Pastor Joe at Hebron BC

Sermon Text for February 19, 2012 (Deuteronomy 30:15-20)

2012-02-13T09:30:00.000-06:00

Join us this Sunday for worship as we continue in our series on the book of Deuteronomy.

This week's text is . . .
Deuteronomy 30:15-20, HCSB

15 See, today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and adversity.

16 For I am commanding you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commands, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and multiply, and the LORD your God may bless you in the land you are entering to possess.

17 But if your heart turns away and you do not listen and you are led astray to bow down to other gods and worship them,

18 I tell you today that you will certainly perish and will not live long in the land you are entering to possess across the Jordan.

19 I call heaven and earth as witnesses against you today that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Choose life so that you and your descendants may live,

20 love the LORD your God, obey Him, and remain faithful to Him. For He is your life, and He will prolong your life in the land the LORD swore to give to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.”

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, February 12, 2012

2012-02-05T22:11:00.000-06:00

Join us for worship this Sunday, February 12th as we continue in our study of the book of Deuteronomy. This week's text is . . .

Deuteronomy 16:18-20, HCSB

18 “Appoint judges and officials for your tribes in all your towns the LORD your God is giving you. They are to judge the people with righteous judgment.

19 Do not deny justice or show partiality to anyone. Do not accept a bribe, for it blinds the eyes of the wise and twists the words of the righteous.

20 Pursue justice and justice alone, so that you will live and possess the land the LORD your God is giving you.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sunday's Sermon Text for February 4, 2012 (Deuteronomy 14:1-3, 9-11, 19-21)

2012-01-29T17:51:00.000-06:00

Join us Sunday, February 4th as we continue in our series from the book of Deuteronomy. This week's text is . . .

Deuteronomy 14:1-3, 9-11, 19-21, HCSB

1 “You are sons of the LORD your God; do not cut yourselves or make a bald spot on your head on behalf of the dead,

2 for you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. The LORD has chosen you to be His own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.

3 “You must not eat any detestable thing.

_______________
9 “You may eat everything from the water that has fins and scales,

10 but you may not eat anything that does not have fins and scales—it is unclean for you.

11 “You may eat every clean bird,

_______________
19 All winged insects are unclean for you; they may not be eaten.

20 But you may eat every clean flying creature.

21 “You are not to eat any carcass; you may give it to a temporary resident living within your gates, and he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. You must not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.

For His Glory!

Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, January 29, 2012 (Deuteronomy 7:6-9)

2012-01-23T09:38:00.000-06:00

Join us this Sunday for worship as we observe the Lord's Supper and continue in our series from the book of Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy 7:6-9
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

6 For you are a holy people belonging to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be His own possession out of all the peoples on the face of the earth.

7 “The LORD was devoted to you and chose you, not because you were more numerous than all peoples, for you were the fewest of all peoples.

8 But because the LORD loved you and kept the oath He swore to your fathers, He brought you out with a strong hand and redeemed you from the place of slavery, from the power of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

9 Know that Yahweh your God is God, the faithful God who keeps His gracious covenant loyalty for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commands.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, January 22, 2012 (Deuteronomy 4:9-14)

2012-01-21T20:47:00.000-06:00

This Sunday, January 22nd, we will continue in our study of the book of Deuteronomy, with a message based on Deuteronomy 4:9-14, entitled, "The Past That Empowers Our Present."

Deuteronomy 4:9-14
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

9 “Only be on your guard and diligently watch yourselves, so that you don’t forget the things your eyes have seen and so that they don’t slip from your mind as long as you live. Teach them to your children and your grandchildren.

10 The day you stood before the LORD your God at Horeb, the LORD said to me, ‘Assemble the people before Me, and I will let them hear My words, so that they may learn to fear Me all the days they live on the earth and may instruct their children.’

11 You came near and stood at the base of the mountain, a mountain blazing with fire into the heavens and enveloped in a dense, black cloud.

12 Then the LORD spoke to you from the fire. You kept hearing the sound of the words, but didn’t see a form; there was only a voice.

13 He declared His covenant to you. He commanded you to follow the Ten Commandments, which He wrote on two stone tablets.

14 At that time the LORD commanded me to teach you statutes and ordinances for you to follow in the land you are about to cross into and possess.

See you Sunday!
For His Glory
Pastor Joe

Celebrating Advent and Christmas This Year

2011-12-04T09:47:00.002-06:00

Advent: Preparing For His Coming
The church year begins with The Season of Advent, the four Sundays before Christmas. Advent means “coming.” In Advent, we focus on the coming of Christ into the world (past), in our hearts (present), and the “second coming” (future). Celebrating Advent is a meaningful way to prepare for the Christmas season. What could your family do to make the Christmas season meaningful?
❆ Be sure to attend worship each Sunday. There will be special elements of the Christmas season shared in each worship service to remind you of the significance of Christ coming to earth.

❆ Pick up an Advent Devotional, “Transforming This Christmas,” available in the glassed foyer area. Set some time aside each day during Advent to be spiritually fed, inspired, and encouraged. While you’re picking up a devotional booklet, don’t forget to pick up a copy of “Advent, Christmas, Epiphany: What’s All This About?” This will help you to better understand the symbols and colors of Advent.

❆ Create a family tradition. Attend a Christmas play, special music presentation, town tree lighting, etc. Our own worship ministries at Hebron will be presenting “Sing Gloria” on December 10th and 11th at 6:00 p.m. Dinner will be served. Tickets are $2.50 each. Bring the entire family for this special Christmas musical event.

❆ Be a blessing to others by giving a special gift or by doing something special for someone who is not expecting it. The best way that we can celebrate the Christmas season is by sharing with others the greatest gift of all – Jesus!

You definitely don’t want to miss out on the wonder of the Christmas season. How will you celebrate this Christmas season?

In awe of God becoming flesh and dwelling among us!

Pastor Joe

“The Word became flesh and took up residence among us. We observed His glory, the glory as the One and Only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14, HCSB

Sunday's Sermon Text for December 11, 2011 (Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11)

2011-12-04T09:45:00.000-06:00

Isaiah 61:1-4, HCSB

Messiah's Jubilee
1 The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me,
because the LORD has anointed Me
to bring good news to the poor.
He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted,
to proclaim liberty to the captives,
and freedom to the prisoners;

2 to proclaim the year of the LORD's favor,
and the day of our God's vengeance;
to comfort all who mourn,

3 to provide for those who mourn in Zion;
to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes,
festive oil instead of mourning,
and splendid clothes instead of despair.
And they will be called righteous trees,
planted by the LORD,
to glorify Him.

4 They will rebuild the ancient ruins;
they will restore the former devastations;
they will renew the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations.
----------------------------------------------------------------
8 For I the LORD love justice;
I hate robbery and injustice;
I will faithfully reward them
and make an everlasting covenant with them.

9 Their descendants will be known among the nations,
and their posterity among the peoples.
All who see them will recognize
that they are a people the LORD has blessed.

10 I greatly rejoice in the LORD,
I exult in my God;
for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation
and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness,
as a bridegroom wears a turban
and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

11 For as the earth brings forth its growth,
and as a garden enables what is sown to spring up,
so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise
to spring up before all the nations.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sunday's Sermon Text for December 4, 2011 (Isaiah 40:1-11)

2011-11-28T08:33:00.002-06:00

Isaiah 40:1-11, HCSB

1 "Comfort, comfort My people,"
says your God.

2 Speak tenderly to Jerusalem,
and announce to her
that her time of servitude is over,
her iniquity has been pardoned,
and she has received from the LORD's hand
double for all her sins.

3 A voice of one crying out:
Prepare the way of the LORD in the wilderness;
make a straight highway for our God in the desert.

4 Every valley will be lifted up,
and every mountain and hill will be leveled;
the uneven ground will become smooth,
and the rough places a plain.

5 And the glory of the LORD will appear,
and all humanity will see [it] together,
for the mouth of the LORD has spoken.

6 A voice was saying, "Cry out!"
Another said, "What should I cry out?"
"All humanity is grass,
and all its goodness is like the flower of the field.

7 The grass withers, the flowers fade
when the breath of the LORD blows on them;
indeed, the people are grass.

8 The grass withers, the flowers fade,
but the word of our God remains forever."

9 Zion, herald of good news,
go up on a high mountain.
Jerusalem, herald of good news,
raise your voice loudly.
Raise it, do not be afraid!
Say to the cities of Judah,
"Here is your God!"

10 See, the Lord GOD comes with strength,
and His power establishes His rule.
His reward is with Him,
and His gifts accompany Him.

11 He protects His flock like a shepherd;
He gathers the lambs in His arms
and carries [them] in the fold of His [garment].
He gently leads those that are nursing.

Church Reformation Needed

2011-11-14T06:13:00.000-06:00

Sometimes I wonder, “How did God’s church get so far off track?” I mean really, “Does the average church today resemble the church that Jesus founded?” I think not and heaven must be grieving while the Devil is rejoicing. The church today is not so much in danger from people on the outside, it’s in danger of destroying itself, imploding from within by members who have no interest in a truly forming a visible Gospel church. Meanwhile, we make very little impact in our world and don’t seem particularly troubled by it. The angels rejoice over one sinner that repents, and you can’t seem to hardly get a holy whimper out of the average church member. “Where’s the salt of the earth? Where’s the light of the world?” As a popular song states, “If we are his body, why aren’t his hands working?”

Practically speaking the average church has become little more than a Christian social club. Forget carrying out the purpose of the church, to worship the Almighty God, to evangelize our culture outside the four walls of the church building, to disciple those who are brought to faith in Christ so that they will be fully mature and committed followers of Jesus, and to minister to the least among us. Today’s church is much more interested in “churchy” activities designed to meet the needs of the pew sitters and soothe the saints. “Give us programs that will insulate us from the real world, meet our every need, take care of us, recognize and praise us, entertain us, after all, we’re paying for the ‘show.’”

Where’s the holy fear of God? Where’s the reverence for God’s Word, to hear and obey? Where’s the joy of Jesus among God’s people? Where’s the body truly desiring to be the presence of Christ in the world? Where’s the passion for bringing broken people to Jesus? The main thing has ceased to become the main thing. God help us, God help the church that has lost its way, that has forgotten that it’s not about us, it’s about bringing glory to God in every facet of our lives. It’s about bringing broken people to Christ and teaching them all the things that Jesus has commanded. It’s about Him!

I believe a reformation is once again needed and “Lord, let it begin in me.” Will you join me?

Pastor Joe
“Phil. 1:3

Sermon Text and Happenings for Sunday, November 6, 2011

2011-10-31T06:27:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, we will continue our series of messages from the book of 1 Thessalonians. In 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Paul begins to address the issue of "what happens to our loved ones when they die?" Some in the church at Thessalonica believed that their loved ones who had already died would miss out on the Lord's coming (what's called the "parousia"). Paul assured the believers that they indeed had not missed the Lord's coming. Both the living and those who had died in Christ will share in the glory of Christ's coming and future kingdom.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 (HCSB)

13 We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.

14 Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, in the same way God will bring with Him those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.

15 For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord's coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep.

16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the archangel's voice, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.

17 Then we who are still alive will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air; and so we will always be with the Lord.

18 Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Harvest Day Supper, 5:00 P.M. in the CAC (Gym)
Please bring your favorite side dishes and desserts for your family and a guest. The church will supply the meat.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sunday's Sermon Text for October 16, 2011: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

2011-10-10T09:26:00.000-05:00

Scripture Reading is From the Holman Christian Standard Version (HCSB)

17 But as for us, brothers, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart ), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face. 18 So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. 19 For who is our hope, or joy, or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? 20 For you are our glory and joy!

1 Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens. 2 And we sent Timothy, our brother and God's co-worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.

6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love, and that you always have good memories of us, wanting to see us, as we also want to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience because of you before our God, 10 as we pray earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith?

11 Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we also do for you. 13 May He make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

How to Have a Revival!

2011-10-03T14:30:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday night (October 2, 2012) Hebron joined Gray's Creek Baptist Church for their church revival. Bill Robertson was the guest speaker. Preaching from 2 Chronicles 5:1-14, Bro. Bill stated that if we are to have a revival we must be lined up with God's Word. We cannot expect the blessings of God if we are not confessing our sin and lining up our lives under God's truth.

In speaking of how revival comes from God, he related the story of what happened to the Rod of Aaron that was in the Ark of the Covenant. God brought the rod of Aaron to life to show God's power and to point out God's man. Of all the rods from the leaders of the Israelites, only Aaron's rod budded. God brought a dead stick back to life. That's what revival is, God bringing back to life that which is dead.

Bill's message reminded me that we stand in need a heaven-sent revival from God! We need God to bring life to our dry and dead spirits. And when our lives our lined up under God's Word, we will experience renewed life.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sunday's Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (October 9, 2011)

2011-10-03T09:07:00.000-05:00

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 English Standard Version (ESV)

1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.

2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,

4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts.

5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed— God is witness.

6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.

8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers.

11 For you know how, like a father with his children,

12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Making Sense of Bible Translations

2011-09-27T07:16:00.005-05:00

Sunday, September 25, 2011
Joe Alain, Hebron Baptist Church

Early English Translations How did we get our English Bible?
A complete translation of the Bible in English did not appear until the fourteenth century. The Latin Vulgate was the principle Bible used in the English church. John Wycliffe (called “The Morning Star of the Reformation”) along with two associates produced an English version of the Bible which was based on the Latin text.

During the sixteenth century there was an explosion of Bible translations. There are several factors that led to this:
(1) The Renaissance with its recovery of classical learning (especially Greek).

(2) The fall of Constantinople and the westward movement of Greek scholars.

(3) The Hebrew renaissance (Hebrew editions of the Bible by 1448).

(4) The development of Gutenberg’s printing press (ca. 1540).

(5) The Protestant reformation with its emphasis on vernacular versions and theological emphasis upon Sola Scriptura (Scripture alone), provided a catalyst for new translations.

William Tyndale (1484-1536) stands above all the rest concerning English translations in the sixteenth century. His New Testament translation was the first translation based on the Greek text established by Erasmus in 1516. Tyndale never finished the complete Bible and he was strangled and burned because of his work in 1536.

The first complete English Bible was produced in 1535 by Miles Coverdale. This work utilized Tyndale’s NT and completed the OT in consultation with German and Latin sources. Coverdale’s Bible was the first to remove the apocryphal books (that were in the Latin Vulgate).

The Authorized Version or King James Bible capped the series of translations begun by Tyndale (1611). Produced by a team of 54 scholars, the KJV became the Bible for English-speaking peoples for generations and a monument of the English language. This year marks the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible.

