When we think of “church” in America, we usually think of going to meet at a building, singing, praying, and hearing a message from a pastor. But in many places around the world, a “church” meets in a home, and sometimes in secret. These small groups of Christ-followers often meet for many hours in study, prayer, and fellowship, as it is dangerous to travel to “church” and they want to make the most of their time together.

 

On Good Friday, March 29, we will gather in our sanctuary for Secret Church. David Platt, pastor of The Church at Brook Hills and author of Radical , Radical Together, and Follow Me, will lead an intense time of Bible study and a time of prayer for our persecuted brothers and sisters across the globe. As you dig deep into God’s Word, you will also be reminded of the suffering of today’s persecuted church. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to join with hundreds of churches and small groups across the United States in focused study and prayer. It will enrich your knowledge of the Word, help you identify with the persecuted church, and equip you to pass along what you learn to others, in order to make disciples of Christ—locally and globally.

 

Heaven. Hell. The End of the World. For Christians and non-Christians alike, these topics provoke a variety of emotions and reactions: curiosity, confusion, joy, hope, fear, anticipation, or maybe even anger. Sadly, these critical topics are often embellished, fantasized, diluted, abused, or altogether avoided in our day. So what does the Bible say about these things? Is the Apocalypse upon us? Do we know what heaven will be like? What about hell? Is it literal? Is it eternal? How do we even begin to think about these mind-blowing realities? During this Secret Church, we will explore God’s Word in search of answers to these questions and more. In the end, we will discover that despite of all the controversy surrounding heaven, hell, and the end of the world, several things are clear: Christ will come back, Satan will be defeated, all men will be judged, and the glory of God will cover the earth. And by the end of the night, hopefully and humbly we will walk away with a cry on our lips and a testimony in our lives that echoes the final cry of the Scriptures: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”.
 

This is not for the uncommitted or faint at heart—six hours of Bible study and prayer. But if you desire to know God more deeply through His Word and to know His Church more fully around the world, then please join us for Secret Church. You can sign up to participate via Facebook or e-mail, but we ask that you sign up no later than Sunday, March 17 so that we can order enough study guides. Your only cost will be $5 for Platt’s 200-page study guide. Late sign-ups, including walk-ins, are welcome but cannot be guaranteed a study guide.

 

6:45-7:15 PM  Check-in for Secret Church in the Welcome Center (pick up your study guide)
7:15-7:20 PM  Announcements and opening (onsite at FBC)
7:20 PM  Teaching begins (15-minute break after each hour of teaching)
1:00 AM  Dismiss (yes, one o’clock Saturday morning...at the earliest)

 

Participants in Secret Church are also welcome to take part in the Tenebrae service at FBC. This special Good Friday service, which begins at 6:00 in the sanctuary, leads believers to solemnly reflect on Jesus' death in preparation for celebrating His resurrection.

 

For more information about the simulcast and to follow the latest updates, check out the Secret Church blog. If you have any questions, please contact Josh.