First Baptist Church is a loving community of believers in Jesus Christ. Our history goes back for about a century of serving Jesus in our community. We have exciting ministries for people of all ages, including youth and children. You can keep up with us here for sermons, podcasts, blogs, and events.
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Friday, December 23, 2011
Christmas Service Schedule
Saturday, December 24th5:30-6:00 p.m. - Christmas Eve Candlelight Service
Sunday, December 25th
10:00 a.m. - Christmas morning worship service
(no Sunday school, no evening service, earlier start time)
Feel free to be extra casual Sunday morning. Come in your PJ's if you have to!
Monday, December 19, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Kingdom Characters Today
Are you a "Solomon"? How about a "Saul"? Which "Kingdom Character" are you?
The same "characters" that we see in the kingdom of Israel we see in our churches today. God put the pieces in place in Israel's time for success, and they blew it (badly). We have those same pieces in place--the same strengths, the same weaknesses.
How do you maximize your strengths and avoid the pitfalls that took these Israelites down? How can you help others achieve their potential?
It begins with knowing where you fit in. Which "character" are you? Take the quiz, and then take your place...
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See the quiz after the jump...
The same "characters" that we see in the kingdom of Israel we see in our churches today. God put the pieces in place in Israel's time for success, and they blew it (badly). We have those same pieces in place--the same strengths, the same weaknesses.
How do you maximize your strengths and avoid the pitfalls that took these Israelites down? How can you help others achieve their potential?
It begins with knowing where you fit in. Which "character" are you? Take the quiz, and then take your place...
Listen to this episode
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See the quiz after the jump...
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Our Christmas Schedule
Christmas Potluck Fellowship
Sunday, December 11th, immediately following Sunday morning worship
(worship starts at 10:45; lunch will be about noon)
You don't have to bring anything to eat. Just come and enjoy the food and fellowship!
Christmas Songs and Meditations
Six o'clock Sunday evenings,
December 11th and 18th.
Sing, contemplate on, and learn about your favorite Christmas carols.
Christmas Eve
Candlelight Service
5:30 p.m. Christmas Eve,
Saturday, December 24th.
Focus on the meaning of Christmas as Scripture and carols by candlelight remiond you of how God sent light into the darkness with the birth of His Son one silent, holy night in Bethlehem.
Christmas Morning Celebration Worship Service
10:00 a.m. Sunday, December 25th.
Make Christ part of your Christmas morning celebration. We will take the Lord's Supper together and discuss the impact of Christmas on our world.
One service only at a special time!
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Monday, December 5, 2011
BCS Thoughts
Well, the bowl matchups are out, and while I was a little disappointed TCU didn't climb up the two spots in the standings that they needed to get a BCS bid, they probably didn't deserve a bid this year. The championship match-up of two SEC schools is the topic of converstation, after Oklahoma State made a big case for themselves in the final game of the season by blowing out Oklahoma 44-10. They were edged out in the rankings by Alabama, putting two SEC West teams in the championship and creating a rematch of the 9-6 overtime game from November 5th. How should it have turned out? |
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Joab: Man of Action
Joab.
That name may not even ring a bell for you. Yet Joab, the commander of David's armies, is mentioned in the Bible more than Samuel or Elijah or any of the prophets, more than John the Baptist or John the Apostle, more than Mary or Daniel or even Satan. He's kind of a secondary character throughout the narrative about David, but he's always there, mentioned more often in Scripture than all but 12 people.
If he is so prominent in Scripture, there must be something to be learned from his life. God gave Joab a particular set of gifts for his particular time and place, and God accomplished his purpose through Joab. We can see through his story that the Kingdom needs people like Joab--loyal and strong, skillful people of action. But we can also see that those with Joab's strengths need to watch out for the pitfalls that ultimately destroyed him.
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That name may not even ring a bell for you. Yet Joab, the commander of David's armies, is mentioned in the Bible more than Samuel or Elijah or any of the prophets, more than John the Baptist or John the Apostle, more than Mary or Daniel or even Satan. He's kind of a secondary character throughout the narrative about David, but he's always there, mentioned more often in Scripture than all but 12 people.
If he is so prominent in Scripture, there must be something to be learned from his life. God gave Joab a particular set of gifts for his particular time and place, and God accomplished his purpose through Joab. We can see through his story that the Kingdom needs people like Joab--loyal and strong, skillful people of action. But we can also see that those with Joab's strengths need to watch out for the pitfalls that ultimately destroyed him.