Why Is There a Need for Fresh Translations? Why do we need new translations?
(1) Advancements in textual criticism. Today we have many more early manuscripts that were simply not available before. For example, Codex Sinaiticus, early Greek papyri of NT documents, Dead Sea Scrolls, etc.
(2) Our knowledge of biblical languages has increased.

(3) The English language is continually changing. Updating translations to reflect contemporary usage of any language makes it easier to understand the Bible’s timeless message.

Evaluating Translations How do we determine what is a “good” translation?
Criteria for Evaluation of a Translation
1. The Identity and Qualification of the Translators. Who is doing the translation? What are their qualifications? Some English works are the product of a single person. For example, J.B. Phillip’s New Testament in Modern English and Eugene Peterson’s The Message. While works produced by a single person have there value, a committee offers a higher concentration of skills than one person. Modern translations are often the product of committees of over a hundred persons from a variety of backgrounds and skill sets. This serves to eliminate theological bias and provides needed accountability.

2. The Underlying Textual Basis of the Translation. What are the translation teams basing their translation on? Most modern translations opt for what is called a critical Greek text, reflecting an eclectic approach to textual questions. Usually this means some translations differ on the point of variations that are found in a text. A good translation will explain some of these variants.

3. The Theory of Translation Used by the Translators. This is perhaps the most practical information for us to know concerning the evaluation of a translation. There is a “hermeneutic” (science of interpretation) to translation. The act of translation means that translator will make judgements based on his or her understanding of the original languages, the receptor language, culture, etc. Translators must overcome all these barriers while remaining faithful to the message of the original text.

Our English Bibles are translations from the original biblical languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Among the things that a translator must be concerned with are what is known as “historical distance” and the “receptor language” in our case English

Historical Distance has to do with the differences that exist between the original language and the receptor language (English in our case) both in words, grammar, and idioms (or expressions) as well as in matters of culture and history.

Theory of Translation Each translator or team of translators must make a choice concerning how they will bridge the gap (the historical distance) between the two languages. It is usually a question of “degrees.” For example, should “lamp” be translated “flashlight” or “torch” in cultures where these serve the purpose that a lamp once did?

Three Theories of translation have been generally followed in bridging the gap between the original languages and the receptor language.

Literal or Formal Equivalency (“Word Correspondence”). The attempt to translate by keeping as close as possible to the exact words (Word Correspondence) and phrasing in the original language, yet still make sense in the receptor language. A formal equivalent translation will keep the historical distance intact at all points. This makes for an excellent translation for serious study. The downside is that the text may seem a little disjointed sounding and awkward. Although there are many formal equivalent translations, the ASV and the NASB are representative of this theory of translation.

Dynamic Equivalency (“Functional”). The attempt to translate words, idioms, and grammatical constructions of the original language into precise equivalents in the receptive language, producing a thought-for-thought translation. Such a translation keeps historical distance on all historical and most factual matters, but “updates” matters of language, grammar, and style. Meaning takes precedence over matters of structure and style. The question is, “how far can the translator go to achieve the equivalent effect yet still remain faithful to the text? The NIV and NLT are examples of this theory of translation.

Free (Paraphrases). The attempt to translate the ideas from one language to another, with less concern about using the exact words of the original. A free translation, sometimes also called a paraphrase, tries to eliminate as much of the historical distance as possible. Although paraphrases have there value, they are not translations and should not be treated as such. The Living Bible and The Message are representative paraphrases.

What are some things to be aware of concerning a paraphrase?
(1) A paraphrase may be taken as a translation by the average person.

(2) A paraphrase may reflect the theology of the person who did the paraphrase. In evaluating modern translations know the theological perspective of the translators. Usually, it is best to use a translation from a team rather than an individual. Of course, it goes without saying that the Bible text is inspired not someone’s commentary about the text! Think of a paraphrase as a “mini” commentary on Scripture.

(3) A paraphrase is not tied as closely to the text. If we are people who have a high view of the Bible and believe that God has revealed His will in His Word, then we want to know exactly what he said, not just a paraphrase of what he might have said. So, while a paraphrase is helpful as a commentary on Scripture, we want to make sure that we are consulting a good formal and/or dynamic equivalent translation of Scripture.

Following are charts that show what theory of translation is used for some of the more popular translations and paraphrases:
Literal/Formal
KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, RSV, NRSV, HCSB, ESV

Dynamic/Functional
NIV, NLT, CEB, CEV, GNB, NEB, NAB, JB

Free/Paraphrase
Phillips, LB, The Message

Tensions to Keep in Mind The point of the following charts is not to suggest that only formal translations are of any value, but to show the dynamics (positives and negatives) and challenges involved in translating the Bible. Many of the newer translations (e.g., NIV, CEB) are dynamic equivalent translations for the very reason that they are trying to preserve the best of a formal equivalent while at the same time making the translation more accessible and readable for modern audiences.

On one end of the Bible translation spectrum, you have . . .
Formal (Literal)
Divine
Objective
Timeless
Archaic
Investigation
Wooden
Text

On the other end of the Bible translation spectrum, you have . . .
Free (Paraphrase)
Human
Subjective
Temporal
Relevant
Interpretation
Fluid
Commentary

Practical Considerations What translation should I use? For Study, use several well-chosen translations. A good formal equivalency Bible is a must but supplement with a modern translation like the NIV or NLT. Because most translations within there classification (formal or dynamic) are so similar, choosing a Bible translation is often a matter of personal preference. For example, the following are all examples of good formal equivalent translations. Note, how they differ only on there choice of words.

Hebrews 12:2 (Examples)
King James Version: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.”

English Standard Version: “Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith.”

New American Standard Bible: “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible: “Keeping our eyes on Jesus, the source and perfecter of our faith.”

For Daily Use and study you would do well to have a good literal or formal equivalent or dynamic translation with notes in the margin that reflect modern scholarship.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, October 2, 2011 (Galatians 5:13-26)

2011-09-26T06:28:00.000-05:00

Galatians 5:13-26
New International Version (NIV)

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.

14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other.

16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.

18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery;

20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions

21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.

22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,

23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.

26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Praise for the Past, Faith for the Future Renewal Sunday, September 25, 2011

2011-09-20T08:25:00.000-05:00

This past Sunday, September 18th we distributed "Estimate of Giving" cards in our morning worship services. You might remember that the original building campaign called for a commitment of gifts to be made over a three year period. We are well into our third year of the campaign and I want to thank you for your faithfulness to give so generously. At the time of our original campaign, we had $749,904.16 committed over a three year period. I am pleased to announce that as of August 31, 2011 we have received $694,836.45! This amount includes your campaign gifts as well as the 11% of our undesignated receipts each month when we were able to do so from our general fund.

Your Capital Fund and Steering Committees have decided to extend our original campaign eight (8) months, concluding December 31, 2012. There are three reasons for this extension:

1. This will allow people a little extra time to make their original three year commitment.

2. This will allow people to make adjustments to their commitment if needed.

3. This will allow our new members and others who did not feel that they could make a commitment previously to have the opportunity to join us in this campaign.

What Is Your Committee Asking You to Do with The Estimate of Giving Card?
1. If you made a commitment in the original campaign, and you are satisfied with the original commitment that you made, simply record your original commitment minus what you have already given. This amount would represent your commitment for the remainder of the campaign, 15 months. You should have received a letter with the amount that you have given as of August 31st. If not, please contact the church office.

2. If you made a commitment in the original campaign, and you have already completed your commitment, prayerfully consider what you might give above your original commitment for the remainder of the campaign through 2012. Here’s an example of how this might work.

Say the original amount that you pledged over three years was $6,000 and you have completed your pledge. But since the campaign has been extended and you are able financially, you might feel that you could give an additional $2,000 through December, 2012. On your Estimate of Giving card simply record the additional amount of $2,000 that you feel led to give over the next 15 months.

Similarly, if you made a commitment in the original campaign but for some reason you are not able to fulfill that amount, then record what you plan to give over the next 15 months.

3. For new members and those who did not make a commitment in the original campaign, let me encourage you to prayerful consider partnering in this campaign from now until the original campaign concludes December, 2012. So the amount that you record would be your pledged amount for the campaign from now, September 25th through December 2012.

4. If you can only pray for your church, then please record the prayer response stating that you will pray for HBC as we seek to do God’s work and bring Him glory.

This Sunday, September 25th we are asking that you bring your completed Estimate of Giving cards to worship where we will lay them before the Lord and have a special time of prayer. I look forward to what God has in store for Hebron as we continue to be faithful in extending the Gospel of Jesus in our community and in our world.

See you Sunday as we offer ourselves as living sacrifices, ready to serve the living and true God.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe
"Phil. 1:3"

Sunday, September 18, 2011 Sermon Text (1 Thessalonians 1:2-10)

2011-09-12T12:52:00.002-05:00

1 Thessalonians 1:2-10, ESV

2 We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers,

3 remembering before our God and Father your work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you,

5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit,

7 so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

8 For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.

9 For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God,

10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Fall Revial Is Here!!!

2011-09-06T09:01:00.000-05:00

All are welcomed to join us for our Fall Revival beginning this Sunday, September 11th and continuing through Wednesday, September 14th! Following are the details for the week:

Guest Speaker: Keith Manuel
Guest Worship Leader: J. R. Walley

Schedule of Services
Sunday 8 & 10:30 a.m.
6 p.m. "Bring a Friend Night"

Monday 7 p.m. "Family Night"

Tuesday 7 p.m. "Sr. Adult Night"

Wednesday 7 p.m. "Children and Youth Night"

"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you?" Psalm 85:6

Sunday's Sermon Text: Psalm 32:1-11

2011-08-29T15:08:00.000-05:00

This Sunday's sermon, "Hope in the Hard Place of Sin's Guilt," is based on Psalm 32: 1-11, ESV

A Maskil of David.

1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the LORD counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away
through my groaning all day long.
4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me;
my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer.
Selah

5 I acknowledged my sin to you,
and I did not cover my iniquity;
I said, "I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,"
and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.
Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly
offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found;
surely in the rush of great waters,
they shall not reach him.
7 You are a hiding place for me;
you preserve me from trouble;
you surround me with shouts of deliverance.
Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the LORD.
11 Be glad in the LORD, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday for Christ-exalting and life-changing worship!
Pastor Joe

Hope in the Hard Place of Disappointment (Jeremiah 29:10-14)

2011-08-16T10:31:00.000-05:00

This Sunday, August 21, 2011 I will continue the series, "Hope in the Hard Places." This week we are going to look at Jeremiah 29:10-14.

Jeremiah 29:10-14, NIV

10 This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place.

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.

13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

14 I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

See you Sunday as we worship "the living God."
Pastor Joe

Hope in the Hard Places, New Sermon Series at HBC!

2011-08-04T14:46:00.000-05:00

New Series: “Hope in the Hard Places”
Begins Today, August 7, 2011

Hope is “desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment” (Webster’s). For the Christian, hope is the belief that regardless of our circumstances, God is going to come through! To lack that kind of assurance is to become hopeless, despondent, despairing, even sick. “Hope delayed makes the heart sick” (Pr. 13:12, CEB).

Where does hope come from? Hope comes from the Lord and from trusting in His word of truth, for truth is what is needed to dispel our false beliefs that cause us to lose hope. Over the course of this series, we will look at some of the “hard places” that we often find ourselves in. God’s Word offers us great encouragement and hope in these hard places of our lives. Invite a hurting friend to join us on Sundays for worship to hear God’s healing Word in Scripture and song.

Messages This Month
August 7 -- Hope in the Hard Place of Sickness -- 2 Kings 20:1-6

August 14 – Hope in the Hard Place of Depression – Psalm 42:1-11

August 21 – Hope in the Hard Place of Disappointment – Jeremiah 29:10-14

August 28 – Hope in the Hard Place of Weariness – Isaiah 40:27-31

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, July 10, 2011 (Romans 12:1-2)

2011-07-06T06:57:00.000-05:00

Here is a tremendous text dealing with the believer's relationship with God and knowing God's will. This Sunday, July 10th we will be exploring this rich passage for the truth about worship and God's will. I hope to see you this Sunday for life-changing worship!

Pastor Joe

Romans 12:1-2

1 Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.

2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

Sunday, June 12 Scripture Reading, Galatians 6:1-3

2011-06-06T09:17:00.002-05:00

Galatians 6:1-3
New International Version (NIV)

1 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted.

2 Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.

3 If anyone thinks they are something when they are not, they deceive themselves.

The "Beatitudes" Concludes Sunday, May 22, 2011!

2011-05-16T16:04:00.000-05:00

Join us for worship this Sunday, May 22nd as we conclude a series of messages on the "Beatitudes." This week's message is based on Matthew 5:10-12, NIV.

10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

11 “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.

12 Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

Look forward to seeing you this Sunday for worship and Bible study!
Pastor Joe

Back to the Beatitudes! Sunday, May 15, 2011

2011-05-11T09:54:00.000-05:00

Join us this Sunday, May 15th as we return to our previous sermon series on the Beatitudes. This week we will look at Matthew 5:9, “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.”

What does it mean to be a "peacemaker"? Is it possible in the world that we live in today to be a person of peace? Come with an open heart and the open Word of God as we explore an issue that very much has relevance for our lives today.

Have a blessed week and I'll see you this Sunday for life-transforming Bible study and worship.
Pastor Joe

Easter Sunday Happenings at HBC, April 24, 2011

2011-04-18T10:33:00.000-05:00

Join us for a great day in the Lord this Easter Sunday as we celebrate the risen Christ.

Walk through Breakfast -- 8:30 a.m.

Sunday School/Bible Study (all ages) -- 9:15 a.m.

Celebration Worship Service in Our Gym (CAC) -- 10:30 a.m.

This Sunday's Scripture Reading Is Luke 24:1-12, NIV
1 On the first day of the week, very early in the morning, the women took the spices they had prepared and went to the tomb.

2 They found the stone rolled away from the tomb,

3 but when they entered, they did not find the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 While they were wondering about this, suddenly two men in clothes that gleamed like lightning stood beside them.

5 In their fright the women bowed down with their faces to the ground, but the men said to them, “Why do you look for the living among the dead?

6 He is not here; he has risen! Remember how he told you, while he was still with you in Galilee:

7 ‘The Son of Man must be delivered over to the hands of sinners, be crucified and on the third day be raised again.’ ”

8 Then they remembered his words.

9 When they came back from the tomb, they told all these things to the Eleven and to all the others.

10 It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the others with them who told this to the apostles.

11 But they did not believe the women, because their words seemed to them like nonsense.

12 Peter, however, got up and ran to the tomb. Bending over, he saw the strips of linen lying by themselves, and he went away, wondering to himself what had happened.

