This Sunday we will begin a six-week journey through the exciting book of Esther. Do you love a good story, with lots of twists and turns, and a dramatic reversal? Don't we all! Esther is just such a story. Except this story is true. Like Esther, we are living far from home. Like Esther, we are strangers and exiles in thisfallen, sinful world. Also, like Esther, we have a...

What a blessing this past Sunday to finish Ephesians with Paul's powerful section onspiritual warfare. Let's stay "armored up!"It has been a rich experience to walk through this incredible letter with you over these past few months. May the Lord bless it with fruit that remains in our lives. Beginning October 10th, we will spend six weeks in the exciting book of Esther. W...

This Sunday we will talk about "Principles of Spiritual Warfare," from Ephesians 6:10-24. What a powerful text this is, and a text wedesperately need. We are in a battle. Ourenemy is not human, but a supernatural foe, the devil, who has a whole hierarchy ofdemonic powers working for him. Fortunately, he is not all-powerful. That is an attribute which belongs only to God. ...

This Sunday we will look at Ephesians 4:17-32 and talk about "Taking Off The Old AndPutting On The New." The Apostle Paul here pictures the transformation of believers byusing the metaphor of changing your clothes. There is an old wardrobe for Christians toremove, and a new one to put on. Remember to be praying for all our Fallactivities: September 11: Night of Prayer ...

This Sunday we will study Ephesians 4:7-16, as we talk about "The Diversity and Maturity of the Body." Last Sunday, in verses 1-6, we looked at "The Unity of the Body." But unity does not mean uniformity. God has made the Body of Christ to have a beautiful diversity! We are diverse in our giftings, every believer has a spiritual gift, and all the gifts are vital for the b...

It is great to be back home, after a very fruitful trip overseas. Thank you, church, for your steadfastsupport of missions. You can feel great about the people we are sending and the work they are doing! As the dog days of August are winding down, it is time to look toward the Fall, which will be anexciting one for our FBC family. We are calling this Fall "Onward Together...

This Sunday we will look at Paul's powerful prayer in Ephesians 3:14-21. The passage begins with Paul saying, "For this reason I kneel before the Father". He then poursout his heart in prayer for the church. Read over this prayer and make it your prayer. I encourage you to open your Bible right now and do this. The prayers of the Bible are wonderful aids to us as we pray,...

It was such a blessing to get away with my bride to the mountains for a few days to catch our breath amid a busy season of ministry. I am so thankful for my dear friend, Darrell Thomsen, bringing a special word on1 Thessalonians 5:16-18. It is one of my favorite passages, and one I encourage people to commit to memory. "Rejoice alwayspray without ceasinggive thanks in allc...

As you read this week's column I will besomewhere in southern Europe, visiting with gospel workers that could not be on the field without your support. It is churches like ours, who give faithfully to the Cooperative Program and the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, that send and sustain these precious heralds of the good news all over the world. As you read these words, p...

How wonderful it has been this weekseeing all these precious children laughing and learning about Jesus on our churchcampus! VBS is such a sweet and strategic event on our annual church calendar, and we praise God that we were able to have it again this year. I am so thankful for Wilson,Colette Dolen, and all our workers, who served with such joy and dedication! Pray that ...