Virtual Church

Welcome to Virtual Church

 

 

As It Is in Heaven Message Board

Following Jesus Christ is a relationship.  God came for us in Christ so that we might have life to the fullest.  The fullest life is enjoyed in an intimate, personal, and loving relationship with God.

This relationship with God both results in (and matures in the context of) our healthy relationships with other followers of Jesus and our loving witness to those who are not yet in a relationship with God through Jesus.  These relationships are nutured by the Holy Spirit in us. 

If you respond to the message of God's love in Christ through this particular medium, I encourage you to do two things.  First, contact me so that we can communicate on a more personal basis.  Email  me.  I shall respond quickly.  If you have any immediate pastoral needs, please let me know.  If you have a need for a pastor for counseling, wedding, or funeral you may contact me for these events or referrals.  Baptisms in the Free Methodist tradition are performed in the context of a church family, and will not be performed through Virtual Church.  Holy Communion is served regularly at any Free Methodist Church near you and our communion is open to everyone.

Virtual Church has been created in order to supplement (not to replace) participation in a church family.  Sometimes, however, it is difficult to schedule worship attendance with the demands of life.  You are welcome at Virtual Church anytime.  Watch Virtual Church grow!

I do encourage you, however, to find a healthy church family where you can grow in your faith along with others and have opportunities to witness and serve in the world.  If you would like some referrals I shall be happy to do my best.

Virtual Church is an individual's exploration in ministry.  John Wesley, the founder of the Methodist Revival, said that the world was his parish.  Today that is a reality through the internet.  Though it is in the spirit of John Wesley and Methodism, this exploration is an individual initiative and is not a ministry of the Free Methodist Church.

You may be interested in the books in print or electronic format that are available from Virtual Church Resources.  Please see the column and look under "Books by John Slider" and "eBooks by John Slider." 

Yours in Christ, John 

Please scroll down to explore the Virtual Church offerings.  Postings after January 1, 2009, will be in an upgraded format.  Postings prior to that date are archived but are in various formats. 

"Defeating the Demons" - William W. Slider

"Defeating the Demons" was preached on January 27, 1974, from the pulpit at Christ Church in Louisville, Kentucky.

Defeating the Demons

Mark 1.14-20

A ten minute worship based on Mark 1.14-20:

 

The Baptism of Christ

"Thoughts to Change Life" - William W. Slider

Thoughts to Change Life

"Thoughts to Change Life" was preached by Dr. William W. Slider from the pulpit at Christ Church in Louisville, Kentucky, on Sunday, January 20, 1974.

"If You Do Not Go with Me, Then Do Not Send Me" - William W. Slider

If You Do Not Go with Me  This sermon, "If You Do Not Go with Me, Then Do Not Send Me," was preached by Dr. William W. Slider from the pulpit at Christ Church on Sunday, January 13, 1974.

Covenant Renewal Service

In 1663 Richard Alleine, a Puritan, published A Vindication of Piety.  In 1753 it was republished by John Wesley in A Christian Library.  Wesley used a part of the work on Monday, August 11, 1755, in what was probably the first celebration of the Covenant Renewal Service among Methodists.  Wesley found the service rich and meaningful, and they became a part of the Methodist practices.

In London during the early days of the Methodist Movement, these services were usually held on New Year’s Day.  Around Britain the Covenant Service was conducted whenever John Wesley visited a particular Methodist society.  Today, the Covenant Renewal Service is most commonly held on New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, the first Sunday of a year, or at the anniversary of a church.

 

Christmas

Luke 1:26-38

Bible Translations and Versions

Many persons have responded to the ministry of Virtual Church.   On the side column under Bible Translations and Versions there are listed some Bibles in languages of interest to our friends (please suggest additions):

• Deutsch (Hoffnung für Alle) - NT Text
• English (King James Version) - Text/Audio
• English (New International Version) - Text/Audio
• Español (Nueva Versión Internacional) - Text/Audio
• Κοινη (SBL Greek New Testament) - Text
• עיברית (Hebrew Westminster Leningrad Codex) - Text
• 한국어 (Korean Living New Testament) - Text
• Latin (Vulgate) - Text
• മലയാളം (Malayalam Ebook Bible) - Text
• Português (Nova Versão Internacional) - Text
• Tagalog (Ang Salita ng Diyos) - Text

 

Advent Music Videos

Enjoy these selected Advent Music Videos in .wmv file format:

• Download Come Lord Jesus
• Download Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus
• Download Go Tell It on the Mountain
• Download Jesu Joy of Man's Desiring
• Download Jesus Is Coming Soon
• Download Our God Is with Us