See you Sunday as we worship and give honor to our great God and Savior!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

The Last Week (Saturday) Luke 23:5-56

2011-04-15T15:11:00.000-05:00

This week we will look at what happened on the Saturday of Passion Week, the Last Week of Jesus' earthly life. The Scripture is Luke 23:50-56.

50 Now there was a man named Joseph, a member of the Council, a good and upright man,

51 who had not consented to their decision and action. He came from the Judean town of Arimathea, and he himself was waiting for the kingdom of God.

52 Going to Pilate, he asked for Jesus’ body.

53 Then he took it down, wrapped it in linen cloth and placed it in a tomb cut in the rock, one in which no one had yet been laid.

54 It was Preparation Day, and the Sabbath was about to begin.

55 The women who had come with Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph and saw the tomb and how his body was laid in it.

56 Then they went home and prepared spices and perfumes. But they rested on the Sabbath in obedience to the commandment.

Hope to see you this Sunday as we worship the risen Lord of Easter!

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sunday, April 10, 2011 Scripture Reading and Theme

2011-04-04T07:42:00.000-05:00

The sermon series leading up to Easter, "The Last Week" continues this Sunday with a message based on the "Friday" of Passion Week. This week's Scripture is Luke 23:32-49. This passage includes two incredible stories of God's grace: Jesus promising the thief on the cross that today he would be in paradise, and the story of the Roman centurion who came to the realization that Jesus was the Son of God. In both accounts their was a recognition of Jesus' righteousness. Jesus, the sinless Lamb of God was the only one who could pay our sin debt. Because of the cross, in Christ we are now declared righteous! Now you know why we call this day "Good Friday!"

Luke 23:32-49
32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed.

33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.

35 The people stood watching, and the rulers even sneered at him. They said, “He saved others; let him save himself if he is God’s Messiah, the Chosen One.”

36 The soldiers also came up and mocked him. They offered him wine vinegar

37 and said, “If you are the king of the Jews, save yourself.”

38 There was a written notice above him, which read: THIS IS THE KING OF THE JEWS.

39 One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

40 But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence?

41 We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

42 Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”

43 Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”
44 It was now about noon, and darkness came over the whole land until three in the afternoon,

45 for the sun stopped shining. And the curtain of the temple was torn in two.

46 Jesus called out with a loud voice, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.” When he had said this, he breathed his last.

47 The centurion, seeing what had happened, praised God and said, “Surely this was a righteous man.”

48 When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.

49 But all those who knew him, including the women who had followed him from Galilee, stood at a distance, watching these things.

See you this Sunday as we worship the crucified and risen Lord!
Pastor Joe

Sunday, April 3, 2011 Scripture Reading and Theme (John 13:1-17, 31-35)

2011-03-30T16:45:00.000-05:00

The sermon series leading up to Easter, "The Last Week" continues this Sunday with a message based on the "Thursday" of Passion Week. This week's Scripture is John 13:1-17, 31-35. Aside from Good Friday and Easter itself, Thursday of Holy Week may be the most recognized of the days of Passion Week. “Maundy Thursday,” as the Thursday of Passion Week is called, is based on John’s Gospel, especially the words of Jesus in John 13:34. “Maundy” derives from the Latin word for the “mandate” – the new commandment – that Jesus gives his followers in John 13:34.

John 13:12-17, 31-35 (NIV)

12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. “Do you understand what I have done for you?” he asked them.

13 “You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and rightly so, for that is what I am.

14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.

15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.

16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.

17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

31 When he was gone, Jesus said, “Now the Son of Man is glorified and God is glorified in him.

32 If God is glorified in him, God will glorify the Son in himself, and will glorify him at once.

33 “My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come.

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Discover Hope This Easter Season!
See you this Sunday as we worship our living Lord.

Pastor Joe

Sunday, March 27, 2011 Scripture Reading (Mark 14:1-11)

2011-03-21T15:19:00.000-05:00

This Sunday we will continue our Easter series of messages looking at "The Last Week" of Jesus. Sunday's sermon text deals with the Wednesday of passion week.

Mark 14:1-11
1 Now the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread were only two days away, and the chief priests and the teachers of the law were scheming to arrest Jesus secretly and kill him.

2 “But not during the festival,” they said, “or the people may riot.”

3 While he was in Bethany, reclining at the table in the home of Simon the Leper, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head.

4 Some of those present were saying indignantly to one another, “Why this waste of perfume?

5 It could have been sold for more than a year’s wages and the money given to the poor.” And they rebuked her harshly.

6 “Leave her alone,” said Jesus. “Why are you bothering her? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

7 The poor you will always have with you, and you can help them any time you want. But you will not always have me.

8 She did what she could. She poured perfume on my body beforehand to prepare for my burial.

9 Truly I tell you, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

10 Then Judas Iscariot, one of the Twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Jesus to them.
11 They were delighted to hear this and promised to give him money. So he watched for an opportunity to hand him over.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Happenings at HBC This Sunday, March 13, 2011!

2011-03-08T09:38:00.000-06:00

This Sunday, we will continue to look at The Last Week of Jesus, a series on the Passion week of Christ. Sunday's message will be based on the Monday event, the cleansing of the temple, Mark 11:12-19.

You are invited to join us for Secret Church Friday, March 11th from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 Midnight. Our Study will be on "The Cross of Christ." This promises to be an intense but spiritual enriching experience as we view what God has done in Christ.

And don't forget, time change this Saturday evening, March 12th. Spring forward -- Move your clocks forward one hour.

See you this Sunday as we have an opportunity to both Grow in Christ, Connect with God and other believers, and Serve one another in love.

Pastor Joe
"Phil. 1:3"

Happenings at HBC This Sunday, March 6, 2011

2011-02-28T15:39:00.000-06:00

In our morning services we will be shifting from our study of the Beatitudes to a series of sermons on The Last Week of Jesus, beginning this Sunday, March 6th. We will conclude our series on the Beatitudes after Easter.

Each Sunday leading up to Easter we will focus on a day in The Last Week of Jesus’ earthly life. To coincide with our emphasis on Jesus’ last week, a forty day lenten devotional will be made available. In the devotional booklet, Walking with Jesus author Chuck Strohacker shows how it’s in the nitty gritty of life that we need to walk closest to Jesus. And it is in that same manner – in the everyday and commonplace – that Jesus followed His Father – faithfully, obediently, sacrificially – so that through His life, death, and resurrection we might have eternal life.

Sunday Night Study in Galatians Continues!
The Truth about Grace: Studies in Galatians
This Week's Study, The Superiority of Grace, Galatians 3:1-25

See you this Sunday as we have an opportunity to both Grow in Christ, Connect with God and other believers, and Serve one another in love.

Pastor Joe
"Phil. 1:3"

"Blessed Are the Pure in Heart!" Matthew 5:8

2011-02-21T09:38:00.000-06:00

Happenings at Hebron This Week!
Sunday, February 27th we will continue the series of messages from the beatitudes, a section of Scripture that forms part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

This Sunday, we will look at Matthew 5:8, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God." I hope that you will join us for this thought-provoking study through the life-changing words of Jesus as we discover what it truly means to follow Jesus.

Disciple Now Weekend (Fri.-Sat.), Youth 6th through 12th Grades

Upward Basketball and Cheerleading Banquet, Saturday at 11:30 a.m.

Sunday Night Series, The Truth about Grace: Studies in Galatians. This Sunday's Scripture and theme is Galatians 2:1-21, "No Other Way."

See you Sunday as we gather for worship and life-changing Bible study!

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

"Blessed Are the Hungry!" Matthew 5:6

2011-02-07T08:16:00.000-06:00

Sunday, February 13th we will continue the series of messages from the beatitudes, a section of Scripture that forms part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

This Sunday, we will look at Matthew 5:6, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." I hope that you will join us for this thought-provoking study through the life-changing words of Jesus as we discover what it truly means to follow Jesus.

Also, a special word of thanks to all our youth parents and others who helped make our Youth Super Bowl Fellowship last Sunday evening a great event!

See you Sunday as we gather for worship and life-changing Bible study!

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

"Blessed Are the God-Controlled!" Matthew 5:5

2011-02-02T10:21:00.000-06:00

Sunday, February 6th we will continue the series of messages from the beatitudes, a section of Scripture that forms part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

This Sunday, we will look at Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth." I hope that you will join us for this thought-provoking study through the life-changing words of Jesus as we discover what it truly means to follow Jesus.

Also, don't forget our Youth Super Bowl Fellowship/Outreach Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m.

See you Sunday as we gather for worship and life-changing Bible study!

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Good Grief! Blessed Are the Mourners (Matthw 5:4)

2011-01-24T14:16:00.000-06:00

Sunday, January 30th we will continue the series of messages from the beatitudes, a section of Scripture that forms part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount.

This Sunday, we will look at Matthew 5:4, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." I hope that you will join us for this thought-provoking study through the life-changing words of Jesus. We will discover what it truly means to follow Jesus.

See you Sunday as we gather for worship and life-changing Bible study!

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

"Be-Attitudes: Radical Attitudes for 21st Century Christians"

2011-01-19T16:55:00.000-06:00

Sunday, January 23rd I will begin a series of messages from the beatitudes, a section of Scripture that forms part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, a summary of Jesus' essential teachings. The subject of "Radical" Christianity has been discussed much lately. Clearly, what Jesus taught in the beatitudes is "Radical" but essential teaching for all followers of Jesus.

This Sunday, we will begin with Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." I hope that you will join us for this thought-provoking study through the life-changing words of Jesus. We will discover what it truly means to follow Jesus.

See you Sunday as we gather for worship and life-changing Bible study!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

HBC Wednesday Night Devotion & Prayer

2011-01-19T16:46:00.000-06:00

On Wednesday evenings at 6:00 p.m. as a part of our prayer and devotion time we are discovering the meaning of some of the Bible's most famous verses. Each week we are asking the following inductive questions of the text under consideration.

Inductive Bible Study Questions
1. What is the text about? (Central Theme)

2. What does the text mean to you?

3. What key words or ideas are emphasized in the text?

4. What don't you understand about the text?

5. What command(s) is there to obey?

6. What promise(s) is there to claim?

7. Based on this text what specific applications can I make in my life this week?

Tonight (January 19th) our text is Jeremiah 29:11. Here is a schedule of some of our upcoming studies:

January 26 -- Romans 8:28
February 2 -- Philippians 4:13
February 9 -- Genesis 1:1, 26, 27
February 16 -- Proverbs 3:5-6
February 23 -- Romans 12:1-2

You are invited to explore God's Word with us on Wednesdays. Devotion and prayer will do your soul good!

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

This Sunday at HBC! January 9, 2011

2011-01-05T16:31:00.000-06:00

It's Good to Be Back!
It is great to be back in LA after a week of visiting with family in Florida. I'm looking forward to our time of worship this Sunday! Over the holidays I read two books from two distinct theological perspectives on Jesus, yet they shared similarities in respect to the radical life and message of Jesus. Marcus Borg and John Dominic Crossan's, "The Last Week" shows us a Jesus who confronted the Imperial domination system of his day through nonviolence and a passion for justice. Jesus calls his followers to share in his passion by following in his path.

David Platt's, "Radical" shows us a "stripped away" picture of following Jesus that much of the western church has glossed over or explained away. This book is a must read for all who take the call to follow Jesus seriously. Beginning this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. Arnold Swartz will be leading a study of this thought-provoking book. All are welcomed to attend this study. This would be a great study to begin your new year.

In the morning services this week I will be dealing with some of the recurring themes in the book, "Radical." For example, what does it mean to be called a Christian? What is involved in following Jesus? Does our Christianity reflect the truth of Scripture or have we settled for a westernized and watered down version?

The text for the week is Matthew 4:18-22 (New International Version)

Jesus Calls His First Disciples
18 As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

19 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

20 At once they left their nets and followed him.

21 Going on from there, he saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,

22 and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him.

I look forward to seeing you this Sunday!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Upcoming Events and Services at HBC!

2010-12-15T06:39:00.000-06:00

Celebrate Jesus This Christmas Season!

This Sunday, December 19th our New Mexico Mission Team will share a report in both of the morning worship services.

Then, at 4:00 p.m. we will go Christmas caroling in our community. Come join us as we spread some Christmas cheer!

Sunday, December 26th in both morning services, the sermon text will be
Isaiah 9:1-7 (New International Version)

1 Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—

2 The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.

3 You have enlarged the nation
and increased their joy;
they rejoice before you
as people rejoice at the harvest,
as warriors rejoice
when dividing the plunder.

4 For as in the day of Midian’s defeat,
you have shattered
the yoke that burdens them,
the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor.

5 Every warrior’s boot used in battle
and every garment rolled in blood
will be destined for burning,
will be fuel for the fire.

6 For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

7 Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Happenings at HBC Sunday, December 5th!

2010-11-26T08:42:00.001-06:00

Sunday, December 5th, Brother Lonnie will be preaching in both morning worship services. Rhonda and I will be out-of-town for our 25th Anniversary! I will be back preaching on December 12th. On that Sunday I plan on beginning a special Christmas series of sermons from the book of Isaiah titled "Christmas in Isaiah." The messages will be based on the following Scripture passages from this wonderful Old Testament book:

December 12: Isaiah 7:1-17
December 19: Isaiah 9:1-7
December 26: Isaiah 11:1-9

Don't forget to join us this Sunday evening, December 5th at 6:00 p.m. in the church sanctuary for Hebron's Christmas presentation . . .
"Sing! Choirs of Angels!"
Presented by: The Worship Ministries of Hebron Baptist Church

Lottie Moon Christmas Offering
Our 5,110 International Missionaries receive over half of their support from the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. Pray about what God would have you give above your regular giving. Envelopes for this offering our in the pews.

ABC Angels
Last Sunday we had a great response to our Christmas ministry of blessing the elderly and disabled adults in our community who have little income and lack family support. There are still some available ornaments on the tree in the glassed foyer representing individuals in need. Remember, please bring in all your items before December 8th. Thanks for your incredible generosity and for being a blessing to others!

Have a Blessed Week!
Pastor Joe
"Phil. 1:3"

Happenings at HBC This Sunday, November 28th!

2010-11-21T17:41:00.000-06:00

Sunday's Scripture Reading: Psalm 67, NIV

For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm. A song.

