“In worship human beings recognize God for his attributes and express this through adoration, praise, thanksgiving, service, and living holy lives.”¹

Growing up, I always viewed worship as what we did at church on Sundays and Wednesdays and in the car with a Christian worship artist playing over the radio. Yet, I had a poor view of worship, as many do in Christian churches. In the following newsletters, I would like to highlight the different ways we worship. Let’s discuss music in this month’s newsletter for a few minutes.

Music is one of the most challenging topics that fills church pews. Music is highly personal, and the music we enjoy is definitively personal. Some appreciate and enjoy a broad variety of music, yet this is not normative. We all have music that appeals to us. An article from verywellmind.com showcased a study on how some have connected music to personalities and age. While there is not enough data in this field of research to make definitive claims, the research seems to indicate personality and music genre are at least somewhat connected, even if it is just loosely. However, the subject is up for debate.

Another aspect to consider with music is that it is associated with health, mood, social connection, relaxation, cognitive functions, and even identity, to name a few. Spotify, the largest music streaming platform in the world (according to statistic.com), claims that music “more than any other media, has strong ties to our emotions: music communicates emotion, stirs memory, affects mood, and spurs creativity.”² In 1 Samuel 16:14-23, we see the impact music has on relieving King Saul of his torment from the evil spirit; verse 23 states, “23 Whenever the spirit from God came on Saul, David would pick up his lyre and play, and Saul would then be relieved, feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him” (CSB). It is music that soothed his mind. In other words, music moves people.

If the various research available is accurate, then every church member has different music genres that move them to a place where they can have a “worshipful experience.” Yet, this leads to a difficult question: “Are we truly worshipping God in those moments, or are we worshipping a style of music?” While we all might connect better with specific musical arrangements, does that define worship? I don’t think so. I’d plead for people to consider the words they are singing far more than the style in which the music is arranged. Of course, we want our arrangements to be made with excellence, and we want our instrumentalists to play worshipfully for the glory of God, which is a form of worship. Also, we are to be reverent, and our focus should be to glorify God. Yes, there is a wrong way to conduct ourselves in worship. Yet, the words are at the heart of worship. For example, let’s say we take a song glorifying evil, which is the vast majority of secular music, and arrange it to fit the mold of “traditional” hymnal music and sing it in church. It would be worship. It would be worship of the sin, not of God! It has no place in the church. The point is that worship music should prioritize spiritually rich words.

Ultimately, worship music in the church does not hinge on music arrangement but on the significance of the words we are singing and the posture of our worship. Some of the most catchy songs today do not pass the test because the words do not communicate Biblical truth. They are emotive and personal, without proper and faithful theology. Honestly, this is not unique to modern music, either. It has been an issue for centuries.

Equally important is the posture that we take in worship. When we “worship” without passion and full awareness of our words, we are not worshipping. Far too many churches have lip service but no heart or passion in their worship. They might sing, but it doesn’t come from the depth of their heart. They might raise their hands, but they are unsure of the meaning behind their singing. It might sound unbelievable, counterproductive, and even outlandish. Still, there should be days where all we can do is weep because we are hurting and need Jesus’ healing to touch our souls as the saints testify in song for God’s glorious work, and we embrace the words in prayer and silence. Then, on other days, we are on the mountaintop declaring the mighty works of God through singing. There should be Sundays when we celebrate and raise our voices loud for God’s glory.

The book of Psalms is our playbook. They are a collection of the worship songs of the people of Israel. They point to God, give him glory, and reveal the heart of humanity and even the struggles of God’s people. They are decrees for God to move. They are God’s inspired songs about himself and his work amongst his people. From their example, I believe we understand what church worship should be. Theologically rich testimonies of God’s work, grace, redemptive work, power, glory, how God is working in our lives, cries for God to move in our midst; in other words, our songs should glorify God, proclaiming his faithfulness and draw us to the foot of the cross.

First, worship is posture before the Lord. Let’s come to worship expecting to hear God glorified, with freedom, knowing that it is appropriate to go to the altar to cry, pray, and praise God, even in times of singing. It is okay to allow the words to wash over us as we meditate on the glory of God; it is okay to raise our hands praising God from the depth of our hearts regardless of our singing ability. Before we begin worship, we should ask ourselves a few questions: Are we coming to him with our hearts fixated on our need for Jesus and his glory? Are we focused on Jesus and his work in our lives? What do we need to bring to Jesus? What unconfessed sins are hindering our worship?

Second, it is the words we sing. While it is easy to fall into the temptation to read the words on paper or screen and to forget the power behind the words, we should focus on the message, the story we are testifying of God as we proclaim songs of praise to God. Remember that the words we are signing are being lifted to God on his throne. They are testifying of God and his works. Unfortunately, because it is so easy to slip into going through the motions of worship, we must remain diligent in asking a few questions: Are we focusing on what we are signing? Are we understanding the song’s message and the Scripture backing the words?

Third, I want to provide a word of caution and awareness. There is a real issue regarding worship music in the church. The danger is that we become so focused on the music, programming, and music events that they become idols in our hearts. We become so engrossed in how we want or desire things to be that we lose sight of the purpose of worship: glorifying God. Frankly, this danger of making the item, ministry, or activity used for worshipping God into an idol is a real danger in the church, even outside of music. We absolutely must not make worship about us; it is about God and his work. It is the pursuit of recognizing God for all his glory and work.

Fourth, worship is far more than music. I wrestled with where to begin this series. To be totally trans-parent, I’m not sure how many parts this will have, but it will at least have two parts. Yet, I figured music would be a good place to begin. It is what is most often associated with worship, even though that understanding misses out on so much splendor of true worship. It is a vital part of our Sunday morning time together. Music is such a splendid and glorious gift from God, and what better way to start a series on glorifying God through worship than to talk about music? But don’t forget, worship is more than a song; it is a life lived.

1. Ed Smither, “Worship in the Life of the Church,” in Lexham Survey of Theology, ed. Mark Ward et al. (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2018).
2. https://research.atspotify.com/2020/12/just-the-way-you-are-music-listening-and-personality/

Recently, Ryan Burge, a research director at Faith Counts, posted a survey titled “The share who believe in God without a doubt.” The survey focused on political affiliation and belief in God without a doubt. The data spans 1988 to 2022. During that time, the three categories of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents have all experienced changes that show that people believe less in God without a doubt. I found this study interesting. To understand its significance, let us go back to 1988.

