Preaching Outlines for Exodus 12

Sermon 1: The Sign of the Blood
Exodus 12:1-13

God gave guidelines in regard to four facets of the Passover.

I. The Selection: Selecting the Lamb (1-5)

Commands Recording the lamb.
1. Schedule (1-3)
2. Specification (4)
3. Superiority (5)

II. The Slaughter: Slaying the Sacrifice (6-7)

III. The Supper: Serving the Meal (8-11)

IV. The Salvation: Saving the Family (12-13)
The blood will be a sign for you on the houses where you are; and when I see the blood, I will pass over you. No destructive plague will touch you when I strike Egypt (verse 13).

1 Corinthians 5:7-8 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, since you truly are unleavened. For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, nor with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth (NKJV).

Sermon 2: Celebrating the Faithfulness of God
Exodus 12:14-51
The Tenth Plague: Death of the Firstborn

I. The Celebration of the Passover (14-28)

II. The Catastrophe in Egypt (29-30)

III. The Concession of Pharaoh (31-33)

IV. The Compliance of the People (34-36)

V. The Caravan of the Israelites (37-39)

VI. The Commemoration of the Departure (40-42)

VII. The Constraints for the Feast (43-51)

Associational Ministers Fellowship

Special thanks to everyone from Agricola Baptist who helped provide the fabulous meal for the Ministers and Wives of George-Greene Baptist Association.

Preaching Outline for Exodus 6:28-7:13

Facing the Hard Hearted
Exodus 6:28-7:13

I. Lingering Comprehension (6:28-30)

Acts 7:22 And Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, and was mighty in words and deeds.

Stephen’s words indicate Moses did not have a speech impediment. He was powerful in the language of the Egyptians. However, since he was not raised with Hebrews, he was not skilled in his native tongue, the language of the children of Israel. Probably, he spoke with an uncharacteristic accent for a Hebrew. So, he was not comfortable speaking the language in which God wanted him to communicate.

D. L. Moody- A story from the Chicago Times-Herald described a meeting he held in the Chicago Auditorium:

The attendance averaged 12,000 each day. He talked without a note—save the Bible. He did not repeat. There was never a minute when he was eloquent. He would not have been logical if he could be. Moody does not care a cent for grammar…Once he tried to tell the names of the men who ran for the presidency the last fall and failed. There was not a single, solitary reason which could be applied to any other man why women should leave the Breakfast table in order to get a chance at a seat. Men would not have endured so many faults in any man but Moody.

Moody will not admit it, but there is no other man in this country who could have filled the Auditorium as he filled it eight times. He held 48,000 men and women in the hollow of his hand, and they wept or smiled as he willed…He is Moody—only Moody, rough, honest, sincere, flat, without frill, old-fashioned, consistently simple and grandly in earnest (D.L. Moody, by William R. Moody, 519-520.).

God can use anyone who is submitted to His will.

II. Lasting Command (7:1-5)

Psalm 105:23-25 Israel also came into Egypt, And Jacob dwelt in the land of Ham. 24 He increased His people greatly, And made them stronger than their enemies. 25 He turned their heart to hate His people, To deal craftily with His servants.

III. Lifelong Calling (6-9)

7 And Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three years old when they spoke to Pharaoh (verse 7).

There is no expiration date on your usefulness to God.

IV. Lively Confrontation (10-13)

And Pharaoh’s heart grew hard, and he did not heed them, as the LORD had said (verse 13).

Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, Like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes.

When you face the hard hearted remember...

1. If God calls, God provides.
2. God doesn’t need a defense attorney.
3. God is sovereign. He reigns over all.
4. God is in control.

Preaching Outlines for Exodus 5-6:13

Sermon 1: Rejection of a Reasonable Request
Exodus 5:1-21

I. The Honorable Request (1-3)
II. The Hardhearted Ruler (4-9)
III. The Heavy Retribution (10-18)
IV. Harsh Reaction (19-21)

Truths from the Passage
1. Don’t change God’s message when it isn’t received positively
2. Ungodly people act ungodly.
3. Doing God’s will is sometimes messy.
4. Leaders lead based on convictions, not opinion polls.

