First Baptist Church Vincent

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
1 Peter 2:9

The church isn’t a gathering of strangers, like fans at a ball game who just happen to be sitting next to each other. The church is a community of individuals spiritually linked together with the purpose of reflecting and spreading the values of the kingdom of God. The church is critical in the process of growing mature disciples who imitate Jesus Christ because Jesus is relational. Jesus Himself stated the key identifier that would tell us who were His disciples and who were not, and that is our love for one another.

God’s people are so vitally connected that we’re like members of the same physical body. The parts of your body are in a relationship with the other parts. Just smash your thumb or stub your toe, and you’ll have a good biblical reminder of the interrelationship of your bodily members. Once you disconnect a body part, you cut off its ability to function because it is separated from the source of its life.

That’s why Peter and Paul both call the church the “household of God” (1 Peter 4:17; Titus 3:15). Your home is supposed to be the place where you give and receive love unconditionally. It takes more than the paid professional staff in a church to produce this kind of love. It comes from each one of us being in in dynamic relationships so we can encourage and edify each other.

God Bless,
Robbie

Sunday Sermon Title: God’s Will and Your Life
Scripture: Matthew 6:33

The Supreme Importance of God’s Word

The Bible holds supreme authority by virtue of its Author, who is the King of creation and thus Ruler over all the earth. Scripture is God’s revelation in history. Just as there is no higher authority in an earthly kingdom than a king – there is no higher authority you and I can appeal to than the Word of God in God’s kingdom. The Bible’s authority is timeless. For example, when we read in Exodus 20:3 “You shall have no other gods before Me,” this command has the very same force behind it today that it had when God first thundered these words to Moses more than three thousand years ago. Unfortunately, one problem I see as a pastor today is that people disregard God’s Word because to them, it’s just ink on a page.

Our problem is that we weren’t there when God first spoke His Word – because if we had been there, we wouldn’t be so casual about it. To get an idea of the terror that gripped Moses and all of Israel when God gave His commandments, read Hebrews 12:18-21. Even Moses said, “I’m so scared that I can barely even stand.” The Bible is not simply words about God, it is the Word of God. Many people learn about God from the Bible, which is good – but that is not where you are to stop. The Word of God is the voice of God in print. It is active and alive and sharper than a two-edged sword, able to reach and instruct the deepest recesses and core of who you are (Hebrews 4:12).

“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

Keep Reading,

Robbie

Sunday’s Sermon Title: How to Build Your Life on God’s Word
Scripture: Ezra 7

Hey Everyone,

Doing It God’s Way

I had to meet a friend in Childersburg and I saw a store called “Sweet Pickens”. All of you know that this is a nice store where people rent booths and sell furniture and many other things. As I walked around the store, I heard Christian music playing. On the way out I told the owner I’m sure my wife will be in the store since we are moving to Vincent.

I then thanked her for playing the Christian music. She told me when she bought the store, she told the lease owner that the music would change to honor God. She fully understands that everything that good happens to her and “Sweet Pickens” depends upon God’s blessing. Also, I believe she really loves the Lord and just wants to honor Him. I told her never change, God would honor every act of obedience. Jesus said, “If you love me obey me.” John 14:15. Obedience not only honors God but brings great blessing to us.

For His Glory
Robbie

Sunday’s Sermon Title: How to Save America
Scripture: Jeremiah 18

Hey Everyone,

So many people are looking for peace and security in the world. The Apostle Paul has much to say about peace in the fourth chapter of his letter to the church in Philippi. Paul experienced tumultuous trials, torture, social upheaval, betrayal, starvation, rejection and imprisonment. Yet he had learned the secret of living through periods of need and periods of abundance. It’s this “I can do all this through him who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13). Prosperity does not have the power to give us peace, nor does poverty have the power to take it away. Only God has the power to give us true peace that transcends all life’s variables. Remember what Jesus taught His disciples about peace:

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 12:27)
What do you notice when you look at this passage? Jesus’ peace is accessible. He has given it to us. It’s different from the world’s version. And we are required to take action in order to enjoy it: “Do not let your heart be troubled,” and “do not be afraid.”

This passage may be very familiar, but I’d suggest reading it out loud, writing it down, meditating on it, and memorizing it. Especially now, as we all face increasing anxiety, “Rejoice” in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:4-7) The peace of God—shalom—will guard your hearts and minds. And the God of peace—Christ Jesus—will be yours as well.

Take Care
Robbie

Sunday’s Sermon Title: Real Worship, Part II  

Scripture: Ezra 4

Hey Everybody,

As we go forward as a church, our greatest challenge will be our own spiritual growth. Scripture makes it clear that we must “make every effort” to attain Godliness. Why? Because salvation is not just a name one day in heaven, but a mission to the King. The difference between these two mindsets is crucial. God never asks his church to be complacent or reactive but zealous and proactive. We should be like the song, “Onward Christian Soldier.”

We are going to do something for our past music minister, Wayne Linderman, who has been diagnosed with cancer. Also, even though I did not know him personally, the local UPS driver was tragically killed last week. Let’s be in prayer for these two families and please be in prayer for the next music pastor and outreach pastor. We need everyone praying in one accord for God’s will.

For His Glory,

Robbie

Sunday’s Sermon Title: The Father That Leads
Scripture: Deuteronomy 1:31

Hey Everyone,

The greatest thing that can ever happen in a church happened this Sunday with Raymond Hill being saved and born again. This is what Jesus’ mission was all about and the main theme of the cross and redemption. We are going to have Raymond’s baptism as soon as possible; we want to make a big deal out of this as the church because even the angels in heaven are celebrating.

It was so encouraging to see a good crowd this past Sunday while knowing we had some regulars gone. We will give you more details about how we are going to replace VBS sometime in August. I have been working with Rosemary, and I think we have a great plan.

Love you all!

For His Glory,

Robbie

Sunday’s Sermon Title: Real Worship Part II

Scripture: Ezra: 4

For His Glory,

For His Glory

Robbie

For His Glory
Robbie

Hello Church,
I hope and pray everyone is doing ok. We will continue to do what we have been doing on Sunday for May 17th and 24th. However, because the mandate from the state has been lifted, if you would like to attend those Sundays we will accommodate everyone with the social distancing. We will begin our live music and service on May 31st, but no Sunday School that day. I do understand everyone has their own time table of coming back. The leadership of the church understands and we will eventually get back to normal as possible. We will meet downstairs for the Business meeting at 6:00 and the Bible study to follow if time allows. I will be meeting with the deacons at 7:00pm. I really look forward to seeing everyone again!

For His Glory
Robbie