Progressing Toward Christmas...One Candle at a Time

Advent is a progressive journey. Much like a progressive dinner, where a group travels sequentially from one residence to the next, partaking of a multi-course meal along the way, so it is with Advent. We begin with the messianic promises of the prophets and journey toward the birth of the Christ child, with scenic stops along the way. This seasonal pilgrimage allows us to sense the anxiety and the anticipation of those who have traveled these roads before us.

This Sunday in worship, we begin our Advent journey by lighting the Prophecy Candle. We will focus on Isaiah 2:1-5 as we rediscover the promise of peace. Also on Sunday morning, we will witness the parade of flags as we focus on global missions and we will hear from our children’s choirs as a preview of their Christmas concert on this Sunday evening.

In the Sundays to come we will progressively light the Bethlehem Candle, the Angel’s Candle, and the Shepherd’s Candle, leading up to the lighting of the Christ Candle on Christmas Eve.

Pray for the Challenger Award Banquet which is scheduled for Monday, December 3 at the Civic Center. In addition to a great meal and awards presentations, each athlete and guest will hear former NFL great Danny Buggs share his testimony and a clear invitation to the Christian life.

Next week, December 2-9, is the Week of Prayer for Global Missions. On Wednesday, December 5 we will hear from two of the missionaries we have supported during the past year. Andrea Burks will share highlights from her experiences in Indonesia and Mark Davis will share about ongoing work in Russia and points beyond.

This season of the year presents multiple opportunities to invite disconnected friends and family members to join you in worship. Who can you invite to join you for worship and Bible study this Sunday?

Are You Ready to Take Your Walk Across the Room?

On Sunday evenings during October, we have been talking about casual ways to share our faith as we have been studying key passages of scripture alongside Bill Hybels' book, Just Walk Across the Room.

As we begin the month of November, are you ready to take your walk across the room?

As you prepare to be more proactive in sharing the good news, remember the following highlights from our conversations in October:

1. A few of us may have the spiritual gift of evangelism, but all of us have the responsibility to evangelize.

2. Your everyday experiences on familiar and unfamiliar turf will present unlimited opportunities for you to walk across the room to initiate contact and conversation with others.

3. Your conversation may plant a seed that bears fruit years later or immediately.

4. Taking the initiative to walk across the room requires discipline and commitment. You must do it several times before it becomes a way of life.

5. Discover how many ways you can talk about God, abundant life, faith, church, and Jesus without using religious words. Consider how many times Jesus talked with individuals about life concerns before they learned his identity.

How do you take your first steps? For many of us, walking across the room begins with baby steps:

1. Welcome someone to church that you do not yet know.

2. Make a list of "starter questions" to assist you with starting a conversation.

3. Be sure to notice the person in any crowd who is alone.

4. Have a goal of initiating a conversation with a stranger at least once a week.

5. Without sounding overtly religious, share the good news casually and conversationally.

God wants to work through you, your personality, your contacts, and your calendar to invite others into God's family.

Ministering To Those With Stinking Feet

"Don't be naive. There are difficult times ahead. As the end approaches, people are going to be self-absorbed, money-hungry, self-promoting, stuck-up, profane, contemptuous of parents, crude, coarse, dog-eat-dog, unbending, slanderers, impulsively wild, savage, cynical, treacherous, ruthless, bloated windbags, addicted to lust, and allergic to God. They'll make a show of religion, but behind the scenes they're animals. Stay clear of these people… They get exploited every time and never really learn… But nothing will come of these latest impostors. Everyone will see through them…” - from II Timothy 3:1-9 The Message

One of Jimmy Buffet’s most unusual song titles is, “My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink, and I Really Don’t Love Jesus.” While some of us may be offended by the brutal honesty of such a statement, there are many in our world and in our community who have headaches and heartaches that cannot be healed by superficial religion.

This Sunday morning, with this unusual song title and II Timothy 3:1-9 in mind, we will focus on ways to minister to those who are burned out on church and fed up with religious clichés and slogans, yet they are still searching for that which is of authentic spiritual significance.

On Sunday evening, we will continue our series, “Just Walk Across the Room” as we examine relevant and simple ways to converse with friends and strangers who need to see, hear, taste, touch, and feel the goodness and grace of the Christ.

Invite a friend to join you as we gather for worship and Bible study.

God's GRACE Is Sufficient!

After a season of testing, the Apostle Paul reports that the Lord told him, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." (II Corinthians 12:9)

At some point in life, all of us will be confronted with seasons of testing, heartbreak, grief, and bereavement. However, this past weekend, our entire First Baptist Family experienced a tragedy as we lost one of our precious children, Gregory Threadgill, in a fatal accident.

As we continue to minister to the Threadgill family in the days ahead, let us also minister to one another and especially to our younger family members, many of whom are dealing with the death of a friend for the first time.

Even when accidents happen and life is cut short, God’s GRACE is Sufficient.

G is for Grieve. The Bible never says that Christians should not grieve, only that we should “not grieve as those who have no hope.” (I Thessalonians 4:13) Let us experience all of the emotions of this tragedy with our lives invested in the eternal hope that comes through Jesus Christ.
R is for Resist. Resist the temptation to explain a tragedy or untimely death with shallow clichés or anecdotes. Most accidents or tragedies have no clear explanation.
A is for Assurance. Assure one another that God is with us through all of the seasons of life and promises “never to leave you or forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)
C is for Connected. Stay connected to those in your church family and your small group, those who form your primary network of support.
E is for Emerge. When we encounter a crisis or tragedy, we can eventually emerge with a stronger faith and a greater appreciation for God’s many gifts. “Sorrow lasts for a season but joy comes in the morning.” (Psalm 30:5)

We look forward to gathering for worship this Sunday as we continue our series Changes in Latitude. Invite a friend to join you as we focus on the God who is with us on all of the Sundays and the Mondays of life.

Things Your Minister Wants Your to Know...

Jesus said, “Then you will know the truth and the truth shall set you free.” John 8:32

There is a book written by Oliver Buzz Thoman on current bestsellers lists entitled, Things Your Minister Wants to Tell You (But Can’t Because He Needs the Job). Today, as we prepare to begin a new church year, I want to share with you Five Things Your Minister Wants You to Know (And He’s Not Afraid to Lose His Job).

1. God had a big dream for First Baptist Church. God’s dream is bigger than our current vision and bigger than our current level of commitment. We must either downsize God’s dream or upgrade our commitment.

2. In God’s dream, we are one church family. We have multiple services and multiple mission partners but we are one large church family. Every member is responsible for looking out for the good of the whole body of Christ.

3. The resources within this congregation are more than adequate to accomplish God’s mission. The personal, spiritual and financial resources in this community of faith are more than adequate to make God’s dream our reality, but we must channel those resources appropriately.

4. We must embrace the full giftedness of men and women. For years, God has called young men and women from First Baptist to serve as ministers, missionaries, evangelists, professors, and chaplains. Here are home we have called on men and women for teaching, worship leadership, missions, and committee responsibilities. In the future we prepare ourselves scripturally and prayerfully to make harmonious decisions as we contemplate calling on both men and women for other areas of servant leadership including service as committee chairs and as deacons.

5. Our Church Rocks. Our church ROCKS with multiple generations, multiple gifts, and multiple opportunities. We must decide whether our Rocks become steppingstones or stumblingblocks. We must decide whether to use our Rocks to build a fortress or to build a bridge.

Jesus said, “Upon this rock I will build my church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18

Changes in Latitude

Our new Sunday morning worship series, Changes in Latitude, begins this week. I will borrow titles and phrases from popular Jimmy Buffett songs as we think about how our emerging faith impacts the “changes in latitude” of daily life and church life.

This week we welcome Jeana Lankford as our interim Minister of Students. Jeana, the wife of Dr. Ross Lankford, is a graduate of Samford University and has experience as a high school English teacher, an interim children’s minister, and an interim youth minister. Pray for Jeana as she provides interim leadership for our students and our student leaders.

As we begin the new church year, our church family expresses our gratitude to Scott Bell for his insightful leadership as chair of deacons. In all of our ministry efforts and decision-making, Scott has kept us focused on God’s best for the whole church family. We also welcome Bob Gowing as our incoming chair of deacons as we look forward to a great year of ministry and missions.

Our church family also expresses appreciation to Martha Dickson and Vickie Almond, both of whom resigned effective the end September. Martha has served as church librarian for … years and Vickie has served as a ministry assistant in our music department for … years. Thank you Martha and Vickie for your faithful service.

Last Sunday, as we launched our theme for coming months, Our Church ROCKS, I shared Five Things Your Minister Wants You To Know. Here is the condensed version ):

1. God has a big dream for First Baptist Church.
2. In God’s dream, we are one church family.
3. The resources within this church family are more than adequate to make God’s dream our reality.
4. To realize God’s dream, we must embrace and affirm the full giftedness of both men and women.
5. Our church ROCKS!

October presents great opportunities to connect with new friends and re-connect with old ones. Your spiritual gifts, your faithfulness, and your participation are just a few of the reasons that Our Church ROCKS!

Our Church ROCKS!

This is the rock on which I will be my church, a church so expansive with energy that not even the gates of hell will be able to keep it out. Matthew 16:18 The Message

On Sunday September 30 we will gather as one large family of faith for a combined service of worship at ten o’clock. During this unique experience of worship, we will celebrate baptism and communion, and we will sing “psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.”

Our worship time will be centered on the theme, Our Church ROCKS! As we look forward to the completion of The ROC, the Paul Royal Recreation and Outreach Center, we are challenging each other to practice rock-solid spiritual disciplines so that we can ROCK our community for Christ.