Sermon 2: Between Disappointment and Devotion
Exodus 5:22-6:13

I. The Aggravation of Moses (5:22-23)
II. The Affirmation of God (6:1-5)
III. The Assurance of God (6:6-8)

Count the times God said, "I will":

6 Therefore say to the children of Israel: ‘I am the LORD; I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, I will rescue you from their bondage, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. 7 I will take you as My people, and I will be your God. Then you shall know that I am the LORD your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you into the land which I swore to give to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; and I will give it to you as a heritage: I am the LORD.’”

Many times Jesus stated "I will..." (See John 2:19 John 6:37 John 6:40 John 12:32 John 14:3 John 14:13 John 14:18 John 14:21 John 16:20.)

IV. The Anguish of the Hebrews (6:9-13)

What Do You Have in Common?

This morning I preached a sermon entitled "Marks of a Healthy Church " based on Acts 2:41-47. I examined the commonalities of the early believers. (For the entire outline click here.)

I felt led to pay special attention to verses 46-47 in which it is recorded "So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people (NKJV)."

Those early believers shared a "common behavior." They enjoyed being together in the temple and they gathered in each others homes sharing meals. Their lives were marked with gladness and simplicity. They lived like Jesus had lived.

The first Christians did not allow their lives to become complicated. They lived with "simplicity of heart." In verse 45, we learn they "sold all their possessions and property and distributed the proceeds to all, as anyone had a need (HCSB)." Since they had only the necessities of life, they had time to pray with one another and discover the needs of their community."

When the people of the community saw the common behavior of these new believers, the Bible records the Christians had "favor" with them. The community had respect for these first Christians because they were demonstrating a pure and authentic faith that made a difference in their neighborhoods.

The Modern Day Contrast

As just mentioned, the first believers found favor in the eyes of their fellow citizens because they were exhibiting a real Christianity and they displayed no pretense. They sought to please God first and as a result they gained the respect of many.

Unfortunately, in today's world, many who claim to be Christians seem to place a priority on pleasing and getting the favor of a non-believing world. If our goal is to get along with everyone, we will have to compromise our convictions at times. We will not place a priority of spending time with fellow Christians. So, church will not be a priority. If we want our kids to "fit in" with everyone, we will buy them (at whatever the cost) things that will help them identify with a mostly Godless world.

Also, if we try to get along with everyone, we will try to have all the luxuries that those who don't follow Christ have. Before we know it we are deep in debt for things that are not necessities. Then, we have to work longer hours to keep up a lifestyle that pushes us away from pleasing God. Consequently, our lives are incredibly complicated and relationships are strained and resources are taxed and emotions are spent. We don't have time for God or for the people we love. And we won't have the favor of the people in our community, because they see the hypocrisy of it all.

Is There Enough Evidence?

Suppose for a moment, Christianity is outlawed. All believers will be prosecuted and sentenced to prison. When you appear in court, is there a enough evidence to convict you of being a practicing Christian "beyond the shadow of a doubt."

The prosecuting attorney may present a local church membership roll that lists your name, but will your attendance record prove you were a staunch Christian? Does your attendance show that you were present at church for mostly social purposes? You attended all church wide meals, but few prayer meetings? Did your family make exceptions for sporting events that were held on Sunday? Did the weather have a major impact upon your attendance? Were you a "Sunday Morning Only" or a "Holiday Only" attender?

After a close examination of your financial records, would there be enough evidence to show that you are a committed Christian? Would the records reveal you practice sacrificial giving to the church or would they show you only gave a minimal amount to special causes, such as the purchase of playground equipment or a donation in support of a youth choir trip.

Would witnesses be found who could come forward and testify that you regularly talked about your love for Jesus? Can witnesses be found that claim you quoted scripture from memory and frequently sought to convert them to faith in Christ? Is there a prayer journal or a well marked Bible that can be exhibited to confirm you regularly engaged in Christian disciplines?

Would you be convicted or would you get off with a warning or less?

Do you have more in common with sold out followers of Jesus or with folks who are unashamedly not followers of Christ?

What changes in your life need to be made to be identified as a Christian?

Thankful for a Praying Phlebotomist

This Saturday Morning began with an interesting twist. In the last couple of weeks, two doctors have ordered blood tests for me. So, I made a special effort to have both offices send the orders for the tests to the hospital lab here in Leakesville. This way I don't have to travel to Mobile and I don't have to be jabbed more than once. After a lot of effort, both orders were in the hospital by yesterday afternoon, but, since I had not fasted all day, I had to wait until this morning. So, around 7:15 AM, I went to the lab to have the blood drawn.

