Homeland Park Baptist Church

  A True Disciple Pastor’s Post for November 2024 Newsletter Oswald Chambers in his devotional entitled, My Utmost for His Highest writes, "A true disciple is one who has his new name written all over himself-interest, pride, and self-sufficiency have been completely erased." Pride is the sin of making "self" our god.”  A disciple is someone who learns from someone else.  Much like a student from a teacher or an apprentice learning a trade.  As a disciple of Christ we are to learn from Him.  This is accomplished by reading His word (The Bible) and applying it to our lives.  As you experience God throughout the month of November, make a conscious effort to learn from Christ.  Learn how to be humble, thankful, determined and loving towards others.  Make spending time with your heavenly Father a priority and make your focus to please Him and love others before meeting your needs first.  Our world is filled with enough people who claim to be a di...

  Sunday morning we begin a new preaching series through the book of 1 Thessalonians. The concept of life after death is foundational to the Christian faith. Whether it is the warmth of feeling the light of Christ forgiving you of all your sins and gaining a “Start Over” or the dull assurance that a loved one's funeral  is not the end. As stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17, "This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”. This verse emphasizes that when someone places their faith in Jesus, they are regenerated, or born again into a new life. This new life isn't something Christians wait for after death; it starts the moment they say "yes" to Christ.  1 Thessalonians was written by the Apostle Paul to a young church filled with people who were early in their faith. They were experiencing real problems in a world that was not friendly to their Christian faith, just like you and I today. Many of the probl...

  Matthew 11:29 (NLT)  “Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” The parable of the "yoke" is well-known among those raised in the church, often recited when feeling overwhelmed. This passage is found in Matthew 11:28–30, where Jesus invites the weary and burdened to find rest. However, it does not imply that He will free us from putting any effort in serving Him. The rest Jesus is describing is a rest for our soul. It addresses the excessive religious expectations imposed on believers by the Pharisees. The relentless pursuit of self-righteousness and the unattainable goal of perfectly keeping the ten commandments was futile to His audience. If we could achieve such perfection, we would no longer need Jesus, as we would be inherently worthy in God's eyes. Jesus' message is that we are not required to bear the heavy burden of striving to be "good enough" to earn our way into heav...

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...

  A Gift Worth Celebrating: The Incarnation Have you ever wanted your pet to be able to talk to you? I know I have! It would make things so much simpler to communicate with them and find out what they are thinking, feeling, and where they may be hurting. Of course, you can learn a lot about your pet through training and time, but it's not the same as having a real conversation with another human being. The birth of Jesus Christ in December is a celebration of our relationship with God. We are His creation, and He created us to be in relationship with Him. However, in our current state on this Earth, with our human flesh, we cannot be in His direct presence. This is evident throughout scripture, where people have had to see God through priests, burning bushes, historical acts, and miracles. God’s word tells us that if we were to look upon Him as we are today, we would surely die. This is why we needed Jesus. John 1:14 (NLT) So the Word became human (flesh) and made His home among us...

  Warren Wiersbe does a great job of reminding us of the need for God's people to teach and lead others in the church.  Rather than everyone depending on one Pastor or leader, God equips others to reinforce the teaching ministry of the church.  Think of what could happen if others in the church made teaching God's word to others a priority.  It would help people to grow in their faith and strengthen the bonds in our church family.  Would you pray for God to raise up teachers for all age groups in our church?  Would you ask God to show you if you may be one He is raising up?  You may be the one person God has brought here to reach the person I cannot.  To God be the glory! - Pastor James

Photo by Júnior Ferreira on Unsplash The days have never been brighter to serve God at Homeland Park Baptist Church. God has continued to give us a rich legacy of people who have faithfully served God to get us to where we are.  Now is the time for the next generation to do the same.  Day by day and event by event we see new faces stepping up to help with the work of the church.  We must reconnect to the mission our church was born from which was a church plant ministering to a hurting community.  Yes times have changed, but the gospel message is still clear.   In the next few weeks we need to honestly answer three questions. 1) What are the unique needs and opportunities where God has placed us? 2) What are the unique capabilities that God brings together in us? 3) What particular focus most energizes and animates our leadership?  I am praying for God to bring the men and women of all ages in our church to honestly answer these questions in hopes of ...