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Wednesday, November 23, 2011
An Interesting Forum for the Presidential Candidates
Here's a video of an event called "Thanksgiving Family Forum" featuring the major Republican contenders (except for Mitt Romney). It's not a debate, and they seldom talk about their disagreements or even specific policy but rather talk about personal beliefs, philosophy of government, and events that shaped their lives.
I'm not all that politically active, so this was an interesting introduction for me to a few of the candidates with whom I was less familiar. There is certainly an element where they are to the crowd (it took place in a large church) by mentioning and emphasizing their Christian beliefs repeatedly. But some of the statements impressed me, because they are statements that could easily be twisted by those who fear religious people and used against them should they make it to the general election.
More than that, though, I enjoyed seeing these candidates with their guard down, not speaking at a podium in the tones of an orator but speaking conversationally about very personal issues, with several candidates getting choked up or wiping away tears. (There is one story in particular from Rick Santorum that will make anyone cry.)
It's long, but I enjoyed it, and it gives us some insight into who these candidates are as people.
I'm not all that politically active, so this was an interesting introduction for me to a few of the candidates with whom I was less familiar. There is certainly an element where they are to the crowd (it took place in a large church) by mentioning and emphasizing their Christian beliefs repeatedly. But some of the statements impressed me, because they are statements that could easily be twisted by those who fear religious people and used against them should they make it to the general election.
More than that, though, I enjoyed seeing these candidates with their guard down, not speaking at a podium in the tones of an orator but speaking conversationally about very personal issues, with several candidates getting choked up or wiping away tears. (There is one story in particular from Rick Santorum that will make anyone cry.)
It's long, but I enjoyed it, and it gives us some insight into who these candidates are as people.
David: Man of Blood
Some people see David's sin concerning Bathsheba and her husband Uriah as a singular misstep in an otherwise blameless life. But the biblical record really doesn't agree with this assessment of David. David was denied permission to construct the temple for his life of violence, not the sin with Bathsheba. David's sins resulted in a lot of unnecessary bloodshed and loss of life, and it did not begin or end with the "great sin" of 2 Samuel 11.
I think people believe David's place at the head of the Messianic line somehow necessitates that he be exalted as a model of (near-)perfection that foreshadows Jesus. But that's not really how Scripture characterizes him. He is "a man after God's own heart" in comparison to Saul who preceded him (he is only given that "title" in direct comparison to Saul). He is the model for future faithful kings in that his reign was not stained by the idolatry and corruption through bribery that plagued later administrations. In fact, the Bible says Hezekiah surpassed David in his trust in the Lord (2 Kings 18:5) and Josiah surpassed him in obedience to the law (2 Kings 23:25).
David "served God's purpose in his own generation" (Acts 13:36), an example of how God uses flawed people for his purpose--that it depends on God's sovereignty, not on us. But before David "rested with his fathers," he had brought a curse on his family (2 Samuel 12:9-12) that tore it apart. Four of his sons would die premature deaths, three of them violently. His daughter would be raped by his own son and never marry. Obsession over his enemies caused him to count his fighting men and bring a plague onto Israel.
The point here isn't to tear David down but to sound the warning the Bible gives in the record of David's life. David had a genuine heart for God. He was blessed by God. He accomplished a lot and was a huge part of God's plan. But, at the heart of many of the things that matter most, David ruined his life. This week, we try to look at how that happened...
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I think people believe David's place at the head of the Messianic line somehow necessitates that he be exalted as a model of (near-)perfection that foreshadows Jesus. But that's not really how Scripture characterizes him. He is "a man after God's own heart" in comparison to Saul who preceded him (he is only given that "title" in direct comparison to Saul). He is the model for future faithful kings in that his reign was not stained by the idolatry and corruption through bribery that plagued later administrations. In fact, the Bible says Hezekiah surpassed David in his trust in the Lord (2 Kings 18:5) and Josiah surpassed him in obedience to the law (2 Kings 23:25).
David "served God's purpose in his own generation" (Acts 13:36), an example of how God uses flawed people for his purpose--that it depends on God's sovereignty, not on us. But before David "rested with his fathers," he had brought a curse on his family (2 Samuel 12:9-12) that tore it apart. Four of his sons would die premature deaths, three of them violently. His daughter would be raped by his own son and never marry. Obsession over his enemies caused him to count his fighting men and bring a plague onto Israel.