It is hard to believe I was not even born when this data was collected. However, I can speak from life experience that the world has changed significantly since I was born. For example, Blockbuster stores are gone; growing up, it was a fun Friday trip to get something to watch over the weekend; now we have more streaming services than we can keep up with, and we are sucked into hours of streaming movies and shows. We went from wall-tethered phones and slow dial-up internet to phones with faster internet and more power than our parents and grandparents could have imagined in the ‘80s. The point is that the world has changed a lot since 1988.

The data shows that in 1988, Republicans, Democrats, and Independents were within seven percentage points of each other in their belief that God exists without a doubt. Republicans came in at 66%, Democrats at 63%, and Independents at 59%. In other words, the vast majority of voters agreed that God existed without a doubt. It is important to remember that this is not to say that all of these people were Bible-believing Christians. It only points out that most people believe in something greater than humanity. They did not doubt that a God existed.

It shows us that the parties, while very different even then, agreed to some degree that a God existed. However, a decline occurred over the following years, eroding that unifying point.

According to the survey, there has been a decline across the board for those who say they “believe in God with-out a doubt,” none more significant than the Democratic Party. Let’s jump into the numbers, starting with the group with the least considerable decline and working toward the most significant.

Republicans
Something of note: from 1988 until 2005, voters in the Republican Party saw a slight increase and a steady consistency above 66%, identifying as believing in God without a doubt. Yet, after 2005, they have seen a consistent fade and now sit at 63%, saying that they believe in a God without a doubt. In general, the decline has not been as severe as some of the other parties. However, we would miss understanding the numbers if we ignore the growth of those who believe in God from 1988 to 2005. The data shows that they were around 68% and 69% percent at the most substantial time of those who said they believed without a doubt; this means that the party has seen a decline since 2005 of around 5% to 6%. Even if we keep our focus on the numbers for 1988 and 2022, it still shows a 3% decline. While not as significant as other groups, it indicates fewer voters state they believe in God. Now, let’s look at the second group.

Independents
Independents have a different trajectory. They had a slight uptick in the early 90s, but then it was like someone had let off an accelerator, and they have been coasting and slowing down. In 1988, they were at 59%, and today, they are at 51%; as Burge notes, it is a decline of 8%. Basically, for independents, half believe without a doubt there is a God, and the other half don’t know or reject there is a God. I find this interesting because they have experienced a slow, methodical fade over the years, which brings us to the last group.

Democrats
The most significant change is within the Democratic Party. Remember, in 1988, they were at 63%. In 2022, they were a meager 39%. They have experienced a decline of 24% over the last 34 years. Compared to the other groups, the fall has been dramatic and has only continued to accelerate. To further put this in perspective, 61% of the party now says either that they are not sure or that they don’t believe in a God at all. Needless to say, the decline has been significant.

It can help explain the divisiveness in our society. While data only gives us a glimpse of a picture, I believe it helps us understand why our society is so divided. Essentially, our political parties are in spiritual decline. So much so that one political group is no longer composed of people who primarily believe in a God. When we reject that there is a God, it makes it easier to believe there is no absolute truth, and as a result, you have an easier time justifying godless ideologies. It creates even more divisiveness because the political parties are not discussing issues from similar convictions. The life experiences, social norms, personal ideologies, priorities, and policies will vary widely, leading to greater difficulty working together. Ultimately, divisiveness is inevitable when you have different groups of people with wildly different worldviews. They have different goals, missions, and ideologies, and their views are no longer rooted in the reality that there is a greater power than them-selves. If the trend continues, our political system will only become more radicalized across all party lines. It shows us that more people are unsure what to believe. It shows that our society is less sure what to believe about God. They are falling into either doubting God’s existence or rejecting that God exists entirely. As a result, there is a more significant divide between Christianity and the society we call our temporary home. Our convictions should not be the same as those who do not have a personal relationship with the Lord. Our convictions ought to stem from what the Bible teaches. The divide between faithful Bible believers and society will only grow without revival and a great awakening. Cultural Christianity is dying out, and I believe that is a good thing. Christianity is not a culturally cool thing to be a part of; it is a life transformation that occurs when a person repents of their sins, receives the grace of God, and is forgiven of their sin. Also, the gospel historically has thrived when persecution has been present because you see the true faith of the genuine believer on display.
Also, it reminds us that Christians have a role to play.

Americans, made up of our neighbors, family, friends, and coworkers, are all represented in this research. They either believe without a doubt there is a God, aren’t sure, or deny He exists altogether. Our responsibility is to love these people and show them that God loves them by preaching, teaching, and living out the truth about Jesus. The society where the vast majority of people believe without a doubt that there is a God that is real is fading, if not gone entirely. We have a responsibility to share the truth in love. We cannot sit back and allow godlessness to run amok without speaking out what is righteous and good.

Look, everyone votes for different people and different parties for various reasons. Set aside the political nature of the data. What this data is saying is that Americans are drifting away from believing in God as a whole. Every political party had the drift downward. Church attendance is drifting downward. The decline is real.

Churches need to be doubling down on biblical truth. We cannot compromise on truth. Otherwise, we will be found presenting a watered-down version of Scripture that ultimately will not save anyone. Yet, it seems that more churches, with each passing year, move the needle more liberal, compromising on Scripture to the detriment of Scriptural truth. If we compromise, we might fill churches with people, but what good is filling our church with individuals who will never know the truth because it was lost in the drift? What good is it to have packed rooms here on earth, but the people will never step foot in heaven?

We need faithful men and women who will hold to the Word of God and proclaim it to the world around them. We also need churches that stand firm on what the Bible teaches and reject the temptation to fade with the culture. Are you willing to stand firm on Scripture truth while the world fades away?

Wisdom from the Word #18 - 3/07/2025

Christians are entering the most wonderful time of the year as we Remember and Celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, without which:
“we are of all people most pitiful”
1 Corinthians 15:19
 as the Apostle Paul wrote to the church of Corinth.

