This past Sunday morning we finished up our series Living What You Believe from Romans 12-15. I hope these messages have given you some very practical, hands-on information that will help you be all that God wants you to be. Some of the things we've learned in this series include:
-How to be a living sacrifice and be separated from this world.
-Finding your place of service and discovering your spiritual gifts.
-How to know the difference between real love and fake love.
-Learning how to love life and how to build healthy relationships.
-Knowing how to deal with people who are mean.
-Being a good Christian citizen, which includes obeying the laws of the land and paying taxes.
-The importance of sanctification.
-The freedom we have in Christ, as well as the great responsibility that goes along with that freedom.
-How to promote unity in the body of Christ.
-How to be accepting of people in the body of Christ.
-The importance of finding our focus.
God's Word is so relevant to us today! Some people say that the Bible is out-dated and not practical to people of the 21st century. Those who say that have either never read the Bible or they've never met the same Jesus that I've met. He is the same yesterday, today and forever, and His Word was and is relevant yesterday, today and forever.
Bro. Shane
Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Thursday, May 25, 2006
WOW!
Well, its Thursday morning and I am still in the clouds after the service we had here last night. Our One Night Revival with David Ring was just what the name implied it would be: a revival. I think that was exactly the kind of wake-up call we all needed, and I thank God for His presence in this place.
I don't know that I've ever been in a service where I've seen the pews empty during the invitation like they did last night. It was an awesome sight! I can't speak for anyone else, but I felt a wide range of emotions during the message: laughter, tears, encouragement, conviction. Those are just a few of the words that come to mind.
One thing that most of you may not know is that after the service, Koy had a chance to lead a young lady to the Lord in the prayer room. I believe there will be others who will come to know the Lord in the coming days and weeks as a result of God's presence in the service last night. Some people will continue to feel the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and eventually will be saved. Christians will be more motivated to share their faith with friends and loved ones and so we'll hopefully see others saved through their testimony.
I said it last night and I'll say it again: I'll take a service like that over American Idol any day of the week. I'd much rather be in God's house with God's people, feeling God's presence and seeing people saved and revived than sitting in front of the T.V. watching a singing competition.
And speaking of singing, last night was incredible. Our choir sounded better than I've ever heard them before. You guys nearly blew the roof off the place! The praise and worship time was wonderful, and Stephanie's song was beautiful and went right along with David's testimony. All in all, it was a glorious service and it was obvious that God was in this place.
If the Lord lit a fire in your heart last night, let me encourage you to not let that flame die down. Determine that you are going to have a daily quiet time with God, talking to Him and letting Him talk to you through His Word. Commit to serving the Lord with a passion, and decide today that complacency and excuses are no longer an option. Remember what David said to us last night, "If God can use me, God can use you. Your excuse just left the building."
All I can say now is, "I can't wait for Sunday!"
Bro. Shane
I don't know that I've ever been in a service where I've seen the pews empty during the invitation like they did last night. It was an awesome sight! I can't speak for anyone else, but I felt a wide range of emotions during the message: laughter, tears, encouragement, conviction. Those are just a few of the words that come to mind.
One thing that most of you may not know is that after the service, Koy had a chance to lead a young lady to the Lord in the prayer room. I believe there will be others who will come to know the Lord in the coming days and weeks as a result of God's presence in the service last night. Some people will continue to feel the convicting power of the Holy Spirit and eventually will be saved. Christians will be more motivated to share their faith with friends and loved ones and so we'll hopefully see others saved through their testimony.
I said it last night and I'll say it again: I'll take a service like that over American Idol any day of the week. I'd much rather be in God's house with God's people, feeling God's presence and seeing people saved and revived than sitting in front of the T.V. watching a singing competition.
And speaking of singing, last night was incredible. Our choir sounded better than I've ever heard them before. You guys nearly blew the roof off the place! The praise and worship time was wonderful, and Stephanie's song was beautiful and went right along with David's testimony. All in all, it was a glorious service and it was obvious that God was in this place.
If the Lord lit a fire in your heart last night, let me encourage you to not let that flame die down. Determine that you are going to have a daily quiet time with God, talking to Him and letting Him talk to you through His Word. Commit to serving the Lord with a passion, and decide today that complacency and excuses are no longer an option. Remember what David said to us last night, "If God can use me, God can use you. Your excuse just left the building."
All I can say now is, "I can't wait for Sunday!"
Bro. Shane
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
Tomorrow Night
It's finally here. Tomorrow night is our One Night Revival with evangelist David Ring. Please don't let up in your prayers for this event. I truly believe we're going to see God doing great things in this service. Keep inviting folks to come and hear this man's incredible testimony. Service will start promptly at 7 p.m. on Wednesday night. Choir members need to be here by 6:15.
