In 1771, “America” was a much different place spiritually. Most of the first colonies subsidized their “chosen” ministers’ salaries with tax revenue. Separate Baptists like Isaac Backus in Massachusetts were arrested and John Leland, John Weatherford, and David Barrow were assaulted by mobs and beaten with whips. In Caroline County, Virginia, 6 Baptists were arrested […]
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Today, I’m spending a lot of time reflecting on this week’s events and preparing for worship with you tomorrow. It’s been an incredible week. We’ve had the spiritual high of Mount Everest Vacation Bible School, and the anger, grief, and despair of the Charleston massacre. It’s hard to put into words the range of emotions […]
Read More »The latest victims of the sins of racial hatred and murder are the brothers and sisters of Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina. This kind of action has happened before in other churches and schools. The forces of evil pick the good people and congregations who care about Christ, salvation, the gospel, peace, justice, […]
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We climbed Mount Everest today at First Baptist Church. Vacation Bible School is off to a great start. With the assistance of 200 adult and youth volunteers, 266 children learned how to conquer challenges with God’s mighty power. Today we learned Elijah’s story from 1 Kings 17 and memorized 2 Corinthians 9:8, “And God will […]
Read More »Last Tuesday, I attended a meeting in Mayor Andrew Gillum’s office regarding “Operation Safe Neighborhood.” As you know, Leon County has the highest crime rate in our state. A recent shooting in Frenchtown the last weekend of May served as another example of the problem. Not all of these incidents result in death, but most […]
Read More »Parker and Drake are alumni of good Weekday ministries. Parker graduated from a Mom’s Day Out when Kelly worked (for pay) in San Angelo. Methodists and Baptists taught Drake how to be prepared for Kindergarten. He’s our ecumenical preschooler. Both benefited from loving people who could have done anything with their lives. Their teachers worked […]
Read More »Legend has it that when the Greeks successfully defended their homeland in Marathon against the Persians in 490 B.C., a runner named Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens, a distance of some 26.1 miles to bring the good news of victory. The way opened for democracy to continue for the philosophy of Plato and the […]
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When Jesus was resurrected, the man at the tomb sent the women back to Galilee. “There you will see him, just as he told you.” This summer we return to our Galilee of Tallahassee to begin the journey again with Jesus. As we worship together this summer, I want to offer you the courageous faith […]
Read More » Summer always stretches us in our faith. The season gives us a chance at First Baptist to grow up in our faith in Christ, lift our eyes, and see the work of the risen Christ around you. Our church will be sending 5 groups to 5 locations and camps across the world. As these groups […]
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Throughout the week, the Tallahassee Democrat and WCTV eyewitness news will be featuring stories on the “Week of Awareness.” Underage drinking and substance abuse are not necessarily anything new to Leon County or more prevalent than any other part of the country. The lack of parental and household involvement is very troubling. Only 24% of […]
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