The point here isn't to tear David down but to sound the warning the Bible gives in the record of David's life. David had a genuine heart for God. He was blessed by God. He accomplished a lot and was a huge part of God's plan. But, at the heart of many of the things that matter most, David ruined his life. This week, we try to look at how that happened...
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Wednesday, November 16, 2011
David: Man After God's Own Heart
We've heard that David was called "a man after God's own heart." But in many different places in the biblical account of his life, he makes mistakes and even commits apalling acts of wickedness. This is a man after God's own heart?
First, we have to understand where that phrase comes from. It originates from a conversation between Samuel and Saul, possibly before David was even born:
What were the primary differences between David and Saul that made David more fit to lead God's people and earned him his well-known moniker? There are many things about David we should not try to follow. But if we can grasp these key ways that he is different from Saul, we can learn to become a man or woman who pursues the heart of God.
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First, we have to understand where that phrase comes from. It originates from a conversation between Samuel and Saul, possibly before David was even born:
"'You acted foolishly,' Samuel said. 'You have not kept the command the LORD your God gave you; if you had, he would have established your kingdom over Israel for all time. But now your kingdom will not endure; the LORD has sought out a man after his own heart and appointed him leader of his people, because you have not kept the LORD’s command.'" (1 Samuel 13:13-14).The first thing you notice here is that this is primarily a statement of judgment against Saul, more than it is a prophecy about David. So I believe the answer to how David is a man after God's own heart lies in this comparison (or rather in contrast) to Saul.
What were the primary differences between David and Saul that made David more fit to lead God's people and earned him his well-known moniker? There are many things about David we should not try to follow. But if we can grasp these key ways that he is different from Saul, we can learn to become a man or woman who pursues the heart of God.
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Monday, November 7, 2011
Thursday, November 3, 2011
Saul: The King the People Demanded
I love Old Testament stories. I grew up reading them and have them read to me, and they played a large part in my coming to know Christ--I loved the stories, and I wanted be a part of it. I wanted God to work in my life like I saw him work in those stories (and in the lives of my parents). I learned about sin through the Old Testament stories as well, and I knew I was guilty. The New Testament told me about Jesus, but it was the Old Testament stories that brought me to him.
That's why one of my favorite books in the Bible is 1 Samuel. A bunch of the best stories in the Bible are found there: Hannah and Samuel, the Philistines taking and returning the Ark, and, of course, the stories of Saul and David.
In the Old Testament stories, we really get to see very human people try to obey God. We see them mess up, too. And, through it all, we can see that though the setting has changed a lot, there are people just like Saul and David and others among us today.
This week and next, we are examining the life of one of the most interesting guys in the Bible, King Saul. Some people just toss him into the file of "Bible villains" and leave it at that. But there's a lot more to Saul than his failures. And when you really look at his strengths and shortcomings, you might find a lot more of yourself in Saul than you'd like to admit...
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That's why one of my favorite books in the Bible is 1 Samuel. A bunch of the best stories in the Bible are found there: Hannah and Samuel, the Philistines taking and returning the Ark, and, of course, the stories of Saul and David.
In the Old Testament stories, we really get to see very human people try to obey God. We see them mess up, too. And, through it all, we can see that though the setting has changed a lot, there are people just like Saul and David and others among us today.
This week and next, we are examining the life of one of the most interesting guys in the Bible, King Saul. Some people just toss him into the file of "Bible villains" and leave it at that. But there's a lot more to Saul than his failures. And when you really look at his strengths and shortcomings, you might find a lot more of yourself in Saul than you'd like to admit...
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Monday, October 24, 2011
The Battle
Behind those nasty people who are trying to bring you down, behind hurtful thoughts and words directed toward your family members, behind those hurts inflicted by church people that won't seem to heal, behind overwhelming life circumstances and the guilt that comes from falling short of expectations, there is an enemy. He hides in the dark, wielding his power in the unseen spiritual realm, firing flaming arrows designed to take you down along with your whole household.
In the great story of God's purpose that is revealed in Ephesians, there is a villain, an enemy who stalks us. He is strong and evil and he moves in the dark. Most of the time, we live as if there is no real threat. But as Paul wraps us this letter, he reminds us that whether we are sleeping or alert, taking a stand or laying down, we are in the midst of a battle.