We had a good day on Sunday. We began the series The Da Vinci Con on Sunday night, and interest seems to be pretty high. Quite a few people weren't able to be here for the first message and have expressed an interest in getting tapes. We are taping these messages and will make them available for you at the conclusion of the series. Our first message was entitled Truth Versus Lies, and we exposed the top ten lies from The Da Vinci Code. This Sunday night we will narrow our focus as we put the Bible under the microscope. Can God's Word stand up to strict scrutiny? Most of you already know the answer to that question: "absolutely yes." Sunday night we'll give you the evidence you need to prove that the Bible truly is the Word of God.
We had a good day on Sunday. We began the series The Da Vinci Con on Sunday night, and interest seems to be pretty high. Quite a few people weren't able to be here for the first message and have expressed an interest in getting tapes. We are taping these messages and will make them available for you at the conclusion of the series. Our first message was entitled Truth Versus Lies, and we exposed the top ten lies from The Da Vinci Code. This Sunday night we will narrow our focus as we put the Bible under the microscope. Can God's Word stand up to strict scrutiny? Most of you already know the answer to that question: "absolutely yes." Sunday night we'll give you the evidence you need to prove that the Bible truly is the Word of God.
Thursday, May 18, 2006
Da Vinci Flop?
Initial reviews are in on The Da Vinci Code, and the verdict seems overwhelmingly to be that this is a bad movie. Putting aside the heresy, the half-truths and the outright lies of the book and movie, critics seem to be united in their belief that this film is just boring. Reports from the initial screening of The Da Vinci Code at the Cannes Film Festival said people were laughing and jeering at the most pivotal moment of the movie. Laughing and jeering might be expected if this were a Will Ferrell movie, but that's certainly not the kind of reaction Ron Howard and Tom Hanks had hoped this film would evoke.
Don't be fooled by early reviews, though. The hype behind this movie will send millions to the theater this weekend who could care less about what the critics have to say. The message in this film is one that will cause many people to have questions and doubts about the Bible, the church and the Christian faith. The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us about our relationship with Jesus (my paraphrase). We need to be ready for those who'll have questions and doubts, and our Sunday night series The Da Vinci Con will help you to be prepared. The series begins this Sunday night, May 21 at 6 p.m.
Bro. Shane
Don't be fooled by early reviews, though. The hype behind this movie will send millions to the theater this weekend who could care less about what the critics have to say. The message in this film is one that will cause many people to have questions and doubts about the Bible, the church and the Christian faith. The Bible tells us in 1 Peter 3:15 to always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks us about our relationship with Jesus (my paraphrase). We need to be ready for those who'll have questions and doubts, and our Sunday night series The Da Vinci Con will help you to be prepared. The series begins this Sunday night, May 21 at 6 p.m.
Bro. Shane
Wednesday, May 17, 2006
One Week Away
Well, our Wednesday night service is over, and it is now just one week until our One Night Revival with David Ring. I hope you're still praying and inviting friends and family. This could be a life-changing event for someone that you love, and you can have a hand in bringing them to Christ. Do what you have to do to get them here on Wednesday, May 24th at 7 p.m.
We had a good service tonight. Business meeting was short and sweet, and the message was from Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament. Sunday morning we will continue our series Living What You Believe, and Sunday night we will begin the series The Da Vinci Con. I'll tell you more about these messages in my next blog. I'm writing this from home and I'm getting kind of sleepy, so I'm heading to bed soon.
Hope to see everyone Sunday!
Bro. Shane
We had a good service tonight. Business meeting was short and sweet, and the message was from Obadiah, the shortest book in the Old Testament. Sunday morning we will continue our series Living What You Believe, and Sunday night we will begin the series The Da Vinci Con. I'll tell you more about these messages in my next blog. I'm writing this from home and I'm getting kind of sleepy, so I'm heading to bed soon.
Hope to see everyone Sunday!
Bro. Shane
Monday, May 15, 2006
Prayer Requests
Here's a few things to keep in your prayers this week:
-Our upcoming One Night Revival with David Ring.
-Lyda Mitchell, who is at RMC in room 935.
-Wallace Gravitt, Shelby Cupp, Elmon Thompson and everybody on our prayer list.
-Continued unity in our church.
-VBS, which will be here before we know it.
-Youth Camp, also coming up real soon.
-Our community that is filled with people who need Jesus.
Yesterday was a great day at EFBC. It's always wonderful to recognize the mothers in our congregation, and it was especially great to have my mom in attendance with us.
It was great to be back in the pulpit after being away last Sunday. I'm a little sad that we are on the last chapter of our series through Romans 12-15. I've really enjoyed these messages, and I will hate to see them come to an end.
