Thursday, April 30, 2009

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.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

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?

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

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.

Monday, April 27, 2009

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.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

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.

Monday, April 20, 2009

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.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

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!!

Monday, April 06, 2009

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.

Sermons