Community, Compassion, Service
Bible-reading folks have sung the hymn and recalled the story of Samuel the prophet setting up a pile of stones to mark a milestone of faith. Those stones were meant to commemorate God walking with, caring for, empowering and leading his people across a difficult journey. So, Samuel raised an “Ebenezer” – a Hebrew word that means “stone of help” – as a monument to call everyone to renewed commitment to trust in God for […]
Winter Bible Study Session One Summary — 5 January 20 Acts 1:1-8: Let’s remember what “evangelism” is all about, viz. “good news,” that’s what the word means! Jesus says that we are his “witnesses.” And who are witnesses but those who have responded to the “good news” — we are witnesses of the “good news” that caused us to turn around and be different — to live as friends of God! And, that is the […]
By Tony Tench The people of Israel were given wise counsel through the giving of the law in Deuteronomy to be sure to “talk about” the words and ways and commandments of God with their children all throughout the day. When they got up in the morning, when they walked through the day and when they went to bed at night, every opportunity was a chance to be taken to talk about the Lord’s word! […]
By Tony Tench What is the usual reaction when someone sees a baby? We smile! We just can’t help it. If you see a baby coming in a stroller, or bundled up in a parent’s hug, you look and you smile. No one ever stops to look at a baby with a frown or a stare of indifference. We have to smile! So, when we look into the manger this Christmas, be prepared to break […]
ur FBC Faith and Health Ministry Team would like for our church family to be aware of the signs and concerns about depression. It is real and it has an impact on the lives of our friends and neighbors as well as family members and even ourselves! Sometimes depression is on us before we know it. Remember how God’s prophet, Elijah, had been part of God’s victory over Baal on Mt. Carmel in 1 Kings […]
By Tony Tench The church where our daughter and her family serve the Lord have a phrase they use each week in the children’s classes. They point the kids to the day’s “need to know” — it’s the focal point of the daily lesson from the Bible. So, over these few years we have often heard Erin and Matt ask our granddaughter while leaving church or later that Sunday afternoon, “Mattie, what was your ‘need […]
Re·viv·al – improvement, activation, reawakening, restoration! All of these words live in the definitions of what “revival” is all about when it is underway. They are words that characterize the movement of God to speak to our hearts about the life of faith before us as a congregation and as individual Christ Followers: The “improvement” of our understanding and/or grappling with scripture. An “activation” of believers into renewed commitment to service in God’s kingdom. A “reawakening” […]
…..Potatoes! And, white potatoes too! Regardless of the type and the time of year they are harvested, the ministry of the Cleveland County Potato Project has been a sweeeeet blessing to the people of our community. Co-founded by Doug Sharp, Bill Horn and the Holy Spirit, the Cleveland County Potato Project came into being in order to help feed needy people in Cleveland County. During its first year – 2010 – 30,000 pounds were harvested […]
By Tony Tench on July 4, 2019 On the birthday of our nation we proudly sing, “Vespucia, Vespucia, God shed his grace on Thee…” Wait, what? Of course that’s not right, we sing of “America!” But, it could have been Vespucia. Either way, I am glad our continent carries this name! Two hundred and forty-three years ago today, the signers of the Declaration of Independence, titled their document this way: “The unanimous declaration of the […]
By Tony Tench Community Vacation Bible School has been a great time of learning for children, as well as a timely reminder for all of us as we have served together. This year’s theme has brought us to an African game preserve where being in the presence of “wild life” has taught us to “roar” with joy because though “Life is Wild, God is Good!” And he is. His presence is grace for the journey […]