He was giving this truth to those who doubted or denied that Christ was raised from the dead. There are many today who believe the same thing, or that Christ was raised in spirit and His teachings are what we should learn from and live by. Without the Resurrection of Jesus, we have no hope of eternal life. Jesus had to defeat death in order that we could live.

This is the Passover Season leading up to the death of Jesus upon the cross, dying for the sins of the world and raising from the dead to give us life! Believers around the world will be celebrating this truth. Christians are filled with joy and hope everyday, but Passover and the Easter season bring this joy into deeper focus.

Christians should be prepared to share the joy of their salvation with everyone, especially during this time. When we gather as a church to celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded of two important “holidays” - Christmas (the body) when Christ was born, and Easter (the blood) when Christ died. There is no better time to share this Good News in a world that still doubts and disbelieves.  

The Church Family will gather together on Good Friday to be re-minded of the hope in us as we Celebrate the Lord’s Supper along with a deeply meaningful time of worship. Please join us on Friday, April 18th at 6:00 PM and use this opportunity to invite others especially your unsaved friends.

It is hard to believe it is February. Time has been blazing fast the last several weeks. As I thought about what to write about for this month, I have wrestled with a few different, and I mean different, directions to go. Maybe the other one I will do for March, time will tell. I would like to spend just a few minutes in Acts 2.

Read these words out of Acts 2:41-42:
41 "So those who accepted his message were baptized, and that day about three thousand people were added to them."
42 "They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer."
Acts 2:41-42 (CSB)

In this passage, we see a great awakening taking place. Peter has just finished his sermon at Pentecost, and at the call for repentance, about 3000 people were saved! The church age is birthed with a great movement of God amongst the people. We should pray for these kinds of great movements to happen every day. God is still in the saving business. It is upon their salvation that we see the marks of a healthy, vibrant church. 

When he says that "they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching,” he is saying that they devoted themselves to hearing the word of God taught. Paul, the greatest missionary to live. Repeatedly teaches the word of God to inform and call others to repentance. The Word of God is not an optional part of our church ministry but foundational. It is the truth God has given us, and we ought to devote ourselves to the preaching of it, the personal study of it, and the faithful obedience to it.   

It says they devoted themselves “to the fellowship.” There is a trend in churches that attending services together is   diminishing. According to a recent Gallup poll, only 30% of American protestants (SBC is part of this group) say they attend church every week, 14% say they attend a couple times a month, and 13% say they attend about once a month. Yet, another group says they seldom or never attend religious services; that number is a whopping 43%. Let that sink in. The majority of church members say they attend once a month or less! Based on the statistics, we have an issue in our protestant churches. We are not faithfully devoting ourselves to gathering together as we should. 

Wisdom from the Word #17 - 2/14/2025

We live in a world driven by marketing gimmicks designed to get people into stores, make purchases online, eat or drink certain products, consider what medications we should take, or consult our doctor about, and where we should vacation. 

Choices are made about so many things. In fact, the average person makes some 35,000 decisions daily. Do the math; while awake, the average person will make 2,000 decisions per hour or one decision every 2 seconds! 

The majority of decisions we make daily are inconsequential. Most major decisions are primarily made on the job. Obviously, these decisions affect livelihoods. Important   family decisions come second in terms of all the time spend on choices or options.   

With over 8 billion people in the world equally making that number of choices daily, it makes obedience to Christ’s command to go into the world with the gospel all the more important. This one choice has eternal consequences, but it is the only decision that matters in the grand scheme of choices for our lives.   

Jesus made it abundantly clear one day while ministering to the multitudes. There, he was tested by the Pharisees upon   healing a man who was blind and mute. When Jesus healed the man, the Pharisees said he was acting on behalf of Satan (Beelzebub). That accusation proved to be the dividing point in Jesus’ ministry. The Pharisees would be humiliated by the answer Jesus gives. But Jesus, in response, emphasized the importance of recognizing His divine authority. He explained that a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand, and if Satan casts out Satan, his kingdom would fall. Jesus then proclaimed that by the Spirit of God, He was driving out demons, thereby affirming His divine power and authority. Jesus further stated that they (and we) have a choice to make. Either we are with Jesus or against Jesus. To choose the latter means eternal separation from God in a place designed for the Devil and his demons called hell. To choose the former means eternal life with Jesus in the New Heaven and New Earth where there is no more sin. 

You might think this was harsh for Jesus to speak this way, but eternity is nothing to mince words about. In His command to go, urgency is implied on our part because no one is promised tomorrow, and no other decision made in a day matters if this ONE decision is not settled. Right now as you finish reading this article, two things need to happen: 

1. Choose Jesus if you have not. Confess your sins and ask Jesus to forgive you and save you.
2. Commit yourself to sharing the Gospel with someone every day. There is no greater calling and no greater time than now. 

Wisdom from the Word #16 - 1/01/2025

The year is changing. For many, it will bring little to no change—it will be yet another day. For others, new resolutions abound, but most will fall flat, and the goals will be missed. In our community, it marks the end of an era and a new beginning, with International Paper closing its doors here in Georgetown. With all this going on, I cannot help but be reminded that God is in control.

In other words, God’s plans will always transpire regardless of what plans man makes. Now, some might hear that and think, “What is the point of planning then?” While I understand that sentiment, it misses out on the responsibility of people if you do not make plans. It would be better to understand that a few things are required of us.

If you are anything like me, especially early in my ministry life, the danger of planning is that you like to make plans and stick to them. The rigidness of those plans is binding, and you do not want to move an inch off those plans.

I recall an instance in ministry where the team and I had worked hard to craft groups to put friends together for a Discipleship Weekend event. The weekend arrived, and groups were set. Yet, there was an issue. A young girl was not with her friends; she was not a church member and didn’t want to stay if she wasn’t with her friend group. The largest issue for me was that the girl was a grade younger and I did not want to open the door for other kids wanting to change groups to be with friends in different grades. I was so focused on the plans that we had made that I took out of the equation what God was doing.

