By Michael Julian Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton Focal Passage: Revelation 3:7-13 Welcome to the church of brotherly love. Sounds nice, doesn’t it? When we live up to our name, particularly the name Christian, the church and all those around the church benefit from such integrity. This church at Philadelphia also stood as one that did not hear the voice of Jesus saying, “But I have this against you.” Walking

By Michael Julian Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton Focal Passage: Revelation 3:1-6 Welcome to sleepy Sardis. This city was known to have natural defenses that seemed impenetrable by invading forces. In fact, the thought of capturing Sardis was equated with the impossible. But, things are not always what they seem. Sardis developed a huge blindspot because of its natural setting. Thus, the armies of Sardis paid little attention to a

By Michael Julian Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton Focal Passage: Revelation 2:18-29  If you have ever tasted water from a clear, crisp, and cool mountain stream, then you can testify to the refreshing nature of that experience. If you have tasted water from a muddy creek meandering through a cow pasture because you were that thirsty, then you can testify to the somewhat repulsive nature of that experience. Purity makes

By Michael Julian Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton Focal Passage: Revelation 2:12-17  I trust that you have already jotted down several thoughts about what kind of church God desires. If you have not, then now is your chance. You may even jot down a few more thoughts as we progress, for the purpose of comparing these initial thoughts with the words of Christ in His letters to the churches in

By Michael Julian Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton Focal Passage: Revelation 2:8-11  This week we move to Smyrna to hear what the Lord Jesus communicates to the church located in this beautiful city. There were temples to the Greek gods, as well as a golden street.  Upon entering the harbor and gazing upon the city high above and the golden street, it almost looked as if the city had a

By Michael Julian Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton Focal Passage: Revelation 2:1-7  What kind of church does God desire? Ponder this question before you keep reading. Jot down your thoughts. Hold onto these thoughts and read them again after we complete this unit on, “The Church God Desires.” Would you stand by these thoughts, add to them, take away from them, or scratch them altogether?  To look for biblical answers

By Michael Julian Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton Focal Passage: Matthew 13:3-8,18-23  Sharing Christ is a mandate. Sharing Christ is a must. It is not something that can wait. It is a matter of trust. But, the question remains active for our present generation. Are we going to share Christ without reservation? I love the parables of Jesus. They can be short in length and long in meaning. The parable

By Michael Julian Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton Focal Passage: Acts 17:16-18,22-23,30-31  Can we rejoice together that we have been privileged to receive and participate in a boundless gospel? Specifically, we promote that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes. Notice the words, everyone who believes.  The book of Acts demonstrates this truth for us, as barriers are broken down and praises are lifted

By Michael Julian Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton Focal Passage: Colossians 3:1-3,12-17  Colossians 3:1-3: These first three verses delight my soul with great comfort and encouragement. I have turned to them again and again over the years.  Paul is shifting into applying the solid doctrine that he has outlined in the first two chapters. I am incredibly thankful for the Holy Spirit inspiring these words from Paul’s pen. Though the

By Michael Julian Pastor, Macedonia Baptist Church, Kenton Focal Passage: Romans 10:8b-17  Unfortunately, many today might find the phrase, “Jesus saves,” to be a cliche. Oh, and I am talking about those outside the church, too. We have developed within the church the fantastic ability to take the simple and make it complex.  We have also mastered taking something profound and making it run-of-the-mill. We possess the greatest message in