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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Who was the first family on mission? If you said, “Joseph and Mary,” you’re correct. In the midst of a threat on Jesus’ life (Matthew 2), and the deaths of other babies in Bethlehem, God directed Joseph through a dream to protect Jesus and move to Egypt. This was not the first Joseph to experience […]
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On Sunday, I’ll be reciting the Sermon on the Mount by heart with the help of a few friends at FBC. To help you prepare to hear the Sermon, here are five things to know. The Sermon isn’t everything Jesus taught, but these are the main things. The Gospel of Matthew is structured around five […]
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In staff meeting this week, Josh Hall reflected on 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Connections Weekend gave us a chance to come together and do what this verse says. “To encourage” literally means to put courage inside someone else. “To build […]
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This weekend at First Baptist, Matt and Margaret Reynolds challenged us to “Live Sent.” Our lives become integrated into God’s mission in Tallahassee with others who care deeply about our city. The apostles discovered in Acts 2 and in Acts 5, they could gather in two places. They met together in the temple and broke […]
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Before the first chapter of Mark is finished, Jesus takes a retreat to pray. Occasionally, we just need to get away as a church and reconnect to the Lord and each other. This weekend is our chance. Whenever I have a retreat, I’m usually just grateful to get there. By the time I arrive, I’m […]
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