One of my team members advocated hard for why the girl should be moved to the other class. I was still resistant to the idea because of the rules. But my team’s thoughts and passions are important. With reluctance, I talked to one of our deacons and asked his opinion if it was worth the risk of others wanting to do the same. He said I think you can easily justify her but not others since she is new and isn’t a church member. The fact is, I was missing what God was doing at that moment. I was allowing our man-made plans to stand in the way of an opportunity for a young girl to be made comfortable so she could be in a position to be receptive to the gospel.

That same girl would give her life to Jesus that weekend. My team members were sensitive and flexible to what God was doing, while I was rigid and plan-driven. It is so much better to be flexible to what God is doing than to be rigid in man’s plans. Another thing: we had been praying and seeking the Lord for wisdom through the whole process; it wasn’t from a lack of prayer beforehand. The key is being flexible even amid plans that have been prayed over.

Personally, I know that I love to plan and craft systems. However, one of the most significant lessons I learned from that Discipleship Weekend was the beauty of trusting God’s plans are better than mine. That event helped me learn to trust my team in ways I’d never thought were possible. It taught me the incredible encouragement we can receive when we trust God, even when planning goes off the rails, and we end up with something far different than we ever intended.

I was called to the pastorate as a college student; I did not plan to be in student ministry when I first felt the call to preach. I had planned to graduate from college and go straight to being a pastor. As graduation neared, I realized that was not God’s plan. In fact, I graduated and started selling cars for a Toyota dealership that didn’t last long. Then, I ended up in an internship at a sister church; I learned a lot there and thought I was well on my way to being the Pastor God called me to be, but what had the potential to be a full-time role never materialized. I ended up at a Medical device company. With a film and video production degree, I thought I had misheard God. So I began planning to get my MBA to start my track to being in business management and would do maybe bi-vocational work or serve faithfully in my church home. Then, I felt the Lord’s prompting again; I stopped being concerned with what title or what location I would serve; instead, my life was a blank check. I would follow God’s leading and his plans.

It took me being flexible for God to open the door for my first student pastor role. I would ultimately serve in four churches in Next Gen roles before he would ultimately call me to enter the Senior Pastor role. I have been in my church for essentially a month. I am truly blessed to be here in this role. It feels surreal and almost dreamlike. God has taken me on a journey far different than the plans I drew up. However, it is the perfect plan He would have my family follow. The journey has been proven hard, with some incredible lows; also, it has proven joyous, with incredible highs. Yet, no matter what tomorrow holds, I would not want any other path than the one God has laid before us. Because I know God’s plans are better than any dream I can dream.

So, as this new year approaches, I want to encourage you to trust Jesus to see you through each day and remain flexible as He adjusts your path in life.

Wisdom from the Word #15 - 11/02/2024

Dear FBCG Family,

By now you all have heard the news of the closing of the International Paper Mill in Georgetown. The mill has been here since about 1939 and has employed countless hundreds of Georgetonians over the years. Georgetown has long been known as the “stinky” city, but to those who live and work here, it was the “smell of money,” and that was a good thing. Now that era has come to an end. Unless another company steps in to purchase the mill (none at this writing) the mill will close, and the property reclaimed over time.

This news was devasting not only for the nearly 700 people employed at the mill, but countless other businesses and individuals who supplied materials, products, and services to the mill, not to mention logs!

The question before us is, where do we go from here and how can we help those who face job loss, especially here as we approach the holiday season? To begin, We have called a special Prayer Vigil for Sunday night November 3 at 6:00 PM in the sanctuary. This was to be our Pastor Appreciation night but considering this news we find it more appropriate to minister to those in need.

Please join us for this important prayer service. Our community is hurting, and we need to stand ready to intercede on their behalf. If you know of anyone connected with the mill who can benefit from joining us, please reach out and invite them.

Wisdom from the Word #14 - 8/08/2024

On Tuesday, August 20 the Acts 2:24 Prayer Ministry along with Women On Mission will host a churchwide prayer breakfast. Our Mayor, Mrs. Carol Jayroe has been invited to attend along with a possible special guest and area pastors. We will serve coffee and doughnuts starting at 8:00 in the Fellowship Hall. We will then move into the Sanctuary for a time of prayer for our community, our families, and our nation. We have entitled this event, “Let the People Praise Him” from Psalm 67. With that in mind, Morgan Kelley, Sam Kelley, Ashlyn Kelley, and Kail Page will lead us in a time of worship.

Acts 2:42 gives us our purpose in providing this event: “And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” This band of believers stayed in the Word, stayed close together, stayed committed to Christ and each other, and stayed focused through prayer. Nothing in the church can happen without prayer. We collectively go to God and ask Him for wisdom, discernment, guidance, and empowerment by the Holy Spirit. When God’s people pray as we ought, the heart of God is moved toward us and He hears us when pray (1 John 5:14-15)

Notice also in the verse the word “fellowship.” Fellowship doesn’t happen at home alone. That is why we call the church to gather and pray together. This is a time to corporately (as the body of Christ) call upon the Name of the Lord. Remember, He said. “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land (2 Chronicles 7:14). As a Nation and as the People of God, we need forgiveness and our land needs healing.

Mark your calendars now for August 20 at 8:00 am and come pray!

Wisdom from the Word #13 - 3/26/2024

Without getting lost in the weeds, the tradition of the Easter Bunny at Easter wasn’t always the tradition of Holy Week. Not until the later 1700’s did Christ - followers in Western culture attach themselves to the German tradition of celebrating spring with a game of “hare scramble” and hiding eggs for children to find. This was all done to celebrate the arrival of Spring with trees budding, flowers blooming, and new things “springing” to life.

While it’s all fun, if we are not careful it can detract from the true meaning of Resurrection Sunday.  For Christ-followers, it is important to live out the gospel to friends and family, especially children. Moses gave this instruction to God’s people in Deuteronomy 6:6,7: “And these words which I command you this day shall be in your heart. And you shall carefully teach them to your sons and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise up.” God wanted His people then and now to know His story of faith, hope, and love.

Telling children about death isn’t ever easy. No one wants to spoil a holiday with a sad story. However, we don’t have a sad story to tell. We have a love story of salvation and eternal life to tell the world. It’s called the Gospel, and there is no better time to share this good news than at this holy time. Jesus was born, He lived, He was crucified on a cross to save us from our sins. He was buried and three days later, HE AROSE! Now that’s worth celebrating.