I'm really looking forward to our Sunday night series The Da Vinci Con, that will begin this Sunday night at 6 p.m. I hope you're planning on being here.
Bro. Shane
-Our upcoming One Night Revival with David Ring.
-Lyda Mitchell, who is at RMC in room 935.
-Wallace Gravitt, Shelby Cupp, Elmon Thompson and everybody on our prayer list.
-Continued unity in our church.
-VBS, which will be here before we know it.
-Youth Camp, also coming up real soon.
-Our community that is filled with people who need Jesus.
Yesterday was a great day at EFBC. It's always wonderful to recognize the mothers in our congregation, and it was especially great to have my mom in attendance with us.
It was great to be back in the pulpit after being away last Sunday. I'm a little sad that we are on the last chapter of our series through Romans 12-15. I've really enjoyed these messages, and I will hate to see them come to an end.
I'm really looking forward to our Sunday night series The Da Vinci Con, that will begin this Sunday night at 6 p.m. I hope you're planning on being here.
Bro. Shane
Friday, May 12, 2006
Holding Things Together
Looking forward to being back in the pulpit this Sunday morning. In addition to recognizing our mothers, we will be continuing our series through Romans 12-15: Living What You Believe. This Sunday's message is entitled Holding Things Together, and it will deal with ways we can promote unity in the body of Christ. We will be looking at Romans 15:1-6 if you want to go ahead and get a head start.
Starting on May 21st, we will begin a Sunday night series entitled The Da Vinci Con. This will be a biblical response to the best-selling book and forthcoming movie The Da Vinci Code. The movie's previews encourage people to "seek the truth." Unfortunately, the fiction of The Da Vinci Code doesn't even come close to anything resembling the truth. If this movie becomes as popular as predicted, the body of Christ may have an opportunity to turn the tables and show people the Real Truth. This series of messages will give you the ammunition you need to boldly defend your faith and take a stand for Jesus. Don't miss it!
Bro. Shane
Starting on May 21st, we will begin a Sunday night series entitled The Da Vinci Con. This will be a biblical response to the best-selling book and forthcoming movie The Da Vinci Code. The movie's previews encourage people to "seek the truth." Unfortunately, the fiction of The Da Vinci Code doesn't even come close to anything resembling the truth. If this movie becomes as popular as predicted, the body of Christ may have an opportunity to turn the tables and show people the Real Truth. This series of messages will give you the ammunition you need to boldly defend your faith and take a stand for Jesus. Don't miss it!
Bro. Shane
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Two Weeks Away
Our upcoming One Night Revival with evangelist David Ring is only two weeks away, and I hope you have been praying. Don't forget the date and time: Wednesday, May 24th at 7 p.m.
You can find out more about David Ring by accessing his website: www.davidring.org.
Be careful if you're out and about today; looks like we're going to have some storms coming through our area. Everybody be safe.
See you at church tonight.
Bro. Shane
You can find out more about David Ring by accessing his website: www.davidring.org.
Be careful if you're out and about today; looks like we're going to have some storms coming through our area. Everybody be safe.
See you at church tonight.
Bro. Shane
Monday, May 08, 2006
Safely Home
Well, we're finally home from Florida . . . a day later than planned. The delay was not a bad thing, however. We had a wonderful time and God truly blessed us over the weekend. Sorry I was unable to update the blog while we were away, but every time we got near a computer I was too busy to even think of trying to sit down at a keyboard.
Stephanie did a great job singing at a leadership rally on Saturday night and again for morning worship yesterday at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Pensacola. It was a blessing for me to be able to attend a service and just be ministered to. I didn't have to do anything other than enjoy it. We preachers need that every now and then, and I just soaked it in. It was a time of refreshing for me, and I am definitely excited about getting back to EFBC and getting back in the pulpit.
We were blessed over the weekend to be able to stay in a missions home that is owned by retired missionaries Mel and Mary Lou Gentry. They had long dreamed of having a house that could be used only for ministry purposes, and when the house next door to theirs went on the market, they bought it. What an incredible experience to have full use of a four bedroom, two and a half bath, fully furnished home during our stay in Pensacola. Trust me, you would have stayed an extra night, too!
It was also great to spend some time with our good friends Johnny and Beth Carr and their three children. This was our first chance to really get to know their son James, who they adopted from China back in September. James was born with serious hearing loss, and because of that he was abandoned at age three and placed in a Chinese orphanage. Johnny and Beth had long wanted to adopt a deaf child, and when they found out about James, they worked tirelessly to make the adoption happen. Now, they are planning on adopting a deaf girl from China who is about the same age as James, who is now five years old. They don't know how long it will take for all the pieces of the international adoption puzzle to fall into place, but they are already making plans to expand their family once again. Please keep them in your prayers.
