This weekend, over 200 people gathered for our fourth annual Connections Weekend. Dr. Scot McKnight, professor of New Testament at Northern Seminary, taught the gospel from the scriptures. Although most of us grew up thinking this good news was a plan, the gospel is simply telling people about Jesus. When we share His story, Jesus […]
Read More »Most of us started following Christ, and sharing our faith, using the “plan of salvation.” We responded and repeated a variation of the A-B-C’s. Admit you’re a sinner. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ. Confess your faith publicly through baptism. Most evangelism training manuals today are an expansion on this theme. As we go through […]
Read More »When we were in Israel last year, our guide told us that the Israelites were given two choices before entering the promised land: life or death. He told us that the choice for life was much more complicated than choosing to deal with death. It’s easier to prevent the end than it is to try […]
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Shame affects every Christian. Sometimes shame can be healthy and turn us toward God’s mercy. Most adults, however, suffer from unhealthy shame. We feel unhealthy shame usually for who we are, or we are ashamed for becoming the kind of person we never thought we would become. Unhealthy shame is like the moving box of […]
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Camellias are blooming in Florida. Based on my limited knowledge, these shrubs can be transplanted with very careful work. With time, skill, and attention, these beautiful plants can multiply in new gardens. The plant must take root, and the gardener adjusts his plan to the new conditions in the soil. One of the ways God […]
Read More »On Sunday, we begin a worship and Bible study series on the book of Ezekiel. It’s 48 chapters divided into 4 parts like a four-act play. Most SMBS classes are teaching the material on Sunday morning. Here are some things to know. Ezekiel had two jobs. Like many people who change careers at mid-life, Ezekiel […]
Read More »Like reporters recording the news, I challenged you Sunday to take note of the ways God is at work in your world. These are called Kairos moments—when God’s plan interrupts our schedule. We don’t plan for them sequentially ahead of time. As we go through the seasons of life, we begin to notice God’s presence. […]
Read More »I love receiving and giving Christmas cards. This year, Kelly decorated a Christmas card tree just to display the cards that people have sent across the miles and the years. Advent gives us time to reflect on these people and the many other ways we see God working around us. That’s tough to do because […]
Read More »Fifty-nine years ago today, Rev. Paul Turner walked with a group of 10 African-American students into Clinton High School. Rev. Turner was the Pastor of First Baptist Church of Clinton, Tennessee. Through his work and many other civic and religious leaders, Clinton was the first high school to integrate African-American students on December 4, 1956. […]
Read More »Check your calendars. Sunday is the first Sunday of Advent. This year, our theme is “ChristmasTime.” As we worship, we adjust our lives to God’s schedule and his plan for our world to send Jesus Christ to save us. To do so, we need to make the most of the time he gives us. The […]
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