The world has exponentially turned away from Christ. Church attendance is at an all-time low. A recent survey from Gallup/Barna Research Group of 32,445 adults ages 18-34 from all 50 states discovered that only 30% attend church weekly down from 42% 20 years ago while 31% say they never attend church. Sadly, in that same time frame among the same age group, belief in God went from 90% then to 74% today.[1]

 As you gather with your family during this holy week, remember, it’s about Jesus dying to save us. Tell the story, especially to your children. They can handle the truth better than we think! Remember, the story ends in hope: Christ arose and is coming back for His Bride, the Church.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has regenerated us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and unfading, reserved in Heaven for you” 1 Peter 1:3-4

Wisdom from the Word #12 - 2/9/2024

The Gospel of Luke is amazing in it’s demonstration of the power of Jesus over sin, sickness, and spiritual weakness. A beautiful picture of His authority is given in Luke 5:17—26. There we find the story of the Paralytic and the friends that wanted to get him to Jesus. In this encounter between Jesus and the Scribes and Pharisees we see 5 Points of Spiritual Paralysis that are the enemy of the Gospel.

Christians can become paralyzed too when we are not obedient in carrying the gospel to our friends, families, neighbors or co-workers. We get so caught up in our church life we forget there is a world that needs to be introduced to the Savior who can be the anchor for their souls and save them. The word Luke uses in verse 26 describing their experience as wonderful or great is par-ad'-ox-os which is where we get our word paradox. Paradox means any person, thing, or situation displaying an apparently contradictory nature. To the Pharisees, Jesus was a contradiction to their understanding. However, even seeing this miracle take place, they just couldn’t face the fact that Jesus just might be who He says He is.

We live in a world that sees Jesus as someone displaying a contradiction to what is “normal.” They see Christians not being conformed to this world but transformed by a renewed mind. Take the time TODAY to show them the eternal paradox, Jesus, the Savior of the world.

Wisdom from the Word #11 - 1/1/2024

Happy New Year FBC Georgetown! 

This verse in Proverbs is a great reminder for us all as we begin a new year to focus on Jesus Christ as He directs our steps. One hymn writer put it this way: “Every Day with Jesus is Sweeter than the Day Before.” That is so true for every Believer, even when the trials of life seem to press in and weigh us down. 

Here is an important question we each need to ask: “How am I asking Jesus to guide my steps this year?” Jeremiah reminds us that God alone knows the plans He has for us. Are you seeking Him as He fulfills those plans? 

Perhaps He has plans to send you on mission somewhere in this world this year. Perhaps He has plans for a new career opportunity. Perhaps He has plans for a ministry opportunity such as teaching a Sunday school class or facilitating a Discipleship group. What about new friendships? What about marriage? What about your children? He alone knows the plans for all this. His desire is that we seek Him with our whole heart as He works in our lives. 

Let Jesus guide your steps as you seek His will for your life in 2024. This may just be the best year of your life!

Wisdom from the Word #10 - 12/29/2023

Throughout our lifetimes we have witnessed many strange, interesting, spectacular, and amazing events. Whether in our solar system like the first total solar eclipse of 2017 visible in the US in over 4 decades, or movement of planets such as happened in 2022 when the Moon, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn were all aligned in our night sky. That won’t happen again until 2040. Some “first-time sporting events also occurred like the world’s longest javelin throw (104.80m or 343 feel!), the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl in 2020, their first in 50 years. In 2004 the world saw the first ever photos of Saturn’s moon, Titan. National Geographic Cartographers released photos of a newly discovered body of water within Antarctica called the Southern Ocean, now the fifth ocean in the World.

These are some amazing events we have witnessed. Another such event will occur this year that will never again occur: December 31, 2023 – 123123! What a special thing to tell your children that you were married on 123123, or if you happen to be born on 123123! Like all “firsts,” few experience them, but we can all marvel over first-time facts and events.

The most important first-time event in all the world took place some 2000 years ago on a hill called Mt. Calvary (Golgotha). Jesus died for the sins of the whole world, “Once for All” (Hebrews 10:10). Why? So that we could be restored to a right relationship with our Heavenly Father. The death of God’s Only Son was the only way to save us from our sins.

This is a one-time event. There is no need for Christ to die again. His death and resurrection stand for all eternity as the only way to salvation. If you have never trusted Christ as Savior, you can be saved today, making it a first (and only) time event. Admit you are a sinner, Believe Christ died for you, Confess Him as Lord of your life, and live for Him now, and eternally (1 Corinthians 15:1 – 4). Not trusting Christ today may mean you never again have opportunity. Don’t delay, trust Christ today. Today is the Day of Salvation (Hebrews 3:15).

If you know Jesus and are saved, why not take a moment to thank Him for saving you once, for all eternity.

Wisdom from the Word #9 - 12/17/2023

”In the days of Herod, king of Judea, there was a priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And he had a wife from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the commandments and statutes of the Lord. But they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren, and both were advanced in years. Now while he was serving as priest before God when his division was on duty, according to the custom of the priesthood, he was chosen by lot to enter the temple of the Lord and burn incense. And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the hour of incense. And there appeared to him an angel of the Lord standing on the right side of the altar of incense. And Zechariah was troubled when he saw him, and fear fell upon him. But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”“ Luke 1:5-17 ESV

Zachariah and Elizabeth prayed for years to have a child, but God did not answer - at least not in their timing!

Zechariah waited his entire career as a priest to go into the temple to offer prayers for God’s people. When He entered, God showed up is a miraculous way.

While we wait on the Lord, do what He has called you to do and He will answer you, always according to His Will and His Timing.

When God finally answered, He fulfilled  His plan of salvation by sending His Son, Jesus, to save us from our sins.

Do you know Jesus? He is waiting for you to respond to His free gift of salvation. What a gift to receive this Christmas - Eternal Life!

All who call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Call upon Him today!

Wisdom from the Word #8 - 12/08/2023

Romans 1:15a

Tonight is the start of the 32nd Annual Singing Christmas Tree. Some 800 people will come each night to hear Christmas music and worship the Lord with us. The theme this year is “Speak Jesus.”  What does it mean to speak Jesus? Well, that’s easy. Jesus said we are to go into all the world proclaiming the Good News, that Jesus saves.