During worship on Sunday September 30 members of our First Baptist Family will have an opportunity to vote on the proposed Ministry Budget for 2007-2008 and on the Deacon Nominees who will begin a three year term of service this year. Please mark the ballot in your worship guide and turn it in during the receiving of the offering.

On Sunday afternoon, we will gather in Seville Square for our annual Church Picnic. Invite a friend to join in the fun, games, and fellowship. We will conclude our picnic with inspirational moments of Vespers as we complete a day of great celebration.

In October we begin our new Sunday morning worship series, Changes in Latitude. I will borrow titles and phrases from popular Jimmy Buffett songs as we think about how our emerging faith impacts the “changes in latitude” of daily life and church life.

Changes in Latitude:
Oct 7 “Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude” Ezra 6:22, Eph 4:22-24
Oct 14 “What Happens Come Monday?” Luke 9:23-24
Oct 21 “My Head Hurts, My Feet Stink, and I Don’t Love Jesus” Phil 4:7-9
Oct 28 “Will There Really Be Cheeseburgers in Paradise?” Luke 23:42-44

On Sunday evenings in October we will offer multiple options. During Vespers in the Chapel at six o’clock, we will engage in a five week study of Just Walk Across the Room, a proactive approach to outreach and evangelism. Details of other discipleships options are listed inside this edition of The Builder.

Are You Practicing the Ten Commandments?

Recitations of the Ten Commandments are echoing through Chipley Hall, the sanctuary, the atrium, classrooms, and homes of FBC families. Parents and grandparents, children and grandchildren are learning or re-learning the Ten Commandments as we prepare to recite them in a unison chorus on September 30.

Last week I overheard two of our senior members saying the Ten Commandments to each as I entered the sanctuary. One of them said, “We’re practicing the Ten Commandments.” I said, “I sure hope so.” Practicing the Ten Commandments is a good thing.

As we prepare to complete our series, Hang Ten! A fresh look at the Ten Commandments, Ross Lankford will be sharing a message this Sunday morning from commandment number seven, “You shall not commit adultery.” On Sunday evening, Don Minton will be sharing a message from commandment number nine, “You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor.”

Our proposed Ministry Budget for 2008-2009 will be presented at church conference on Wednesday September 26. Then on Sunday morning September 30, our church family will have an opportunity to vote on the church budget and the new deacon nominees.

The theme for our combined service of worship on Sunday September 30 is Our Church ROCKS! On this day, we will gather on Sunday morning to celebrate baptism and communion. Then on Sunday afternoon we will gather at Seville Square for our annual church picnic.

As we prepare for the completion of the ROC, let us continue to learn new ways to ROCK our community for Christ.

A Prayer for Independence Day

Gracious God, as we prepare to celebrate our nation’s Independence Day, we approach you with hearts that are simultaneously brimming with gratitude and weighted with concern. We are grateful for the privilege of living in “the land of the free and the home of the brave.” We are thankful for specific liberties that allow us to freely choose our vocation, our community of worship, our place of service, and our venues of recreation. And we are indebted to generations of veteran servants who risked life and limb in the pursuit and protection of these liberties. From the “mountains to the prairies” we are inspired by some of the most diverse and beautiful terrain on our planet. From “sea to shining sea” we are privileged to access a mother lode of the world’s natural resources. We have access to prime healthcare, comfortable housing, diverse modes of transportation, more than adequate clothing, and an abundant selection of food. We are blessed far beyond our deserving.

But during this season of celebration our grateful hearts are heavy with concern. From our many different perspectives and ideologies we are concerned about things like the threats of terrorism, the brutalities of war, the abuse of political power, the divisiveness of harsh and misleading political rhetoric, a lack of civil discourse, a growing sense of moral anarchy, and the possibility of an approaching storm or natural disaster. These concerns lead to heightened anxiety about the stability of the market, the costs of insurance, and the tenure of our employment. And these anxieties often divert us from our mission to “minister to the least of these,” and to “love mercy, act justly, and walk humbly” with you.

These concerns and anxieties also remind us of our need to confess our sins, personally and corporately. We confess that we have too often taken our freedom for granted and we have too frequently been slack in our citizenship. We confess that at times we are too quick to criticize naively and too slow to intercede prayerfully. We confess that our self-interests have too often taken priority over the best interest you have in mind for our nation and for our world. We confess that we have been irresponsible in our stewardship of “our space and our stuff,” often consuming and storing compulsively without conscious regard for sharing. We confess that we have too often trusted in our own initiatives and ingenuity more than we have trusted in you.

You tell us in time-tested scripture that, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (II Chronicles 7:14)

As we approach this Independence Day, we ask you to forgive our sin and to heal our land.

On this day, we pray for the leaders of our nation, our state, and our community that they will lead with wisdom and discernment.

We pray for the men and women who serve in our nation’s military that they will fulfill their mission with courage and return home safely and soon.

We pray for our enemies that their swords will also be “turned into plowshares.”

We pray for the churches, cathedrals, and temples of our nation and our community that we will be lighthouses of grace and mercy, ever pressing toward the mark of our high calling.

Because you are the freedom-loving God, lead us to exercise our freedom responsibly and to pursue “liberty and justice for all” of your children around the globe.

We pray in the strong name of the one who came to set us free. Amen.

Beginning Year Three of Our Partnership

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all of my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in your will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:3-6 NIV

On May 22, 2005 you gave to Amanda and me an overwhelming invitation to move to Pensacola where I would serve as your pastor. During the past week, I have been re-visiting my calling and reflecting on our first two years together, as we prepare to begin year number three. In my first acceptance letter to the Pastor Search Committee and congregation I wrote the following lines:

“Your strong faith and your love for First Baptist Church have been obvious to us since our first meeting with you…Therefore, with tremendous respect for the esteemed heritage of First Baptist Church, and with great anticipation of the continuing leadership of the Spirit in the future, I heartily accept your invitation to come to Pensacola in view of a call to be your Senior Pastor.”

During these first two years we have enjoyed several blessings and confronted numerous challenges. We have sought shelter during hurricanes, welcomed dozens of newborns, shared beautiful services of baptism, witnessed memorable weddings, shared in the memorial services of friends and family members, and welcomed many new friends into our church family.

Little did we know when we made our covenant as pastor and people how the economic and vocational landscape of our community would be impacted by successive storms in 2004 and 2005. In addition to those who have “graduated to heaven,” we have regretfully said “goodbye” to many friends who have relocated to other states, other assignments, or other vocations. Now, we find ourselves in perhaps the most significant and opportune time of transition since the church moved from the bay to the hill.

During 2007-2008 I foresee that we will be presented with some of the most crucial challenges and remarkable opportunities in the history of our church. As we prepare to seize these opportunities with proactive ministries of discipleship and evangelism, I am grateful that the Lord has led us in assembling a competent and committed team of ministers to serve as encouragers and equippers to our congregation. I believe that the Lord has brought us all together “for a time such as this.”

As we continue to grow in faith and friendship, as we reach out to new friends, and as we complete the Paul Royal Recreation and Outreach Center (ROC), I encourage every member of First Baptist Family to commit to the following partnership initiatives:
1. Participate regularly in worship and Bible study
2. Exercise extraordinary patience and cooperation with the inconveniences created during these final months of construction.
3. Make a connection with a friend or neighbor who is not connected to another church family.
4. Get involved in a mission or ministry project.
5. Be faithful and cheerful with your tithes and offerings.

As we begin year three of our partnership, I reaffirm the commitment I made two years ago to “tell the truth and love the people.”

I look forward to seeing you this week in worship and Bible study.

Ten Good Ways to CAST Your NET

Jesus said, "Throw your net on the right side of the boat and you will find some." When they did, they were unable to haul the net in because of the large number of fish.” John 21:6 NIV

As we learn to fish on the right side of the boat, here are few examples of how we can cast our nets of influence to build strategic relationships with persons who are not yet "connected" to family of faith:

10. Invite a friend to the “Safe at Home” Rally at Pelicans Park.

9. Take some friends to Thursday Evenings in Seville.

8. Enroll a friend for a July Discipleship Option

7. Commit a random act of kindness.

6. Give the gift of a Christian book.

5. Host a block party in your neighborhood.

4. Arrange a recreational outing, such as a fishing trip, tennis outing, or a golf outing with an unconnected friend.

3. Interview a non-Christian.
a. What is the biggest spiritual need in your life?
b. On a scale of 1-10, how well is your life measuring up to God’s plan or intention?
c. What would it take to get you to make following Jesus your number one priority?

2. Invite a friend to Wednesday Night Dinner and Midweek service.

1. Bring a friend to worship or Bible study.

Summer Highlights

The Summer of 2007 is filled with opportunities for worship, Bible study, missions, and recreation. Our First Baptist Family celebrates your faithful participation during the summer months.

Here are a few notes and highlights related to recent and upcoming events:

1. We applaud the 405 champions who participated in Game Day Central last week.
2. Thank you Chapel Choir for sharing the awesome music from the “North to Niagara Tour” last Sunday evening.
3. This week we welcomed home the mission teams who have been serving in The Sudan, Russia, and Kenya.
4. Pray for our student mission team who will be departing Saturday to serve in Costa Rica.
5. Pray for those who are serving on extended international mission assignments: Andrea Burks serving in Indonesia, Andy Stubblefield serving in North Africa, and Samir Ibrahim serving in North Africa.
6. Pray for others departing on mission trips this week: Christina Hook serving in Uganda, Carol Rankin serving in Romania, and Fran Crumpton serving in Russia.
7. Our Summer Blood Drive is scheduled for this Sunday, June 24. The Northwest Florida Blood Mobile will be on our campus beginning at 7:30.
8. Remember the “Safe At Home” Rally this Sunday afternoon. The game begins at 5 o’clock followed by a Christian concert and a message by evangelist Scott Dawson.
9. On Sunday nights in July we are offering multiple Discipleship Options. Register now to be a part of one of these discipleship groups.
10. Mark your calendar for our Baptism at the Beach scheduled for four o’clock Sunday July 29 at 501 Panferio Drive.