Unfortunately, I have a history of being a challenging "stick." My veins are not the easiest to find. So, I'm always a little stressed when I enter a lab, hoping I will not have to endure multiple sticks.

This morning, the Phlebotomist tapped and pressed on my arms a few times. Then, she inserted the needle and I did not even feel it enter my arm. Thrilled, I told her, "You're the best I've ever seen." She said, "Well, I get help from up above."

As I review all of my past "blood drawing" experiences, I remember another especially painless appointment. In that visit, the phlebotomist also mentioned she prayed before every stick.

Paul wrote, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him (Colossians 3:17, NKJV)."

My prayer is that all that I do is done for the Lord. What about you?

Preaching Outlines for Exodus 4

Sermon 1: What’s in Your Hand?
Exodus 4:1-5

I. Look in Your Hand (4:1-2)
What’s in your hand? Future, Faculties, Friends, Family, Finances, Fame, Faith. Everything in your hand determines your influence.
II. Lay it Down (4:3)
III. Live in Obedience (4:4)

Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God. - Corrie Ten Boom.

Sermon 2: When God Puts Words In Your Mouth
Exodus 4:1-17

Excuses of Moses: Who Am I, Who Are You, Why Believe Me, What Can I Say, Why Not Send Someone Else.

5 Words that describe the lessons God taught Moses.

I. Surrender (4:1-5)
The staff represented 1) support, 2) security, and 3) skills.
II. Sin (4:6-8)
Matthew 15:18-19
III. Salvation (4:9)
IV. Speech (4:10-12)
Illustration- Frank Cox shares that there is a man in his church that is illiterate. He goes door to door witnessing asking people to read a list of scripture (since he cannot.). He has led many to Christ.
V. Supply (4:13-17)

Conclusions
1. Who we are doesn’t matter as much as whose we are.
2. We all have heart (sin) problems
3. Only the shed blood cleanses our sin.
4. The message of God is more powerful than the messenger.
5. God supplies our needs.

Sermon 3: Going God’s Way
Exodus 4:18-31

I. The Preparation: The Directives From God (4:18-23)
II. The Punishment: The Disobedience of Moses (4:24-26)
Moses could not be the spiritual leader of the Israelites until he was the spiritual leader of his home.
III. The Presentation: The Demonstration of God’s Blessing (4:27-31)

Truths to Remember When Going God’s Way
1. Be Courteous.
2. Be Truthful.
3. Be Faithful. Faith starts at home.
4. Be Thankful. God desires our worship.

Preaching Outlines for Exodus 3

Sermon 1: I Am Not, But He Is
Exodus 3:1-14

I. The Surprising Phenomenon (3:1-4)
II. The Sacred Place (3:5-6)
III. The Supernatural Promise (3:7-10)
IV. The Strong Presence (3:11-12)
V. The Sovereign Proclamation (3:13-14)

Yahweh- I AM BECAUSE I AM or I WILL BE THAT I WILL BE. I was, I am, and shall always continue to be, the same yesterday, today, and forever.

Truths to Remember
1. God is not consumed and, in Him, we are not consumed.
2. God can be found.
3. God should be feared.
4. God qualifies the unqualified.
5. God supplies our identity.

Sermon 2: The Plan for Deliverance
Exodus 3:15-22

I. The Assurance of God’s Presence (3:15)
II. The Announcement of God’s Promise (3:16-17)
III. The Assertion of God’s Prominence (3:18)
IV. The Appearance of God’s Power (3:19-21)
V. The Allocation of God’s Provisions (3:22)

VBS Goes Down Under

Vacation Bible School

First Baptist Leakesville

June 15-19, 2009

8:30-12:00 PM

Tonight, the George-Greene Baptist Association held their annual Vacation Bible School Training. Seventy-Three folks attended and many more presenters helped. So, well over a hundred persons participated in this awesome training event.

The theme of the VBS is "Boomerang Express." The associational office was transformed into Australia, replete with humongous inflated kangaroos and even a train station. Of course, you have to have an opera house. My compliments to everyone who had part in presenting this excellent training event.