The world, since Covid, has changed dramatically. Every day some new group starts shouting against what they see as unjust or racist. Those words get tossed around all too frequently and most often without merit. Today, the church is increasingly under attack for taking a biblical stand on cultural issues that are in opposition to God’s Word.

How is a Christian to live in such a world that is so filled with hatred of God and His people? How can we speak Jesus without causing discord? Romans 1:15a says we should be “eager to preach the gospel.” The Apostles all died for their faith in Jesus Christ and for the defense of Christianity. Preaching (sharing) the Gospel has never been easy. We should not think it will be any different for us today.

European countries are working on passing laws  that will outlaw the Bible because some in government see it as divisive, racist, and outdated. It is interesting to know that the Bible has always been relevant to every generation. People are all still sinners, so what the Bible teaches about sin still applies. The Bible says the wages of sin is death. That will never change. Praise be to the Lord, He wrote, “BUT, the gift of God is ETERNAL LIFE!” (emphasis added).

This is Christmas. Christians around the world are celebrating the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Soon we will celebrate His death on the cross and His resurrection. We have GOOD NEWS to tell the world. Our responsibility is to Go and Tell. God will do the rest.

Come enjoy the sounds of the season through the Singing Christmas Tree and learn how you can Speak Jesus this Christmas to all those you know and meet.

Merry Christmas!

https://www.christianpost.com/news/young-brits-open-to-banning-the-bible-over-hate-speech.html

Wisdom from the Word #7 - 12/07/2023

Romans 10:13

December 7, 1941, is a day that changed American and world history forever. The attack of Pearl Harbor sent shock waves around the world. No one was prepared for what took place. Some 2,400 souls were lost that day making it the worst attack on American soil until September 2011 where over 3,000 souls were lost. From that great unprovoked attack rose what we call today, the “greatest generation,” the builders of our great nation.

What can we learn from the senseless brutality and reality of war? One thing is certain, we live in a sin-cursed world, and everything is caught in the grips of sin. Plants, water, animals, and certainly the heart of man are filled with the curse and effects of sin brought on by our own selfish desires. The Bible says, “For we know the whole earth groans and labors with birth pangs together until now.” Nothing escapes sin’s impact.

The fact of the matter is, we must know that although sin has tainted everything, there is still hope. Jesus came to die for sinners, and one day He will recreate all there is and restore what was destroyed by sin. He will make a new heaven and a new earth wherein we will dwell with Him forever.

Something remarkable came from that great attack on December 7th. The Commander who led the raid on Pearl Harbor, Mitsuo Fuchida, would later come to faith in Christ! Another beautiful story happened to Sergeant Jacob DeShazer. His plane was shot down and he became a prisoner for the duration of the war. Consumed with thoughts and hatred toward his Japanese captures, God miraculously intervened in his life. He found a worn-out Bible and began to read it faithfully. He soon discovered a prayer Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” This was Jesus praying from the cross, dying for the sins of the world. Upon reading this, DeShazer’s life was changed. After the war, DeShazer became a missionary to the people of Japan. The story of his life was written into a small tract used for evangelism purposes. Now, that may not seem all that remarkable but guess who found a copy of that tract? Yes! Commander Fuchida! Upon reading of the life-changing events of DeShazer’s life, Fuchida placed his trust in Jesus. On the 25th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, Fuchida returned there with a Bible inscribed with those same words that transformed DeShazer, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34a).

From any tragedy, hope can be found, and lives can be changed by the everlasting love of our Heavenly Father who GAVE us His Son that we may be restored to a right relationship with Him. Your life circumstances may not come close to what these two men faced so long ago, but your life matters just the same. The same Jesus who saved these two men is calling you to salvation today. Surrender to Him and allow His abiding love to transform you completely. He has already forgiven you. Why not repent of your sins and turn to Him for eternal life?

“All who call upon the name of the Lord, shall be saved” (Romans 10:13)

"For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession. The LORD did not set his affection on you and choose you because you were more numerous than other peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples. But it was because the LORD loved you and kept the oath he swore to your forefathers that he brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you from the land of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt." Deuteronomy 7:6 – 8

Amid turmoil, confusion, and pure evil in the world today that we see in protests against Israel, it is important for believers to pause and reflect on what the Bible says of Israel and our need for support, dedication, and thanks toward the chosen people of God.

Let’s remove the noise of the media and the conflict and think about God’s eternal purpose in blessing the world through Israel. Below are five important points for us to consider as believers:

1. Salvation is from the Jews – John 4:22.

2. The Gospel is lived out best by loving our neighbors, the Jewish people.



3. No nation is perfect, but no people group deserves such hatred or genocidal attack as is happening now.

4. The mutual need for the US and Israel as democratic nations is crucial for the world. Without this partnership between democracies, peace in the region has no chance. We support Israel’s right to exist and to defend herself against evil.

5. As this war rages, we pray for the peace of Jerusalem (PS. 122:1). Keep a biblical perspective of God’s chosen people and pray for their salvation. Remember, the enemy seek to kill, steal, and destroy! God is not finished with His Chosen People, nor are we (Romans 1:16).

Wisdom from the Word #5 - 6/27/2023

Psalm 97:6

When you think of a sunrise, a sunset, a snow-capped mountain, a flowing river, an ocean wave, a shooting star, your favorite animal, a majestic oak, or a budding fruit tree, do you think of its Creator? A couple years ago, Lori and I were driving home from an early morning hospital visit. Traveling back to Georgetown over the Ravenel Bridge, I like to take the “scenic” route and go through the Old Town of Mt. Pleasant over to Sullivan’s Island and then the Isle of Palms. The marsh is always beautiful no matter the season, and the ocean inlet is peaceful. Quietly driving along, we noticed several cars slowing and pulling off the road. Suddenly, we both looked ahead and saw the sun rising. It was surreal and spectacular. Naturally, we had to pull over and take in the view:

God’s fingertip painted this spectacular moment to awaken the world to His Glory. To us, it was a remnder of who is in control of our lives and this world. It was as if God was saying, “The whole earth groans from sin, but this is still my world, and I’m painting that hope into this morning!”