1 May God be gracious to us and bless us
and make his face shine on us—

2 so that your ways may be known on earth,
your salvation among all nations.

3 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.

4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy,
for you rule the peoples with equity
and guide the nations of the earth.

5 May the peoples praise you, God;
may all the peoples praise you.

6 The land yields its harvest;
God, our God, blesses us.

7 May God bless us still,
so that all the ends of the earth will fear him.

Sermon Theme: "Are We There Yet?" Celebrating the 2010 Lottie Moon Christmas Offering

Happenings at HBC This Sunday, November 14th!

2010-11-08T08:36:00.000-06:00

Plan on being with us this Sunday for a great day of worship!

Sunday is Operation Christmas Child Dedication day. Boxes for Samaritan's Purse should be brought with you this Sunday for this special time of dedication.

The Scripture for this week's message is Psalm 95. This is a tremendous Psalm of worship and thanksgiving. Mission flows from relationship. If this true, then who we are and what we do is determined largely by our relationship to God in worship. When the relationship is right, the mission will be too.

Psalm 95 (NIV)

1 Come, let us sing for joy to the LORD;
let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.

2 Let us come before him with thanksgiving
and extol him with music and song.

3 For the LORD is the great God,
the great King above all gods.

4 In his hand are the depths of the earth,
and the mountain peaks belong to him.

5 The sea is his, for he made it,
and his hands formed the dry land.

6 Come, let us bow down in worship,
let us kneel before the LORD our Maker;

7 for he is our God
and we are the people of his pasture,
the flock under his care.
Today, if only you would hear his voice,

8 “Do not harden your hearts as you did at Meribah,
as you did that day at Massah in the wilderness,

9 where your ancestors tested me;
they tried me, though they had seen what I did.

10 For forty years I was angry with that generation;
I said, ‘They are a people whose hearts go astray,
and they have not known my ways.’

11 So I declared on oath in my anger,
‘They shall never enter my rest.’”

For His Glory!

Happenings at HBC This Sunday, October 31

2010-10-25T08:30:00.000-05:00

This Sunday during the morning services we will be observing the Lord's Supper and hearing a report from the Gideons ministry. You will be blessed to hear from Randy Smith who is the International Chaplain for the Gideons and a gifted speaker for Christ. A love offering will be received for the Gideons at the conclusion of the services.

The theme for our observance of the Lord's Supper will be shared by the Pastor from the following passage in 1 John.

1 John 1:1-4 (New International Version)

1 That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked at and our hands have touched—this we proclaim concerning the Word of life.

2 The life appeared; we have seen it and testify to it, and we proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and has appeared to us.

3 We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.

4 We write this to make our [a] joy complete.

Footnotes:

a. 1 John 1:4 Some manuscripts your

Sunday evening from 5:00-7:00 p.m. we will host our annual Fall Festival. This is a tremendous outreach ministry to the families in our community. Invite your family, friends, and neighbors to join us. There will be plenty of food, candy, games, fun, and there is no cost to attend. Best of all, participants will have an opportunity to hear God's life-giving Word.

See you Sunday for a great day in the Lord!
Pastor Joe

Foundations: Witnessing (Week #8) Mark 5:19

2010-10-17T16:19:00.001-05:00

Our church-wide emphasis, Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living concludes this Sunday, October 24, 2010. This week's message and Scripture is "Witnessing" based on Mark 5:19, "Go home to your family and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you."

Be sure to check out previous sermons in this series at . . . http://joealainsermons.blogspot.com

Join us this Sunday for life-changing worship and practical teaching from God's Word.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Foundations: Good Works (Week #7) Ephesians 2:10

2010-10-11T08:19:00.000-05:00

Our church-wide emphasis, Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living continues this Sunday, October 17, 2010. This week's message and Scripture is "Good Works" based on Ephesians 2:10, "For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."

Be sure to check out previous sermons in this series at . . . http://joealainsermons.blogspot.com

Join us this Sunday for life-changing worship and practical teaching from God's Word.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Foundations: The Church (Week 6) Psalm 122:1

2010-10-04T08:43:00.000-05:00

Our church-wide emphasis, Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living continues this Sunday, October 10, 2010. This week's message and Scripture is "The Church" based on Psalm 122:1, "I rejoiced with those who said to me, 'Let us go to the house of the Lord.'"

Be sure to check out previous sermons in this series at . . . http://joealainsermons.blogspot.com/

Join us this Sunday for life-changing worship and practical teaching from God's Word.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Foundations: Giving (Week 5) 2 Corinthians 9:7

2010-09-27T08:10:00.000-05:00

Our church-wide emphasis, Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living continues this Sunday, October 3, 2010. This week's message and Scripture is "Giving" based on 2 Corinthians 9:7, "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."

Be sure to check out previous sermons in this series at . . . http://joealainsermons.blogspot.com/

Join us this Sunday for life-changing worship and practical teaching from God's Word.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Foundations: Love (Week 4) John 13:34-35

2010-09-20T08:19:00.001-05:00

Our church-wide emphasis, Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living continues this Sunday, September 26, 2010. This week's message and Scripture is "Love" based on John 13:34-35, "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. All men will know that you are my disciples if you love one another."

Be sure to check out previous sermons in this series at . . . http://joealainsermons.blogspot.com/

Join us this Sunday for life-changing worship and practical teaching from God's Word.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living (Week 3 Scripture)

2010-09-13T05:49:00.001-05:00

Our church-wide emphasis, Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living continues this Sunday, September 19, 2010. This week's message and Scripture is "God's Word" based on Psalm 119:9, 11, "How can a young man keep his way pure? By living according to your word . . . I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you."

Be sure to check out previous sermons in this series at . . . http://joealainsermons.blogspot.com/

Join us this Sunday for life-changing worship and practical teaching from God's Word.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living (Week 2 Scripture)

2010-09-05T15:35:00.000-05:00

Our church-wide emphasis, Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living continues this Sunday, September 12, 2010. This week's message and Scripture is "His Strength" based on Philippians 4:13, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength."

Join us this Sunday for life-changing worship and practical teaching from God's Word.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Church-Wide Emphasis -- "Foundations: Lessons on Christian Living"

2010-08-29T17:22:00.000-05:00

BEGINNING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 5TH!

FOUNDATIONS PART II
Lessons on Christian Living

“Foundations” is a church-wide Christian growth emphasis that involves both the Sunday School/Bible Study hour and the Sunday morning worship services. “Foundations” is designed to teach and review basic Christian teachings that are essential for believers to grow into healthy followers of Jesus. Topics that will be covered include putting Christ first, learning to rely on God’s strength, discovering God’s plan through His Word, the power of love in our lives, the joy of giving, the importance of worship in the believer’s life, making a difference in the lives of others through good works, and how to share your story of what God has done for you. Plan on joining us each Sunday of this eight (8) week emphasis beginning Sunday, September 5th. Be sure to pick up the Bible study book, Growing in Christ this Sunday either in your Bible study class or in the church foyer.

If you're not currently in a Sunday morning small group study, now would be a great time to connect with a group of believers. We hope that you will join us so that together we can share in what God is doing in our world.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, August 29, 2010 (Mark 16:1-8)

2010-08-23T08:19:00.000-05:00

We will conclude our study of the Gospel of Mark this Sunday with Mark's account of the resurrection. The focal point of our worship Sunday will be our observance of the Lord's Supper.

I hope to see you this Sunday as we magnify the name of our risen Lord!
For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Mark 16:1-8 (New International Version)

The Resurrection
1 When the Sabbath was over, Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome bought spices so that they might go to anoint Jesus' body.

2 Very early on the first day of the week, just after sunrise, they were on their way to the tomb

3 and they asked each other, "Who will roll the stone away from the entrance of the tomb?"

4 But when they looked up, they saw that the stone, which was very large, had been rolled away.

5 As they entered the tomb, they saw a young man dressed in a white robe sitting on the right side, and they were alarmed.

6 "Don't be alarmed," he said. "You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him.

7 But go, tell his disciples and Peter, 'He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.' "

8 Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.

Sermon Text for Sunday, August 22, 2010 (Mark 15:33-41)

2010-08-15T09:41:00.000-05:00

Mark 15:33-41 (New International Version)

The Death of Jesus
33At the sixth hour darkness came over the whole land until the ninth hour.

34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?"—which means, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"[a]

35 When some of those standing near heard this, they said, "Listen, he's calling Elijah."

36 One man ran, filled a sponge with wine vinegar, put it on a stick, and offered it to Jesus to drink. "Now leave him alone. Let's see if Elijah comes to take him down," he said.

37 With a loud cry, Jesus breathed his last.

38 The curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom.

39 And when the centurion, who stood there in front of Jesus, heard his cry and[b] saw how he died, he said, "Surely this man was the Son[c] of God!"

40 Some women were watching from a distance. Among them were Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James the younger and of Joses, and Salome.

41 In Galilee these women had followed him and cared for his needs. Many other women who had come up with him to Jerusalem were also there.

Footnotes:

a. Mark 15:34 Psalm 22:1
b. Mark 15:39 Some manuscripts do not have heard his cry and.
c. Mark 15:39 Or a son

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Manhattan Declaration

2010-08-09T16:28:00.001-05:00

The three defining moral and cultural issues of our day are the sanctity of all human life, traditional marriage, and religious liberty. The Manhattan Declaration speaks profoundly to these three issues in a way that is logical, biblical, and apologetical. This document drafted by prominent Christian clergy, ministry leaders, and scholars, issues a clarion call to Christians to adhere firmly to their convictions in these three areas.

To read, or share this declaration please visit www.manhattandeclaration.org
A limited number of copies are available in the church's glassed foyer area.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, August 15, 2010 (Mark 14:27-42, 66-72)

2010-08-08T16:21:00.000-05:00

Mark 14:27-42
27"You will all fall away," Jesus told them, "for it is written:
" 'I will strike the shepherd,
and the sheep will be scattered.'[a]

28 But after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee."

29 Peter declared, "Even if all fall away, I will not."

30 "I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "today—yes, tonight—before the rooster crows twice[b] you yourself will disown me three times."

31 But Peter insisted emphatically, "Even if I have to die with you, I will never disown you." And all the others said the same.

32 They went to a place called Gethsemane, and Jesus said to his disciples, "Sit here while I pray."

33 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled.

34 "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death," he said to them. "Stay here and keep watch."

35 Going a little farther, he fell to the ground and prayed that if possible the hour might pass from him.

36 "Abba,[c] Father," he said, "everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will."

37 Then he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. "Simon," he said to Peter, "are you asleep? Could you not keep watch for one hour?

38 Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak."

39 Once more he went away and prayed the same thing.

40 When he came back, he again found them sleeping, because their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to say to him.

41 Returning the third time, he said to them, "Are you still sleeping and resting? Enough! The hour has come. Look, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

42 Rise! Let us go! Here comes my betrayer!"

Footnotes:
a. Mark 14:27 Zech. 13:7
b. Mark 14:30 Some early manuscripts do not have twice.
c. Mark 14:36 Aramaic for Father

Mark 14:66-72
66 While Peter was below in the courtyard, one of the servant girls of the high priest came by.

67 When she saw Peter warming himself, she looked closely at him.
"You also were with that Nazarene, Jesus," she said.

68 But he denied it. "I don't know or understand what you're talking about," he said, and went out into the entryway.[a]

69 When the servant girl saw him there, she said again to those standing around, "This fellow is one of them."

70 Again he denied it.
After a little while, those standing near said to Peter, "Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean."

71 He began to call down curses on himself, and he swore to them, "I don't know this man you're talking about."

72 Immediately the rooster crowed the second time.[b] Then Peter remembered the word Jesus had spoken to him: "Before the rooster crows twice[c] you will disown me three times." And he broke down and wept.

Footnotes:
a. Mark 14:68 Some early manuscripts entryway and the rooster crowed
b. Mark 14:72 Some early manuscripts do not have the second time.
c. Mark 14:72 Some early manuscripts do not have twice.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, August 8, 2010 (Mark 13:1-37)

2010-08-02T16:35:00.000-05:00

Mark 13:1-37 (New International Version)

Signs of the End of the Age
1As he was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, "Look, Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!"

2"Do you see all these great buildings?" replied Jesus. "Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down."

3As Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, 4"Tell us, when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are all about to be fulfilled?"

5Jesus said to them: "Watch out that no one deceives you. 6Many will come in my name, claiming, 'I am he,' and will deceive many. 7When you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come. 8Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be earthquakes in various places, and famines. These are the beginning of birth pains.

9"You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. 10And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. 11Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.

12"Brother will betray brother to death, and a father his child. Children will rebel against their parents and have them put to death. 13All men will hate you because of me, but he who stands firm to the end will be saved.

14"When you see 'the abomination that causes desolation'[a]standing where it[b] does not belong—let the reader understand—then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15Let no one on the roof of his house go down or enter the house to take anything out. 16Let no one in the field go back to get his cloak. 17How dreadful it will be in those days for pregnant women and nursing mothers! 18Pray that this will not take place in winter, 19because those will be days of distress unequaled from the beginning, when God created the world, until now—and never to be equaled again. 20If the Lord had not cut short those days, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect, whom he has chosen, he has shortened them. 21At that time if anyone says to you, 'Look, here is the Christ[c]!' or, 'Look, there he is!' do not believe it. 22For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform signs and miracles to deceive the elect—if that were possible. 23So be on your guard; I have told you everything ahead of time.

24"But in those days, following that distress,
" 'the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
25the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.'[d]

26"At that time men will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.

28"Now learn this lesson from the fig tree: As soon as its twigs get tender and its leaves come out, you know that summer is near. 29Even so, when you see these things happening, you know that it is near, right at the door. 30I tell you the truth, this generation[e] will certainly not pass away until all these things have happened. 31Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.

The Day and Hour Unknown
32"No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33Be on guard! Be alert[f]! You do not know when that time will come. 34It's like a man going away: He leaves his house and puts his servants in charge, each with his assigned task, and tells the one at the door to keep watch.

