As the walls of our beloved church, which have stood proudly since January 1936, are being dismantled to pave the way for a new chapter, it’s crucial to reminisce about the rich history that has shaped our community. Each brick, each pew and each glass window hold within it a story of faith, resilience and devotion. The story of Celina First Baptist Church is rooted in the vision and dedication
You know it well if you are a Vacation Bible School alumnus. “I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. I will make it a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path and will hide its words in my heart that I might not sin against God.” I remember like it was yesterday the day I was chosen to lead the Vacation Bible School processional into
Last week millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day. For many of them, it was just another holiday to celebrate, cookout, go to the beach or the lake and end the day with fireworks. On the Sunday prior to July 4, countless churches held special patriotic services and many pastors undoubtedly preached a message from II Chronicles 7:14. “God Bless America” was no doubt sung thousands of times. And, the messages
I don’t believe the column that follows is what Baptist and Reflector Editor Lonnie Wilkey had in mind when he asked me to write something about Independence Day. “Since you’re a veteran,” Lonnie began in an email, “Would you write a column about the importance of Independence Day and what it means to you, both as a Christian and one who has served his country?” I reluctantly agreed. I’m conflicted
One good thing about not having a printed issue immediately following the SBC annual meeting is I have an opportunity to think about all that transpired during those two packed days in Indianapolis. I won’t rehash the business itself. We have numerous articles on the website from the annual meeting as well as a good wrap up of events from the SBC, some of which have not been on the
Southern Baptist Convention annual meetings are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you might find. I know that is paraphrased wisdom imparted by Forrest Gump’s momma, but it certainly applies, and it certainly applies to the people who attend. So many friends and faces from across the years, you never know who you may run into that offers a warm remembrance. For instance, a lady in her
Recently I heard someone say that in three years no one will remember you. I am going through a season of change right now, and that struck me as quite depressing. I am the wife of a pastor, and we have been in ministry for nearly 30 years. I am a teacher, and it just dawned on me that I have been teaching more than half of my life. This
Many, many years ago, when I was just a boy, my family took a vacation to California. One night while there, we were eating at a restaurant when we looked across the room and spotted — you won’t believe this — Muhammed Ali! The three-time heavyweight champion was eating a quiet dinner with his own family, tucked away in a corner table. Realizing the magnitude of this moment, my friend
Why do you go to church? It was an honest question from an unbeliever I’d known for years. Our recent discussion about following Christ turned to more pragmatic matters born out of his general observations about Christianity in general. “Why would I give up my one day off in order to gather with bunch of people I don’t know?” was his follow-up. Perhaps you’ve wondered the same. Do we really
Why do you go to church? It was an honest question from an unbeliever I’d known for years. Our recent discussion about following Christ turned to more pragmatic matters born out of his general observations about Christianity in general. “Why would I give up my one day off in order to gather with bunch of people I don’t know?” was his follow-up. Perhaps you’ve wondered the same. Do we really
As the walls of our beloved church, which have stood proudly since January 1936, are being dismantled to pave the way for a new chapter,
You know it well if you are a Vacation Bible School alumnus. “I pledge allegiance to the Bible, God’s Holy Word. I will make it
Last week millions of Americans celebrated Independence Day. For many of them, it was just another holiday to celebrate, cookout, go to the beach or
I don’t believe the column that follows is what Baptist and Reflector Editor Lonnie Wilkey had in mind when he asked me to write something
One good thing about not having a printed issue immediately following the SBC annual meeting is I have an opportunity to think about all that
Southern Baptist Convention annual meetings are like a box of chocolates. You never know what you might find. I know that is paraphrased wisdom imparted
Recently I heard someone say that in three years no one will remember you. I am going through a season of change right now, and
Many, many years ago, when I was just a boy, my family took a vacation to California. One night while there, we were eating at
Why do you go to church? It was an honest question from an unbeliever I’d known for years. Our recent discussion about following Christ turned
Why do you go to church? It was an honest question from an unbeliever I’d known for years. Our recent discussion about following Christ turned