Our message this Sunday, “More Than Three Little Pigs,” comes from the gospel story about Gaderene who was delivered from his demons. Invite a friend and join us as we consider faith-based ways to confront the legion of adversaries in life.

When You Are "On the Road Again"

Willie Nelson’s hit song, “On the Road Again,” will become reality for many members of our First Baptist Family this summer. Some will be on the road for tours, camps, conferences, and mission trips. This summer our groups will travel to places like New England, Kentucky, North Dakota, Costa Rica, Russia, Kenya, the Sudan, Asia, and Northeast Africa.

While we are planning for a great summer of services and activities at First Baptist, I hope that everyone gets a refreshing break at some point during the summer. When you are traveling, whether visiting friends or going on a family vacation, seize the opportunity to participate in services of worship wherever you travel.

There are many different options for participating in worship while on the road. Your travel schedule, your destination, and your own spiritual interest may determine which option you choose:
*Attend another church. Most churches in resort or tourist areas welcome visitors to “come as you are” so you don’t have to worry about taking along formal clothing. You may be more comfortable attending another Baptist church, but traveling presents a good opportunity to visit churches from other faith traditions and to learn more about our spiritual relatives who worship a little differently.
*Visit an historic church. Especially when visiting a large city or a foreign country, attending mass at an ancient cathedral or worship services at an historic chapel may prove to be a once in a lifetime opportunity.
*Attend a campground service. You will find that many campgrounds, RV parks, National Parks, and State Parks offer very informal worship services at pavilions or outdoor amphitheatres.
*Try tuning in to a worship service on the radio, television, or internet. Although I am not fond of a lot of religious programming, I have discovered that broadcasts and podcasts of local church services can be “the next best thing to being there.”
*Have your own family worship service. The family may sing together, take turns reading scriptures and sharing prayers and testimonies. This kind of service can take place right in your condo, at your vacation home, or at your camp site.

Participating in worship while on the road can enrich both your trip and strengthen your personal faith. Skipping worship just because you’re on vacation or a business trip can rob you of meeting new friends and meeting God in new places.

On those weekends you are traveling this summer, seize the opportunity to participate in worship wherever you travel. And on all of those other weekends when you are home, we will look forward to great experiences in worship here at First Baptist.

Summer Sunday Evenings

Summer Sunday evenings at First Baptist are filled with concerts, Bible study options, and special events. Here is a schedule of events for the Summer of 2007:


June 3 VBS Kickoff and Go Fish Concert
June 10 Ice Cream Fellowship
June 17 Homecoming Concert by Chapel Choir
June 24 “Safe At Home” Rally at Pelicans Park
July 1 Discipleship Options
July 8 Discipleship Options
July 15 Discipleship Options
July 22 Discipleship Options
July 29 Baptism at the Beach/Discipleship Options
August 5 Celebration Winds Concert
August 12 Merritt Singers Concert
August 19 Anniversary Reception
August 26 Worship Team Concert

Get Ready for Summer of 2007!

As we begin the summer of 2007, I want to share some words of encouragement and vision about the months ahead.

In recent months it seems that we have been saying “goodbye” almost every week to treasured friends who have enriched the mission and ministries of First Baptist Church. In recent months, many beloved church members have “graduated to glory.” We have also said “goodbye” to an extraordinarily large number of families due to military transfer and vocational relocation. We have said “goodbye” to veteran Sunday School teachers, mission leaders, children’s choir workers, deacons, and committee members. Some seats of participation and shoes of responsibility that were full just a few months ago, are now vacant.

As we say a heart-felt “goodbye” to those who are leaving us, we have the privilege of saying an enthusiastic “hello” to those who are joining us. Each week we are blessed to have new friends and families who are visiting with us. Many of these new friends have or will choose to make First Baptist their church home. Welcome them to our worship services. Welcome them to your Bible study group. Welcome them to your table of hospitality and friendship.

While it is no secret that the post-hurricane economy has presented many challenges to area families and businesses, your giving has been steady and consistent. Even in a season such as this, gifts toward our ministry action budget are on target and you have given additional gifts of over $950,000 to the ROC. Your faithful stewardship reflects your love for God, your love for the church, and your excitement about the future.

On June 3 we begin our Summer Sunday Morning Series, “Fishing from the Other Side of the Boat.” In addition to our worship opportunities on summer Sunday mornings, we have special events, discipleship opportunities, and concerts scheduled on Sunday evenings throughout the summer. Wednesday evenings are a time of feasting and fellowship, and also a great occasion for introducing new friends and neighbors to community life at First Baptist Church.

There are many exciting opportunities for you to be involved in activities, mission projects, and ministries this summer:
*Be a faithful participant in worship all summer.
*Choose to get involved in the ministries, mission projects, and activities that nurture your emerging spiritual passion.
*Invite a friend, neighbor, or colleague to join you for worship and Bible study.
*Pray for a storm-free summer.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5 NIV

"Who is in God's Family Portrait?"

Sunday is Founder’s Day. During our worship services we will be recognizing those members of our Heritage Club, those who have been members of First Baptist Church for 50 years or more. We are grateful for veteran Christians who have served the Lord faithfully across the generations, setting a good example for us as they let the light of Christ shine in their lives.

In our worship services this Sunday we will focus on treasuring our past and embracing our future. Our heritage and our future are both conceived in Christ, but the two are not identical twins. At First Baptist we can embrace our future by listening to the Spirit’s creative leadership for our day and by looking for God to act with surprising grace in our church, in our community, and within our culture.

In a few days, we will be receiving our new church directories, a collection of your family portraits that form a composite of our church family. This Sunday we will be asking, “Who is in God’s Family Portrait?” as we explore Acts 11:1-18. I think we will discover that God’s family will be more diverse and more inclusive than we have previously known. In fact, life in God’s family is more colorful, more adventuresome, and more meaning-filled than you or I could ever imagine.

Speaking of family, Britt Young, has deep roots in our FBC family. Last Sunday, Britt celebrated his 5th Anniversary as our Minister of Students. Thank you Britt for the many lives you have positively influenced during your tenure here.

Even during the months of ongoing construction, the Lord is growing us as a family of faith. Invite a friend to come explore family life with you at First Baptist this Sunday.

Setting Your Pace

Spring is here and summer is on the way. For many of us, the warmer seasons mean an increase in activities. If we are not careful, we can become physically exhausted and spiritually empty. How can we manage our calendars and set our pace so that our lives do not merely consist of frantic and frenzied busyness? Consider these suggestions for regulating your pace:

*Designate daily quiet times for prayer, meditation, and reflection.
*Determine to say “no” to some good things in order to say “yes” to some better things.
*Decide to be where you are mentally and spiritually, rather than mentally jumping ahead to your next stop or your next appointment.
*Discover the sights, sounds, opportunities, and people you would otherwise bypass if you zipped by in a hurry.

Time is a God-given gift to be invested wisely and never wasted trivially. But one of the wisest investments of time is to re-think and revise how we spend it. In Ken Gire’s book, Windows of the Soul, he offers a “A Prayer for Solitude” that expresses our desire for the right pace and the right perspective:

Help me, O God,

To be a still axis in the wheel of activities that revolves around my life
Deliver me from distractions, which are many,
and lead me to a quiet place of devotion at your feet.
Teach me how to pause at more windows.
I know I won’t see everything,
but help me see something.
So much passes me by
without attention, let alone, appreciation;
without reflection, let alone, reverence;
without thought, let alone, thankfulness.
Slow me down, Lord, so that I may see the windows in roller rinks
and the overarching grandeur of your image
in the Sistine Chapel of the soul…

May the Lord grant us a place to serve and a pace that will keep us serving, learning, and growing for the rest of our lives.

International Vespers This Sunday Evening

A few weeks ago we welcomed Dr. Minh Lam as the new pastoral leader of our Vietnamese Fellowship. In a short period of time, Dr. and Mrs. Lam have been embraced by our English-speaking members and our Vietnamese-speaking members.

In addition to leading in worship, discipleship, and evangelism with our Vietnamese Fellowship, Dr. Lam also works with our team of ministers in providing pastoral care and participating in hospital visitation.

This Sunday evening at six o’clock in the sanctuary our Vietnamese Fellowship will join with our English speaking congregation for a unique experience of worship. Dr. Lam will be preaching. We will share the Lord’s Supper and celebrate the baptism of some of the newest members of our church family. Bring the whole family as we participate in this global experience of worship.

On Sunday morning, we will continue our series Following in the Footsteps of Jesus as we ask “How Do You Recognize the Voice of God?”

Invite a new friend to join you as we gather for Bible study and worship.

Baby Boom 2007!

Almost every week we are welcoming a new baby into the world and into our church family. There are little bundles of blessings all over our congregation.

During our worship services last Sunday we shared in yet another time of Parent-Child Dedication. As a church family we affirmed a covenant to partner with the parents of our newborns who are committing to raise their children “in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.”

We also have a growing number of families interested in foster care. If you have an interest in providing a temporary home for children in transition, please contact Don Minton or Jean Ingram to get more information on foster care opportunities.

A few years ago a book was written proposing that It Takes A Village to raise a child. While I agree with the primary thesis, I am convinced that It Takes a Congregation, a healthy and vibrant spiritual community, to raise a child to follow in the footsteps of Jesus.