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In the great story of God's purpose that is revealed in Ephesians, there is a villain, an enemy who stalks us. He is strong and evil and he moves in the dark. Most of the time, we live as if there is no real threat. But as Paul wraps us this letter, he reminds us that whether we are sleeping or alert, taking a stand or laying down, we are in the midst of a battle.
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Monday, October 17, 2011
A New Society, Part 3: New Relationships
We know we're supposed to love each other as Christ loves us, and, at times, we have seen ourselves and those in our church rise to different occasions and love in extraordinary ways. But the new society to which God has redeemed us is defined by everyday love, not "special occasion" love. And although we should be living our lives together as a church, the relationships in which we live out our everyday lives are not so much our church relationships but those at work and at home.
People are most touchy to advice about how we ought to go about our marriage, how we parent our kids, and how we make our living and act at work. Often, we don't trust these relationships to anyone or anything but ourselves and our own wisdom. These are the most personal relationships of our lives, so they are often the relationships that are the most untouched by the influence of our faith. But since these relationships are where we live our everyday lives, these relationships--marriage, family, and work--must be transformed if we are to say we are living the redeemed life in Christ. The command that guides our actions is Ephesians 5:21: "Submit to one another out of reverance for Christ."
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People are most touchy to advice about how we ought to go about our marriage, how we parent our kids, and how we make our living and act at work. Often, we don't trust these relationships to anyone or anything but ourselves and our own wisdom. These are the most personal relationships of our lives, so they are often the relationships that are the most untouched by the influence of our faith. But since these relationships are where we live our everyday lives, these relationships--marriage, family, and work--must be transformed if we are to say we are living the redeemed life in Christ. The command that guides our actions is Ephesians 5:21: "Submit to one another out of reverance for Christ."
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Monday, October 10, 2011
A New Society, Part 2: Children of the Light
Darkness in the Bible represents
These attributes of darkness no longer must be and no longer should be part of our lives. But how do we combat the darkness? What does it really look like to "live in the light"?
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- emptiness
- ignorance
- captivity
- fear
- unconsciousness
- secrecy
These attributes of darkness no longer must be and no longer should be part of our lives. But how do we combat the darkness? What does it really look like to "live in the light"?
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Friday, October 7, 2011
Are you watching the Hogs this weekend?
Halftime at the Hogs' game against Auburn on Saturday there will be a special presentation honoring a former Razorback who never played a down for the Hogs. His story is moving. Reading this story helps us to understand how difficult change can be, but that, over time, change is possible.
Read his story here from Yahoo! Sports.
Read his story here from Yahoo! Sports.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
A New Society, Part 1
If you are a Christian, you have been told to "follow Jesus." But we don't often get it defined for us very well. I am not in a boat and Jesus is not literally on the seashore calling me to him. How do I get started following Jesus? In the King James Version, Ephesians 5 starts, "Be ye therefore followers of God..." Most other translations say, "Be imitators of God..." Paul uses this phrase to sum up the previous section (Ephesians 4:25-32) and to set the basis for the next section (Ephesians 5:2-6:9).
Jesus did not come just to redeem individuals but a whole new "people," a new community, a new society that reflects God's character and glory. So to follow Jesus is to imitate God within this new society, the church, in the way that we treat one another, on our love, in the way we form community, and in our relationships. All of this starts with decisions of the will, and Paul goes through several practical choices we should make, one by one, to imitate God, trade in our old selves for the new, and be redeemed together into a new society where we can live as God created us to live.
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Jesus did not come just to redeem individuals but a whole new "people," a new community, a new society that reflects God's character and glory. So to follow Jesus is to imitate God within this new society, the church, in the way that we treat one another, on our love, in the way we form community, and in our relationships. All of this starts with decisions of the will, and Paul goes through several practical choices we should make, one by one, to imitate God, trade in our old selves for the new, and be redeemed together into a new society where we can live as God created us to live.
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Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Extreme Makeover: Soul Edition
One of the shows my wife and I have recently "acquired" (meaning it's one of the few shows we make a point to watch) is Restaurant: Impossible on the Food Network. In the show, this tough British chef goes to a failing restaurant and brings in a remodeling crew while he overhauls the menu, management, marketing, and service, all in two days with a very limited budget.
