Behold, Matthew’s Use of “Behold”
A little word can make a big difference. Consider, for instance, a tiny, albeit significant word frequently found in both Testaments. It’s the word “Behold.” ”Lo and Behold” is a Hebrew (Old Testament) interjection. The phrase is generally used as a literary way to arouse the reader’s curiosity or heighten one’s interest. The authors of Scripture used it the same way that we do today. Imagine if I was telling you a story and...
Read More4 Reasons to Attend “Christianity Matters”
As we announced last week, on Sunday May 20 at 9:45am, we will be having a special FBC panel discussion entitled, “Christianity Matters.” The panel will feature myself as well as our very own Gaylen Leverett and Fred Smith. We will be answering questions and discussing topics that YOU submit. We look forward to getting your Bible, theology, worldview, Christian living, world religions, etc. questions and dialoguing about them in a way that, we hope, will benefit you. (If you want to find out how...
Read More“Christianity Matters”: An Upcoming FBC Panel Discussion
The congregation was confused. These out-of-town preachers had drawn a huge crowd. However, the more the people listened, the more they were unsure of what to think about the sermons. These preachers used Bible passages. They even used Bible language. But, something about it just didn’t sound quite right. Rather than wandering around in persistent confusion (or blindly following these men), the believers, as recorded in Acts 15, called together the trusted leaders of the church. They, then, asked them,...
Read MoreA Few Random Sabbatical Highlights
What a difference a month can make! While it has been refreshing to be away, it is also wonderful to be home. In the days and weeks ahead, I hope to share many of the rich truths that the Lord has recently taught me and reminded me of. In the mean time, I thought it would be fun to share a few of the notable, but “less spiritual” moments of my time away. Here are a few random sabbatical highlights. I grew a beard. Extolling the patience and self-discipline required in the growing of facial hair, G.K....
Read MoreMy Sabbatical Prayer List
On Thursday, I will be leaving you for 5 weeks. It is with mixed emotions that I even write this. I know that this time for renewal is best and quite needed. However, when you’ve worshipped with the same people for 13 years, it is not easy to leave, even for a short while; nor should it be. I cannot say thank you enough for blessing me and my family in this way. While I am away I covet your prayers. Here are a few ways that you can pray. May the Father, Son, & Spirit be glorified in all of us while we are apart. Day 1 (Feb 23) Safety for me and my family as we begin...
Read MoreWhere Church History & Black History Converge (Part 2)
Last week, I shared about two oft-forgotten, black Christian missionaries from early America. These stories were from the distance past. Today I’d like to share about two African-American leaders within the church from the much more recent past (so recent, in fact, that we might just call it the present.) I suspect that these are stories that many of you have not heard and faces that you do not recognize (…and at least one name that you can’t pronounce.) Even still, these men and their commitment to Christ and His church are yet another great reminder of just how big and...
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