Sunday Summary - 4.22.12

Today, I launched into a series on "Women in the Bible." We'll examine this topic through Mother's Day. The first lady that we looked at was Judge Deborah, a military leader who encouraged Barak to "man-up" and fulfill the task that God had called him to do. You can find this story in Judges 4. The story makes is clear that Deborah was a great example of a "suitable helper." Her encouragement brought strength to Barak and she ministered to him by her presence. She helped him to focus on God, as he faced the fears that challenged his obedience. She even allowed him to receive the credit, even though he almost bailed out. Deborah gives a unique perspective of the way God created women and the vital role they play!

We were blessed today with Angelina following the Lord in baptism and joining our church family. In addition, Jeremy & Amy united with our church through membership. This is a very special family that adds some great creativity and enthusiasm to serving Jesus! Be in prayer for Jeremy's father, who was diagnosed with cancer and is only expected to live a few short weeks.

Sunday Summary - 4.15.12

Today at EBC was very different. This was "Relay for Life" weekend, so we focused our service around those who have been touched by cancer and made a concentrated effort to offer some hope. Our Worship Pastor (Joey) is a cancer survivor, so this weekend was very dear to him. He solicited testimonies of those who have cancer, or those who have survived cancer. During the service, these prerecorded testimonies were played and there was not a dry eye in the house. When I asked for everyone who has been touched by cancer to stand, there were hundreds!

The sermon was focused on God's promises to carry us through the storms of life. I used many illustrations that communicated the message of the old song, "God will make a way, when there seems to be no way." God opened the Red Sea for the Israelites. God calmed the storm when the disciples were fearful in the boat. God fulfilled the prophecy of Isaiah that we will pass through the waters (the storms of life) and God would be with us. God is our source of hope and we must keep our eyes on Him!

I don't know what you're personal storm is currently, but God does. Let me just remind you that He is your ONLY source of real hope. Take you needs to Him and trust Him to take care of those needs.

Comedian Tim Hawkins at Emmanuel

Christian comedian, Tim Hawkins www.timhawkins.net came to EBC last night. Tim was one of the easiest performers that we have ever brought into EBC. He was gracious and didn't ask for anything "unreasonable." I would highly recommend your church hosting an event with Tim. I also want to thank our Student Ministries Pastor, Justin, for the upfront work that he put into hosting Tim. All of Justin's work could be why this event seemed so easy to me. (God has blessed our church with a great team of pastors!)

We had two full shows (4:00 & 7:00pm) and a "meet & greet" supper in between. Chick-fil-A on Irby Street in Florence were a great help in providing the meal. Thank you Mark, Kim, and servers! A special thanks also to WMHK 89.7FM for their partnership, promotion, and presence at the event. Thank you Jeff and Michelle!

It was good to see so many people at EBC just laughing and enjoying themselves. We had people drive all the way from Wilmington, Myrtle Beach, Georgetown, Mount Pleasant, Lexington, and more! As Christians, it is good to be able to laugh and have fun... even in the middle of our struggles. Life is tough and the recession has pummeled some families; but God used Tim Hawkins to bring some relief. Thanks to the MANY volunteers who worked to make this such a success!

Easter Sunday - 4.8.12

Today was Easter 2012! Last night, our family watched the movie, "The Crucifixion of Christ." We were reminded last Sunday and again last night, about Jesus sufferings. He agonized in the Garden, He was falsely accused, denied by His followers, mocked, tortured, and ultimately "GAVE" His life to pay the penalty for the sins of the human race (ME!). Even as I write this, my eyes are tearing up and I hope I never get over what Jesus did for me. It was my sin that He paid for.

This morning, we celebrated the resurrection! The resurrection is the Super Bowl for Christians... it's the BIG event! Our church family gathered to enjoy our annual pancake breakfast together. Our staff, deacons, and some other wonderful volunteers prepared and served our church family. We enjoyed fellowship together and I think most realized that our common bond is Jesus Christ.

Following breakfast, we worshiped our resurrected and living Lord. We had about 200 more in attendance than we usually have. (I always want to stand at the door and shake hands saying, "I'll see you at Christmas;" but I refrained.) We had Isabel and Christina were baptized and became members of our church family. We had several mark cards that they prayed to receive Christ as Savior and now our follow-up work begins.

