How to Genuinely Celebrate Christmas
Titus 2:11-15 Someone has observed that there are three types of people: those who make things happen; those who watch things happen; and the overwhelming majority who have no idea what is happening. At Christmastime most of us, it seems, are in all three groups. Each year we make Christmas happen; we plan and prepare […]
When an Ordinary Christmas Becomes Extraordinary
Luke 2:25-32 At times I am tempted to give up on Christmas. I need to qualify what I mean by that statement. Christmas as a cultural experience, in terms of shopping for my wife and two daughters, is real tough on me. In years past, I spent time and money shopping for these important ladies, […]
The Meaning of Christmas
John 1:1-5; 10-14 Naturally, I will be preaching a Christmas sermon next week, but this week I want to step back from the manger scene to observe the bigger picture. What does Christmas mean? God told Abraham that the coming Christ would be a blessing to all peoples (Gen. 18:18) but in what way? Certainly we don’t twist […]
Why Remodel?
Why? Why should we spend $50,000 or $90,000 or even $110,000 on our church building? This is a very important question and one each of us must answer for his or herself. As I have thought about it, I have thought of [eight] reasons why NOW is the time to remodel our building. Because we owe it […]
Look Who Came To Church…And Who Didn’t!
1 Corinthians 6:9 This is a unique and historic day for FBC. It is special for several reasons. First, we are calling today… “See The Need Sunday.” This is a day for FBC to visibly see the need we have for more worship and educational space. Second, the activities here are a prelude to what will take […]
Make the Connection
Haggai 1:2-13 What is the most important aspect of the process we are now going through in preparation to build? Turn to Haggai 1 and let’s read beginning in vs 2… This is what the LORD Almighty says: “These people say, `The time has not yet come for the LORD’s house to be built.’” 3 Then the word […]
Why This Building?
Let me tell you my vision for FBC. I want the presence of the Holy Spirit powerfully felt here. I want worship that suspends time… So that we don’t care how long we’ve been here or leave. I want God to save people daily because members are living holy lives & sharing Christ. I want to have as many in […]
How to Recognize a Good Church
I Corinthians 16:1-22 Introduction My dream for Taylorville Baptist Church: our new building is more than money; it is about ministry – intentional ministry. Intentional worship; intentional evangelism; intentional fellowship, intentional development. I have seen church buildings all over this world… sizes, shapes, conditions. And I wonder, is that a really good church meeting in […]
I Love My Church: It Shall Succeed!
Matthew 16:13-19 INTRODUCTION: We can say today that our special funds campaign is a success! While there are further goals, we have surpassed our first goal – A Victory Goal of $300,000 in pledges to be paid any time over the next three years. A Challenge Goal of $400,000 and a Hallelujah Goal of $500,000 […]
America the beautiful is turning ugly
Introduction: My country ‘tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing: Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride From every mountain side Let freedom ring! I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands; one nation under God, indivisible […]