With this growing population of infants and toddlers comes the growing need to for faithful volunteers and workers in the nursery, in Bible study groups, for children’s activities, for summer camp, and for Vacation Bible School. Consider making a commitment to serve in children’s ministries where you can make a difference in the life of the next generation.

Going Global!

Confrontation with the resurrected Christ creates within believers’ hearts a wonder and joy, a feeling that surpasses all emotions! It does not just happen with a fast prayer, but it comes through meditation, studying scripture, prayer and allowing Christ to instruct us.

--Denton Lotz


Dr. and Mrs. Denton Lotz, retiring General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance, will be our guests this Sunday morning. Dr. Lotz, a long-time friend of our First Baptist family, will be sharing an update on Baptist work and witness around the globe.

The Baptist World Alliance is one of our many cooperative mission partners. The BWA strategically networks with diverse Baptists around the world in providing training and resources for doing missions and evangelism. The BWA is a fellowship of more than 200 Baptist conventions and unions comprising a membership of more than 36 million baptized believers and a community of more than 110 million Baptists worldwide.

Our First Baptist Family is involved in doing missions locally and globally. As summer approaches, pray for our career missionaries and our volunteer mission teams. Get involved in one of our many local mission opportunities. And consider signing up for one of the upcoming international mission trips.

Other notes:
1)“Experiencing Spiritual Breakthrus” is scheduled for April 20-21.
2) We continue to appreciate your patience and cooperation during the construction phase of the ROC.
3) Remember that we will celebrate Founder’s Day on May 6. Members of the Heritage Club will meet for lunch in Chipley Hall following the mid-morning service.

Invite a neighbor to join you as we gather for worship and Bible study this Sunday.

April Showers of Opportunities

Showers of opportunities are raining on our First Baptist family during the month of April. This Sunday, April 8, during each of our morning services we will be celebrating the resurrection of Christ. There are no services scheduled on Sunday evening so that you may celebrate Easter with friends and family. Invite a friend to join you on Easter Sunday as we gather for worship and Bible study.

Next Wednesday, April 11, our midweek topic is “Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way.” Ray Moore, T.A. Shell, and Roger Vinson will join me for a panel interview during this stewardship of life emphasis.

On Sunday April 15, we will hear from Dr. Denton Lotz. Dr. Lotz, retiring General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance, will be updating us on the witness and work of Baptists around the globe.

We are just two weeks away from “Experiencing Spiritual Breakthrus,” a Bible study experience for all ages which will focus on our need to experience a breakthrough of God’s presence and power in various areas of our lives. This multigenerational seminar is scheduled for Friday, April 20 and Saturday, April 21 and is a part of the Walk Through the Bible Series. Registration forms are available at the designated table in the Atrium or in the church office.

Throughout this week, the cross on the north lawn of our campus has been draped with the various colors of Holy Week. As you prepare for Sunday, remember to bring flowers for the flowering of the cross this Sunday as we highlight the new life we have in the risen Lord.

The wonder of Easter is as real and certain as sunrise. “He lives!” is the very definition of significance. –Calvin Miller

Walk Slowly Through Holy Week

This week is Holy Week. Walk slowly and reflect on the passion of Christ. During this crucial week, I encourage you to join Christians around the world in re-visiting the biblical events and experiences leading up to the death, burial and resurrection of Christ.

Each day of Holy Week is important but at least four days call for deep and disciplined reflection. Palm Sunday is a day to recall the royal welcome and the chorus of praise extended to Jesus as he entered Jerusalem. Maundy Thursday commemorates the washing of disciples’ feet by Jesus as he gave them a new mandate to love and serve. Good Friday is a day to revisit the passion and suffering of Christ on the cross. And Resurrection Sunday, or Easter, is a festive day to celebrate and proclaim that “Christ is risen; He is risen indeed.”

In the book, The Gift of Worship, the author calls Christians to walk slowly and intentionally toward their observance of the resurrection: Holy Week services bring into focus dimensions of discipleship that are missed completely by a simple leap from Palm Sunday to Easter. Worship services which take seriously the truths of Maundy Thursday and Good Friday please God because they challenge a greater commitment and a more comprehensive ministry of compassion among the people of God.

As you journey through Holy Week, reflect on the whole story of the experiences of Jesus. Take time to listen to the diverse voices in the crowd. Hear again the words of Jesus and ponder his days in Jerusalem. Meditate on the injustice of the cross. Marvel again at the mystery of the resurrection.

Holy Week is a great time to participate in worship services at various churches across town. And as we prepare to celebrate the resurrection, invite a friend to join you as we gather for worship and Bible study on Easter Sunday.

Twenty Years and Counting

On March 15, 1987, Bob and Annette Morrison began serving at First Baptist Church of Pensacola, Bob as Minister of Music and Annette as his administrative assistant. This Sunday, March 25 our church will celebrate Bob and Annette’s 20th anniversary at First Baptist.

Currently, Bob serves as Associate Minister, primarily expressing leadership in the areas of music, worship, and media. Along with each of our staff ministers, Bob assists with hospital visitation, prospect contacts, memorial services, and weddings. And Annette continues to bring strong organizational and planning skills to our music department as Bob’s administrative assistant.

This week during each of our morning worship services, we will take a moment to express our gratitude to Bob and Annette. Then, on Sunday evening, we will gather in Chipley Hall for an Anniversary Reception where we will revisit some fun and serious moments from across the years.

Our congregation looks forward to many more good years of ministry alongside Bob and Annette Morrison.

Invite a friend to join you as we gather for worship and Bible study on Sunday morning, and make plans to join us for the reception on Sunday evening.

Enjoy A Safe and Refreshing Spring Break!

This is an exciting week as we adjust to the earlier edition of Daylight Savings Time, as many of our students enjoy Spring Break, and we watch the construction of our first ROC wall. That’s right. The construction phase of the ROC is officially underway as the first of many new interior walls has now been framed. Construction will progress inside the existing structure for the next few weeks. Then, during the week following Easter, work will begin on the new addition.

On Sunday evening, we will meet at six o’clock for Vespers in Pleitz Chapel. Our guests will be Carolyn Anderson and Ray Johnson, representing one of our multiple mission partners. Carolyn has been a long-time friend to our church as she has served in many capacities in Florida Baptist life and more recently as coordinator for the Florida Cooperative Baptist Fellowship. Ray is former missionary to the Philippines, former pastor of Riverside Baptist Church in Miami and now the newly elected coordinator of the Florida CBF. Ray will share a devotional message during Vespers. After Vespers we will enjoy a reception in the Atrium as we express appreciation to Carolyn on her retirement and as we welcome Ray to his new assignment.

We will continue our series Deep Questions for a Deeper Faith on Sunday morning as we ask “Would You Leave the Ninety Nine?” from Luke 15:1-7.

If you are traveling on a vacation or to visit family members during Spring Break, travel safely and enjoy a time of physical and spiritual refreshing. If you have friends or guests in town this week, invite them to join you as we gather for worship and Bible study this Sunday.

Stretch, Yawn, and Come On!

Spring Forward this Sunday! Whether you choose to adjust your clocks at bedtime on Saturday evening, or you actually make the official adjustment at 2:00 a.m. on Sunday, this is the weekend that marks the beginning of Daylight Savings Time.

This year, DST begins in March rather than April. Many of us have made sure to update the calendars on our computers to make sure there are not Y2K-type glitches. But we must also prepare to adjust our body clocks and our alarm clocks to the new time. Be sure to set your alarm and resist the temptation to sleep late this Sunday. This Sunday yawning is welcome and momentary dozing will be forgiven. Stretch, yawn, and come on to worship and to Bible study, as we transition to DST together.

On Sunday evening, we will meet at six o’clock in Chipley Hall for our church wide Chili Supper and an inspirational interview with Kelly Murray and Cheryl Lauer, both of whom have recently returned from military assignments.

We will continue our series Deep Questions for a Deeper Faith on Sunday morning as we think on the question “Do You Think They Were Worse Sinners?” from Luke 13:1-9.

Invite a friend to join you as we gather for worship and Bible study this Sunday.

Integrity on Tour and Beyond

When members of the PGA Tour think of integrity, they inevitably think of Joe Durant. Durant, who began his professional career in 1987, has competed on the Nike Tour and PGA Tour since 1993. And while Durant enjoys winning a golf tournament, he doesn’t let his status as tour professional interfere with his priority commitments to his faith and his family.

A few weeks ago I had the privilege of interviewing Joe Durant on “Religion for the Public Square,” a program appearing weekly on WUWF, the University of West Florida television station. My co-host, Rabbi Leonard Zukrow, joined me in talking with Durant about ethics and integrity in professional sports.

Durant is a native of Pensacola, Florida who played golf at Escambia County High School and Huntingdon College. After a discouraging start as a professional golfer, Durant spent some time soul-searching before returning to the tour. Upon his return, Durant has consistently ranked near the top in driving accuracy and greens hit in regulation.

Chosen by his peers to serve on the policy committee for the PGA Tour, Durant is highly respected for his integrity. As a conscientious person of faith, Durant has been careful to keep his success on the golf course in perspective. He chooses corporate sponsors with intentionality, he prioritizes and nurtures family relationships, and he contributes time and resources generously to community organizations.

In the second half of 2006, Durant was the hottest golfer on tour, getting 7 top ten finishes, winning the Disney Funai Classic, and coming in second at the Tour Championship. He completed the 2006 season at thirteenth on the money list and moved up to 32nd in the World Golf Rankings. The win at Funai was his first tour win since winning the Bob Hope Classic and the Doral Open in 2001. Last year as Durant was approaching the 18th green in Orlando, the television analysts noted how appropriate it was for Durant to win at Disney because Durant is known for his family values.

