Posts by Michael Nelson (Page 14)

Weekly Update – December 30th, 2021 A common aspect of beginning a new year is set resolutions.  Many will determine to exercise, eat better, spend less or save more.  But instead of merely setting physical or financial goals this year, why not determine to set spiritual goals as well. With the effects of Covid over the last few years, combined with the hesitancy of many to engage closely with others, it will be helpful to make spiritual goals that consider…

Weekly Update – December 23rd, 2021 Christmas is almost here.  Some already have family who have come into town, others will connect with family over the weekend and in the few days that follow.  Either way, many of us will have some sort of contact with friends and family members as we get together to share a meal, celebrate the holiday and remember the birth of Christ.  The question that should come to mind is, “How can we make the…

Weekly Update – December 16th, 2021 Typically when the month of December comes around, not only do we think of Christmas, family gatherings and friendships, but if you are anything like me, you also tend to reflect on the year that has just gone by.  The common slogan that you will likely hear at some point during this month is something to the degree of, “How did it get to be December already?” or “Can you believe that it is…

Weekly Update – December 9th, 2021 The Christmas offering that we as Southern Baptists participate in every year is named in honor of a woman named Lottie Moon.  On July 7, 1873, the Foreign Mission Board (now International Mission Board) of the Southern Baptist Convention appointed her a missionary to China. Lottie spent most of her missionary years in Tengchow and P’ingtu, China where she taught at mission schools and ministered to women. Through having immersed herself in Chinese culture,…

Weekly Update – December 2nd, 2021 Last week we began the first week of Advent. Traditionally, Christians will remember four weeks of Advent as we look forward to the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. Advent means “longing” or “anticipation” for the coming of the Messiah.  It reminds us to look back in joy to the first coming of Christ, but to also look ahead in expectation to his return.  It is a nice contrast to the hustle and…

Weekly Update – November 25th, 2021 Thanksgiving is often a great time to catch up with friends and family members. Sometimes though, in the midst of trying to talk with someone you haven’t seen in a while, or sitting around a table with a bunch of people, it can get difficult to have real, meaningful conversation. Below are a list of questions, put together by Donald Whitney, to hopefully aid in meaningful discussions that fit the season. – What’s your…

Weekly Update – November 18th, 2021 As we have been examining the topic, “Why Church” on Sunday mornings, we answered the question, “Why Leadership” this past Sunday.  Now, I understand that this may not necessarily be a question that many people ask when they walk into a church.  In fact, many may not even know what form of leadership a church has.  But scripture is clear, especially in the New Testament, that the leadership structure given by God for his…

Weekly Update – November 11th, 2021 Over the last several weeks, we have been looking at why we do what we do as a church.  As we have said, in our Covid/Post-Covid climate, it is easy to become complacent or even confused about what the church’s purpose is and why the church does what it does.  Specifically, for us at First Baptist Church, we have asked many questions over the last several weeks such as:  Why Gather? Why Preach?  Why…

Weekly Update – November 4th, 2021 As always, we had a wonderful time this past Sunday night with our trunk or treat.  We estimate that we had around 300 people attend.   I am thankful that, as a church, we are able to not only provide a safe alternative for children and their families in Grandview, but that we also had the opportunity to meet and talk with many of our neighbors.  In addition to our trunk or treat, last Sunday also…

Weekly Update – October 28th, 2021 George Whitfield was a famous traveling evangelist in the mid 1700s. In fact, it could be said that aside from the apostle Paul, the church has never seen an evangelist quite like George Whitfield. A key point that he proclaimed in almost every message was the necessity of being born again. In fact, one time, a friend approached him after he spoke and asked him, “Sir, why do you tell us over and over…

Weekly Update – October 1st, 2021 Typically when the average church goer thinks of membership, it is usually with the idea of having your name put on an official role at the church in which you attend.  Some would agree that it is necessary, whereas others would see it as something completely optional.  There seems to be a sense among Christians (and rightly so) that being a part of a church is good, but yet as long as they are in a church,…

Weekly Update – October 14th, 2021 Many times the worship service may seem as a sort of break for tired and weary parents.  The worship service provides an hour for parents to refresh, listen and fellowship with others while their children are being cared for and taught by a loving teacher.  That is why on the outset, the idea of having children in the worship service may not always seem that appealing.  Some may think that it is an inconvenience to parents and…