Preaching Outlines for Exodus 1-2

Sermon 1: Suffering in Egypt
Exodus 1:1-21

I. Israelites Settle in Egypt (1:1-7)
II. Israelites Struggle in Egypt (1:8-14)
III. Isarelites Survived in Egypt (1:15-21)

Sermon 2: Journey of Purpose: Journey to Pharaoh’s Palace
Exodus 1:22-2:10

I. Proclamation: A Horrible Demand (1:22)
II. Protection: A Hard Decision (2:1-4)
III. Providence: A Happy Discovery (2:5-6)
IV. Provision: A Historic Destiny (2:7-10)

Sermon 3: Running Into Destiny
Exodus 2:11-25

I. The Crisis (2:11-15)
II. The Chivalry (2:16-20)
III. The Contentment (2:21-22)
IV. The Compassion (2:23-25)

Truths
1. God has a plan.
2. You can’t run away from God.
3. God is constantly maturing us.
4. God may choose you to deliver others.

Looking Forward to the Reward

In the Bible, Moses is first mentioned in Exodus, Chapter 2. Interestingly, in the 25 verses of this chapter, the life of the instrumental leader is described from his birth until he is forced to flee from Egypt to the wilderness. A lot of ground is covered in just a relatively few sentences.

As a baby he placed in a basket and floated down the Nile to bathing spot of Pharoah's daughter. He is "adopted" and his mother is selected to serve as his nanny. When he reached the age of 40, Moses began to have compassion on his people. He murders a man who is abusing a fellow Hebrew. He hides his body, but he discovered that his deed is known. So, he leaves town and journeys into the wilderness. There he met his wife and became a shepherd.

While we get the general pitcure, the New Testament Scriptures shed more light on the life of Moses. Historically, scholars note a childless Egyptian Queen ruled during the time of Moses. Many believe that Moses was adopted into her family. With this in mind, Hebrews 11:24-26 enlightens us as to the type of person Moses was and the sacrifices he made to follow God.

In Hebrews 11:24-26, notice four aspects of the life of Moses.

I. HIS CHOICE (v.24): By faith Moses, when he became of age, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter,
II. HIS CHARACTER (v.25): choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,
III. HIS COMMITMENT (v.26a) esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt;
IV. HIS CONFIDENCE (v.26b): for he looked to the reward.

There is a real possiblitiy that Moses was in line to become the King of Egypt. So, Moses sacrificed prestige, pleasure, riches, and respect to follow God. However, he looked forward to eternal rewards. What temporal thing do you need to give up in order to enjoy an eternal reward?

Children's Musical

God has blessed us with a wonderful group of folks who minister to our children. Last Sunday, during the evening service, the Children's Choir of FBC Leakesville presented the musical "The Lighthouse Fire Station."

Selina Smith is the director of the choir and she does an amazing job. The kids were all singing with their hearts. The message of the musical was based on Ephesians 6:10-11. We all must put on the armor of the Lord.

Following the musical, the kids were carried for a ride on one of Leakesville's firetrucks. I'm sure they will never forget that thrill.

Yesterday at FBC

Yesterday was very fulfilling day. As I mentioned last week, the morning service on April 19 was not what I expected. I believe it was more me. However, this week I really felt God was at work in teaching us from His word in Exodus 19:1-8.

Eagles Wings

I love verse 4 of this chapter. God told the Israelites "‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself." The picture painted here brings to mind the flight training process for young eagles. Once "eaglets" grow to a certain size, their mother "stirs up the nest" and forces them out. At first, they fall from the nest struggling to fly. Before they are hurt, the eagle catches them on her wings and returns them to the nest. Eventually, after the process is repeated several times, the young eagles gain the confidence and ability to fly on their own.

God "bore" the Israelites on His "wings" repeatedly. Eventually, they would learn that God was in control. Similarly, in order to grow in our faith, Christians are forced out their comfortable environs and it is during these times of testing that we grow and mature. God bears us "on eagles wings" because he loves us.

Expected Commitment

After hearing from God, Moses returned and shared the commands from God with the leaders of the people. Their response was "“All that the LORD has spoken we will do.”

This response is what God expects from us. He expects us to enter a worship service with the attitude of "whatever you say Lord, I'll do it." We should read our Bibles with this commitment in mind. If our lives don't match what the scriptures teach, we must change.

A Public Commitment

During the invitation, we had a young man that surrendered to Christian Service. What a blessing to see someone willing to answer the call to serve the Lord.

