By Randy Keene Pastor, First Baptist Church, Minor Hill Focal Passage: Ephesians 1:20-23; 2:8-10,19-22 In this week’s lesson the writer brings out the point that when we come to Christ, we also become a part of the body of Christ. As Christians we were not meant to go this journey alone. The word “independent” has always bothered me when affiliated with the local church. God has designed this church to

By Randy Keene Pastor, First Baptist Church, Minor Hill Focal Passage: Romans 13:1-10  Politics is not my favorite subject to talk about these days. It seems we are in a very sensitive era when it comes to politics and government. But as the child of God, we must reflect His attributes and not those of the world. There are several Bible passages that deal with government and politics but Romans

By Randy Keene Pastor, First Baptist Church, Minor Hill Focal Passage: I Peter 5:5b-11 In this week’s lesson the writer really brings out the point that our hope in Jesus Christ will culminate with a destination. Peter writes a final word to his readers, the elders, on how to focus on the glory that awaits every believer. He speaks to the shepherds of the flocks as how to conduct themselves

By Randy Keene Pastor, First Baptist Church, Minor Hill Focal Passage: I Peter 4:1-2, 12-19  In this lesson we will look at the joy that can be a byproduct of suffering and how we can deepen our relationship with Christ because of it. Adrian Rogers once said, “Our faith is often developed in the darkrooms of life.” As a believer, it’s my testimony that this is very true. In I

By Randy Keene Pastor, First Baptist Church, Minor Hill Focal Passage: 1 Peter 3:8-17 In this week’s lesson the writer really brings home the point that we can endure suffering because of our hope in Christ. The Bible says it rains on the just and the unjust, meaning that trials and suffering affects both believers and unbelievers. Everyone is affected. Similarly. today it seems like everyone is affected by the

By Randy Keene Pastor, First Baptist Church, Minor Hill Focal Passage: 1 Peter 2:4-15  This week’s lesson is packed full of nuggets. Like a train has a caboose, we continue on the old T and O railroad, “trust and obey.” Peter jumps right in setting the stage on how our hope in Christ should be a testimony to the world. The Greek word here for “coming” has the notion of

By Randy Keene Pastor, First Baptist Church, Minor Hill Focal Passage: 1 Peter 1:13-25 In this week’s lesson the writer really brings home the point that our hope in Jesus Christ should change our view on how we look at the world and on how we live in it. Hope is that precious commodity that is in the bank for believers. I’ve often been told that faith is the medium

By Randy Franklin Keene Pastor, First Baptist Church, Minor Hill Focal Passage: 1 Peter 1:1-9  The lesson today is going to help us understand that the hope we have in Christ is sure and certain. Peter’s first epistle was written in a time of uncertainty and newfound confusion in the church. They were scattered from here to there, worried about their current problems and issues. So led by the Spirit

By Tim Frank Pastor, First Baptist Church, Carthage Focal Passage: Romans 14:1-4, 13-19 As we conclude this series on the six building blocks of Christian relationships, we address a pressing issue in the church, in society and in our lives today. This issue concerns how you relate to someone who has a different opinion, tradition or preference from you. While this lesson does not dismiss the importance of moral standards

By Tim Frank Pastor, First Baptist Church, Carthage Focal Passage: Philippians 2:1-5, 13-15  One of the basic building blocks of relationships is the ability to yield to others in humble submission to Jesus Christ. Whether it be in a marriage, a church, or a friendship, humility in considering the needs of others is paramount for a continuing, loving relationship. The starting place for love, encouragement, forgiveness and service is humbly