Join Pastor Allen Bonnell for a powerful message from Ezra chapters 7 and 8, titled "The Hand of the Lord." Pastor Allen celebrates the incredible work God is doing at Immanuel Baptist Church, including baptizing 146 people in the past year alone. He shares a bold vision for 300 baptisms this year, emphasizing that such a feat could only be accomplished by God's power.

This sermon focuses on the theme of God's hand of favor, guidance, and protection. He explains that for the "good hand of the Lord" to be on you, your heart must be set on three things, just as Ezra's was:

To Study: To diligently study and ask questions about God's Word, moving beyond just reading it.

To Do: To apply God's Word to your life, understanding that belief must be turned into action.

To Teach: To share what you've learned with others, discipling them to do the same.

Pastor Allen contrasts the Old Testament experience, where the Spirit of God was "on" people for specific purposes, with the New Covenant reality for believers, where the Spirit of God dwells "in" us. He reminds us that as a born-again believer, you are the temple of the Holy Spirit, with constant access to God's presence and all the resources of heaven.

He also shares an encouraging lesson on God's timing and provision, citing the example of Ezra's journey and God's intervention, even through a pagan king, to finance and protect His mission. This message is a heartfelt invitation to surrender to Jesus, confess sin, and live in the confidence that His hand is on you.