Town Hall for Hope

Thursday - April 23, '09 - 7:00 PM

We will be hosting the live broadcast of the Town Hall for Hope, which is presented by Dave Ramsey. The broadcast will begin exactly at 7:00 PM CST and will be shown in the sanctuary. Dave, a highly respected Christian Financial Planner, will be offering insight into the current economic woes and important guidelines to follow in order to handle financial challenges. For more info call 601-394-5124, or check out the websites: Town Hall for Hope and FBC Leakesville.

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Post Resurrection Sunday

Well, yesterday the attendance was significantly lower than the previous Sunday. On Easter, the place was packed. Last week the service was alive with excitement. Yesterday, well...

There are some Sundays I just don't feel "right." I'm sure you don't have days like that. Do you? However, I am reminded the tomb is still empty. We still have a lot to celebrate. We hear a lot about the current Post-Modern Generation. But, more importantly, all of life is now Post-Resurrection.

GGBA Meeting

After the service, I attended the Executive Committee Meeting of the George-Greene Baptist Association, which was held at Barton Baptist Church. I get a thrill out of hearing about all the mission trips and local ministry endeavors.

Sunday Night

Last night, I began a series of sessions at West Salem Baptist Church here in Greene County in which I am preaching/teaching through the book of Exodus. The folks were gracious. I preached 5 sermons in 50 minutes. not bad. I will be leading Bible Study Session tonight through Thursday.

Rev. Jimmy Holcomb spoke at FBC Leakesville in my absence last night. He shared a report on a recent mission trip. Bro. Jimmy is a great example for all of us. I appreciate his friendship and leadership.

Fantastic Easter Sunday

Today was amazing. Jesus is alive and we had a super celebration.

The choir began by singing the Finale from the musical they presented last week. The medley included "Celebrate, Jesus, Celebrate," "He's Alive, and "Crown Him With Many Crowns." Selina presented a wonderful Children's Message. Kande sang "I Know My Redeemer Lives." By the time I was to preach, I was ready to explode.

The sanctuary was as full as anyone can ever remember. Praise the Lord!!

Great Palm Sunday

Prior to the morning services yesterday, the deacons of our church met. All 12 of the deacons were present for the meeting. I appreciate the faithfulness of these men. Our meeting was encouraging and challenging since we discussed some important aspects of the church's ministry.

We had great attendance for morning service. The choir sang a great anthem that was perfect for Palm Sunday. The children's message was ideal for this time of year. I preached from Luke 19:28-40.

Last night, we had a great number of folks attend the our evening service for the musical. The choir did an amazing job on a very difficult musical. FBC Leakesville is blessed with great musical talent. Mike Smith has a fantastic ministry with our choir.

Don't Forget

Yesterday, in the morning service, we observed the Lord's Supper. Our attendance was considerably better than the last few weeks. This pleased me, because the more members of the Church Family who participate in observing the ordinance the better.

Once upon a time, I heard someone say, "Observing the Lord's Supper is the most dangerous thing we do in church." That statement certainly caught my attention. After doing a little Bible study, I found a verse that supports this contention.

Therefore whoever eats the bread or drinks the cup of the Lord in an unworthy manner, shall be guilty of the body and the blood of the Lord. But a man must examine himself, and in so doing he is to eat of the bread and drink of the cup. For he who eats and drinks, eats and drinks judgment to himself if he does not judge the body rightly. For this reason many among you are weak and sick, and a number sleep (I Corinthians 11:27-30, NASB).

Paul stated that we should not participate in the Lord's Supper in "an unworthy manner." In other words, we should not eat the symbolic bread and wine "in a way that isn't worthy of the Lord (CEV)." If we do not "examine" ourselves and repent of the sin in our lives, we are insulting the sacrifice that Christ made for us.

How terrible it is to hear Jesus say, "This is my body...This is my blood..." and our response is "So what?" Contemplating the death of Christ should humble us and deeply grieve us. Jesus stated "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted (Matthew 5:4, NIV)." Paul indicated that callously taking the Lord's Supper leads to illness and even death. So, don't forget what the Lord's Supper is all about.

In Luke 22:14-23, I find four things we do not need to forget when we honor the Lord's Supper.

I. The Blessing (14-18)

What a blessing to know that Jesus had a "fervent desire" to observe the Passover with His disciples. He couldn't wait to give them a way to remember Him after he had died, resurrected, and ascended. He longed to be with them.

Jesus took the Passover Feast and gave it a new meaning. The Passover commemorated the release of the Jews from captivity in Egypt. Jesus was now communicating that he was about to give His life in order for the world to be released from the captivity of sin.