  November has been a wonderful month filled with expressions of your appreciation and love for Donna and I.  I was presented with this precious poster that includes many photos of our time here.  Included are faces that have forever changed my life.  Some are still with us and others have gone home. They are a testimony to the work only God can do.  I am grateful to Him for HPBC and I look forward to many more years  here by His grace. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! - Pastor James

One of the most misunderstood scriptures that has been taken out of context since the late 1990’s is Proverbs 29:18 “Where there is no vision, the people perish but he that keepeth the law, happy is he.” - KJV. Many try to make this verse mean if you do not have any overarching “vision” statement then an organization will fail.  While I cannot argue with that statement, it is not the reason this verse was written. The truth of this verse means, anywhere someone does not keep the principles of God’s word at the forefront of their lives, then people will go their own way. When people reject God, sin runs wild. We see that at every turn in today’s culture.  Over the next few months you will hear more from me regarding a “vision” for the future of our church.  You can rest assured it will be rooted in keeping God’s word at the forefront of our lives.  If you are not actively seeking to obey God’s word, there will be no hope for our church to do the same.  Keep His w...

  God Walks With You! The month of August is a pivotal month.  The summer is winding down and for many families the reality of the grind is approaching.  School schedules, day care, jobs, and other commitments resume as the hopes of cooler weather approach.  For students, another year in school offers a chance to start fresh.  Whether you are looking for a new start or simply getting back into the grind, take comfort in the fact that if you are a child of God, He walks WITH you! Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. (Psalms 23:4 NLT) A pastor went to visit a mother whose son had been killed. When he arrived at her house, she was in her bedroom and would not come out to talk to anyone. Wanting to help, the minister sat beside the distraught mother and said nothing for awhile. Later he began to softly say, “The Lord Is My Shepherd, I shall not want” The mother...

PASTOR’S POST Dear Church Family, Over recent days, God has reminded me of a principle He showed me in His word which is, “Nothing touches us that does not go through God’s hands.” Whether it be the trials of Job, the betrayal of Joseph’s family, the tragedy in David’s family or the trials Jesus endured, God is in control. “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” - Romans 8:28 (NLT) Many like to hold on to the promise that everything happens for a reason, but the truth is this verse only applies to believers who are “called” to His purpose. As a Christian we are called to be His church and share the gospel with others. May we not let these momentary trials lull us to sleep in our service for Him. The devil does not deserve the victory. The people of Homeland Park Baptist Church have always been loving and resilient.   Laying down is not an option. It is time to catch up in o...

  Hey Parents,  How was your child's first day of school?  I am sure there were many emotions involved in "letting go" and trusting God.  Whether it was your child's first day of Kindergarten, 6th grade, 9th grade, 12th grade or college know that your prayers follow them.  I know children grow up too fast but we are taught to enjoy every day we have with them.  I am praying for you as you adjust to another year of growth.  - Pastor James "Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom." Psalm 90:12 NLT

  Dear church family,   I write this with a full heart just before our third of four nights of VBS. God is moving in so many ways through the life of our church. This modest article cannot contain all that He is doing. I have always known that our church is a body of loving people that love others and their community. After many years of prayers and preaching we have seen many of our older loved one’s graduate to their heavenly home as well as God doing a new work in our young families. VBS has been a perfect example of that.   Many of our older members charted the way for years in serving as leaders and teaching children. Some are still doing so but we are seeing another wave of leadership emerge in our young families. Children are hearing the gospel message of Jesus Christ and their parents are learning the blessings of using their gifts to serve Him through the church. God is good and He is not finished with us.   Keep praying, Keep supporting, Keep serving and ...

Pastor's Post “A Prayer for  Vacation Bible School 2021” Vacation Bible School is approaching very quickly on July 26th-29th! I am excited to not only see those who normally help continuing but new volunteers stepping up too. The future of HPBC looks bright as new leadership emerges. Vacation Bible School is one of the biggest outreaches we do, so expect the devil to work against it.  Here are three specific areas to pray for as we prepare: 1. Pray for the children attending VBS, that their hearts will be changed as they hear the gospel throughout the week. 2. Pray for our VBS volunteers as they faithfully and enthusiastically lead the kids each night. 3. Pray that, as a church, we will build relationships with the families that attend VBS for the purpose of sharing the gospel and partnering with them in discipleship.   I look forward to seeing God work in a mighty way this summer. We covet your prayers and support!   Pastor James    