While this was a moment in time in which we had to stop and take in the view, it reminded us also of those words in Romans chapter one: “For the wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, because the thing which may be known of God is clearly revealed within them, for God revealed it to them. For the unseen things of Him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being realized by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, for them to be without excuse” (Romans 1:18 – 20 emphases added).

The truth is, no matter how often, or how loudly someone proclaims there is no God, it is impossible to escape the fact He exists based on creation alone. Everything about the ordered world shouts His existence and His Glory. No matter how hard someone tries to “suppress the truth,” God shows up to prove them wrong.

Today, you can point someone to Jesus simply by talking about the sunrise or telling them about your recent visit to the beach, the mountains, or even the zoo! Remember, you are not the one who saves, you are the one who informs. The illustrations are all around us. Pick one and share the Good News with someone today!

Read Colossians chapter one and discover the Creator, then “proclaim Him!” (Col. 1:28)

Wisdom from the Word #4 - 6/5/2023

While studying a section of the gospel of Luke on Wednesday nights recently we discovered that Jesus considered the cost of His life for our salvation, and He paid it all for us. In chapter 14 we see Jesus having been invited to the house of a Pharisee, not because this Pharisee believed in Jesus, but because he wanted to put Jesus to the test. A man sick with “dropsy” (bodily fluid retention) is thrust on the scene before Jesus. Jesus, who is all-knowing, poses a question to the host asking, “Is it lawful to heal someone on the Sabbath or not?” Crickets...no one replies. He then asks, “Which of you, having a son or an ox that has fallen into a well on a Sabbath day, will not immediately pull him out?” Again, crickets...no one replies because they would then be found guilty. Jesus then heals the man and sent him home.

Two important things are going on in the room: 1. The text says they watched him “closely.”
 2. Large crowds of people were around Jesus. What seemed an untenable situation for Jesus (scrutiny of the leaders and crowds of people) became an embarrassing situation for everyone else. Jesus did not intend to embarrass them, but to instruct them. They had every opportunity to admit fault in rescuing a son or an animal on the Sabbath. No one would have been concerned about the implications of such acts of love. Jesus simply demonstrated the value of life, and in so doing, he demonstrated what forgiveness looks like for the one who calls upon the name of the Lord; the man was as completely healed as we who are in Christ are completely saved and washed clean of our sins.

As believers, we are under the ever-watchful eye of the world who awaits among great crowds of people seeking our defeat to mess up somehow so that they can say, “Aha! We got you!” “In this world,” Jesus says, “you will have tribulation, but be courageous, I have overcome the world.!” (John 16:33)

A recent display of such a “gotcha” moment was when Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Anthony Bass apologized for sharing an online video that proclaimed the truth for believers to stop supporting companies that are targeting our children toward ungodliness and sin. While he believes the truth of the video, he had to decide between the truth of God’s Word and his career. Sadly, his faith was weak, and he bowed down to the altar of anti-Christian crowds.

Later in the chapter, Jesus tells a parable and says we must consider the cost of following Him. Jesus considered the cost and went to Calvary. Remember, He let go of Heaven and came down to the sin-cursed Earth to save sinners. Oh, what a cost. How can we ever consider less in our walk with Him?

As time draws near for the rapture, we must continually count the cost knowing what Jesus did—He saved us!

Wisdom from the Word #3 - 5/10/2023

“For I think that God has set forth us last, the apostles, as it were appointed to death; for we have become a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men. We are fools for Christ's sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honorable, but we are despised.”                                    1 Corinthians 4:9 – 10

In 1 Corinthians, Paul uses some strong language to stress his point to the church about how they should be living, and that they should be, “imitators” of his teachings (1 Corinthians 4:16). Paul wanted the Corinthians to stay the course they were shown. Somewhere along the way they strayed off center.

The Apostle Paul was a unique and remarkable person. Well educated, yet humble in his delivery. Often, he would say that he did not use fancy speech or big words to impress anyone (1 Cor. 2:1). His desire was to give the simple message of the Gospel to all who would listen. To Paul, the Gospel was everything and he did not want his education or training to get tangled in the mix of conversation about Jesus (Acts 22:3ff). Remember, people don’t care about how much you know until they know how much you care.

Knowing a little of Paul’s background and training, it is surprising he should use such words to describe his calling to serve Christ. He calls himself a “fool for Christ’s sake.” Making his readers then and us today scratch our heads and wonder just what he means. The explanation comes from the word spectacle. It is the Greek word, theatron from which we get our word theater. Paul is saying that the apostles were living out the gospel as performance, but it was not romantic or appealing. It was tragic. The word spectacle was used in Paul’s day to describe the “show” that would take place when a Roman general would return from battle. The citizens would line the streets shouting their praise and adoration for him as victor in the battle to conquer the world.

As the general made his way slowly by chariot into the city square, his entourage would be followed in the end by those who were captured in battle. They were made a “spectacle” for all to see and jeer. Eventually, these captives were brought into the arena and used as food for lions. People would crowd in to see the “spectacle being made of the spectacles.” Paul’s point was that the apostles were like those captured in battle and made a spectacle; to die because of being captured and defeated. The apostles would give their lives for the cause of Christ. Paul wanted the Corinthians to imitate the devotion he and the apostles had for Christ and His Kingdom. Everything Christ taught and lived was as foolishness to the world, but they ere willing to give up everything to follow Him!

How does the world see you in your relationship to Jesus Christ? Does it seem foolish to them that you wake up on Sunday mornings and get dressed up to go and sit in a crowded building listening to someone speak for an hour? Do they wonder what motivated you to participate in such events weekly? How are you perceived by your friends, family, or co-workers for your devotion to Christ? They are watching and they should see a spectacle! They should see someone who is fully committed to following Christ to the end.

Quoting Phillip Henry (1631 – 1696) and father of Bible Commentator, Matthew Henry, missionary Jim Elliott wrote in his journal: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” He penned those words in his journal and was shortly afterward martyred by the same tribal leader who would later find Christ.

We are called to follow to the ends of the earth in faith, that no matter the cost or outcome, we are in Christ and He will never leave us. I challenge you to find your place of service both in the church and on mission with God. You will be eternally thankful you did!