Family is among Durant’s highest priorities. Durant loves spending time with his wife and children. To nurture family relationships, the Durant family has a rule that Joe will not be away from family for more than two weeks at a time. On those rare occasions where the Joe’s schedule does not include a planned break, Durant flies the family to join him on tour. In fact, Durant has been known to pass up an opportune tour event to spend quality time with family during a holiday week or weekend.

With gratitude for his success on the tour, Durant has given much back to the community. Durant is actively involved in junior golf programs, especially First Tee, an organization that “provides young people of all backgrounds an opportunity to develop life-enhancing values such as confidence, perseverance and judgment through golf and character education.”

Durant is also an avid supporter of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Each year the Northwest Florida chapter of FCA hosts the Joe Durant Classic, a tournament underwritten by Durant to support the ministry of FCA throughout the year. At the tournament Durant not only greets the golfers, he participates in the entire tournament, playing a hole or two with each team throughout the day, and sharing in a question and answer time just before prizes are awarded.

Like many professional athletes, Durant’s generosity is not limited to his own community. Last year when Durant placed sixth in the Zurich Classic of New Orleans, he donated his entire winnings, $248,000 toward Hurricane Katrina Relief.

While many professional athletes make the headlines for their inappropriate behavior, there are many more professional athletes who are guided by their faith and who consistently live according to strong moral, ethical, and family values. Whether on tour or at home, Joe Durant is one of those down-to-earth guys who represents the world of sports with class, character, and integrity.

From Eufaula to Pensacola...Good Things Are Happening

Amanda and I arrived home in Pensacola earlier today after spending a few days in the charming town of Eufaula, Alabama where I had the privilege of sharing in the revival services at First Baptist Church. Dr. Ken Bush and his wife, Joyce, have been exceedingly gracious hosts. Ken is one of the most respected pastors in Alabama and has served faithfully here for 27 years. And you may recall that Joyce is the sister of our own Jean Ingram. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting better acquainted with Ken and Joyce, and with this vibrant healthy church family in Eufaula.

Amanda and I have met many of your friends and relatives here, along with former (and perhaps, future) members of FBC Pensacola. We enjoyed a series of refreshing worship services at noon and in the evenings. We have also heard good words about the services in Pensacola last Sunday, especially Charlie Johnson’s message on worship and the Singspiration on Sunday evening. Then we heard that our Bulgaria Mission Team did a great job sharing testimonies and stories about their recent mission trip. And, as always, our ministerial team does a great job of caring for the burdens and needs of our congregation. Amanda and I are looking forward to worshipping alongside our church family this weekend.

As we prepare for a big weekend in Pensacola remember the following:

• Atrium Express begins this Sunday morning.
• Parent/Child Dedication is scheduled for our morning services.
• On Sunday evening we meet in Chipley for a reception to welcome Dr. and Mrs. Lam.

This Sunday morning we begin a new series addressing Deep Questions for a Deeper Faith. The first message explores the saga of Abraham and Sarah and asked, “Does God Have a Surprise for You?”

There are many opportunities in March for us to grow in faith and friendship. Invite a friend to join you as we gather for worship and Bible study this Sunday.

There's A March Wind Blowing

As the winds of March indicate the coming of spring in Pensacola, so the gentle breeze of the Spirit indicates an upcoming season of new growth and spiritual vitality in our First Baptist Family.

At the beginning of March, we will welcome Dr. Minh Lam to our church staff as an Associate Minister. Dr. Lam will serve primarily as the Pastoral Leader for our Vietnamese Fellowship, but he will also assist other members of our ministerial team with outreach, evangelism, and pastoral care. Dr. Lam is well-known among Vietnamese Christians for his teaching, his preaching, and his international radio broadcasts. Some have referred to Dr. Lam as the “Billy Graham of the Vietnamese world.” We will join with our Vietnamese Fellowship in hosting a welcome reception for Dr. and Mrs. Lam on March 4.

Construction work on the ROC is beginning. The first few days of work will consist primarily of internal prep work inside the existing structure. Then we will see big machinery coming our way. Following Easter, work will begin on the new addition. These will be exciting months as we watch the ROC become a reality one week at a time with a completion time near the end of 2007.

As the ROC is shaping up right before our eyes, many of our classes and groups will continue to meet for extended months in alternative spaces and crowded locations. For a smooth and harmonious season of construction we asked that everyone practice patience, flexibility, and cooperation. If you get nudged out of your comfort zone, let that experience promote you to your next level of spiritual growth.

On March 4, we will launch Atrium Express, which will encourage a brief time for fellowship in the Atrium prior to the Early Service and “en route” to Bible Study. Coffees and assorted drinks will be available as you visit friends and guests just before the Early Service and as you greet friends and “en route” to your Bible study group. Our aim is to provide positive moments for fellowship as we provide quality opportunities for Bible study and discipleship.

In March we begin a new worship series which will explore “Deep Questions for a Deeper Faith.” Invite a friend to join you as we experience the breeze of the Spirit.

Being Sweethearts for Life

On Valentine’s Day sweethearts of all ages exchange cards and gifts to affirm and celebrate their affection for one another. Some will give roses, while others receive chocolates. This morning I awakened to find a home-made Valentine Card from my sweetheart of 22 years on my desk. Later in the morning I observed high school students meeting in the local bagel shop before school sharing a muffin and frappacino. And while sitting in traffic at a busy intersection I observed delivery vans from local florists en route to deliver Valentine bouquets.

As a pastor who performs a few dozen wedding ceremonies each year, I meet with the engaged couples to encourage them on the road to a positive long-term marriage relationship. Unfortunately a few of those relationships break down and end in dissolution. But the vast majority stick together, with a large percentage enjoying a life long partnership.

In our church family we are blessed to have dozens of couples who have been married for fifty years or more. One couple recently celebrated their seventy fifth wedding anniversary. As Valentine’s Day approached this week, we asked our veteran sweethearts, “What are the keys to a long-term, happy marriage?” Here are some of their responses:

· Love and respect for one another.
· Be devoted and committed to the marriage.
· Have faith in God and follow His teachings.
· Keep Christ at the center of your marriage/home.
· Stay connected with your church family.
· Establish and maintain trust.
· Be patient with each other.
· Be equally yoked.
· Keep your priorities in perspective.
· Look at issues from the other person’s point of view.
· Have tenacity.
· A good relationship always involves “give and take”; selfishness will not work.
· Consider the needs of your spouse before your own needs.
· Take one day at a time; life is not easy.
· Ride out the bumps in life together.
· Choose friends with similar values.
· Don’t go to bed angry or upset.
· Play together.
· Work through your finances together; things belong to both of you.
· Remember your vows; saying “I do” translates to “We will work together.”

The advice of these veteran sweethearts gives me a good word to share with young couples. And listening to the stories of these veteran sweethearts causes me to look forward to many adventuresome years with my Valentine.

Look On the Sunny South Side

For many months the south side of our campus has been undergoing renovation. The work could be completed as soon as this Sunday. The landscape will be more attractive. Parking on the south side will be more convenient. A new circle drive has been created which will serve as a much needed dropoff point. A covered walkway will lead to the entrance through the arcade on the ground level. These temporary renovations will serve us well until we move toward the next level of our master plan.

This Sunday you will see more plants and greenery in our services and around our campus, a timely reminder that spring is just around the corner. Also, you will notice that much needed additional aisle space has been created in both of our worship services. This will make our worship space more safe, welcoming and user-friendly for all who participate.

We will observe National Scout Sunday on February 11 as we recognize our Boy Scouts and leaders from Troop 10. In addition to the scouts from our fellowship, we look forward to welcoming the scouts and parents from Zion Hope Baptist Church who will be our guests in the midmorning service.

Next Wednesday is Valentine’s Day. Various choirs, mission groups, and student groups will be meeting all around campus. For those who can join us for Prayer Meeting, our topic will be “Love is More Than a Second-Hand Emotion.”

This Sunday morning we continue our series Great Invitations from Isaiah as we focus on Isaiah 48:16-19, “Come and Listen.”

Invite a neighbor to join you as we meet for worship and Bible study.

Proceed Slowly: Construction Zone Ahead

Get ready! Our construction zone is about to come alive with the sights and sounds of progress. In the next few days, the construction phase on the ROC will begin. Work on the Paul Royal Recreation and Outreach Center has been at a standstill as our contractors, architects, and committees have been getting new prices and estimates due the rising costs of building materials. In church conference on Wednesday evening our church gave overwhelming approval to a new ROC budget. Construction is just a few days away.

During the upcoming months of construction, each of us will be called on to remain flexible, to make sacrifices, and to exercise extraordinary patience. For example, many Bible study groups will continue to meet in temporary and sometimes crowded spaces. On many Wednesday evenings, our adults will transition to Pleitz Chapel so that our AWANA group can utilize Chipley Hall for activities. Our transition times on Sunday morning will be planned in a way to expedite the traffic flow. Your patience, flexibility, and cooperation are will allow us to maximize our experiences in worship, Bible study, and other activities.

Spring is on the way and you will soon see an upgrade in the plants and greenery in our services and around our campus. Also, you will notice that there will be some much needed additional aisle space created in both of our worship services. This expanded space will enhance mobility and accessibility for all who participate in worship.

For more than a year, we have been searching and praying for a new pastoral leader for our Vietnamese Fellowship. On Wednesday evening we affirmed a call to Dr. Lam from Austin, Texas to join our ministry staff. On Sunday evening March 4, we will join with our Vietnamese Fellowship in hosting a church wide reception to welcome Dr. and Mrs. Lam to our church and community.

