gathered in the gym. Everyone was happy to see each other. While some students formed their social group, others liked to be in their bubbles. Lights went off, and we began our prayers. In our prayers, we prayed for the eighth-grade Be My Witness, or BMW for short, Mission trip to Waco, Texas, and their impact on sharing the Gospel with the community there. Then, the Praise Team, and everyone sang in harmony. The entire room was filled with spiritual love and the presence of God. Everyone, including myself, felt at peace and comforted. 

Music is another version of prayer and an invitation to the Heavenly Father’s house. When we sing, our spirits resonate with the melody of the song’s lyrics to bring our prayers into God’s ears. Singing spiritually connects us as one and welcomes God within our hearts. God does not care whether we dance, stand, sit, or lift up our hands while singing. We are blessed with the opportunity to spend time with God and build a relationship with Him. 

When the Praise Team played the song “I Thank God,” most students were hyped and jumped for joy. This showcased our deepest gratitude for our Savior who brought us out of the darkness into the light. According to Psalms 28:6-7 (NIV), David describes God as his “strength and shield,” and “[leaped] for joy” by singing a song of praise for God. The reason behind David’s response was his thankfulness for God listening to his “cry for mercy.” Gratitude expresses our appreciation and faith in God. We deeply adore God’s attributes and characteristics. 

On a side note, thank you Praise Team and Mrs. Fontenot for using your gifts to glorify and honor God. Your singing led the church to God by helping us focus on Him. Please keep up the good work for God. 

Every year, Covenant Christian School has traditionally arranged the All Worship Chapel to commemorate God’s Amazing Love. As a church, Covenant Christian School does not want to forget His Grace and celebrate liberty from the slave of sin to the slave of righteousness in Christ (Romans 6:12-14). Praise God for sending His Son to save us from our sins!