Well, I've rambled on enough for tonight. Looking forward to being back with my church family on Wednesday night. Hope you'll be there!
Bro. Shane
Stephanie did a great job singing at a leadership rally on Saturday night and again for morning worship yesterday at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Pensacola. It was a blessing for me to be able to attend a service and just be ministered to. I didn't have to do anything other than enjoy it. We preachers need that every now and then, and I just soaked it in. It was a time of refreshing for me, and I am definitely excited about getting back to EFBC and getting back in the pulpit.
We were blessed over the weekend to be able to stay in a missions home that is owned by retired missionaries Mel and Mary Lou Gentry. They had long dreamed of having a house that could be used only for ministry purposes, and when the house next door to theirs went on the market, they bought it. What an incredible experience to have full use of a four bedroom, two and a half bath, fully furnished home during our stay in Pensacola. Trust me, you would have stayed an extra night, too!
It was also great to spend some time with our good friends Johnny and Beth Carr and their three children. This was our first chance to really get to know their son James, who they adopted from China back in September. James was born with serious hearing loss, and because of that he was abandoned at age three and placed in a Chinese orphanage. Johnny and Beth had long wanted to adopt a deaf child, and when they found out about James, they worked tirelessly to make the adoption happen. Now, they are planning on adopting a deaf girl from China who is about the same age as James, who is now five years old. They don't know how long it will take for all the pieces of the international adoption puzzle to fall into place, but they are already making plans to expand their family once again. Please keep them in your prayers.
Well, I've rambled on enough for tonight. Looking forward to being back with my church family on Wednesday night. Hope you'll be there!
Bro. Shane
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Florida Bound
We're getting ready to head to Pensacola for the weekend (me, Stephanie and Moshi), and we will be back on Sunday evening. Koy will be preaching this Sunday morning and his father, Randy Brooks, will fill the pulpit Sunday night. I know it will be a great day at EFBC, and I hope you're planning on being here.
I want everyone to know that this trip to the Gulf coast is strictly for ministry purposes. Stephanie will be singing Saturday night and again on Sunday morning at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Pensacola. However, since we're going to be that close to the beach, we'll probably carry our swimsuits and enjoy the white sands of the Gulf while we're there. Maybe even eat a little fresh seafood. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.
Preparation is still underway for our One Night Revival with evangelist David Ring. Please keep this in your prayers and be inviting your lost friends and loved ones. The date for this event is Wednesday, May 24 at 7 p.m. More information on David Ring will be made available as we get closer to that date.
I hope to update the blog while we're in Florida, so check back this weekend. If I'm able to, I'll give you an update of how things are going down there. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Bro. Shane
I want everyone to know that this trip to the Gulf coast is strictly for ministry purposes. Stephanie will be singing Saturday night and again on Sunday morning at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Pensacola. However, since we're going to be that close to the beach, we'll probably carry our swimsuits and enjoy the white sands of the Gulf while we're there. Maybe even eat a little fresh seafood. It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it.
Preparation is still underway for our One Night Revival with evangelist David Ring. Please keep this in your prayers and be inviting your lost friends and loved ones. The date for this event is Wednesday, May 24 at 7 p.m. More information on David Ring will be made available as we get closer to that date.
I hope to update the blog while we're in Florida, so check back this weekend. If I'm able to, I'll give you an update of how things are going down there. Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Bro. Shane
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
What's Going On Here?
It is May 2 and I had to turn on the heat in the office this morning. I know some of you think that I run the air conditioner 365 days a year, but I promise I'm not that hot-natured. Although I do enjoy cooler weather, once I start running the A/C in the spring, I don't want to go back to turning on the heat. Oh well, I guess that just goes with the territory when you live in Alabama.
We had a great time at our church fun day on Sunday. Thankfully, the rain held off long enough for us to enjoy some volleyball, basketball, and a nice game of softball (even though we did play through a few sprinkles). When the skies finally opened up and gave us a good soaking, I think we were all about ready to call it a day.
I want to say a special "thank you" to our hospitality committee for the great job they did on Sunday. You folks went above and beyond the call of duty, and everything was spectacular. I also want to thank J.O. Smith for setting up the volleyball net for us. You and Alice were both missed on Sunday.
Bro. Shane
We had a great time at our church fun day on Sunday. Thankfully, the rain held off long enough for us to enjoy some volleyball, basketball, and a nice game of softball (even though we did play through a few sprinkles). When the skies finally opened up and gave us a good soaking, I think we were all about ready to call it a day.
I want to say a special "thank you" to our hospitality committee for the great job they did on Sunday. You folks went above and beyond the call of duty, and everything was spectacular. I also want to thank J.O. Smith for setting up the volleyball net for us. You and Alice were both missed on Sunday.
Bro. Shane
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