. . . How Brightly is Your Light Shining? In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus reminds us that we are the light of the world and a light that should lead others to Christ. All believers should avoid any appearances of evil and should live a life that does not bring reproach on the name of Jesus. What we truly believe is shown by how we live with clean hands and pure hearts. God gives us guard rails and the Bible tells us all we need to know. By being aware of when we drift away from God, we can find our way back through the words and examples found there.

Baptism and the Lord's Table - 2 Symbols of a Beautiful Picture

. . . Water is an important symbol from God. We are people of the water. In the beginning, God created water. Baptism is a symbol of our union with Jesus Christ. Our transformation takes place with baptism. Under the water we die to our old person and are raised to a new person. The bread represents Christ's body and the cup His blood. The Lord's Table is a symbol of our communion with Jesus Christ. It reminds us of the presence of God and the provision God gives His people. Through His sacrifice, He pays our sin debt. As a result, we belong to God.

I am a little under the weather this morning so this sermon is brief, but I consider it to be a message that we need every day.

Written around AD 60, the Disciple John sets it straight and confirms that Jesus is God. John explains WHO Jesus is, WHY He came, and WHAT it means. In John 1:1, we learn that the WORD is Jesus. In Verse 14, he reminds us that the WORD became flesh and dwelt among us. Verse 15, reminds us that John the Baptist proclaimed Jesus is the One of whom he spoke in his ministry. Sadly, most of the world rejects Jesus. Believers have a way to God, and that way is Jesus Christ. We are truly blessed to have it all documented in the Holy Bible. Praise God!!

The Bible is the very WORD of God. The Bible is not just a suggestion. Baptists believe the Bible is truly the Word of God. Inspired by God, written by the Holy Spirit, without error, and the facts are accurate. It consists of 66 books (Genesis through Revelations), has been preserved throughout about 1,500 years of history, and was written by 40 special men with various backgrounds. The Bible is God-breathed and infallible. The Bible is the foundation of all true Bible-believing Baptists.

At Old New Hope Baptist Church, we are "A Bible Believing Church". We have a page on our website (OUR BELIEFS) that gives a summary. But today, I will begin a series to explain what you will find in a true Southern Baptist congregation. Spiritual guidance is found in the Holy Bible. In this introduction sermon, I will discuss our unique attitude toward scripture, our unique doctrinal positions, and 7 points that provide a description of what you will find when you come. It is my hope that you will come and stay!

2 Kings 2:1-18 . . . . Live right now as if it is your last day to live. Pray, read the Bible, and tell others about Jesus. We come to the end of Elijah's life of service to the Lord when he is taken up to heaven. Elisha is to take on the role of Elijah and carry on the work he learned from his teacher. The two of them were very close and Elisha stayed with Elijah to the very end. The Lord used His prophet, Elijah, to turn people back to the one true God. As he was taken up to heaven, 50 men watched and were amazed. They couldn't believe what they had seen and began looking for him for three days, finally accepting that what they had seen really happened. Listen to these verses that document this event and consider what it says to you.

. . . 2 Kings:1-14 . . . We are living in difficult times, but God calls us to keep moving forward in our faith. Elijah was old and ready to go up to God. He was going to travel and told Elisha not to follow him. However, Elisha was determined to stay with him. Even though old, Elijah was still doing God's. Did you know that you are never too old to work for God? Be a new creature (Christian) and don't hang out in your past life. As a Christian, you know that the harvest is plenty but the laborers are few. God did not save you to go back where you were before you were saved. Get busy for God and continue the work as Elisha did when Elijah went up to heaven. Don't dream about it, just do it!

Today we have our Homecoming Service with Bro. Tommy Hugins from Mt. Zion Baptist Church and with special music by Mt. Zion Trio. We have all been a prodigal child some time and strayed from our faith. But, when the spirit touches us, God always brings us back. Our Father God always looks for His child to return to Him, the ultimate Homecoming. We have many blessings and they all come from God. Let's all try to thank Him for these blessings and plant the seed of faith wherever we go.

Where Can I Go? . . . 2 Kings 1 . . .

Our world is a mess! Where do we go from here? Idol worship is useless. Elijah gives a message to King Ahaziah that he will die if he does not turn back to the God of Israel. Many of the king's soldiers tried to capture Elijah, but they were all consumed by fire. Ahaziah's world was in a mess. God judged King Ahaziah and he died because he refused to worship the true God, the Lord Almighty. When tough situations happen unexpectedly many people turn to false idols. Hard times bring unique opportunities. The greatest opportunity they bring is the chance to take it to the Lord in prayer. And, praise God, that is where we should go.

. . . You Can't Outsmart God! . . . I Kings 22

Many people do not want to hear the truth when it isn't what they want to hear. Trust in God gives us hope and confidence. Here are ten things I want you to consider in your walk with the Lord. God's counsel is crucial. Beware of false prophets. Stand firm in truth. God is sovereign over everything and everybody. Disobedience brings consequences. Prayer is powerful. Humility invites God's favor. Pride invites disaster. We all need accountability. God is faithful. He fulfills His Word.