Our Easter offering is being designated to help us jump-start a renewed emphasis on paying down our existing debt. God has blessed and we have paid over $1 million against the principle over the past five years. That's amazing in a small-mid sized church and during a time of recession. It is a tribute to people who are committed to honoring God with their tithes and offerings, and their belief that you can't out-give God.

This morning's sermon focused on the resurrection of Christ and the proofs of that resurrection. There are many, in spite of what critics claim. The resurrection proves that Jesus Christ really was Who He claimed to be -- God. His resurrection proved that He can do what He says He can do - rise in 3 days. Based on those facts, 'm just foolish (or wise) enough to believe that He can forgive my sins, restore my relationship with Him, allow me to live in His fullness, and He is preparing a place for me in Heaven! Praise the Lord for the reminders that Easter brings!

Sunday Summary - 4.1.12

Yesterday was another great day in the Lord's house! Our attendance continues to climb, our offerings continue to be strong, and we continue to see spiritual decisions being made. Yesterday, we had Dalton and Tim take the spiritual steps of baptism and church membership. Tim's family also joined with him.

A funny story about Tim... last Sunday, I was giving a tour to some guests, when Tim stopped me. He called me off to the side as though something was wrong and said, "Preacher, you are just the man I was looking for." He said, "I want to get baptized." When I asked Tim about his salvation, he got a big smile and replied, "I was saved three weeks ago during the service, but didn't want to walk forward." Tim and his family began attending EBC as a result of Team Impact, so "thank you" to everyone who had a part in Team Impact... you also had a part in Tim coming to know Christ!

The sermon yesterday was based around the crucifixion of Christ. We talk about it so much that I think we often grow calloused toward it. As the saying goes, "Familiarity breeds contempt." So, I walked our people through the unjust trials, the beatings, the crucifixion, and all the way to the tomb. I was able to present it differently this year, after having walked through the Holy Land last November. It was more real... I had seen those places... I could now speak with authority... it increased my passion... WOW! That passion must have made its way to the hearts of our congregation, as people were moved to tears and the altar was full during our invitation.

Thank God for His plan of salvation. It costs us nothing, but it cost Jesus everything!

Easter Production

On the nights of Saturday, March 31 and Sunday, April 1, our adult choir and drama ministries presented a wonderful Easter program entitled, "The Thief." The script was original and written by our own Brian Geddes. As with most programs, those involved usually wonder whether it will all come together, and did it ever! I would call the set "simple-elegance." It was just enough, but not too much. The vocalists and actors did a superb job. Those in support roles (sound, video, lighting, costuming, stage hands, greeters, ushers, etc.) as usual... made everyone look good. We had great crowds on both nights, people were moved to tears, and 7 people started personal relationships with Jesus Christ! We also had several people indicate their desire to know more about EBC and express a desire to speak with one of our pastors. A heart-felt "thank you" to everyone who participated in making this program a huge success.

Due to the busy summer schedule of EBC, we chose not to do the giant EGGstravaganza this year. There was some sadness and a few calls of disappointment from our community, but there were also many "thank yous" from our church family. We weighed the benefits and felt that our people needed a break, more than we needed a few prospects. Our church is learning to do ministry that is effective and efficient, rather than events that just draw crowds. Having crowds is nice, but building God's Church is our goal.

ECS Open House & Business After Hours

Emmanuel Christian School hosted a Business After Hours through our local Chamber of Commerce last night. This is a monthly networking opportunity for Chamber members to stop by after work. Based on business cards turned in, we had approximately 35 attend from the community. They were joined by our ECS staff and faculty, along with several families that arrived early for our Open House. My thanks to Clark and Jenifer for leading the way in putting it all together, to our Food Service staff for the wonderful array of food, and to our staff and faculty for their participation. I also want to thank Johnna for the Chamber's help and for the leadership she is providing.

Following the Business After Hours, the teachers went to their classrooms and the business leaders were able to tour the school and ask questions of our staff and faculty. We combined this night with an Open House for our community. This was the best Open House we have ever had! Families from preschool to high school walked through, gathered information, and we had enrollments coming in the very next day!