Wisdom from the Word #2 - 5/1/2023

Have you ever heard “the Story behind the Hymns” we sing? Some stories are so fascinating, and some are filled with grief and sorrow due to the life story behind the words. As an example, It is Well was written by Horatio Spafford and composed by Philip Bliss. The hymn is Spafford’s prayer for healing and strength after suffering the loss of his children at sea. By the grace and strength of God he found the words deep within to say, “It is well with my soul.”

Another great hymn of faith was written by Fanny J. Crosby. After suffering an eye infection that left her eyes red and swollen, her doctor used hot poultices on her eyes causing scarring and making Fanny blind for life. Her grandmother took on the task of educating Fanny using the most descriptive language possible in ever course of study providing Fanny with a vivid imagination and peaked interest in God and Creation.

One of her most well-known hymns, Blessed Assurance, was written after hearing a piano tune played by a friend. The words just flowed from her pen with exuberance and power: Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine, Oh What a Foretaste of Glory Divine. Fanny had a vision embedded in her mind of what heaven looked like from eyes that had never seen. Heir of Salvation ~ Purchase of God ~ Born of His Spirit and Washed in His Blood. This is My Story ~ This is My Song ~ Praising My Savior All the Day Long! Can you hear the joy in her heart, and the longing in her words to know she was a daughter of the King, and the splendor and beauty of heaven awaited her!

Paul is making that same connection to the Thessalonians and to us today. Paul writes in 1Th 5:23, “Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.” It is God Himself who sanctifies us in our whole spirit, soul, and body. Why? So that we will be found blameless when Christ Raptures us to Glory! What blessed assurance we have that we will never be left orphaned because God will never, no never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

That phrase, “kept blameless” is vitally important. It means that God keeps his eye upon us, and in Christ Jesus he will find no fault. We are washed in Hid blood. Sealed for all eternity. What a mighty God we serve!

Can you say those words: Blessed Assurance, Jesus is Mine because you have called upon His name to save you? You can do that today simply by confessing to Him that you are a sinner in need of a Savior and He is the Only One who can save you. Trust Christ today. He loves you. He died for you. Find that Blessed Assurance in Him today. Contact us and let us know if you made that decision today. 843-546-5187 or email keith@fbcgeorgetown.org.

Join us Wednesday, May 3 at 6:00 PM for our Concert of Prayer at the church. 219 Cleland Street – Georgetown, SC

Wisdom from the Word #1 - 4/23/2023

Any change in a system, organization, group, or family can bring either great concern or great excitement. People in general don’t like change. The interesting thing about that idea is that we all changed something to get where we are today, and we will change something else to get where we will be tomorrow. It may be small, incremental change, or it may be fast and abrupt and big. Either way, we all change something within our life circumstance or direction for better or for worse.

Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica to settle their spirit regarding the abrupt change to their time together. He expresses his thanks for them as they remain faithful to what they have been taught. When change is about to happen in our lives it is important to stop and assess the purpose and function of the change and how to best embrace it for our good. Paul commended the church for their FAITHFULNESS during adversity. The easiest thing for this small group of believers to do would have been to abandon ship and return to Law of works that could not save them.

A dear friend of mine named Ruby (from a previous church) was passing away and her daughter asked if I would officiate her funeral. It was a high calling to walk beside this family during this time in their lives. Several years earlier Ruby attended a Bible study group I was teaching in which I used the term “enhancement” in an illustration to ease the tension the word “change” can bring. Enhancement seemed more palatable and exciting. My friend Ruby was having nothing to do with semantics. She exclaimed, “I don’t like change!” I couldn’t fool her with my word choice. As I visited Ruby for the last time there in a Hospice facility, I entered the room quietly and whispered her name as I reached for her hand. She opened one eye and smiled at me then she said, “I’m about to get my ‘enhancement!’”

Family, change is inevitable. Change happens. Nearly 330 billion cells change in our bodies daily! About every 30 days, 30 trillion cells are replaced in your body making you a new you! So, you are not the same person today that you were yesterday. You changed overnight!  That’s a bit of a stretch to the analogy, but you get the point. You are the same person foundationally, but you are different inside as new cells are generated that enhance your wellbeing and health.

As a church family we find ourselves facing changes that no one wants. The primary reason is fear of the unknown. We all hear the questions swirling: “Who will lead us?” “What will the vision be of our next pastor?” “What changes will he bring?”  The truth is those are all the wrong questions we should be asking. The Word of God remains the same. We have been taught His truth well over these years. People come and go. God’s Word remains. Our calling is to remain FAITHFUL. We must remain faithful in attendance both in Sunday school and worship. We must remain faithful in praying for our future pastor and his family and for one another. We must remain faithful in serving. We must remain faithful in giving. We must remain faithful in loving one another. And it goes without saying, we must remain faithful in GOING to the ends of the earth with the Gospel message of Jesus Christ with our prayers, our person, and our purse. The question we must all be asking is, “Will I be found FAITHFUL?”

Family, my prayer for us as a body of believers is that we will show the community and one another what it means to be faithful in times of “enhancements” so the name of Christ will be honored, proclaimed, and glorified! So be praying. Join us for our Concert of Prayer in the Sanctuary on Wednesday, May 3 at 6:00 PM. This will be a wonderful time of strengthening our church family and building up one another in the Name of Jesus as we, together, travel this road called Enhancement!

Welcome to the new face of Georgetown's First Baptist Church. We welcome you to not only  a new style, but also new features. Let's get started with why things have changed.

First Baptist has used many resources for our church members. Our previous giving platform, named Abundant, provided the church with a way to give online and securely. Our website allowed us to be accessible to our members from other parts of the state, country, and world. We also used emails and Facebook to send out events and plans. All these methods were great, and have served us well, but First Baptist has found a way to connect all of these resources together.

We are switching to Subsplash. Subsplash works specifically with churches to build their online presence. Subsplash provides the tools to build websites, apps, and more. So all those resources that we have used before are not going away. They are actually becoming one under the same umbrella.

Our hope is that Subsplash does not distract from in-person worship, community, fellowship, and love. Instead, we hope it inspires us even more to be together and look towards the future.

Thank you,
Samuel Shelley