Don't forget that Jesus has a deep longing to have a relationship with you and he gave His life to prove it.

II. The Body (19)

Just over a week ago, a sixteen year old boy brutally killed a well known talk show personality. A short time after the murder, he turned himself in to the police. How sad that the young man committed such a horrific crime, but, at least he came forward and admitted his guilt. He will have to pay the price for his actions.

In the light of the perfect life that Jesus lived, how amazing is it that he "turned himself in" for our sin? He gave Himself...His body for us. Don't forget that he said at one time "No one takes my life from me, I willingly lay it down." The bodily pain Jesus experienced was willingly accepted because he loved us.

Don't forget that Jesus went to great lengths to demonstrate his love for you.

III. The Blood (20)

In the context of the Passover Meal, Jesus gave a new meaning to one of the cups that were observed. Four cups were drank symbolically in the Passover Meal to commemorate the four part promise of God to the Jews in Egyptian Captivity (Exodus 6:6-7)

The First Cup: I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians,
The Second Cup: I will rescue you from their bondage,
The Third Cup: I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments.
The Fourth Cup: I will take you as My people, and I will be your God.

Jesus completely fulfilled the promise of God that was remembered by the drinking of the third cup: "I will redeem you." Jesus redeemed us by his blood. The scriptures state "Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness...(Heb. 9:22).

In Egypt, before the Jews were released, they were spared by the blood of the lambs they had slain and that blood which was placed on their doors. The death angel passed over the home that were covered by the blood.

Paul referred to Jesus as "our Passover (I Cor. 5:7)." Don't forget that the blood of Jesus covers our sin.

IV. The Betrayer (21-23)

For me, I am amazed by what transpired toward the end of this meal. Jesus had made profound earth shaking statements concerning his future. Then, he indicated there was a betrayer among his disciples.

Of course, Judas knew Jesus was calling him out, but the other disciples did not. So, the scriptures record that the other disciples "began to question among themselves which of them it might be who would do this (Luke 22:23, NIV)."

I am amazed that the fact that Judas was the betrayer was not obvious to the other disciples. The disciples took time to ponder who could possibly do such a horrible thing. In another Gospel it is recorded that they all said, "Is it I?" Judas had flown under the radar for so long. Only Jesus had the spiritual x-ray vision to see his heart.

Don't forget that Jesus knows your heart and we all have the potential to do the unthinkable. Remember to stay close to Jesus and don't take lightly the sacrifice he made for you.

Tornado In Simpson County, MS

My parents live in Magee, MS on Highway 28, which is about 50 miles South of Jackson, MS. Early this morning a tornado touched down not far from their home and completely destroyed Corinth Baptist Church. [Read Article here.] Just last Good Friday, I attended a special worship service at Corinth Baptist in which my father preached.

I talked to my dad earlier this morning and he said that they heard the tornado move over their house. He mentioned some 10,000 folks are without electricity and should be for some time. I encouraged my parents to come stay with me for a few days, but they feel like they will be fine, even though they will have no lights for an extended time.

Please pray for the Mississippi Baptist Disaster Relief Volunteers who will be helping the 60 families that lost their homes.

God Knows His Way Out of a Grave

Recently, research has been released that indicates that most Evangelical Churches are in serious decline. Chuck Kelly, President of the New Orleans Baptist Seminary, has stated that less than 12% of congregations are actively growing and baptizing new converts.

Add to this news, the astounding challenges we face as a nation--morally, politically, economically, and militarily--and we could become deeply discouraged. However, I’m not ready to give up on our nation, because, as G. K. Chesterton once said, we worship a “...God who knows the way out of the grave."

Whatever situation that you are facing now can be met by Jesus, because He knew his way out of the tomb. The tomb is empty.

Next month we will celebrate Easter on April 12. As “Resurrection Sunday” approaches, I pray we will not forget who and what is really being celebrated. Jesus died and is now alive. Death has been defeated. Anything done to celebrate Easter should focus on Jesus and the resurrection. It is all about Him.

God is blessing His church through people who are faithfully giving and attending and praying and witnessing and encouraging. May we never forget who is important. Everything we do at FBC Leakesville is all about Jesus.

So, don’t miss the opportunities to celebrate Easter by attending Bible Study, Worship, and the Easter Musical presented by the choir on Sunday, April 5 at 6:00 PM.