Posts by Michael Nelson (Page 11)

Weekly Update – August 4th, 2022 In the apostle Paul’s final days, right before his own death, in 2 Timothy 4:1-5, he gives the call to Timothy to preach the word. In light of false teachers, perhaps decreased attendance, controversies in the church, and a pagan culture, the encouragement given to Timothy is not to get creative, to do something funny or to be more entertaining. No, again, preach the word. Our day is not too much different than this.…

Weekly Update – July 28th, 2022 As we continue to watch the downgrade of our culture, we must remember how important it is for the church to remain counter-cultural to all that we see around us.  There is pressure from many angles to capitulate to what are quickly becoming the norms of society in terms of the sexual revolution, the idolatry of self, and the general acceptance of immorality.  The only hope we have as the church to resisting these…

Weekly Update – July 21st, 2022 It is not unusual to have multiple people stop by during the week looking for help from our church.  First Baptist Church is situated in the center of town and has been in the center of town before the center of town was even located where it currently is.  We have a reputation for helping others, whether it be through our clothes closet and food pantry or through providing gas or for the temporary…

Weekly Update – July 14th, 2022 This week, we have had the opportunity to host our annual Vacation Bible School.  The theme for this year is, Monumental:  Celebrating God’s Greatness.  Every day children from all over our community have come to learn about how big our God is and how much he cares for them.  This has been shown through the different memory verses that we have had, as well as through our teaching time about the life of Joseph. …

Weekly Update – July 7th, 2022 When we think about this longing for community that each one of us has, we must understand that it is not as simple as joining a church and living out our days in peace and harmony.  No, true community takes work.  It takes humility, repentance, intentionality and grace.  That is why many have sought to modify the true community of the church in order to make it easier.  The way that this happens is…

Weekly Update – June 30th, 2022 There has been a lot of controversy over the last week as to what actually happened when the Supreme Court overturned Roe V. Wade on June 24th.  This controversy has stemmed from many different sources, but regardless, what I want to do for you this week is provide a brief history of abortion in our country, followed by a case for life, to then a countering of the common misunderstandings that are being promoted. …

Weekly Update – June 23rd, 2022 We all go through difficult times.  Even as Christians, we still face cancer, accidents, or the loss of loved ones.  Some of our adversity may be chronic and difficult.  Some adversity may be short and mild.  Either way, God has not exempted His children from the painful circumstances and situations of life.  Then we add to this, that not only does God not exempt believers from pain, but He actually allows it and even…

Weekly Update – June 16th, 2022 This week, the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) convened in Anaheim, CA.  Every year during the second full week of June, Southern Baptists gather to vote on important matters that pertain to the mission of the convention (you can find their mission/vision HERE), as well as discussing new ways in which participating churches can connect to reach the world for Christ.  There are over 47,000 churches that partner together with the common goal of fulfilling…

Weekly Update – June 9th, 2022 As you all know by now, Vacation Bible School is just around the corner.  Every summer, First Baptist Church has a week where we specifically focus on teaching children about the gospel of Jesus Christ.  This year’s theme is titled: Monumental: Celebrating God’s Greatness. Within this theme, kids will learn about the God of the universe who created all things, visible and invisible.  He is a vast and great God, who is far above…

Weekly Update – June 2nd, 2022 On Sunday I gave a response to the events that are currently taking place within the Southern Baptist Convention. This response is meant to function as the position our church will take as well as hopefully provide you with a response in conversations you might have with others. Here is a summary of what I said: “Last June, the messengers of the churches representing the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) asked that an independent investigation…

Weekly Update – May 26th, 2022 This week, another horrible tragedy hit our nation.  The unimaginable became true once again as 19 children and 2 teachers were killed in a mass shooting.  Eighteen-year-old Salvador Ramos walked into Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX., barricaded himself in a classroom and opened fire.  But as we think about tragedies such as these, our first thoughts can’t be to blame others.  Many people are ranting and raving about new measures for gun control…

Weekly Update – May 19th, 2022 As we now approach the end of May, it is safe to say that summer is quickly upon us. This season is easily one of my favorites of the year.  I love the hot weather, the afternoon storms, the long evenings and the different pace that the season brings.  But with this season of leisure and refreshment there also comes a temptation.  The article listed below titled, “Setting Our Minds on Things Above in…