We come to the cross individually. We leave the empty tomb in community. Jesus’ death and resurrection not only rescue us from our sins but offer us a new group of people that we can’t live without: the body of Christ called the church. How does his resurrection turn us into that kind of community? […]
Read More »Traditionally, there are seven sentences that Jesus says on the cross. We call them “the seven last words.” Three of them are in John. One of them is about family that turns into community. Woman, behold thy son; son behold thy mother. (John 19:26-27) If you know about Jesus’ family, you understand the power of this […]
Read More »Jesus only uses the word “friend” three times in Matthew. The parable of the vineyard in Matthew 20:13. The parable of the wedding banquet in 22:12-13. In Gethsemane in Matthew 26:50. None of them describes the ideal friendship needed for a community; all of them point to one person. When we get together with friends, […]
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Imagine you are in the upper room with Jesus. He grabs a towel and a basin. He begins to wash feet, and you’re next. We know how Peter feels. He wants no part of this. If Jesus is washing feet, that makes Jesus a servant. If Peter is going to follow a servant, that makes […]
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In Matthew 28:6-7, the angel says to Mary Magdalene and the other Mary, “Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples.” This Easter, I invite you to Come and See the witness of the resurrection at First Baptist. During Holy Week April 13-20, our staff has planned several great […]
Read More »Our word for “actor” comes from the Greek word hypocrite. The ancient Greek theater often used a small ensemble of actors who played many parts. They changed characters by wearing different masks. Jesus described pious people like Greek actors. They wore the masks of piety outwardly but failed to meet the standard of Christ’s righteousness. […]
Read More »Life happens in between things. Between engagement and the wedding. Between invitation and birthday party. Between kindergarten and graduation. We plot, we measure, we plan, we get ready, we live. There are some other moments that happen in between as well. They are the times you dread in between discovery and punishment. The time your […]
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“Middle School.” Just saying the name sounds like something you wouldn’t want to be a part of. Somewhere in between, not quite there, awkward, weird. Despite the bad rap that comes with the stage of life, the girls I met this weekend gave me a lot of hope. They were part of First Baptist’s annual […]
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The Beatitudes are the characteristics of Jesus’ disciples. We can’t earn them; he gives them to us at creation. They are blessings. When they’re read aloud, it’s a bit like listening to Jesus introduce a speech with a prayer of blessing. But what we realize is that he’s blessing us for what he sees in […]
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Since Connections Weekend, what have you been up to? Three groups have already formed to continue the journey on mission. Kaitie Meyer has started a Bible study group at her scholarship house next to the FSU Campus. Joey Stein has formed a Bible study group at Veteran’s Village. Harlan Moret, George Latimer, Darrell Thompson, and […]
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