35"Therefore keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back—whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. 36If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. 37What I say to you, I say to everyone: 'Watch!' "

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, August 1, 2010 (Mark 12:28-34)

2010-07-25T21:13:00.000-05:00

Mark 12:28-34 (New International Version)

The Greatest Commandment
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, "Of all the commandments, which is the most important?"
29 "The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.'
31 The second is this: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'There is no commandment greater than these."
32 "Well said, teacher," the man replied. "You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him.
33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices."
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, "You are not far from the kingdom of God." And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, July 25, 2010 (Mark 12:18-27)

2010-07-19T18:01:00.000-05:00

This Sunday we will continue in our study of the Gospel of Mark with an interesting text that raises a variety of theological questions. For instance, what kind of relationships do we experience after this life in heaven? What does the Bible say about the nature of our resurrected state? And what does this text say to us about how we interpret God's Word. Obviously, according to Jesus the Sadducees were in error concerning their interpretation of Scripture. Are there some principles that Jesus offers us for correctly interpreting God's Word? I hope that you will join us this Sunday for worship as we open God's Word to hear a word from beyond ourselves, a word of life.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Mark 12:18-27 (New International Version)

18 Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to him with a question.

19 "Teacher," they said, "Moses wrote for us that if a man's brother dies and leaves a wife but no children, the man must marry the widow and have children for his brother.

20 Now there were seven brothers. The first one married and died without leaving any children.

21 The second one married the widow, but he also died, leaving no child. It was the same with the third.

22 In fact, none of the seven left any children. Last of all, the woman died too.

23 At the resurrection whose wife will she be, since the seven were married to her?"

24 Jesus replied, "Are you not in error because you do not know the Scriptures or the power of God?

25 When the dead rise, they will neither marry nor be given in marriage; they will be like the angels in heaven.

26 Now about the dead rising—have you not read in the book of Moses, in the account of the bush, how God said to him, 'I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob'?

27 He is not the God of the dead, but of the living. You are badly mistaken!"

An Overview of Calvinism This Sunday, July 18th at 6:00 p.m.

2010-07-12T16:12:00.000-05:00

There has been much discussion on the subject of Calvinism the last few years in Southern Baptist life. Just what is Calvinism? How does Calvinism relate to the Bible? What's the history of Baptists and Calvinism? This Sunday, July 18th at 6:00 p.m., I will present an overview of the doctrine of Calvinism. Hopefully, I will be able to shed some light on the main teachings of Calvinism and relate them to our historic Baptist understanding of Scripture. The format for this presentation will allow for your questions, so come with your questions and an open mind.

I hope to see you this Sunday.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, July 11, 2010

2010-07-04T10:08:00.000-05:00

Mark 10:1-12 (New International Version)

1 Jesus then left that place and went into the region of Judea and across the Jordan. Again crowds of people came to him, and as was his custom, he taught them.

2 Some Pharisees came and tested him by asking, "Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?"

3 "What did Moses command you?" he replied.

4 They said, "Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and send her away."

5 "It was because your hearts were hard that Moses wrote you this law," Jesus replied.

6 "But at the beginning of creation God 'made them male and female.'[a]

7 'For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife,[b]

8 and the two will become one flesh.'[c] So they are no longer two, but one.

9 Therefore what God has joined together, let man not separate."

10 When they were in the house again, the disciples asked Jesus about this.

11 He answered, "Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another woman commits adultery against her.

12 And if she divorces her husband and marries another man, she commits adultery."

Footnotes:

a. Mark 10:6 Gen. 1:27
b. Mark 10:7 Some early manuscripts do not have and be united to his wife.
c. Mark 10:8 Gen. 2:24

Sunday, July 4th Details!

2010-06-28T10:25:00.000-05:00

IMPORTANT!!!

Schedule Changes for . . .
Sunday, July 4th
Independence Day!

Schedule For The Day:
8:00 AM One Combined Worship Service (Sanctuary)
9:15 AM Sunday School/Bible Study
10:30 AM –? Games, Cookout, Fun! No Evening Activities or Service

Sermon Text for Sunday, June 13, 2010

2010-06-08T15:40:00.002-05:00

Mark 8:31-38 (New International Version)

31 He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again.

32He spoke plainly about this, and Peter took him aside and began to rebuke him.

33 But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."

34 Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.

35 For whoever wants to save his life [a] will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the gospel will save it.

36 What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?

37 Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?

38 If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his Father's glory with the holy angels."

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Worship Scheduling Notes for Sunday, June 6, 2010

2010-06-02T09:14:00.001-05:00

8:00 A.M. Classic Worship: Pastor Joe will be bringing a message based on Mark 7:31-37, "He Has Done All Things Well."

9:15 A.M. Bible Study for all ages!

10:30 A.M. Celebration Worship: Gray Pearson and his family from Vivian, Louisiana will be our guests. Gray will be bringing the message.

There will be a special Vacation Bible School Dedication in each of the morning worship services.

To give time for our folks to make VBS preparations and decorate the campus, there will be no evening activities or worship service.

Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday.
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, June 6, 2010

2010-06-01T07:43:00.000-05:00

Mark 7:31-37 (New International Version)

The Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man
31 Then Jesus left the vicinity of Tyre and went through Sidon, down to the Sea of Galilee and into the region of the Decapolis.[a]

32There some people brought to him a man who was deaf and could hardly talk, and they begged him to place his hand on the man.

33After he took him aside, away from the crowd, Jesus put his fingers into the man's ears. Then he spit and touched the man's tongue.

34 He looked up to heaven and with a deep sigh said to him, "Ephphatha!" (which means, "Be opened!" ).

35 At this, the man's ears were opened, his tongue was loosened and he began to speak plainly.

36 Jesus commanded them not to tell anyone. But the more he did so, the more they kept talking about it.

37People were overwhelmed with amazement. "He has done everything well," they said. "He even makes the deaf hear and the mute speak."

Footnotes:

a. Mark 7:31 That is, the Ten Cities

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

"Sacrifice" Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 30, 2010

2010-05-25T10:32:00.000-05:00

Sacrifice: To sacrifice is to offer something up to God that is precious. Sacrifice involves surrender of something for the sake of something else. Sacrifice involves suffering, renouncing, and sometimes destruction for an ideal, belief or end.

On Memorial Day we remember the sacrifices made for an ideal, freedom. This is an ideal worth sacrificing for and we commemorate the men and women who gave their lives in defense of the liberty that we enjoy. Memorial Day reminds us that freedom isn’t free.

For Christians, Memorial Day also calls to our mind the sacrifice that Jesus made for us so that we could live free from sin. This Sunday, Memorial Day weekend, as we remember sacrifices made for earthly liberties, we will observe the Lord’s Supper, a reminder that who the Son sets free is free indeed (Jn. 8:36).

Our text for this Sunday is Mark 6:30-44. My focus is on the theme of “Sacrifice” that emerges out of verse 37. The disciples were confronted with a choice, to live selfishly or to live sacrificially. Jesus was teaching the disciples, and us, that nothing surrendered to God is really a sacrifice because first, God is the giver of all that we have, and second, nothing surrendered to God is ultimately sacrificed or lost. This Sunday, as we remember sacrifices made, may we rededicate our lives to surrender all that we are for the benefit of others and for the glory of our great God!

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Scripture Reading: Mark 6:30-44 (NIV)
30 The apostles gathered around Jesus and reported to him all they had done and taught.

31 Then, because so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat, he said to them, "Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest."

32 So they went away by themselves in a boat to a solitary place.

33 But many who saw them leaving recognized them and ran on foot from all the towns and got there ahead of them.

34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.

35 By this time it was late in the day, so his disciples came to him. "This is a remote place," they said, "and it's already very late.

36 Send the people away so they can go to the surrounding countryside and villages and buy themselves something to eat."

37 But he answered, "You give them something to eat." They said to him, "That would take eight months of a man's wages! Are we to go and spend that much on bread and give it to them to eat?"

38 "How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five—and two fish."

39 Then Jesus directed them to have all the people sit down in groups on the green grass.

40 So they sat down in groups of hundreds and fifties.

41 Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to set before the people. He also divided the two fish among them all.

42 They all ate and were satisfied,

43 and the disciples picked up twelve basketfuls of broken pieces of bread and fish.

44 The number of the men who had eaten was five thousand.

This Sunday, May 23, 2010, Amy Morrow, Missionary to Zambia

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Join us this Sunday as we are pleased to have sharing with us Amy Morrow, Missionary to Zambia. You might remember last year, Amy's husband Tom shared with us concerning the work in Zambia. Amy will be speaking in both morning services (8:00 & 10:30) and she will share a special presentation with our children and youth in the Sanctuary at 9:45 a.m.

We will receive a love offering for the work of the Morrow Family in Zambia.

Check out the Morrow's web site at http://missionaryfamily.com/

(Mark 6:14-29) Sermon Text for Sunday, May 16, 2010

2010-05-13T15:55:00.000-05:00

Success? Or Significance?
What's the difference between success and significance? Do we desire to be successful or significant? How do our desires either for success or significance shape what we do and who we become? In the story of the death of John the Baptist, we find a man who lived courageously and who desired to be significant in the eyes of God. Mark 6:14-29 provides a stark contrast between John the Baptist on the one hand and Herod and his wife Herodias on
the other. While Herod and those who surrounded him prided themselves on being successful, it was really John, the one who loses his life that lives a life of significance. Are we willing to pay the price for significance? This Sunday we invite you to join us at HBC as we embark on the journey into significance.

Mark 6:14-29 (New International Version)
14 King Herod heard about this, for Jesus' name had become well known. Some were saying, "John the Baptist has been raised from the dead, and that is why miraculous powers are at work in him."

15 Others said, "He is Elijah." And still others claimed, "He is a prophet, like one of the prophets of long ago."

16 But when Herod heard this, he said, "John, the man I beheaded, has been raised from the dead!"

17 For Herod himself had given orders to have John arrested, and he had him bound and put in prison. He did this because of Herodias, his brother Philip's wife, whom he had married.

18 For John had been saying to Herod, "It is not lawful for you to have your brother's wife."

19 So Herodias nursed a grudge against John and wanted to kill him. But she was not able to,

20 because Herod feared John and protected him, knowing him to be a righteous and holy man. When Herod heard John, he was greatly puzzled; yet he liked to listen to him.

21 Finally the opportune time came. On his birthday Herod gave a banquet for his high officials and military commanders and the leading men of Galilee.

22 When the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, she pleased Herod and his dinner guests.
The king said to the girl, "Ask me for anything you want, and I'll give it to you."

23 And he promised her with an oath, "Whatever you ask I will give you, up to half my kingdom."

24 She went out and said to her mother, "What shall I ask for?" "The head of John the Baptist," she answered.

25At once the girl hurried in to the king with the request: "I want you to give me right now the head of John the Baptist on a platter."

26The king was greatly distressed, but because of his oaths and his dinner guests, he did not want to refuse her.

27 So he immediately sent an executioner with orders to bring John's head. The man went, beheaded John in the prison,

28 and brought back his head on a platter. He presented it to the girl, and she gave it to her mother.

29 On hearing of this, John's disciples came and took his body and laid it in a tomb.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Time for a Fresh Encounter?

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Hebron Baptist Church, Denham Springs, invites you to join them during their Spring revival, April 25-28th with Dr. David Hankins as guest speaker. Dr. Hankins is well known to Louisiana Baptists. He previously served as pastor of Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles where the church saw over 900 persons baptized during his tenure. Since 2004, Dr. Hankins has served as the Executive Director of the Louisiana Baptist Convention. Aside from serving in a variety of positions with the Southern Baptist Convention, Dr. Hankins writes for various SBC publications and is a frequent conference and revival speaker. You will be blessed by Dr. Hankins engaging and challenging messages. Destry McFearin and special musical guests will be featured each service.

Supper will be served M-W from 5:45-6:45 and everyone is welcomed to join us.

For more information, see HBC’s website at http://hebronbaptistds.org

Sermon Text for Sunday, April 18, 2010 (Preparing for Revival)

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The text for this week's message will help us prepare for the upcoming series of revival meetings that begin April 25th. The theme for our revival is "It's Time for a Fresh Encounter." What God promised Israel was nothing short of a resurrection to national identity. God's promise to us today is that "Dry Bones Can Live Again!"

Ezekiel 37:1-10 (New International Version)
The Valley of Dry Bones
1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.

2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.

3 He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?"
I said, "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know."

4 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!

5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath [a] enter you, and you will come to life.

6 I will attach tendons to you and make flesh come upon you and cover you with skin; I will put breath in you, and you will come to life. Then you will know that I am the LORD.' "

7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, bone to bone.

8 I looked, and tendons and flesh appeared on them and skin covered them, but there was no breath in them.

9 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.' "

10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet—a vast army.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text and Miscellaneous Stuff for Sunday, April 11, 2010

2010-04-05T14:16:00.000-05:00

I haven't done a very good job of keeping up with my blog lately. Sorry for my lack of updates. I hope to do a better job of this in the future. This Sunday, we will continue our study of the Book of Mark by examining an interesting text in the life of Jesus when He visited his home town of Nazareth. Verses 5-6 are pretty amazing in light of the fact that Jesus is ministering to His own people. I wonder sometimes, "Does familiarity with Jesus in our lives hinder us from receiving from God?" "Does God work in spite of us?" Or "Does God do mighty works regardless of our response?" And "What is the 'human element' role in God working, if any?"

As a part of our 10:30 a.m. service, we will observe the ordinance of baptism. What a beautiful way to celebrate together our new life in Jesus Christ! I hope that you will join us this Sunday as we worship our risen Savior! He is worthy of worship!

This Sunday's Text
Mark 6:1-6 (New International Version)

A Prophet Without Honor
1Jesus left there and went to his hometown, accompanied by his disciples.

2 When the Sabbath came, he began to teach in the synagogue, and many who heard him were amazed. "Where did this man get these things?" they asked. "What's this wisdom that has been given him, that he even does miracles!

3 Isn't this the carpenter? Isn't this Mary's son and the brother of James, Joseph,[a] Judas and Simon? Aren't his sisters here with us?" And they took offense at him.

4 Jesus said to them, "Only in his hometown, among his relatives and in his own house is a prophet without honor."

5 He could not do any miracles there, except lay his hands on a few sick people and heal them.

6 And he was amazed at their lack of faith.

Footnotes:

a. Mark 6:3 Greek Joses, a variant of Joseph

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, March 21, 2010

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Mark 4:21-25 (New International Version)

21 He said to them, "Do you bring in a lamp to put it under a bowl or a bed? Instead, don't you put it on its stand?

22 For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open.

23 If anyone has ears to hear, let him hear."

24 "Consider carefully what you hear," he continued. "With the measure you use, it will be measured to you—and even more.

25 Whoever has will be given more; whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him."

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, March 14, 2010

2010-03-09T09:25:00.000-06:00

Mark 3:20-35 (New International Version)

Jesus and Beelzebub
20 Then Jesus entered a house, and again a crowd gathered, so that he and his disciples were not even able to eat.