This Sunday morning we begin a new series called “Great Invitations from Isaiah.” On Sunday evening in Pleitz Chapel, our Staff Quintet will sing and our message will focus on “Looking at Yourself from the Inside Out.”

Invite a friend to join you as we meet for worship and Bible study.

"Closing Words" Revelation 22:12-21

(These are the brief notes from Bible study on Sunday evening January 28.)


For review:
1. Primarily, the Revelation is a book of worship, comfort, and encouragement.
2. From the letters to the seven churches, we are reminded that every church has specific strengths and weaknesses, unique blessings and challenges.
3. Trials and tribulations much like those from the era in which the Revelation was written have occured at various times in history and will likely occur again in the future.
4. God is the only unchanging presence or factor in the drama. Seasons change. Circumstances come and go. The character and mission of God is steadfast and dependable.

Outline:
1. The testimony: Jesus is the root of David, a messianic reference, and the Bright and Morning Star. God is described as Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. v. 16
2. The invitation: The Spirit and the bride, that is, the church, give the invitation, "Let whoever is willing come and take of the water of life freely." v.17
3. The warning: The warning for adding or taking away from these words is that you will encounter the plagues listed therein. v.18
4. The promise: "I am coming soon." Soon is a relative term but certainly indicates an affirmative promise. It could be a specific term referring to Jesus receiving a believer immediately at the time of death, and/or a reference to Jesus returning to retrieve believers at a future point. v.20
5. The benediction: The grace of God be with God’s people. v. 21

Be assured that your circumstances in life may change several times but God's grace will be with you in all seasons.

7th Heaven Revelation 21:1-8,15-28

(The following is the powerpoint outline of the sermon from Sunday January 28.)

Ultimately John catches a glimpse of the new world God has created, an existence where God’s community is complete.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."
-Revelation 21:3-4 NIV

1. In heaven, God’s people live in perfect harmony and community with God and each other.

2. In heaven, pain and tears and death are conspicuously absent.

3. The architecture and landscape are presented as permanent and abundant.

4. All whose names are in the book for life have an eternal address in heaven.

The invitation is still open. It echos the ministry of Jesus who said, “I will give you water to drink and you will never thirst again.” The Revelation concludes with this invitation: The Spirit says “come” and the bride says “come;” let whosoever will come and take of the water of life freely. Revelation 22:17 (paraphrase)

Live your life, your ordinary life in this world, in tune with God and God’s purpose so that you are fully prepared for the world to come.

Smile and Get Ready to ROC!

Smile when you have your portrait made for our new Church Directory. Pictorial albums promote fellowship, provide resourceful information, and preserve an important segment of church history. We want every participant in our First Baptist Family to be included in our new directory.

In recent weeks the ROC has been at a standstill as our contractors and architects have been busy with permitting and re-pricing. As many of us have anticipated, with rising cost of materials, our budget for the Paul Royal Recreation and Outreach Center will need to be increased significantly. In our next church conference on Wednesday January 31, we will hear the most recent numbers as we have an opportunity to consider a new budget. Once a new budget is affirmed, the construction phase is ready to begin.

In the next few weeks, you should be contacted by your new family deacon. According to Kemp Wilson, our new Deacon Family Ministry coordinator, 80% of our deacons have just received their new assignments for 2007 and the remainder of our deacons will receive their assignments during the next couple of weeks. Among many other ministries, your family deacon will be praying for you.

We encourage all members of committees and ministry teams to participate in our Leadership Workshop which is scheduled for this Sunday January 28 at 5 o’clock in Chipley Hall. Our workshop will provide an orientation to committee structures and assignments for 2007.

Our Winter Bible Study, Rediscovering the Revelation, continues this Sunday as we focus on “7th Heaven” as described in Revelation 21. On Sunday evening at six o’clock we will meet in the sanctuary for Bible study and baptism.

Invite a friend or neighbor to join you this Sunday.

The Characters of Evil in the Revelation

(This is an outline of the Bible study from Sunday evening, January 21, 2007.)

This evening we hope to address some important symbols: the beast(s), false prophet, and the great prostiture. If we have time, we will address the notions of Jezebel, anti-Christ and the lake of fire.

Next week we will meet in the sanctuary for a summary of the Revelation and for baptism.

In review:
1. Apocalypse: The word translated Revelation is apokalupsis, which literally means a drawing aside of the veil to disclose some hidden sight. It is like the opening of the curtain on some drama, but the drama in question is not a man-made play but God-made history. –Wm. Barclay
2. Letters to the churches: Record of epistles to seven of the 12-15 churches in Asia are included in this book.
3. Groups of seven: Symbols such as the letters, plagues, seals, scrolls, etc., are rendered in groups of seven.
4. Other characters: The stars or angels are messengers; the lampstands are the churches or the testimony of the churches; the lamb is Christ.

Introduction:
Nature of evil: Systemic
Method of evil: Deceit and Manipulation
Future of evil: Eliminated

Outline:
1. Beast: (Revelation 13:13-18) Represents systemic evil in an unjust government or economy, an economy based on religious discrimination.

2. False prophet: (Rev 19:20) Represents systemic evil in an unfaithful religion. The false prophet works in tandem with the beast. Historically, close alliances between church and state have proven corruptive to both. This is yet another reason Baptists have contended for separation of church and state.

3. The great prostitute or harlot: (Rev 17:1-2) Represents systemic evil in a culture or human collective. Referred to like the culture of Babylon, this represents a collective human movement that is the antithesis of the bride of Christ.

4. AntiChrist: Supposedly represents any person or system that aggressively opposes Christianity.

5. Lake of fire: This is a dramatic reference to the torment of unbelievers and evildoers.
John seems to indicate that persecutors can burn you at the stake but in the end, they will end up in the lake of fire. The image of a lake of fire is in direct contrast to the river of life. (For further study I recommend Harold Bryson’s book, Yes, Virginia, There Is a Hell, which is also published under the title, The Christian Doctrine of Hell.)

Closing remarks:
Work for social and economic justice in Jesus’ name.
Avoid supposing that religious groups different from you are false.
Because we do not know when the end will come, make everyday count.

Preparing for the Ultimate Audit Revelation 20:11-15

(This is the powerpoint outline for Sunday morning, January 21, 2007.)

John vision in the Revelation includes a scene of final judgment where personal records from human lives are opened for God to audit.

And then I saw all the dead, great and small, standing there—before the Throne! And books were opened. Then another book was opened: the Book of Life. The dead were judged by what was written in the books, by the way they had lived.
-Revelation 20:12 TM

1. Every human being from every age is accountable to God.

Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
-Hebrews 9:27-28 NIV

My greatest thought is my accountability to God. Daniel Webster

2. In final judgment the books or records of life are opened for audit.

3. God is the divine auditor.

4. Jesus balances the books of his followers.
We are not capable of being good enough to deserve the life God has prepared. Christ becomes the great equalizer and redeemer who forgives our sins and invites us to embrace God's way of life and ultimately God's new world.

How do you prepare for the divine audit?
1) Confess your sins and receive God’s forgiveness.
2) Make right any outstanding trespasses or debts.
3) Align your life with teachings and mission of Christ.

The most worthy use of our time and resources this side of heaven is to be engaged in the mission of God in the world.

How Do You Prepare for an Audit?

Last weekend, an energetic and enthusiastic crew insured that our Habitat Project got off to a great start. This Saturday presents another opportunity to work on our Habitat House. Every member of our church family can play an important role by praying, by preparing food, or by participating in on site construction.

In cooperation with the Northwest Florida Blood Center, our First Baptist family is hosting a Winter Blood Drive on Sunday January 21. Over 50 donors have signed up already. If your health history qualifies you to contribute, please consider becoming a donor. Your contribution could save more than one life.

We are looking forward to the publication of our new Church Pictorial Directory. Pictorial albums promote fellowship, provide resourceful information, and preserve an important segment of church history. Be sure to make an appointment for you and your family to have your portrait made. Our new directories should be available by Mother’s Day.

Our Winter Bible Study, Rediscovering the Revelation, has been probing, encouraging, and extremely well-attended. This Sunday morning we think about “Preparing for the Ultimate Audit” as we focus on Revelation 20:11-15.

Invite a friend to join you for worship and Bible study this week.

Letters to Smyrna and Pergamum

( The following is an outline of notes from the Bible study on the evening of January 17, 2007.)

Review:

Remember that each letter is to a church with a unique context, each having specific strengths and weaknesses. These churches were challenged to make course corrections and believers were challenged toward endurance. Generally, the letters follow the pattern of rebuke, invitation, affirmation, promise.

Part One: Letter to Smyrna Revelation 2:8-11

1. Location: Located approximately 40 miles due north of Ephesus, Smyrna is considered one of the most beautiful and wealthiest cities in Asia, Smyrna was home to magnificent temples built to the Greek deities Apollo, Aphrodite, and Zeus. Smyrna was the hometown of Homer. Touted as a city that was entirely loyal to Rome, Cicero notes in that Smyrna was always faithful to their treaties and alliances. Some believe that the city is among the first to practice emperor worship. Ironically or providentially, scholars believe Smyrna is the oldest continual Christian witness in the church.
2. Rebuke: There is no harsh rebuke. There is a gentle reprimand for them not to feel inferior in the face of Greek culture. You (the church) think of yourself as poor, but you are rich in Christ.
3. Invitation: “Do not fear…be faithful unto death.” (Note the biography of Polycarp, Bishop of Smyrna, who courageously made a public affirmation of faith which led to his execution).
4. Affirmation: “The crown of life is yours.” This is a reminder is that the reward of faithful endurance is to experience life, eternally, as God intended.
5. Promise: You are secure from the second death. “Second death” is a rabbinic phrase used only in Revelation. The second death refers to separation from the eternal life prepared in Christ. It is specifically referenced in this drama as a casting into the lake of fire.

