Story of God's Kingdom: Our Present Reality

Jesus sitting triumphantly at the right hand of God... once-for-all atonement... access to the throne of God... the very presence of God dwelling within us... the temple re-built as the church... This present reality causes a drastic shift in our focus. We can no longer have a temple "come-and-see" mentality. The house of God is not a building. It is a people on the move, working by God's power to bring his kingdom to the world.

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Stephens Community Block Party

We had a great time at the block party last Saturday!

The block party materials came from the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Tracy Archibald drove it all the way from Paragould (and had to get back that night to preach on Sunday!).

We couldn't have done it without the support of other Stephens churches: St. Stephens, ACTS church, New Home AME, New Zion Hill, Mt. Zinia Baptist, Stephens UMC, and Rolling Hills Assembly all contributed with money, volunteers, and support.

It was a great day. Enjoy the pictures (courtesy of ACTS church)...

(more pictures after the jump)

The Story of the Kingdom of God: The Arrival of the Kingdom

Jesus changes everything.

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The Story of the Kingdom of God: Departure

After the height of Israel's glory, the moment when the Presence of God filled the Solomon's temple at its dedication, the people's spiritual condition deteriorated with the temple, until the Spirit departed and the temple was destroyed. What causes this deterioration? What causes God's Spirit to depart from a people? What hope did the prophets bring during this dark time?

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The Story of the Kingdom of God: A Place

God promised Abraham to give him a homeland. In that land, God promised to put his name on a place that would bear witness to the nations, teaching the world about the identity and the mission of God. This week we looked at the temple and how it bears witness to us and teaches us about our own destination and purpose.

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First Baptist Church Ordains Sandy Carter to the Gospel Ministry

Last Sunday was a special day in the life of our church. Sandy Carter, our long-time volunteer youth pastor, was ordained to the gospel ministry in and afternoon service.

Sunday began with Sandy bringing the message at our morning worship service. His topic was building your life on the right foundation: obedience to Jesus and his teachings.

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The afternoon service included a charge given by our pastor for Sandy to take on the calling he has received, knowing that God created him for this very calling.

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The church then laid hands on Sandy and his wife Monica to set them apart for the calling God has put on Sandy's life.

The Story of the Kingdom of God, part 3: The Presence

After God allows his people to "grow up" in the hardship of Egypt, the Exodus brings the next movement in the kingdom of God: a people among whom the presence of God resides.

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