Again, thanks to ALL who attended and helped to host this great event!

Sunday Summary - 3.18.12

Yesterday was "Baby Dedication" at EBC. God is blessing our church with MANY young families, and today He blessed us with 9 babies to be dedicated. This is a special time in the life of any church. The concept for this day is based on the story of Hannah dedicating Samuel to the Lord. We encourage parents to dedicate their children to the Lord, to dedicate themselves to be godly parents, and the church family dedicates themselves to do all they can to help these parents raise these precious children to know, love, and serve the Lord. We show pictures on the screens, read special summaries that the parents have written about their children, take pictures, and distribute certificates to remind parents of this commitment.

I continued the sermon series "Thy Kingdom Come" with a message about Kingdom Determination. I challenged our church member to seize the dream that God is placing in their heart, to pursue that dream, and to determine to be faithful until they complete it. I used biblical illustrations of dreamers including: Noah, Daniel, Joseph, Nehemiah, Paul, and Joshua & Caleb. I reminded our church that God gives individual and corporate dreams, that the majority will often oppose them, and those who remain faithful will be rewarded.

God blessed our services with Adelaide being baptized and becoming a member of our church family, and the O'Dell family coming for membership pending baptism. 2012 has been such a wonderful year. We have already had 75 saved through Team Impact, 10 saved through our services, and 30 new members added to our church. Praise God for what He is doing at EBC!

Sunday Summary - 3.11.12 (ECS Day)

Today was our annual service in which we highlight Emmanuel Christian School. ECS Day is a BIG event, since ECS is the largest ministry of EBC. Many of our church members don't realize that on any given day there are approximately 1,000 people on our campus just via the school events. These people include: students, parents, grandparents, teachers, athletes, coaches, vendors, etc. We are proud that ECS has been "Teaching the minds... and training the hearts" of students in Darlington County for 48 years!

During this ECS Day service, our EXCEL music students provide the prelude music, the elementary students serve as our choir, high school students serve as ushers and greeters, students make up our band, and faculty members serve as our praise team. In addition, our EXCEL art students set up an art gallery to display their work and for our members to enjoy. This year, we added a new twist as we showed several TV commercials that included personal testimonies from ECS parents and students.

I continued the sermon series "Thy Kingdom Come" with a message about Kingdom Love. Using Mary's act of breaking her alabaster box and anointing Jesus with costly perfume, I challenged our congregation to lavish their love on Christ, to hold nothing back, and to express their worship with disregard for what anyone else might say. Karen sang a beautiful song that tied it all together. God blessed our efforts with Edna joining our church family; and Tiffany, Josh, and Billy being baptized. Billy shared his testimony of being "religious, but lost." He ended his wrestling match with God and accepted Christ as his Savior on the last night of Team Impact.

Sunday Summary - Team Impact - 3.4.12

Yesterday was the climax to a GREAT evangelism event at Emmanuel Baptist Church. We had Team Impact www.team-impact.com at EBC last week, Feb. 29 - March 4. Team Impact uses feats of strength to draw crowds, then they share a very clear presentation of the gospel. TI conducted assemblies in seven area schools, at Coker College, and at the Hartsville Boys' & Girls' Club. TI preached at our Sunday afternoon basketball church and saw three men make decisions for Christ. Approximately 2,200 people attended the evening events with 160+ making decisions for salvation, assurance, rededication, and prayer needs.

During our morning service, God's Spirit moved and we had an amazing morning! I've been working with a man in his 20's who was saved yesterday! I got the privilege of baptizing my daughter and another young man who were saved several weeks ago. We also added nine new members to our church family! Last night, a man who has been active in our church and sings in our choir, realized his need for salvation. He stated that he had a head-knowledge of Christ, but he needed to surrender his heart to the Lord. Praise God!

I want to extend my thanks to all of our EBC volunteers who helped to make this event a huge success. Our church family has caught the vision for reaching beyond our walls, reaching our community, and impacting eternity! Thank God for people who are willing to serve the Lord in whatever way is needed! I also want to thank David, our EBC Children's Pastor, for the work he did in organizing this event. God has blessed us with a great ministry team!