21 When his family heard about this, they went to take charge of him, for they said, "He is out of his mind."

22 And the teachers of the law who came down from Jerusalem said, "He is possessed by Beelzebub[a]! By the prince of demons he is driving out demons."

23 So Jesus called them and spoke to them in parables: "How can Satan drive out Satan?

24 If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.

25 If a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand.

26 And if Satan opposes himself and is divided, he cannot stand; his end has come.

27 In fact, no one can enter a strong man's house and carry off his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man. Then he can rob his house.

28 I tell you the truth, all the sins and blasphemies of men will be forgiven them.

29 But whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will never be forgiven; he is guilty of an eternal sin."

30 He said this because they were saying, "He has an evil spirit."

Jesus' Mother and Brothers
31 Then Jesus' mother and brothers arrived. Standing outside, they sent someone in to call him.

32 A crowd was sitting around him, and they told him, "Your mother and brothers are outside looking for you."

33 "Who are my mother and my brothers?" he asked.

34 Then he looked at those seated in a circle around him and said, "Here are my mother and my brothers!

35 Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother."

Footnotes:
1. Mark 3:22 Greek Beezeboul or Beelzeboul

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, February 28, 2010

2010-02-22T10:37:00.000-06:00

Mark 2:13-3:6 (New International Version)

We continue our study of the Gospel of Mark this Sunday with a lengthy section (four paragraphs) of Scripture that illustrates both the kind of ministry that Jesus performed and the increasing hostility shown to Jesus because of His radical kingdom ministry. Jesus and the kingdom of God that He was ushering in may best be described with the analogy He Himself used as He argued for the validity of His methods. "New wine must be put into new wineskins" (v.22). Join us this Sunday for a refreshing look at the "New Wine Ministry" of Jesus. A fuller understanding of Jesus and God's kingdom might just surprise you!

The Calling of Levi
13 Once again Jesus went out beside the lake. A large crowd came to him, and he began to teach them. 14 As he walked along, he saw Levi son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax collector's booth. "Follow me," Jesus told him, and Levi got up and followed him. 15 While Jesus was having dinner at Levi's house, many tax collectors and "sinners" were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. 16 When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the "sinners" and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: "Why does he eat with tax collectors and 'sinners'?" 17 On hearing this, Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners."

Jesus Questioned About Fasting
18 Now John's disciples and the Pharisees were fasting. Some people came and asked Jesus, "How is it that John's disciples and the disciples of the Pharisees are fasting, but yours are not?" 19 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom fast while he is with them? They cannot, so long as they have him with them. 20 But the time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them, and on that day they will fast. 21 "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment. If he does, the new piece will pull away from the old, making the tear worse. 22 And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, he pours new wine into new wineskins."

Lord of the Sabbath
23 One Sabbath Jesus was going through the grainfields, and as his disciples walked along, they began to pick some heads of grain. 24 The Pharisees said to him, "Look, why are they doing what is unlawful on the Sabbath?" 25 He answered, "Have you never read what David did when he and his companions were hungry and in need? 26 In the days of Abiathar the high priest, he entered the house of God and ate the consecrated bread, which is lawful only for priests to eat. And he also gave some to his companions." 27 Then he said to them, "The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath. 28 So the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath."

Mark 3
1 Another time he went into the synagogue, and a man with a shriveled hand was there. 2 Some of them were looking for a reason to accuse Jesus, so they watched him closely to see if he would heal him on the Sabbath. 3 Jesus said to the man with the shriveled hand, "Stand up in front of everyone." 4 Then Jesus asked them, "Which is lawful on the Sabbath: to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?" But they remained silent. 5 He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, "Stretch out your hand." He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. 6 Then the Pharisees went out and began to plot with the Herodians how they might kill Jesus.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14, 2010

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This Sunday is Valentine's Day! As a way to bless our young couples by giving them a worry-free night out, the church will be providing free and loving child care from 4:00-7:00 p.m. Please call the office at 665-6278 to reserve a spot for your child as soon as possible.

As a way to celebrate the love of God and the love He has placed in our hearts for one another, the theme of this week's message is "Love that Lasts," based on the following text:

Philippians 2:1-4 (New International Version)

1 If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. 4 Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

See You Sunday!

Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, February 7, 2010

2010-02-01T08:35:00.002-06:00

Mark 1:35-45 (New International Version)

Jesus Prays in a Solitary Place
35 Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: "Everyone is looking for you!"

38 Jesus replied, "Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come." 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons.

A Man With Leprosy
40 A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, "If you are willing, you can make me clean."

41 Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. "I am willing," he said. "Be clean!" 42 Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured.

43 Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: 44 "See that you don't tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them." 45 Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, January 24, 2010 (Mark 1:21-34)

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Mark 1:21-34 (New International Version)

Jesus Drives Out an Evil Spirit
21 They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach.

22 The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law.

23 Just then a man in their synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out,

24 "What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!"

25 "Be quiet!" said Jesus sternly. "Come out of him!"

26 The evil spirit shook the man violently and came out of him with a shriek.

27 The people were all so amazed that they asked each other, "What is this? A new teaching—and with authority! He even gives orders to evil spirits and they obey him."

28 News about him spread quickly over the whole region of Galilee.
Jesus Heals Many

29 As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew.

30 Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her.

31 So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them.

32 That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.

33 The whole town gathered at the door,

34 and Jesus healed many who had various diseases. He also drove out many demons, but he would not let the demons speak because they knew who he was.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, January 17, 2010

2010-01-11T10:09:00.000-06:00

Mark 1:14-20 (New International Version)

The Calling of the First Disciples
14 After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God.

15 "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God is near. Repent and believe the good news!"

16 As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen.

17 "Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men."

18 At once they left their nets and followed him.

19 When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets.

20 Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.

For His Glory!

Sermon Text for Sunday, January 10, 2010 (Baptismal Celebration)

2010-01-03T09:57:00.000-06:00

Greetings!
Start your new year off with life-changing worship! This Sunday we will begin to walk through some passages in the Gospel of Mark. We will also be celebrating the ordinance of baptism. If you have trusted in Christ and have not been baptized, this would be a great way to start your new year. If you need to be baptized or if you need more information, please call the church office at 665-6278. We would be glad to assist you in your walk with the Lord.

See you in worship this Sunday.
Pastor Joe

This Sunday's Scripture Passage:
Mark 1:1-13 (NIV)

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2 As it is written in the Prophets:

“ Behold, I send My messenger before Your face,
Who will prepare Your way before You.”
3 “ The voice of one crying in the wilderness:
‘ Prepare the way of the LORD;
Make His paths straight.’”

4 John came baptizing in the wilderness and preaching a baptism of repentance for the remission of sins.

5 Then all the land of Judea, and those from Jerusalem, went out to him and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins.

6 Now John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey.

7 And he preached, saying, “There comes One after me who is mightier than I, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to stoop down and loose.

8 I indeed baptized you with water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
John Baptizes Jesus

9 It came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee, and was baptized by John in the Jordan.

10 And immediately, coming up from the water, He saw the heavens parting and the Spirit descending upon Him like a dove.

11 Then a voice came from heaven, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Satan Tempts Jesus

12 Immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness.

13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts; and the angels ministered to Him.

Beginning Again in 2010

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(From the January, 2010 Vision, Newsletter)

If you are reading this, God’s grace has been faithful to bring you through this past year and you have much to praise God for. In spite of the down turn in the economy and the tanking of the stock market, we still worshiped the Lord in 2009, we still shared the love of God with our community and our world, we still met needs in the name of Jesus, and we still made disciples. Aren’t you glad God doesn’t pay any attention to the news! Amazingly, this past year Hebron received a record number of total receipts, receiving over 1 million dollars for the first time in HBC’s history, and we have a long one. How could that be? It was a “God thing!” It also goes to prove that you receive what you expect and what you put your time and effort into. Because of our capital fund campaign, we worked and prayed for the finances to come in and you – the people of God responded! However, the down side of the year was that our baptisms were almost half of the previous year, not good. Now our challenge is to put the same fervor we did in our capital fund campaign into sharing the love of Christ with our community. And with a new year before us God has graciously given us an opportunity to begin again.

That’s why it’s a good idea at the beginning of a new year to remind ourselves of why we are here. So what is my prayer and desire for 2010? It is that we would make the main thing the main thing. Our mission – worship, evangelism, making disciples, ministering to needs – this is what should captivate our attention, our passion. Our mission should permeate every event we undertake, every committee meeting we sit in, and every Bible study and Sunday School class we attend. So how are we doing? And what will we do different this year to align ourselves more fully with Christ’s mission? By God’s grace we do have the opportunity to “Begin Again in 2010.” Let’s walk together through the open doors that God has placed before us.

Looking forward to serving our gracious Lord together with you!

Pastor Joe
“Phil. 1:3”

Sermon Text for Sunday, December 20, 2009

2009-12-14T08:29:00.000-06:00

Luke 3:1-6

(New International Version)

John the Baptist Prepares the Way
1In the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar—when Pontius Pilate was governor of Judea, Herod tetrarch of Galilee, his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and Traconitis, and Lysanias tetrarch of Abilene— 2during the high priesthood of Annas and Caiaphas, the word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the desert. 3He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. 4As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet:
"A voice of one calling in the desert,
'Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.
5Every valley shall be filled in,
every mountain and hill made low.
The crooked roads shall become straight,
the rough ways smooth.
6And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, December 13, 2009 (3rd Sunday of Advent)

2009-12-07T08:59:00.000-06:00

Luke 1:18-25 (New King James Version)

18 And Zacharias said to the angel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.”

19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God, and was sent to speak to you and bring you these glad tidings.

20 But behold, you will be mute and not able to speak until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words which will be fulfilled in their own time.”

21 And the people waited for Zacharias, and marveled that he lingered so long in the temple.

22 But when he came out, he could not speak to them; and they perceived that he had seen a vision in the temple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless.

23 So it was, as soon as the days of his service were completed, that he departed to his own house.

24 Now after those days his wife Elizabeth conceived; and she hid herself five months, saying,

25 “Thus the Lord has dealt with me, in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among people.”

Birth of John the Baptist

57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came for her to be delivered, and she brought forth a son.

58 When her neighbors and relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, they rejoiced with her.

Circumcision of John the Baptist

59 So it was, on the eighth day, that they came to circumcise the child; and they would have called him by the name of his father, Zacharias.

60 His mother answered and said, “No; he shall be called John.”

61 But they said to her, “There is no one among your relatives who is called by this name.”

62 So they made signs to his father—what he would have him called.

63 And he asked for a writing tablet, and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” So they all marveled.

64 Immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, praising God.

65 Then fear came on all who dwelt around them; and all these sayings were discussed throughout all the hill country of Judea.

66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, “What kind of child will this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, December 6, 2009 (2nd Sunday of Advent)

2009-11-30T08:06:00.000-06:00

Luke 1:5-17, NIV

The Birth of John the Baptist Foretold

5 In the time of Herod king of Judea there was a priest named Zechariah, who belonged to the priestly division of Abijah; his wife Elizabeth was also a descendant of Aaron. 6 Both of them were upright in the sight of God, observing all the Lord's commandments and regulations blamelessly. 7 But they had no children, because Elizabeth was barren; and they were both well along in years.

8 Once when Zechariah's division was on duty and he was serving as priest before God, 9 he was chosen by lot, according to the custom of the priesthood, to go into the temple of the Lord and burn incense. 10 And when the time for the burning of incense came, all the assembled worshipers were praying outside.

11 Then an angel of the Lord appeared to him, standing at the right side of the altar of incense. 12 When Zechariah saw him, he was startled and was gripped with fear. 13 But the angel said to him: "Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to give him the name John. 14 He will be a joy and delight to you, and many will rejoice because of his birth, 15 for he will be great in the sight of the Lord. He is never to take wine or other fermented drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit even from birth. 16 Many of the people of Israel will he bring back to the Lord their God. 17 And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the disobedient to the wisdom of the righteous—to make ready a people prepared for the Lord."

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

"Don't Miss the Party!" Sermon Text for Sunday, November 29, 2009, Luke 15:25-32

2009-11-23T09:17:00.000-06:00

This week's sermon text is Luke 15:25-32, the conclusion to the larger passage of Luke 15. Last week we saw a picture of a God who is infinitely greater in His display of grace than we could have ever imagined. The Prodigal Son discovered that he could come home again and that his father would welcome him. It was a Thanksgiving to Remember. The dutiful older brother had never left home, but in our passage this week, we discover that his heart too was in the far country. There is hope for the embittered and the angry. The cross of Jesus brings the sweetness of God's grace into our lives. This Sunday we will also be sharing together in the Lord's Supper. I hope that you are planning on joining us. "Don't Miss the Party!"

25 "Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 'Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.'

28 "The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!'

31 " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' "

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

A Thanksgiving to Remember, Luke 15:11-24

2009-11-16T11:10:00.002-06:00

The Sunday prior to Thanksgiving Day is an appropriate time to reflect upon our blessings and to give gratitude to God for all of His good gifts. Join us this Sunday as we corporately express our thanks to God. Sunday's message, "A Thanksgiving to Remember" will be based on the beloved redemption story known as the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11-24.

11 Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. 12 The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them.

13 "Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired men have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired men.' 20 So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21 "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' 22 "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

MY CONVERSATION WITH A NAVAJO MEDICINE MAN

2009-11-05T14:19:00.000-06:00

Based on my conversation, October 21, 2009 at First Indian Baptist Church, Gallup, New Mexico, by Joe Alain

LIFE ON THE RESERVATION AT CHURCH ROCK
Lorenzo, or Juan as I was introduced to him is a traditional Navajo Medicine Man who lives with his wife Kathleen on the Navaho reservation at Church Rock just outside the city of Gallup. Juan is probably in his early 50s and has a warm and likeable personality. Kathleen is a little bit more reserved but she too warms up to you once she gets to know you. The Navajo in general are a little hesitant at first to open up to Anglos. This is understandable as there is a long history of mistrust between the Native Americans and the Anglos. Two shirts for sale in the Gallup Flea Market intimated the cultural divide between Native Americans and Anglos. One shirt had a rendering of an Indian in traditional dress and stated, “Sure you can trust the government. Ask an Indian.” The other shirt had renderings of various Indians with traditional weapons, some standing and some on horses, with the slogan, “Homeland Security . . . Fighting Terrorism Since 1492.”