One episode that stood out to me was a restaurant that had been in the family for decades that was run by a guy who had no idea how to organize anything. The result was an extremely messy kitchen and a patio that had fallen out of use and cluttered with an amazing amount of garbage, unused equipment, and junk. At the end of each episode, there are a few captions giving kind of a "three-month report card." Most tell of at least moderate success. Sadly, for this restaurant, the caption said that junk had started to pile up again, and they had "temporarily closed."
How could this happen? How could they go back to their old ways after they have been shown something so much better? Don't they want to succeed?
Ephesians chapter 4 takes a similar tone: now that you have been called by Christ, do not live like the world any longer! Why? Because sin is bad and you know better!
Why do Christians continue to sin after they have come to know Christ? This is probably the most convicting sermon (for myself) that I have ever prepared...
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One episode that stood out to me was a restaurant that had been in the family for decades that was run by a guy who had no idea how to organize anything. The result was an extremely messy kitchen and a patio that had fallen out of use and cluttered with an amazing amount of garbage, unused equipment, and junk. At the end of each episode, there are a few captions giving kind of a "three-month report card." Most tell of at least moderate success. Sadly, for this restaurant, the caption said that junk had started to pile up again, and they had "temporarily closed."
How could this happen? How could they go back to their old ways after they have been shown something so much better? Don't they want to succeed?
Ephesians chapter 4 takes a similar tone: now that you have been called by Christ, do not live like the world any longer! Why? Because sin is bad and you know better!
Why do Christians continue to sin after they have come to know Christ? This is probably the most convicting sermon (for myself) that I have ever prepared...
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Tuesday, September 20, 2011
Worthy of the Name
Paul spent three chapters in Ephesians teaching about the church as God created it to be. We are ἐκκλησία, the "called-out" ones of God. We are called people with a calling to the the Body of Christ, the Temple of God, the children of God, a holy people of God, a community of priests and prophets who make the glory of God known "in the heavenly realms" as well as among the nations. The church has been given quite a name by God. So, Paul urges, "Live a life worthy of the calling you have received." And then he begins by coming alongside the Ephesian church (and now us) to show us how to live this worthy life, in daily practice. What does a church worthy that is worthy to be called God's "ἐκκλησία" look like? How do we live in this way?
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Tuesday, September 13, 2011
A New Confidence
"Oh My God"
I heard it again and again as the events of 9/11 unfolded. It slipped out of the lips of people as they stood with their eyes glued to the TV and the estimated death tolls began to be announced. I heard it as more buildings collapsed and as the smoke cleared in New York and you could see for the first time the massive hole in the New York skyline.
A lot of times people wonder where God is in times like these. One answer is that He is on the lips of those who are in the moment. People call out, “Oh my God! Holy … whatever!” Why?
Well, you might say that it’s just an exclamation, with no more meaning at the time than “Wow” or some cuss word, and you might have a point. But the very fact that the words “God” or “holy” are used in this way tells us something, and what it tells us is this:
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Tearing Down Walls
God's plan is for the church to confront the world with the greatness of God in the same inescapable way that creation spurs both religious and scientific pursuit. But most of the time, it seems, this is true:
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Our congregations are made up of people who look, talk, and think just like we do. And it never occurs to us that this is the same type of unity the world has to offer. Even in our churches, we seem to identify ourselves more according to the corporate brands we buy and the political parties we support than with each other. (Russell D. Moore, Adopted for Life)If the church is just another human institution, it is unremarkable in this world, barely worthy of notice. But when the church emerges with the marks of God's craftsmanship, people cannot avoid the question of how this came to be. So what are these marks of craftsmanship that distinguish a work of God from human work? Ephesians 2:10-22 gives us three to look for...
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Monday, August 22, 2011
From Malaise to Masterpiece
“But…God.” These two monosyllables set against the desperate condition of fallen humankind the gracious initiative and sovereign action of God. We were the objects of his wrath, but God, out of the great love with which he loved us, had mercy on us. We were dead--and the dead do not rise--but God made us alive with Christ. We were slaves, in a situation of dishonor and powerless, but God has raised us with Christ and set us at his own right hand, in a position of honor and power. Thus God has taken action to reverse our condition in sin. It is essential to hold both parts of this contrast together, namely, what we are by nature and what we are by grace.
