An Empty Manger Makes For An Empty Christmas

Now that Thanksgiving is over, Christmas is in full swing! The Christmas lists are flowing, shopping malls are crowded and our calendars are busier than ever. The beautiful thing about attending church during December is that it reinforces the message of Christmas. The message is the Gospel. You see Jesus was, is and always will be the greatest gift God has ever given to us.

For a child will be born for us,
a son will be given to us,
and the government will be on His shoulders.
He will be named
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6

Our world was broken by the effects of sin. God's chosen people of Israel had been scattered and persecuted. Worship had to be relegated to a set of rules that kept believers always feeling, "never quite good enough". Jesus left His throne and glory to walk among us as a human to teach, encourage and ultimately die for us. He died for our sins to establish a relationship with God our Father. Jesus humbled himself to arrive into this world in a lowly manger. This world will constantly try to keep Jesus out of the manger. We cannot have Christmas without Christ. Make a special effort to keep Christ as the center of your Christmas this year. Nothing you will buy or receive will last for eternity, only the gift of our Savior in a manger is eternal. Keep Jesus in the manger because without Him, our Christmas would be empty. Donna and I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas.

In Him,

Pastor James

Confession, Reflection and The Lord's Supper

Yesterday, our church observed the ordinance of the Lord''s Supper or Communion as some call it. Our church is blessed to have a committee that prepares this for us on every fifth Sunday. This practice is designed to take us back in our hearts and minds to that dreadful night where Jesus sat at a table with His disciples to prepare them for His pending crucifixion . The purpose of the Lord's Supper is not for us to go through the motions, but to remember all that Christ did for us. His body was broken and blood was shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Communion is a time to reflect, appreciate and give honor to Jesus for what He endured for us. This ordinance is not for everyone. This is only to be taken by those who are believers and accepted Jesus as their ultimate forgiver and leader. To partake in this service in an unworthy state is sin. 1 Corinthians 11:27 (NLT) 27 So anyone who eats this bread or drinks this...

The Wondrous Cross

Attention all! As you drive by or visit our church, take a moment to admire the beautiful cross located to the right of our main entrance. This Easter season, we'll be using this cross to commemorate the special days leading up to Jesus' glorious resurrection. Look for the color of the sash to change each day, reflecting the significance of the holy week. A big thank you to Sherry, Ann and Jimmy for making this beautiful cross possible! To God Be The Glory!

Our Church Needs You Now More Than Ever!

Our Church Needs You Now More Than Ever! Our church stands at a pivotal moment. The needs of our community and world are greater than ever, and we have the opportunity to make a real difference. For generations, Homeland Park Baptist Church has weathered change and persevered, guided by God's hand. This legacy is precious, but today demands action. We can't simply wait for someone else to step up. The time is now for each of us to answer the call. Our leadership team is charting an exciting course for the future, ensuring our mission continues for generations to come. But we need you! No matter your skills or experience, your contribution matters. We have diverse opportunities, big and small, where you can use your unique talents to serve God and make a tangible impact. Whether it's helping families in need, supporting outreach programs, or simply welcoming newcomers, your involvement matters. Together, let's step into this new chapter with faith and dedication. Let...

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