Jesus teaches us how to reach out to the city, across to those in our church, down as servants, and into our homes. At every step of the way, Jesus reached up to his heavenly Father for guidance. Jesus reaches out to us so that we can in turn reach up to him. He changes […]
Read More »In Matthew 14, Jesus famously walks on the water showing his lordship over the wind and sea. Peter leaves the boat of disciples and tries to join him. When the impetuous disciple becomes afraid of the wind and the waves, Jesus reaches down to save him. Jesus not only triumphs over our fears but also […]
Read More »Thus far, we’ve studied how Jesus reaches out and across to people. Now we take a look at the way Jesus reached inside his own household to point out who his true family is. In Matthew 12 as Jesus teaches, as is their custom, someone interrupts him. Someone in the crowd brings a message from […]
Read More »In my last post, we looked at how Jesus—and FBC—will reach out to impact our city. Today, we study how Jesus reaches across to the people inside a synagogue and touches one of their own. A Man Stretches His Hand Matthew 12:9-14 9He left that place and entered their synagogue; 10a man was there with […]
Read More »Our church has adopted a strategic plan to “reach people for Jesus” over the next five years. Jesus shows us how to reach people in the ways that he reached people during his ministry. Our word for “reaching others” actually comes from a Greek word that means to “stretch out your hand” or to “reach […]
Read More »Throughout December, I’ll feature stories and information about First Baptist’s adopted Strategic Plan. Today, we take a look at the “Snapshot Survey.” Jenny Wilhelm, Gale Neal, and Josh Hall administered and interpreted the survey results. Their findings are reported below. In September, FBCTLH surveyed members, regular attendees, and occasional guests ages 12 and above. The […]
Read More »
“Come Home for Christmas.” What a great invitation. When offered at a manger in Bethlehem, our world suddenly changes. Our lives are disrupted. The routine stops. God has offered us salvation. We leave behind what we’re doing and join the shepherds kneeling in a cave. This year, I invite you to worship Christ the newborn […]
Read More »“He is able to bring low those who walk in pride.” The mystic Catherine of Genoa once remarked that pride is like gazing at the sun too long. Just as staring at the sun’s rays can cause permanent blindness, so does someone who gazes at his own life too much. By looking to our own […]
Read More »Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who is at work in you, enabling you both to will and to work for his good pleasure. We have come to the end of our “Think, Act, Be” devotions. Thank you for reading and reflecting with me throughout this series. I’ve […]
Read More »“You will never wash my feet.” Only slaves washed feet in the ancient world. So when Jesus started washing his disciples’ feet, Peter was embarrassed, ashamed, and worried about his reputation. The last person Peter ever imagined he would be following is a slave. Rarely do slaves ever become monarchs. But Jesus became a servant […]
Read More »