- John Stott
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Thursday, August 18, 2011
Stepping Into Your Destiny
There is an eternal purpose of God that began in eternity past and extends through today eternally into the future. Not only that, but this Great Story that God is working out not only involves you and involves me, we are a vital element for the Plan.
But we don't live that way. Most of the time, we wander through or struggle through each day, without any sense that our lives make any impact at all. How can we step out of the myopia of the everyday and step into our destiny? How can we be who we were made to be and do what we were created to do?
In Ephesians 1:3, Paul declares that we have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ. So what we need is not additional blessing from God but to comprehend and access the blessings that have already been lavished on us. We need to know the God who calls us and we need to know what he has given us. The prayer contained Ephesians 1:15-23 shows us how to ask God to know...
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But we don't live that way. Most of the time, we wander through or struggle through each day, without any sense that our lives make any impact at all. How can we step out of the myopia of the everyday and step into our destiny? How can we be who we were made to be and do what we were created to do?
In Ephesians 1:3, Paul declares that we have been given every spiritual blessing in Christ. So what we need is not additional blessing from God but to comprehend and access the blessings that have already been lavished on us. We need to know the God who calls us and we need to know what he has given us. The prayer contained Ephesians 1:15-23 shows us how to ask God to know...
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Monday, August 8, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Jealous
There is a certain fierceness to love, whether it is a mother's "mama bear" passion to defend her children or a man's anger that rises when someone is trying to get too cozy with his wife. God's love has a fierceness to it, too. And that burning passion is directed toward us. It drives him to fight through our sin and unfaithfulness to rescue us from death.
Watch this video as an introduction to this week's message about the fierce jealousy of God that causes us to flee from idols and embrace our One True Love.
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Note: This week's sermon post was delayed by technical difficulties. In fact, this sermon was recorded this morning, because Sunday's version didn't record.
Watch this video as an introduction to this week's message about the fierce jealousy of God that causes us to flee from idols and embrace our One True Love.
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Note: This week's sermon post was delayed by technical difficulties. In fact, this sermon was recorded this morning, because Sunday's version didn't record.
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Politics, Ambition, and Unholy Alliances
Over the last few weeks, we've been looking into why the Israelites turned to idols and how we are similar in the way that we turn to the world and the ways of the world to get what we want. Much of Israel's idolatry was as a result of political alliances with other nations. In the turbulent Middle East (it was even more turbulent then than it is now, if you can believe it), they were looking for assurances that they would not be overwhelmed by their enemies, while at the same time securing economic prosperity through beneficial trade partnerships.
Many secular historians will look at these actions and say they were necessary or even shrewd, but the prophets had a different perspective: they would not trust God enough to be faithful to him alone, so they committed spiritual adultery by seeking out the help of other nations and other gods.
In James 4:1-10, he sees the same problem emerging in the church. "Don't you know," he writes, "that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?" This week we looked about how we can reject these "back-up plans" that dishonor God and trust God as we submit completely to him.
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Many secular historians will look at these actions and say they were necessary or even shrewd, but the prophets had a different perspective: they would not trust God enough to be faithful to him alone, so they committed spiritual adultery by seeking out the help of other nations and other gods.
In James 4:1-10, he sees the same problem emerging in the church. "Don't you know," he writes, "that friendship with the world is hatred toward God?" This week we looked about how we can reject these "back-up plans" that dishonor God and trust God as we submit completely to him.
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Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Take Personal Action to Protect Children Worldwide
Our Hevenly Father is the rescuer of orphans. We should take actions that reflect God's heart for children. Sunday's message challenged you to take personal action to help children worldwide against the forces of evil that are destroying them. These are three of the organizations I challenged you to consider:
Compassion International.
Gospel for Asia's Bridge of Hope.
International Justice Mission
The cost to sponsor a child with Compassion is about $40/month (exact amount depends on where your child lives). A child sponsorship with Gospel for Asia is $28/month. Becoming a Freedom Partner with IJM is $24/month.
Compassion International.
Gospel for Asia's Bridge of Hope.
International Justice Mission
The cost to sponsor a child with Compassion is about $40/month (exact amount depends on where your child lives). A child sponsorship with Gospel for Asia is $28/month. Becoming a Freedom Partner with IJM is $24/month.
