Live the Gospel

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Live the Gospel

Winter connects and equips the body of Christ at First Baptist. Just as people flood local gymnasiums to get into physical shape, we have the chance to train our spiritual muscles together. We learn to do as Ephesians 4 instructs, “to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ.” I want to invite you to be a part of two very special events (both designed to help us grow in our faith in Christ and share our faith with others): EQUIP training for Season 2 of Life Groups on January 31, and Connections Weekend February 6-8.

This fall, 20 Life Groups have begun to sow seeds of the gospel throughout our community. They use everything from disc golf, regular golf, and musical talent to form relationships. They study the Bible, parenting books, and community resources. They meet because people have gone through a season of grief or because they live close to one another in neighborhoods. In other words, you can find a Life Group for every place, phase or pursuit in life. Season 2 begins February 1, and training for this second season is January 31 from 1:00-7:00PM. Cost is free, but you need to attend training in order to lead a new FBCTLH Life Group this spring. Life Groups not only reach the lives of the unreached, but they’re building community among the participants. If you’re hungry to know each other at a deeper level, and use the power of friendship to share your faith, Life Groups are for you. Register online or in person by contacting Josh Hall.

The fourth annual Connections Weekend is February 6-8 with Dr. Scot McKnight, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary in Lombard, Illinois. Dr. McKnight’s book, The King Jesus Gospel, addresses one of the issues among churches today—sharing and living the gospel as believers. More than simply a plan of salvation, the gospel provides a compass to guide our daily decisions as God’s people. This discipleship weekend will equip you and your household to deepen your faith and take the gospel into your home, work, and study. The early registration cost of $5/student, $10/person, and $25/household’s deadline is January 25. You can register online, in person, or by phone in the church office. After January 25, the cost increases by $10 each. Dr. McKnight will also be preaching on Sunday, February 8.

Connections Weekend is so important to our church family. It’s a churchwide retreat without ever leaving the building. We learn together as we learn more about each other. It’s one of the few times all year where generations learn and grow from contact with each other. The meals are tremendous, and the conversations are powerful. Members who are already active in living the gospel in practical ways will lead our breakout sessions, showing us how the gospel addresses and impacts the struggles that each of us has in our world.

No matter whether you walk with cane or run a marathon, everyone can exercise the body of Christ. Let’s join together as we shape our lives to live the gospel.