Part Two: Letter to Pergamum Revelation 2:12-17

1. Location: Located 45 miles north of Smyrna, Pergamum was the ancient capital of Asia. It was a cultural center that exceeded both Ephesus and Smyrna. A library, second in size only to the one in Alexandria, Egypt was located in Pergamum. The library contained over 200,000 volumes, remarkable in a world where books were written and copied by hand. Noted for Caesar worship, the city had a temple built 30 years before Christ, dedicated to the deity of Caesar Augustus. The term, “Satan’s temple” in v. 13 could refer to Caesar’s temple or to the statue to Zeus, a statue 20 feet high and 90 feet wide.
2. Rebuke: You have tolerated some who are like Balaam, stumblingblocks who lead others into idolatry or sexual immorality, and you have those among you who follow the Nicolaitans, trying to separate soul and body, or belief and action.
3. Invitation: Repent! Cease your toleration of these who advocate acts of idolatry. Don’t give room for these errant beliefs that accommodate a lustful lifestyle.
4. Affirmation: I know your name (reputation) and that you have remained true (or faithful) in spite of the severe persecution, even the death of Antipas (an early martyr).
5. Promise: I will give to you hidden manna…bread from heaven…the bread of life. You do not need to eat bread offered to idols. (There was a notion that manna would fall from heaven during the messianic age.) I will give you a white stone with a new or secret name. White stones were symbols of hospitality and friendship, signs of God’s favor and blessing. God gave a new name to represent the strengthening or the transformation of character.

Concluding remarks:
Each church is challenged to be faithful in seasons of prosperity and adversity.
All Christian churches are to encourage and demonstrate strong moral values.
Listen for the voice of the spirit speaking to us as a church, not just me as an individual.

The Seals, The Bowls, The Remnant

(The following is a copy of the notes which guided our discussion in Bible study on Sunday evening, January 14.)

This evening we hope to address some important symbols: Remnant, vials, and seals.
Next week we will deal with the terms Jezebel, beast, and antichrist.

In review:
1. Apocalypse: The word translated Revelation is apokalupsis, which literally means a drawing aside of the veil to disclose some hidden sight. It is like the opening of the curtain on some drama, but the drama in question is not a man-made play but God-made history. –Wm. Barclay

2. Place in canon: The main objection to the Revelation has always been on the ground of its unintelligibility. The Apocalypse, said Jerome, has "as many mysteries as words" (Letters 53:9) A despairing scholar said that the study of the Revelation either finds a man mad or leaves him so. H. B. Swete relates how he heard Benson tell of the answer of an intelligent reader to the question, "What is the form the book presents to you?" The answer was, "It is chaos". The result is that in modern times the Revelation has either been completely neglected, or it has become the playground of the religious eccentrics in their attempts to draw out time schedules of the last days. -Wm. Barclay, Many Witnesses

3. Symbolism and fantasy: Its images and symbols are forms of fantasy rather than reality, and its language is cryptic, metaphorical, and highly symbolic. These symbols are not drawn from our modern world, but from the language, experience, and cultural "pool" of the ancient world. The assumptions that underlie those symbols are likewise not those of a modern scientific world view of the 21st century Western world, but those of the Ancient Near East of 2,000 years ago. Strange multiheaded beasts, weird creatures, dragons, and odd combinations of normal images (locusts with scorpion’s tails and human heads) are common ways of writing. It purposely presents a world that does not exist except as a means of communication.

4. Cosmology: According to Dr. Robbins, “we struggle between in the movement between the earthly sphere and heavenly sphere. Because of our cosmology, we think of heaven as up. So when the writer goes to heaven, we think that he must go up and leave the earth. John was a prophet and to him spiritual reality is applicable at any time, at all times. Heaven is not just a place. It is also a condition- where God is. Heaven is not limited by time and space.”

Outline:
1. Seals: Rev 6:1 – 8:1 The seals are signposts, a way of marking significant events. The opening of the seals indicates the issuing of divine judgment. These are historical-prophetical events. They happened in history and they will happen any time when circumstances are the same or similar.

2. Vials or bowls: In Revelation 5:8 there is a mention of the bowls or vials.
a. The KJV calls it a bowl of odours or fragrances which is the prayers of the saints. Not one prayer has escaped God’s notice.
b. There is no prayer that we have prayed to God which is wasted. No prayer is unheard, no tear is unnoticed.

3. Remnant: Revelation 7:1-8
a. This passage is commonly called the first interlude, an explanation between the sixth and seventh seal.
b. Who are those who are sealed? What does it mean “chosen people”? Are these persons Jews, in the literal sense?
c. Those have seals on there foreheads being the most conspicuous and noticeable place. Also indicates a place visible on men, women, and children. (Note that the mark of the traitor is also on forehead.)
d. According to Dr. Robbins, 1000 is usually used to denote a large and complete number. Twelve is the number of the church. There are twelve tribes and twelve disciples or apostles. This square of 12 multiplied by 1000 is typical of a large perfect number. It suggests totality, completeness, or fullness as well as diversity within an essential unity. The 144,000 stands in the vision for God’s elect, the entire congregation of the redeemed on earth during the end time. It is an ideal number denoting that the group is complete, yet unlimited. Not one was missing. The twelve tribes symbolizes the true Israel which is made up of all peoples, nations, and languages.
e. Interpretation:
1) To us the number may seem limited, but to them, it was a large number like 7 times 70.
2) You are not alone. That is John’s primary communication.
3) Every single person who was faithful to Christ made it to the new realm, the new dimension with God.

Summary remarks:
The book is written to strengthen the church, the entire body of believers, and not just private members of the body.
The purpose is to encourage those who are experiencing trials, tribulation, or persecution, especially the temptation to forsake or recant the faith.
The eternal perspective we glean from John’s words changes the way we perceive our current reality, especially our temporary circumstances.

An Outline of the Revelation

(The following outline was adapted from an earlier version published by Fortress Press in 1983.)

I. The Prologue (1:1-8)
II. The Prophetic Call (1:9-20)
III. The Letters to the Seven Churches (2:1-3:22)
IV. The Visions (4:1-22:5)
A. The Heavenly Court: The Glory of God and the Lamb, 4:1-5:14
B. The Seven Seals: Judgment on Sin, 6:1-8:1
C. The Seven Trumpets: God Calls to Repentance, 8:2-11:14
D. The Seven Visions of Conflict: The Establishment of God’s Kingdom, 11:15-13:8
1. The woman with child: the birth of Jesus, 12:1-2
2. The great red dragon: the enemy of Peace, 12:3-6
3. The war in heaven: the Cross, 12:7-12
4. The dragon, the woman, and her children: the struggle of God’s people, 12:13-17
5. The seven-headed beast from the sea: the power of Rome, 13:1-4
6. The war against the saints: persecutions, 13:5-10
7. The beast and his mark: corruption of the emperor and the dragon’s agents, 13:11-18
E. The Seven Visions of Mt. Zion: Assurance to God’s people, 14:1-20
F. The Seven Bowls of the Wrath of God: Security Amid Turmoil, 15:1-16:21
G. The Seven Visions of the Fall of Babylon: End of the Evil Empire, 17:1-19:10
H. The Seven Visions of Recompense: Celebration of Victory, 19:11-21:5a
I. The Holy City: Kingdom of God in a New Heaven and New Earth, 21:5b-22:5
V. The Epilogue (22:6-21)

Four Creatures You Won't See at the Zoo Revelation 4:1-11

(The following is the powerpoint outline from Sunday morning January 14.)

As John experiences a mysterious vision of cosmic worship, he learns that all of creation reflects the mystery and majesty of God.

1. The holiness of God is recognized: The holiness of God is known by all creation.

2. The harmony of the creation is restored: The harmonious response of creation and elders highlights the new rhythm of the new world.

3. Honor toward God is the only appropriate response: Genuine worship can inspire a worshiper to empty self of honor in order to honor God.

A human in the presence of God is going to feel one of two ways. Either you feel like a small, dirty object, or you lose thought of yourself altogether. The latter is by far preferable.
-C.S. Lewis

The God of past, present, and future is worthy of your passionate devotion and your faithful worship.

Letters to the Seven Churches: Ephesus

(These are notes from Bible study on January 10, 2007)

General introduction to the seven letters:
1. The angels or stars are the messengers and the lampstands are the churches.

2. The Revelation includes letters to seven churches, although scripture mentions five more churches.

3. Each church was unique with specific strengths and weaknesses.

4. Churches were challenged to make course corrections and believers were challenged to endure.


5. The letters follow the pattern of rebuke, invitation, affirmation, promise.


The Letter to Ephesus:

1. The first letter is to the church at Ephesus, a cultural center in the Roman empire.

2. The rebuke is your “you have lost your first love.”

3. The invitation is to "repent and return."

4. The affirmation is “you hate the lifestyle of the Nicolaitans.”

5. The promise is “to him who overcomes, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life.”

Re-Discovering the Revelation: An Introduction

(These are notes from the Sunday evening Bible study on January 7, 2007)

As we begin our Winter Bible Study in the Revelation, I suggest that you approach this study by doing three things:
1) Read the book in its entirety in at least two translations.
2) Think about these texts in dream language. Martin Martin reminds us that the Revelation is one of two or three books in the Bibles that calls itself a dream or a vision. Remarkable, many Christians interpret this dream book more literally than the non-dream books. “Try interpreting your dreams and you’ll see why people expound weird ideas on this book.”
3) Listen for what the Spirit is saying to us, collectively. Do not privatize the message as if it is only meant for you. Throughout the book, John urges, “Hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches.”