Monday, July 18, 2011
The Spirit of Molech
In the ancient Middle East, Israel had two neighboring countries who worshiped two gods, Molech and Chemosh, who called for child sacrifice. The children offered to Molech were seered on superheated bronze arms before being lifted into the fire, with drums beating and cymbals crashing to drown out their cries. These practices were horrifying and barbaric. And what did these gods offer in return? Power.
We are disgusted by these ancient pagan rituals and we gasp in horror at the stories of Jaycee Lee Dugard and Caylee Anthony. But where else does the "spirit of Molech" live on today? Where else do people trade or discard children for their own power, pleasure, or wealth? If we take the time to look, the hellish face of Molech can be clearly seen all over our world... our nation... and even in our own hearts.
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We are disgusted by these ancient pagan rituals and we gasp in horror at the stories of Jaycee Lee Dugard and Caylee Anthony. But where else does the "spirit of Molech" live on today? Where else do people trade or discard children for their own power, pleasure, or wealth? If we take the time to look, the hellish face of Molech can be clearly seen all over our world... our nation... and even in our own hearts.
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Monday, July 11, 2011
Baal: Trust or Manipulation?
When we really look into the reasons people were led away from the Lord to Baal and other gods, we can see the same pull in our own culture. When it gets down to it, it's the pull to be like everyone else, to not look like a fool by living by a different set of concepts of success and how to get there that everyone else has. Baal was a god of rain and fertility, and, to the people of the region, to refuse to worship Baal was to deny "the latest in agricultural science" and doom yourself to no crops, animals that don't successfully bear their young, and a barren wife. Baal worship was designed to take the mystery and uncertainty out of agricultural life and put success in their own hands.
The American Dream promises that life is what we make of it--that success if within our grasp if we just work hard enough. And the world pushes us to work or be available all day, every day. But God has put a tool in our hands that says, "Success is not in your hands; it's in Mine. But you can trust Me if you let Me show you." This tool is called the Sabbath.
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The American Dream promises that life is what we make of it--that success if within our grasp if we just work hard enough. And the world pushes us to work or be available all day, every day. But God has put a tool in our hands that says, "Success is not in your hands; it's in Mine. But you can trust Me if you let Me show you." This tool is called the Sabbath.
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Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Putting a Curse on Yourself
"If God is for us, then who can be against us?" - Romans 8:31
There's a tragic story in the book of Numbers where a king, who is worried about the Israelites, who have left Egypt and are beginning to move toward his land, hires a sorcerer to curse the Israelites. The problem is that the sorcerer finds that he can't curse those God has chosen to bless. The Lord is far too powerful for this kind of head-on attack against his people. But the enemy finds a back-door through sensual temptation and the worship of Baal, and even though it was impossible for someone to curse God's people, through their own actions, they end up cursing themselves.
We do the same thing. God is for us, and he has given us a new heart and a new spirit that is loyal to him. But there is a traitor within us, always ready to open the back door and let the enemy in. This traitor is the sinful nature that resides in our flesh. Today we look at how the lure of Baal lives on in our own culture, how this idol lures us away from the true worship of God and controls our affections and actions. We put a curse on ourselves.
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Saturday, July 2, 2011
We Had a (Beach) Blast at VBS!
We averaged about 50 kids per night, had several decisions for Christ, and raised more than $200 for the outreach center and Compassion International. We even had a great slide show for Parents' Night!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Holy God, Holy People
One time a couple of guys tried to mug Chuck Norris with a pocketknife. Seriously. And for centuries, the people of Israel abandoned the Living God to worship lifeless stone and blocks of wood. Sometimes we just don't know why people do the things that they do. It's not really important to try to understand what was going on in the heads of the guys who make the "dumb criminals" stories, but to understand the Old Testament, we need to understand the pull toward idols that the people of Israel could not overcome. That's what this six-week sermon series that we started Sunday is all about. We begin this week with how God introduced himself to his people, and what that meant for the people who were supposed to worship and represent him among the nations.
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Thursday, June 23, 2011
VBS is Next Week!
When: Mon.-Fri. June 27-July 1, 6-8 p.m.
Where: First Baptist Church of Stephens
What:
-- Great Music and Worship
-- Bible Stories
-- Arts and Crafts
-- Games and Snacks
-- and lots of FUN!!!
To Pre-Register, call Liz Suffron at (870) 786-9117
Don't forget Parents' Night!
-- Friday, July 1st at 6:30 p.m.
-- Music performances by the kids
-- Slide Show
-- Awards
-- Refreshments following
Dude, it's all about Jesus!