During our brief stay, I observed that it would take a substantial investment in building relationships to really make a lasting impact among the Navajo people. Mark and Beverly Chandler have been doing just that, working with Juan and Kathleen for some time now and have developed a wonderful relationship with them. Juan and Kathleen are one of the main families that they work their ministry through on the reservation. This in itself is quite a miracle considering Juan’s religious upbringing and traditions. Juan and Kathleen live in a one-room Hogan, an octagonal-shaped ceremonial home. The Hogan is considered sacred to those who practice the Navajo religion. The doorways of the Hogans always face east. Juan attempted to describe to me the story behind the Hogan in this way. A baby was brought forth and dropped through the center of the roof (which is circular at the top) and the woman of the house threw the baby out the Eastern door. I really didn’t quite understand this origin story and did not find anything like this in my research. However, I did discover that according to Navajo legend, Talking God instructed First Man and First Woman on how to construct and build a Hogan. All Navajo ceremonies and sings for curing the sick are conducted in Hogans.

Next to their one entrance is a lone wood stove which provides their heat and a cooking source. In this one room Hogan is a bed, a small kitchen area and a work table where Juan and Kathleen make handcrafted jewelry from silver, turquoise, and other precious gems. They make their jewelry under contract. From speaking with them, we learned that the contractor had threatened to let them go for some apparent reason. Juan and Kathleen probably make very little for their jewelry. I’m sure they could do much better if they would market their jewelry in another way, but maybe they do not know any better or do not desire to do things differently. It was sad to see this couple making this beautiful jewelry working almost as indentured servants or slave laborers. Fortunately, some of our team was able to purchase some beautiful pieces from them, offering them substantially more money than they receive under their contract work.

SOOTHING MUSIC FOR THE SOUL
On Wednesday, Robert Fontenot (a young man from Louisiana who is working with Pastor Mark) and Beverly (Mark’s wife) brought Juan and Kathleen to the church for lunch. After lunch, Juan asked me to play some music for him. He pulled up a chair right next to me and observed my music book from which I was playing. He especially liked the song, “Amazing Grace My Chains Are Gone,” singing along with me the best that he could do. He asked me to send him a recording of me singing this song and other songs that I would like to include which I plan on doing. In between songs Juan really opened up to me in a way that was truly amazing. He told me that he felt comfortable around me and that God was speaking through me. This surprised and humbled me, especially since I had not spoken that much to him up to this point. I sensed that this was a special moment and I felt honored that here was this Navajo man who I barely knew that was so open with me about the Navajo ways and spiritual matters, which in the Navajo tradition are inextricably intertwined. I just knew that this was a special “God moment” and I prayed for wisdom as I listened to and spoke with him.

Juan enjoyed my music and he said that it soothed him. I felt as if I were David gently plucking the strings of my guitar for Saul. Juan actually speaks English fairly well, but that does not necessarily mean that you can understand everything he is trying to say. The Native American world view is so different from our Western world view. Navajo time, sequences, stories, and concepts do not always find a parallel in Western thought. Mark, the Pastor of First Indian told me that there are a good number of words in English that simply have no Navajo equivalent. This makes understanding the Navajo culture a real challenge.

JUAN’S JOURNEY OF FAITH
As we sat together, Juan explained to me his journey of faith. He said that once he held the Navajo ways (religion) very high, while he held the Bible in low regard. He illustrated the difference by holding his right hand up very high which stood for the Navajo ways and his left hand very low which stood for the Bible. He then told me that now the Bible and the Navajo ways are about even for him. He held his hands out and even to illustrate to me how far he had progressed in his appreciation for the Bible. I complimented his openness to the truth of the Bible and encouraged him to continue discovering what the Bible has to say to him. I told Juan that the Bible was God’s truth and that Jesus Himself had said that if we continue in the Word of God, we will know the truth and the truth will set us free.

A REVELATORY VISION!
During our conversation, Juan shared with me a vision that he recently had. Through my reading about Native American culture, I have discovered that Native Americans place a great value and importance in visions and dreams. They are an accepted way for God, the Great Spirit, to speak to people. Juan related the story of his vision in a very tangible way. Even though he did not fully understand what took place physically, there was no doubting in his mind that this was an actual spiritual occurrence that had happened to him.

I will try to restate as accurately as I remember what Juan said he witnessed in his vision. Juan said that he was in his home with his eyes closed for some time. Suddenly he was transported and was standing in front of a large door in Bethlehem. He entered through the door into a large temple-like area. He noticed a bright ray or beam of light. He did not speak in the vision. I can not recall if Juan said he did not speak or that he could not speak. This ray of light was very bright and beautiful. There were specks of dust visible in the light and He reached out to touch the light. This went on for several minutes. As he stood in the light, there were orbs (that’s the best way that I can describe how Juan described them to me) that were like fuzzy balls that were varied in color. These colored orbs were bouncing around the temple area. They eventually came into contact with Juan as he stood there in the room. Juan said that these round lights that came upon him made him feel very peaceful, happy, and full of joy.

About this time, Juan heard a voice that was at first almost like the hum of the Navajo as they hum a sacred song. Juan hummed a traditional Navajo tune for me to illustrate what the sound was like to him. He said that the humming became louder and clearer all the time that he was experiencing the round orbs that came upon him making him feel loved and joyful. The voice finally spoke from the light telling Juan that all of things he was experiencing (the orbs of joy and love and peace) were being experienced because Jesus died and gave his life for him. As Juan was telling me this, tears came to my eyes. Here was a Navajo Medicine Man who was telling me about an experience that the best I could tell was a direct revelation from God Himself.

I’ve always known that God does some amazing “out of the box” things in cultures where there is none or very little Christian influence. I could not help but think that God had come down in that little remote Hogan and chosen Juan to salvation in a way similar to the way He chose Saul on the road to Damascus. Maybe God knew that the only way a Navajo Medicine Man would be completely convinced was to make a divine personal visitation to him. I had no doubt that Juan had received a message from the Lord in that trance, vision, or dream. Juan told me that not long after this vision some people from Georgia (a mission team) came to minister at the reservation. Apparently, one of their team members led Juan to a deeper understanding of Christ and salvation. Juan spoke very fondly of this person from Georgia who helped him understand the Lord. Obviously, this man from Georgia was Juan’s Ananias.

Juan recounted that he had a similar type of vision experience when he was five (5) years old. At that time, he was present at a healing ceremony. During the occasion, one of the elders at that ceremony prophetically pronounced that Juan would one day become a medicine man. I told Juan that God obviously had something very special for him to do, that God wanted to use him for His glory. I again seized this opportunity to encourage Juan to continue in Christ so that he could discover what God wanted him to do.

Mark and Beverly tell me that Juan and Kathleen are attending Bible studies at the reservation and are encouraging others to do so as well. Juan even wants to be baptized this upcoming Good Friday! God is definitely at work in this small remote Navajo community. Who could imagine that a Navaho Medicine Man living on the reservation would be used by God to bring salvation to the Navajo people? But that is exactly what God is doing! Because of the tight-knit communities the Navajo live in, Mark and Beverly have been praying that God would raise up a key person in each area of the reservation who could reach out to the community. God is answering that prayer!

NAVAJO CREATION STORIES
There were several other stories that Juan shared with me during my conversation with him. He briefly told me about the four (4) Sacred Mountains that serve as the boundary markers for the Navajo nation. As I researched this, I discovered that these four mountains are (1) Mount Blanca, the sacred mountain of the East near Alamosa in San Luis Valley, Colorado (Sacred stone: White shell stone), (2) Mount Taylor, the sacred mountain of the South east of Grants, New Mexico (Sacred stone: Turquoise), (3) San Francisco Peaks, the sacred mountain of the West near Flagstaff, Arizona (Sacred stone: Abalone and Coral), and (4) Mount Hesperus, the sacred mountain of the North at La Plata Mountains, Colorado (Sacred stone: Black Jet stone). Juan told me that according to Navajo tradition, at the end of time only the land within the four Sacred Mountains will be left. Our ministering took place closest to the Mount Taylor area. Not surprisingly, there were many places where you could purchase all kinds of beautiful turquoise and silver jewelry. I believe the area that we were in is considered the capital for Navajo handcrafted jewelry.

Juan also told me the Navajo creation story. The Navajo, or Diné as they prefer to be called (which means “The People”) believe that the great Mesas North of Gallup and that extend for many, maybe hundreds of miles burst open in the beginning and a great flood came out of the earth. It is said that the Navajo were birthed out from the earth and flood when the Mesas split open. As I researched this story, I discovered a wide range of details related to the Navajo creation story. According to one source, the Diné emerged from three previous underworlds into this, the fourth or “Glittering World,” through a magic reed. Once in the “Glittering World” the First people lived in a Hogan made exactly as the Talking God had prescribed. In this Hogan, the people began to arrange their world, naming the four sacred mountains surrounding the land and designating sacred stones that would become the boundaries of their homeland.

In their creation story, the birth of Ever Changing Woman saved the Earth People from the evil monsters that appeared. Changing Woman married the Sun and bore two sons, twins, and heroes to the Navajo people. They were known as “Monster Slayer” and “Child-Born-of-Water.” Later on, even though the Sun visited her every evening, Changing Woman was lonely during the day and she decided to make four clans of people. These were known as the Near Water People, Mud People, Salt Water People, and Bitter Water People. These four clans heard that there were people to the east who shared their heritage and they wanted to go meet them. Changing Woman gave them permission to travel from the western sea to the San Francisco Peaks. They traveled through the Hopi mesas and continued on to Mount Taylor. Finally, the people arrived at Dinetah, the Diné traditional homeland, and joined the other clans already living there. Dinetah is located in the many canyons that drain the San Juan River about 30 miles east of Farmington, New Mexico (Compiled by Glenn Welker, 2009).

The above creation account bears some similarities to the creation account that Juan shared with me. Farmington is about an hour north of Gallup which would coincide with the Mesas north of the city. The “Child-Born-of-Water” and the fact that the names of the four clans are all associated with water also shares some parallels with Juan’s account of creation. There is no difficulty in the fact that there are multiple accounts of Navajo origin stories. The Navajo are not concerned with the historicity of their creation accounts as we are in the Christian West. The Navajo are an oral culture and traditions and stories are passed down from one generation of elders to another who might freely add to, subtract, and/or embellish accounts. Even within the Navajo tribe, there are many clans with their own unique traditions. This too would explain the wide variation in accounts even from one clan to another.

New Mexico Mission Trip October 18-21

2009-10-14T11:02:00.000-05:00

We are just about to embark on our mission trip to Gallup, New Mexico. Please pray for your mission team, the churches that we will be working with, and the people of Gallup.

Hebron Baptist Church's New Mexico Mission Team

Joe Alain
Rhonda Alain
Joe Averett
Melissa Averett
Don Breaux
Janis Breaux
Elaina Breaux
Nathan Breaux
Hope Johnson
Destry McFearin

Ministry Dates: October 18-21 (Sunday-Wednesday)

Location: First Indian Church, Gallup, New Mexico

Tribe: Navaho, Multicultural

Ministry Activities: Conducting worship/revival services on Sunday and each evening through Wednesday.

Other Possible Ministries: Feeding ministry, Bible clubs, prayer walking, etc. ?

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Thoughts On Our New Building Project

2009-10-05T08:17:00.002-05:00

Following are some notes that relate to a recent church business meeting and report from your Steering Committee. I will be expanding upon these thoughts in my upcoming message this Sunday, October 11th.

HEBRON HAPPENINGS
Yes, business meetings can be exciting! Our recent business meeting, Sunday, September 13th was a blessing! Aside from taking care of our regular business, the Steering Committee (Jerry Harris, Chairman) gave a report of their work followed by a good amount of discussion. The spirit of the meeting including the comments and suggestions was overwhelmingly positive. At the risk of sounding cliche, I do believe this was a kind of “breakthrough” moment for us. As a result of the meeting, people left encouraged and with renewed passion to move forward with God by faith!

After providing a brief historical overview of our building campaign, Jerry reported that (1) A topographical survey has been completed, (2) Soil boring tests have been performed, (3) Building plans are being finalized, and (4) The committee has met with Livingston Parish officials.

It was reported that “Estimate of Giving” cards have been received totaling – $736,000. Our Building Fund now stands at $216,552.78. The Steering Committee has met with a financial institution representative, and based on our current estimates of giving, we could borrow in the area of two (2) million dollars, approximately two (2) million dollars less than is needed to build our original project. The committee has met with Allen Construction to develop several cost-reducing options, one option came in at 3.5 million and the other at 2.5 million. Conceptual drawings of the two options were shown to the congregation at the recent business meeting.

After much discussion about the various options, their was unanimous support for continuing with our original plans, even if it might take a little longer to see them fulfilled. Several key areas came out of the comments presented at our meeting that we will be pursuing.

1. A renewed emphasis on securing “Estimate of Giving” cards.
Many people were not aware how important the “Estimate of Giving” cards are in securing funds from a financial institution. Because this is essential to our borrowing funds, more information about this needs to be shared with the church. Some people are giving to the building program but have not completed an “Estimate of Giving” card. We will be sending out a letter to the church explaining the importance of the “Estimate of Giving” cards to our campaign and asking for people to prayerfully considering completing one if they have not.

2. Increased communication of the work the project.
I will be asking the Steering Committee to make a brief report (3-5 min.) and offer a prayer for God’s blessing and direction once per month on a Sunday morning. In this way, the project will be kept before the congregation not only as a matter of information but also for prayer. Continued efforts will be made at publishing building program updates in the newsletter, bulletin, and online.

3. Using visuals to communicate our giving status and goals.
We will work on creating some type of visual that will easily communicate to the church each Sunday where we stand in reaching our various financial goals.

One more thought. It is easy to become impatient in a project like the one that we are undertaking. One of Satan’s tactics to keep us from seeing our dreams fulfilled is that he gets us to doubt the dreams. One of his greatest allies is our impatience, along with fear, worry, anxiety, second-guessing, and frustration that usually accompany it. Remember, God’s timing usually differs from our expectations. Delay of a dream does not necessarily mean denial, it just means we keep working and waiting on God.

Even though we have been working in earnest for about two years, let me assure you that this really is not that long of a period of time, neither is this uncommon in a project of this scope. When I was in Port Allen it took probably a total of six years to go from dream to fulfillment. I’m not suggesting it will take anywhere near that time; however, I do not want you to get discouraged if we hit a few speed bumps along the way. After all, if it was easy, every church in Livingston Parish would be building new facilities! When you look at the big picture, we are progressing very well. Building plans are almost complete, survey work has been completed, and we have almost a third of our pledged amount, $216,000 in the bank.