Among all of the source materials I will reference, I will rely heavily on these works to guide my study and preparation:

The Revelation, a commentary by Dr. Mitchell Reddish, chair of Religious Studies at Stetson University.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, by Dr. Ray Frank Robbins, past Professor of New Testament at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.

Making Sense of the Revelation, by Dr. William Turner, retired pastor of South Main Baptist Church in Houston, Texas, and currently Professor of Homiletics at Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky.

Introductory notes:
1. The Revelation is primarily a book of worship, comfort, and encouragement. The book is intended to offer strength and challenge to Christians in seasons of trial and tribulation. To use the book simply to strike fear is outside the original purpose and is a misuse of John’s visioni.
2. The author is John, often called the Revelator. While there is speculation as to whether this could be John the Apostle or John the Elder, our purposes of study are served to refer to the author as John.
3. The date of the writing is usually considered to be near the end of Domitian’s reign, perhaps around 95 AD.
4. The location is Patmos, a small Mediterranean Island located about 37 miles from Miletus. The island served as a penal colony. It is believed that John could have been banished there during the persecution, was later pardoned, and that he remained on the island during the time of writing.
5. The occasion of the writing is the persecution of the church during the reign of Domitian. This persecution was not a purge of Christians, as much as it was a punitive era against Christians who refused to worship the emperor.
6. The literature genre is apocalyptic. Apocalypse means the “revealing” or the “unveiling.” Apocalyptic literature may include prose, poetry, drama, epistle, and doxology.
7. The theme calls for believers to be faithful and persevere. Failure to recant one’s profession of faith could lead to execution but John encourages the believers to persevere, to endure, and to immerse themselves in their future with Christ.
8. The theology type is eschatology, or future hope in light of the consummation of all things.
9. There are four primary views or interpretations:
1) Preterist- interprets all events in the Revelation as historical.
2) Historical- interprets some events as historical, some as present, and some as futuristic
3) Futuristic- interprets events in Revelation as occurring in future dispensations
4) Symbolic- understands the stories of Revelation as only having symbolic or spiritual application
10. The Revelation is the 27th and final book in the New Testament canon.

Revelation 1:1-8 The Witness

1. The Revelation is the only book that promises a blessing to those who take the time to read it. Likewise, it is the only book that threatens a curse on anyone “who adds or takes away” from this message.
2. The Revelation refers to Jesus as “the faithful witness,” “the one who is, who was, and who is to come.”
3. The opening to the letter includes a greeting (v. 4-5a) and doxology (v.7). A doxology is an interjection or acclamation of praise.

On Wednesday evening, we will begin our investigation of the letters to the seven churches.

A Hammer, A Pint, and A Portrait

Get your hammers ready! Give a pint of blood! Make an appointment for your portrait!

This month our First Baptist Family begins building another Habitat House. Under the capable direction of project leader Kemp Wilson, work teams of all ages will gather to frame and finish a house that will become a much needed home for a Pensacola family. Every member of our church family can play an important role by praying, by preparing food, or by working at the construction site.

Also in January you have another opportunity to donate blood. In cooperation with the Northwest Florida Blood Center, we are hosting a Winter Blood Drive on January 21. If your health history qualifies you to contribute, please consider becoming a donor. Your contribution could save a life.

We are now making February appointments for Church Pictorial Directory portraits. A Church Pictorial Directory promotes fellowship, provides resourceful information, and preserves an important segment of church history. Every participant in our First Baptist Family is encouraged to have a portrait made. The new directories should be available by Mother’s Day.

This Sunday we continue Rediscovering the Revelation as we think about “Four Creatures You Won’t See at the Zoo.”

Invite a friend to join you for worship and Bible study this week.

When Worship Comes to Life

(This is a summary of the message from January 7, 2007.)

Like John’s experience on a Sunday on the Mediterranean isle of Patmos, worship can come alive with passion and clarity within you.

What do you think of when you think of the Revelation? The four horsemen of the apocalypse, the deceit of Jezebel, the seven bowls of wrath, the mark of the beast, the lake of fire, or the judgment seat of Christ. I hope after this month of study, when you think of the Revelation, you will think of the faithful witness, the Alpha and Omega, the vials of tears, the equitable and eternal judgment of God, and the New Jerusalem.

Written at the height of Christian persecution, the Revelation is a record of a vision by John on the isle of Patmos. Reminding us of the historical context of Revelation, Dr. Bill Turner reminds us that, "In a world of hostile misunderstandings and adverse circumstances, these believers were building their lives on something much deeper and stronger. They had found someone who could see them through the worst of life and death."

1. When worship comes to life, you hear the voice of God.

"It was Sunday and I was in the Spirit, praying. I heard a loud voice behind me, trumpet-clear and piercing." Rev 1:10 TM

2. When worship comes to life, God speaks to the mind and the emotions.

3. When worship comes to life, the primary focus is on Jesus.

"Glory and strength to Christ, who loves us,
who blood-washed our sins from our lives,
Who made us a Kingdom, Priests for his Father,
forever—and yes, he's on his way!" Revelation 1:6 TM

Worship should not be measured on how much worship reinforces your presuppositions but how it realigns your life with the teachings and mission of Jesus.

4. When worship comes to life, our energy is channeled into the mission of the church.

When you truly begin following Jesus, you become passionate about the mission of the church. Worship doesn’t lead you to go out and privatize your Christian faith. Worship calls you to participate and cooperate with imperfect people who will disappoint you and frustrate you and bless you and lift you up, all at the same time.

As we begin a new year, would you invest yourself in the faithful gathering of this community so that worship can come alive for us?

“Then every church will know that appearances don't impress me. I x-ray every motive...” Revelation 2:23 TM

“Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches.” Revelation 2:29 TM

Rediscovering the Revelation

On Sundays and Wednesdays in January we will be engaged in our Winter Bible Study, Rediscovering the Revelation.

*Begin praying for the Spirit to be our primary teacher during this month of study.
*Read the book of Revelation in its entirety in at least two translations.
*Designate a notebook to take notes from your personal study and from our study sessions.
*Invite a friend to join you for the worship services and study sessions during January.

On Sunday mornings, we will consider the following topics:

Jan 7 “When Worship Comes to Life” Revelation 1:4-20

Jan 14 “Four Creatures You Won’t See at the Zoo” Revelation 4:1-11

Jan 21 “Preparing for the Ultimate Audit” Revelations 20:7-15

Jan 28 “7th Heaven” Revelation 21:1-8, 15-28

Top Ten Reasons 2007 Can Be a Great Year at FBC!

As we begin the New Year, we are looking forward to great experiences in Worship, Fellowship, Discipleship, Ministry, and Evangelism. Popular author and speaker, Tony Campolo, reminds us that “Your past is important but it is not nearly as important to your present as the way you see your future.” Here are my Top Ten Reasons 2007 can be a great year at FBC:

1. The synchronized leadership of the Spirit among individuals in the church.
2. The fields around us are “ripe for harvest.”
3. Our growth as a multi-generational, multi-worship service, and multi-mission partner church.
4. The emerging commitment of our members.
5. The new friends and new members coming into our fellowship.
6. Upgrades to our Deacon Family Ministry.
7. Our ministers work together as a team.
8. The eventual completion and opening of the ROC.
9. Our congregational commitment to missions: prayers, partnerships, and projects.
10. The prevailing sense of harmony and cooperation within our church family.
    
    

Choose Your Clothing Carefully

(The following is a synopsis of the message from Sunday, December 31, 2006:)

This year, as you make selections from among all of your clothing options, be assured that God is more concerned that believers enrobe themselves with the demeanor and disposition of Christ. In our text today from Colossians 3:12-17, as Paul encourages believers to communicate with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, Paul also includes a word of instruction about a Christian’s spiritual wardrobe. As we close out the old year and prepare for the new, let’s ask ourselves how we can put the truth of this text into action.

Clean out your closet thoroughly. The end of the year is a great time to clean out your closet. It is an especially good time to clean the emotional and spiritual skeletons out of your soul’s closet. In other words, don’t let past sins keep you from future blessings.

Choose your clothing carefully. As a child I wore a black and white plaid jacket and bowtie for a family portrait. As a junior high student, I was definitely in style when I wore red, white, and blue bell bottom slacks. And when I preached my first sermons, I alternated wearing a blue leisure suit and a brown leisure suit. Now, those styles are definitely dated.

Will you dress with style this year? One fashion web site predicts the following fashion trends in 2007:

High hosiery in multiple colors, often worn in layers, will be the trend for women.
Earth tones are “in” for men and for women.
Regal purple sweaters will be a bestseller in the men’s clothing line up.
Celtic plaid from the 80’s is making a comeback, especially among teens.
Jeans will be adorned with assorted and sometimes gaudy jewelry called “denim candy.”

Your faith should definitely influence your choice of clothing. Generally, followers of Christ should dress modestly and practice good hygiene. In Colossian, however, Paul reminds believers of a more important dress code:

So, chosen by God for this new life of love, dress in the wardrobe God picked out for you: compassion, kindness, humility, quiet strength, discipline. Be even-tempered, content with second place, quick to forgive an offense. Forgive as quickly and completely as the Master forgave you. And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it. Colossians 3:12-14 TM.

Wear your faith and values consistently. Be your redeemed self 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Internalize the teachings of Jesus so that you can externalize the spirit and disposition of Jesus.

During the coming year, it is possible that others may get to know Christ by first getting to know you.