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26 Jul Posted by Wade in Blog | 1 comment

Forgotten God

Last week, I read Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan. Recommended by a friend, the book challenged me in my understanding of the Holy Spirit. I thought I would share a few of his insights while recommending this work to you. Forgotten GodDanae Yankoski (Contributor). David C. Cook...

26 Jul Posted by Wade in Blog | Comments

Serving

August is a month of transition for many families. Kids return to school, fall plans are finalized, and many strive to get in that last summer vacation. At First Baptist, we continue to increase our involvement with those who are struggling from the effects of poverty. I want to bring these opportunities to your attention...

26 Jul Posted by Wade in Blog | 1 comment

Gathering

We have been asking God, for some time now, to direct us into the places where He desires us to be. We are submitting our wills, our desires, our plans to God’s desire for us. How does this work out? Do people individually discover God’s will and then collectively share how God has been leading...

19 Jul Posted by Wade in Blog | 1 comment

Timing

Do you sometimes wonder what God is up to? It is inspiring to look back and see God’s orchestration of events. Hindsight is truly 20/20. However, when we are in the middle of it all, we often forget that God is working, moving, engineering. This past weekend, we returned to Springfield, Illinois to celebrate the...

12 Jul Posted by Wade in Blog | Comments

Springfield

As some of you know, our family is traveling to Springfield, Illinois this weekend to celebrate the 180th Anniversary of Central Baptist Church. Having just celebrated our 150th less than a year ago, we remember our past and are eagerly anticipating the future that God has for us at First Baptist. We have much to...

05 Jul Posted by Wade in Blog | 1 comment

Surprised

Have you figured God out? Have you heard enough about Him, studied Him enough, been around His people long enough to determine how he stands on every issue? Is He predictable, unsurprising? I am afraid that too many of us have equated God with a church, a country, a political party, or some other group...

28 Jun Posted by Wade in Blog | Comments

In Step with the Spirit

In June, we talked about ways in which the Spirit has been leading at First Baptist. We sensed together two areas of priority: poverty and students. God seems to be pointing us in these directions. We are responding by taking steps to be active in these endeavors. The discerning process is not always a neat...

28 Jun Posted by Wade in Blog | 1 comment

A Gangster

When I write a sermon, I always send a copy to Matt. This enables him to pick music that supports the teaching. This week, Matt sent me an email suggesting that I rap part of the sermon (he was joking, of course). Maybe this is because Matt is taking an Urban Ministry class in inner...

21 Jun Posted by Wade in Blog | Comments

Led

We have been talking much about following the lead of the Spirit. We have used the word “discern” to describe our the need to distinguish God’s leading from our own agenda. Too often, we make plans and ask God to join us. Rather, we should begin by asking what God desires and join Him. In...

11 Jun Posted by Wade in Blog | 1 comment

reading reflection

We have been in Georgia this past week. I have taken time to read and study as I continue my doctoral work. I have read two books this week and would like to give you an overview of what I am reading. The Church Between Gospel & Culture The first book is a collection of...