So what do we need to do?
1. Pray that as a church we will stay focused on our mission of sharing the Good News of Christ with our community. We must not forget what we’re here for and it is not to build a building, but to see God build His kingdom. Pray that we will have God’s heart for people. Pray for the work of the steering committee. Pray that God would supply all our needs.

2. If you haven’t already done so, we would ask you to prayerfully complete an “Estimate of Giving” card so that we can include your contributions in our pledged totals.

3. Talk up the good things that are happening at Hebron – God-centered worship, relevant Bible studies, Family friendly Upward Soccer and Kids Time, just to name a few.

4. Be a part of what makes Hebron a great church. Be positive, welcoming, and mission-minded. Invite your neighbors, co-workers, and friends to join us. What makes Hebron a great church is its people who love God and love others. Find your place in the church body, serve faithfully, and be a blessing!

For His Glory!

Pastor Joe
“Phil. 1:3”

KNOWING GOD'S WILL Proverbs 3:5-6

2009-09-28T08:41:00.002-05:00

This Week's Study: Week #5: The Assurance of Guidance

Focal Verse: Proverbs 3:5-6, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."

Join us this week at Hebron Baptist Church for the final message in our "Foundations" series.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

FOUNDATIONS: Lessons On Assurance Continues!

2009-09-21T08:12:00.003-05:00

This Week's Study: Week #4: Assurance of Forgiveness

Focal Verse: 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Join us each week at Hebron Baptist Church as we study God's life-changing Word together.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

What About Those Who Have Never Heard?

2009-09-08T16:27:00.002-05:00

Romans 1:18-25 Sermon Follow-Up
Several weeks ago I merely scratched the surface of the topic of general revelation in my message from Romans chapter one. The following article (from the excellent work of Millard Erickson, Christian Theology, 171-174) goes into much more detail on this subject. Erickson details how general revelation makes all people guilty before God. Particularly interesting are Erickson’s thoughts concerning general revelation and the possibility of salvation for those who have never heard the full Gospel. To the question, “What about those who have never heard?” Erickson provides an insightful look into the nature of salvation using the Old Testament as a model for understanding.

General Revelation and Human Responsibility
All Are Guilty before God
But what of the judgment of man, spoken of by Paul in Romans 1 and 2? If it is just for God to condemn man, and if man can become guilty without having known God’s special revelation, does that mean that man without special revelation can do what will enable him to avoid the condemnation of God? In Romans 2:14 Paul says; “when Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law.” Is Paul suggesting that they could have fulfilled the requirements of the law? But that is not possible even for those who have the law (see Gal. 3:10-11 as well as Rom. 3). Paul also makes clear in Galatians 3:23-24 that the law was not a means of justifying us, but a to make us aware of our sin and to lead us to faith by bringing us to Christ.

Now the internal law which the unbeliever has performs much the same function as does the law which the Jew has. From the revelation in nature (Rom. 1), man ought to conclude that there exists a powerful eternal God. And from the revelation within (Rom. 2), man should realize that he does not live up to the standard. While the content of the moral code will vary in different cultural situations, everyone has an inner compulsion that there is something to which he ought to adhere. And everyone should reach the conclusion that he is not fulfilling that standard. In other words, the knowledge of God which all men have, if they do not suppress it, should bring them to the conclusion that they are guilty in relationship to God.

What about Those Who Have Never Heard the Gospel?
What if someone then were to throw himself upon the mercy of God, not knowing upon what basis that mercy was provided? Would he not in a sense be in the same situation as the Old Testament believers? The doctrine of Christ and his atoning work had not been fully revealed to these people Yet they knew that there was provision for the forgiveness of sins, and that they could not be accepted on the merits of any works of their own. They had the form of the gospel without its full content. And they were saved. Now if the god known in nature is the same as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (as Paul seems to assert in Acts 17:23), then it would seem that a person who comes to a belief in a single powerful God, who despairs of any works-righteousness to please this holy God, and who throws himself upon the mercy of this good God, would be accepted as were the Old Testament believers. The basis of acceptance would be the work of Jesus Christ, even though the person involved is not conscious that this is how provision has been made for his salvation. We should note that the basis of salvation was apparently the same in the Old Testament as in the New. Salvation has always been appropriated by faith (Gal. 3:6-9); this salvation rests upon Christ’s deliverance of us from the law (vv. 10-14, 19-29). Nothing has been changed in that respect.

What inference are we to draw, then, from Paul’s statement in Romans 2:1-16? Is it conceivable that one can be saved by faith without having the special revelation? Paul seems to be laying open this theoretical possibility. Yet it is merely a theoretical possibility. It is highly questionable how many, if any, actually experience salvation without having special revelation. Paul suggests in Romans 3 that no one does. And in chapter 10 he urges the necessity of preaching the gospel (the special revelation) so that men may believe. Thus it is apparent that in failing to respond to the light of general revelation which they have, men are fully responsible, for they have truly known God, but have willfully suppressed that truth. Thus in effect the general revelation serves, as does the law, merely to make guilty, not to make righteous.

Implications of General Revelation
1. There is a common ground or a point of contact between the believer and the nonbeliever, or between the gospel and the thinking of the unbeliever. All persons have a knowledge of God. Although it may be suppressed to the extent of being unconscious or unrecognizable, it is nonetheless there, and there will be areas of sensitivity to which the message may be effectively directed as a starting point. These areas of sensitivity will vary from one person to another, but they will be there. There are features of the creation to which the believer may point, features which will enable the unbeliever to recognize something of the truth of the message. It is therefore neither necessary nor desirable to fire the message at the hearer in an indiscriminate fashion.

2. There is possibility of some knowledge of divine truth outside the special revelation. We may understand more about the specially revealed truth by examining the general revelation. We understand in more complete detail the greatness of God, we comprehend more fully the image of God in man, when we attend to the general revelation. This should be considered a supplement to, not a substitute for, special revelation. Sin’s distortion of man’s understanding of the general revelation is greater the closer one gets to the relationship between God and man. Thus, sin produces relatively little obscuring effect upon the understanding of matters of physics, but a great deal with respect to matters of psychology and sociology. Yet it is at those places where the potential for distortion is greatest that the most complete understanding is possible.

3. God is just in condemning those who have never heard the gospel in the full and formal sense. No one is completely without opportunity. All have known God; if they have not effectually perceived him, it is because they have suppressed the truth. Thus all are responsible. This increases the motivation of missionary endeavor; for no one is innocent. All need to believe in God’s offer of grace, and the message needs to be taken to them.

4. General revelation serves to explain the worldwide phenomenon of religion and religions. All persons are religious, because all have a type of knowledge of God. From this indistinct and perhaps even unrecognizable revelation have been constructed religions which unfortunately are distortions of the true biblical religion.

5. Since both creation and the gospel are intelligible and coherent revelations of God, there is harmony between the two, and mutual reinforcement of one by the other. The biblical revelation is not totally distinct from what is known of the natural realm.

6. Genuine knowledge and genuine morality in unbelieving (as well as believing) man are not his own accomplishment. Truth arrived at apart from special revelation is still God’s truth. Knowledge and morality are not so much discovery as they are “uncovery” of the truth God has structured into his entire universe, both physical and moral.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

FOUNDATIONS: Lessons On Assurance Continues!

2009-09-08T11:04:00.002-05:00

This Week's Study: Assurance of Answered Prayer

Focal Verse: John 16:24, "Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete."

Join us each week at Hebron Baptist Church as we study God's life-changing Word together.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

FOUNDATIONS: Lessons On Assurance

2009-08-31T08:21:00.004-05:00

On Sunday, September 6th we will begin "Foundations," a church-wide emphasis that combines the resources of both the Sunday School and the morning worship services. Our purpose will be to teach and review the basic Christian teachings that are essential for believers to grow into healthy followers of Jesus. I believe this emphasis has the opportunity to be a life-transforming event for all of us. I hope that you plan on joining us each week. If you're not involved in a Sunday morning Bible study, this would be a great time to join us.

Week One: Assurance of Salvation

This week's message is "Assurance of Salvation," based on 1 John 5:11-12.
11 And this is the testimony: God has given us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. 12 He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life.

See you Sunday!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, August 30, 2009

2009-08-24T08:15:00.002-05:00

Sunday, August 30th we will observe the Lord's Supper in both of our morning worship services. The focal text for this week is the Gospel Lection, Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23, taken from the Lectionary. For context, the entire passage is printed below.

Mark 7:1-23 (New International Version)

1 The Pharisees and some of the teachers of the law who had come from Jerusalem gathered around Jesus and 2 saw some of his disciples eating food with hands that were "unclean," that is, unwashed. 3 (The Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they give their hands a ceremonial washing, holding to the tradition of the elders. 4 When they come from the marketplace they do not eat unless they wash. And they observe many other traditions, such as the washing of cups, pitchers and kettles.

5 So the Pharisees and teachers of the law asked Jesus, "Why don't your disciples live according to the tradition of the elders instead of eating their food with 'unclean' hands?"

6 He replied, "Isaiah was right when he prophesied about you hypocrites; as it is written:
" 'These people honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
7 They worship me in vain;
their teachings are but rules taught by men.' 8 You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to the traditions of men."

9 And he said to them: "You have a fine way of setting aside the commands of God in order to observe your own traditions! 10 For Moses said, 'Honor your father and your mother,' and, 'Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.' 11 But you say that if a man says to his father or mother: 'Whatever help you might otherwise have received from me is Corban' (that is, a gift devoted to God), 12 then you no longer let him do anything for his father or mother. 13 Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And you do many things like that."

14 Again Jesus called the crowd to him and said, "Listen to me, everyone, and understand this. 15 Nothing outside a man can make him 'unclean' by going into him. Rather, it is what comes out of a man that makes him 'unclean.' "

17 After he had left the crowd and entered the house, his disciples asked him about this parable. 18 "Are you so dull?" he asked. "Don't you see that nothing that enters a man from the outside can make him 'unclean'? 19 For it doesn't go into his heart but into his stomach, and then out of his body." (In saying this, Jesus declared all foods "clean.")

20 He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' 21 For from within, out of men's hearts, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, 22 greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly. 23 All these evils come from inside and make a man 'unclean.'"

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, August 23, 2009

2009-08-19T15:39:00.001-05:00

Romans 1:26-32 (New International Version)

26 Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. 27 In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion.

28 Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. 29 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, 30 slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; 31 they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. 32 Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Sermon Text for Sunday, August 9, 2009

2009-08-03T11:16:00.003-05:00

Continuing our study of the first three chapters in Romans, this week we will be dealing with Romans 1:18-25.

Romans 1:18-25 (NIV)

18 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, 19 since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. 20 For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

21 For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools 23 and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles.

24 Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. 25 They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator—who is forever praised. Amen.

See you Sunday as we worship our great God and Savior!

Pastor Joe

The Gospel, God's Power to Save! Romans 1:1-17

2009-07-28T16:12:00.002-05:00

Beginning this Sunday, August 2, I will be sharing some messages from Romans 1:1-3:20. In this section of the book of Romans, Paul goes into great detail as to why all people need God's righteousness which comes to us in Christ through faith.

This week our text is Romans 1:1-17 (NIV)

Salutation
1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God— 2 the gospel he promised beforehand through his prophets in the Holy Scriptures 3 regarding his Son, who as to his human nature was a descendant of David, 4 and who through the Spirit of holiness was declared with power to be the Son of God by his resurrection from the dead: Jesus Christ our Lord. 5 Through him and for his name's sake, we received grace and apostleship to call people from among all the Gentiles to the obedience that comes from faith. 6 And you also are among those who are called to belong to Jesus Christ. 7 To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul's Longing to Visit Rome
8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for all of you, because your faith is being reported all over the world. 9 God, whom I serve with my whole heart in preaching the gospel of his Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you 10 in my prayers at all times; and I pray that now at last by God's will the way may be opened for me to come to you. 11 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith. 13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles. 14 I am obligated both to Greeks and non-Greeks, both to the wise and the foolish. 15 That is why I am so eager to preach the gospel also to you who are at Rome.

The Theme of the Gospel: The Righteousness of God Revealed
16 I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: "The righteous will live by faith."

See you this Sunday as we worship the living God.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

Toward a Great Commission Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention

2009-05-20T14:21:00.003-05:00

In view of the upcoming Southern Baptist Convention, Johnny Hunt is promoting a document that has generated quite a bit of interest. You can access the document at
http://www.greatcommissionresurgence.com/

For articles related to the document, check out Baptist Press.

Let me know what you think about the article. I will publish my thoughts about it soon.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

"In Remembrance" The Lord's Supper Sunday, May 24th

2009-05-20T14:04:00.003-05:00

Sunday, May 24th we will be observing The Lord's Supper during both of our morning worship services. This is the traditional Memorial Day weekend when we are reminded that freedom isn't free. The Lord's Supper reminds us that our salvation also came at great cost -- God giving us His Son -- Jesus!

The Gospel Text for Sunday, the Seventh Sunday of Easter, May 24, 2009 Is
John 17:6-19

6 "I have revealed you to those whom you gave me out of the world. They were yours; you gave them to me and they have obeyed your word. 7 Now they know that everything you have given me comes from you. 8 For I gave them the words you gave me and they accepted them. They knew with certainty that I came from you, and they believed that you sent me. 9 I pray for them. I am not praying for the world, but for those you have given me, for they are yours. 10 All I have is yours, and all you have is mine. And glory has come to me through them. 11 I will remain in the world no longer, but they are still in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, protect them by the power of your name—the name you gave me—so that they may be one as we are one. 12 While I was with them, I protected them and kept them safe by that name you gave me. None has been lost except the one doomed to destruction so that Scripture would be fulfilled. 13 "I am coming to you now, but I say these things while I am still in the world, so that they may have the full measure of my joy within them. 14 I have given them your word and the world has hated them, for they are not of the world any more than I am of the world. 15 My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of it. 17 Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. 18 As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. 19For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe

May 17th -- Missionary to Zambia, Thomas Morrow to Share!

2009-05-11T08:30:00.003-05:00

This Sunday, Thomas Morrow will be sharing in both morning worship services. Thomas and Amy along with their children are missionaries to Zambia, Africa. For more information about their ministry, check out www.missionaryfamily.com

Scripture Readings
May 17, 2009 The Sixth Sunday of Easter

Psalm 98:2-3 (NIV)
2 The LORD has made his salvation known
and revealed his righteousness to the nations.

3 He has remembered his love
and his faithfulness to the house of Israel;
all the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation of our God.

Acts 10:44-48 (NIV)
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues and praising God. Then Peter said, 47 "Can anyone keep these people from being baptized with water? They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have." 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.

For His Glory!
Pastor Joe