TBC Richmond

Scripture: Romans 6:1-11, Sermon by Rev. Sterling W. Severns Reflection Questions 1. The Continuous Nature of Spiritual Growth The sermon emphasized that spiritual growth is not a one-time event but a continuous journey. Baptism represents the ongoing pattern of dying to our false selves and rising with Christ, over and over. Paul calls us into a lifelong relationship with God that demands daily surrender to grace. Quotes: Reflection Questions: 2. Baptism: A Continuous Journey, Not a One-Time Event Baptism symbolizes more than a one-time moment of salvation. It’s an invitation to participate repeatedly in the death and resurrection of Christ. … Continue reading Reflection Guide: Romans 6 and the Pattern of Dying to Self

Romans 5:1-11 (The Message) Reflection Questions 1. Facing Resistance: Reflecting on Our Discomfort The pastor acknowledged his initial resistance to Paul’s teachings, especially the perception of Paul’s arrogance. This resistance is something we often experience when faced with uncomfortable truths that reveal our own vulnerabilities. Paul’s writings, especially in Romans, challenge us to embrace grace over pride, and to let go of the need to control or judge. It is in releasing our resistance that we find transformation. Quotes: Reflection Questions: 2. Suffering as a Path to Growth Paul teaches that suffering is not a curse but a pathway to growth and transformation. … Continue reading Adult Reflection Guide: Romans 5:1-11

Scripture Reading:  If you put an end to oppression, to every gesture of contempt, and to every evil work; if you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon. Isaiah 58:10 God has made us what we are, and in our union with Christ Jesus He has created us for a life of good deeds, which He has already prepared for us to do. (Ephesians 2:10) Meditation:  Among my fondest Christmas memories are the Christmas Eve services at Fredericksburg Baptist Church –the traditional hymns, … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Journey from Christmas

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Meg Lacy Vega (recorded in 2019) Scripture:  Do not be deceived my dear brothers!  Every good gift and every present comes from heaven; it comes from God….” (James 1:17) Meditation:   For much of my life I have not been very good at accepting gifts.  I guess I could blame it on an upbringing that etched on my brain the old adage, “‘Tis better to give than receive.”  I suppose that this saying is a useful tool for providing a perspective for children overwhelmed by the desire to receive, but as guidance … Continue reading Advent Devotion: ‘Tis as Blessed to Receive as To Give

Written by Fred & Ginny Karnas Scripture:  When anyone is joined to Christ, he [or she] is a new being; the old is gone, the new has come.   (II Corinthians 5:17) Meditation:  In the old terminal of Phoenix’s Sky Harbor Airport one finds a large, brightly colored mural depicting the legendary phoenix.  Egyptian mythology tells of a bird that rises from its own ashes to live again. FBC’s 1995 mission team to Prague, Czech Republic went there to help raise the International Baptist Theological Seminary (ITBS) from the ashes of what had been a Nazi army camp during World … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Phoenix Bird

Written by Ginny and Fred Karnas Scripture:  You were baptized into union with Christ, and now you are clothed, so to speak with the life of Christ himself.  So there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles, between slaves and free men, between men and women; you are all one in union with Christ Jesus. Galatians 3:27-28 Meditation:  Simeon and Anna, the shepherds, the Magi….an eclectic collection of visitors to the young Jesus, but in their differences of class, gender and maybe even race, they shared a single purpose …they sought to be closer to God’s love, to understand His … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Gift of Diversity

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Rachel Brock (2019) Scripture: … the Lord Jesus himself said, “There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.”  (Acts 20:35b) Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength, and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as you love yourself.   (Luke 10:27) Meditation:  Lupe was a school crossing guard who lived with her husband and four school-aged children in a very small tarpaper dwelling in southside Phoenix, Arizona.  Her neighborhood of poor Hispanics, Native Americans, and elderly and mentally ill … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Widow and the School Crossing Guard

Written by Ginny & Fred Karnas Narrated by Hogan Brock (2019) Scripture:  Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. (Mathew 6:19-21) Meditation:  It was a few days before Christmas when I saw the homeless man walking through the alley behind our office building.  I had seen him many times before as he … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Simple Gifts

Written by Fred & Ginny Karnas Narrated by Sterling Severns Scripture:  For God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not die but have eternal life.  (John 3:16) Meditation:  In their book, The Sacred Romance, Brent Curtis and John Eldredge discuss the various metaphors used in scripture to describe God’s relationship to us.  God is the Potter, we are the clay (Isaiah 64:8).  Christ is the Shepherd, we are the sheep (Psalm 23).  We were God’s enemies, but through Christ we are now His friends (Romans 5:10).  Christ … Continue reading Advent Devotion: The Sacred Romance

Written by Fred & Ginny Karnas Narrated by Mamie Ruth (Hitchens) Blanton Seeing Each Other With New Eyes Scripture:  What we see now is like a dim image in a mirror; then we shall see face-to- face.  (I Corinthians 13: 12). For where two or three come together in My name, I am there with them. (Matthew 18:20)  Now go to the main streets and invite to the feast as many people as you find. (Matthew 22:9) Meditation:  James was admitted to the Christ House medical recovery facility looking very disheveled.  His hair was very long, he had a frightened … Continue reading Advent Devotion: Seeing Each other With New Eyes