Monday, June 20, 2011
A Blueprint for Spiritual Leadership
You never know what you will run across when you are reading your Bible. I normally kind of skim through those last parts of Paul's letters where he sends greetings to people we otherwise don't know about, but sometimes he throws a little nugget in there that really has a lot packed in. Several months ago, I cam across 1 Corinthians 16:13-14 and God showed me that in those short little verses, we find a great blueprint for what it takes to be an effective spiritual leader.
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**As a Fathers' Day gift to me, my 3-year-old son Joseph sang the special music. This is only the audio (so you miss his dance number during the musical interlude), but I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and are blessed as much as I was.
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**As a Fathers' Day gift to me, my 3-year-old son Joseph sang the special music. This is only the audio (so you miss his dance number during the musical interlude), but I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and are blessed as much as I was.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
A Vision of Jesus
14 The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. 15 His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance.
-- Revelation 1:14-16
On Sunday, I spoke about how one reason we must share the Gospel of Jesus Christ is that Jesus is worthy of worship, and that when we think about Jesus, truly understanding who he is, we realize how offensive it is that Jesus does not get his due recognition from the world.
But we have to remind ourselves as well. This morning, I read this vision of Jesus from Revelation, and it is a good tool for really meditating on his greatness.
Monday, June 13, 2011
One Name, One Truth
When we take a long look at Jesus, as we have over the last six months, it is impossible not to stand in awe of all that Jesus is, what he has done, and the glory and grace of God revealed in him.
There are also some nagging questions. Is Jesus really the only way of salvation? Will people be saved without placing their faith in Christ? In this sermon, we talk about how these tough questions are answered only by looking at Jesus, who is the Truth of God revealed. God has revealed his Truth in one Name, Jesus Christ. And that Name is worthy of the worship of all people; that Truth is worthy of selling everything, even your very life, to take hold of it; and through that Name, God extends to everyone an offer of life.
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This is the last sermon of 26 on the identity and work of Jesus. If you haven't listened to them all, click on the "Sermons" tab and every one of them is available to you from this site for download or just to listen. We want you to know Jesus. And I pray that this series has (and will) help you grow in your knowledge of him and more than that, your obedience to him and to the gospel.
*Note: the original recording had dropped, for some reason, the opening illustration. I had to re-record it from my desk and add it in, so it sounds different.
For spiritual help any time of the day, call 1-888-Jesus20
There are also some nagging questions. Is Jesus really the only way of salvation? Will people be saved without placing their faith in Christ? In this sermon, we talk about how these tough questions are answered only by looking at Jesus, who is the Truth of God revealed. God has revealed his Truth in one Name, Jesus Christ. And that Name is worthy of the worship of all people; that Truth is worthy of selling everything, even your very life, to take hold of it; and through that Name, God extends to everyone an offer of life.
Listen to this episode
Download this episode (right click and save)
This is the last sermon of 26 on the identity and work of Jesus. If you haven't listened to them all, click on the "Sermons" tab and every one of them is available to you from this site for download or just to listen. We want you to know Jesus. And I pray that this series has (and will) help you grow in your knowledge of him and more than that, your obedience to him and to the gospel.
*Note: the original recording had dropped, for some reason, the opening illustration. I had to re-record it from my desk and add it in, so it sounds different.
For spiritual help any time of the day, call 1-888-Jesus20
Monday, June 6, 2011
H-E-Double-Hockey-Styx
Why do Christians say they are "saved"? To hear most preaching, there is nothing Christians are saved from except possibly an addiction, a failed marriage, or maybe just a mediocre life. There are two parts to preaching and understanding the gospel, and if we never think about what it is that we are saved from, we will never truly appreciate our salvation and our passion for sharing the gospel will always be diminished. This week's sermon is about hell.
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For spiritual help any time of the day, call 1-888-Jesus20
Listen to this episode
Download this episode (right click and save)
For spiritual help any time of the day, call 1-888-Jesus20
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Cost of Discipleship (Guest Speaker Derek Sullivan)
In a culture where the Gospel is watered down and lives aren't fully surrendered to the Lordship of Jesus, God calls His faithful preachers and pastors to present their testimonies of grace, and to preach on radical obedience to Jesus! Through this sermon, you will hear a testimony of what God has done, and you will hear the cost of being a disciple of Jesus.
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