Exodus 1:12 (NLT) “But the more the Egyptians oppressed them, the more the Israelites multiplied  and spread, and the more alarmed the Egyptians became.” “Have you ever felt worn down?” Do you get overwhelmed by the current “biases” against those who believe in Jesus and the Bible? Yes, I do too. Trials are proof that God is at work in you and this world. I was reminded in my devotion this morning about the time the Egyptians tried to wear down the Hebrew people by forcing them into slavery. Egypt was afraid because their numbers were multiplying drastically and they were fearful that they would take them over.  You would think that slavery and harsh treatment would have caused God’s people to submit to Egypt, but actually they grew stronger. When you are burdened or mistreated, you may feel defeated. However, remember that resistance and struggle will cause your faith to grow. Your trust is tested and proven by God’s provision every single day. Daily struggles can develop...

Many who know me, know that Dr. Ron Dunn is one of my favorite authors, preachers and evangelists.  I go back and often listen to his sermons.  He has a way of placing you right in the middle of the Bible text he is covering.  He is in heaven now, but his legacy continues.  I remember him teaching a seminary workshop on God having His way with His servants.  He was covering the life of Jacob where he wrestled with God (Genesis 32).  As I was looking back through some notes, I saw this quote that I would like to share with you this month. He said, ““Why do I find it easier to say ‘no’ to the devil when he tempts me than to say ‘yes’ to God when He’s wrestling with me?” Saying yes to God is often difficult because you know that a wrestling match will ensue.  You may be wrestling with a decision, a situation, something beyond your control, maybe even yourself.  It is important to remember that God changed Jacob in that struggle.  He gave him the...

I was shocked to see some of the latest statistics taken by Barna Research Group.  They were evaluating the ability for a church to maintain an “online only” ministry model.  These numbers were compiled from April 28th - May 11th, 2020.  During this time we were doing online Bible studies and parking lot preaching services.  Look at how interaction dropped among the age ranges. Boomers (Ages 57-75) 26% Stopped Attending   11% Switched Churches 40% Stayed at Same Church Gen X (Ages 41-56) 35% Stopped Attending   17% Switched Churches 31% Stayed at Same Church Millennials (Ages 25-40) 50% Stopped Attending   8% Switched Churches 30% Stayed at Same Church Stopped Attending - They saw no value in continuing to attend. Switched Churches - They found more value in attending somewhere else. Stayed at Same Church - They still see value in their current church. What these statistics show is that there has been a significant drop in younger adu...

  “Pushing Forward and Looking Ahead in 2021”   I have often heard that God has His reasons for giving us two eyes in the front of our head and not in the back. Sure, we can look around and even walk backwards but that doesn't come naturel. God has given us vision to face forward while we focus on Him and trust Him for each step. To live or dwell on our past keeps us from enjoying the present and being hopeful for the future. Paul gives us great insight into this in God’s word . . .,   12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. - Philippians 3:12-14...

  Greetings Dear Church, I pray you had a great Christmas season as we celebrated the gift of Jesus (God with us)! The gift of salvation from our sins is the greatest gift anyone could ever receive. Also, thank you to our children who sang last Sunday and Rev. Michael Kinard who proclaimed God's word. Tomorrow we jump back into the book of Revelation as we study Jesus' letter to the church at Laodecia. Jesus warns us of the dangers in living a lukewarm life as well as a call to return to Him. He loves you and I too much to be halfway committed to anything. Worship begins at 10:30. I look forward to gathering with you again while observing Covid-19 precautions and broadcasting on facebook live . In Him, Pastor James

 Pastor's Post “The Significance of A Gift”   Do you have a gift that you treasure due to the person you received it from? I am sure all of us have those things that we keep that remind us of the person who have given them to us. My parents, (when they were living), made sure that I had a new suit each year. Whenever a suit was found at just the right price they would "gift" me with one. I still think of Mom and Dad every time I put on a suit or see them hanging in the closet, I think of them. You see the true value of a gift is found in the value of the one who gave it. As we approach Christmas this year, be careful to not lose sight of the greatest give this world has ever been given. A promised Messiah, Savior, Lord and King all wrapped into one.   Luke 2:15-16 New Living Translation (NLT) 15 When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” 1...