Messages

Pastor’s Message

Have you ever seen a certain flower or tree that caused you to stop and simply say, “Wow!” That happened to me recently when Carolyn and I were visiting a couple. They showed us their “lifesaver cactus.” I had never seen anything like it! The flower looks just like a lifesaver laying on the plant.

Genesis 1–2 tells the story of God’s creation of the world. On the first day, God created light in the darkness. On the second, He created the sky. Dry land and plants were created on the third day. On the fourth day, God created the sun, the moon and the stars. Water and the birds of the sky were made on the fifth day, and on the sixth day, land animals and people were created. Genesis 1:31 tells us, “Then God saw everything that He had made, and indeed it was very good ….” All of creation points to the Creator. “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands. Day after day they pour forth speech; night after night they reveal knowledge.” (Psalm 19:1-2). There’s something about seeing God’s creation that reminds us we are not accidents, and our God is an awesome God!

Getting caught up in the mundane moments of life can make it easy to overlook all of the beauty around us. But when we slow down enough to see and enjoy God’s creation, it’s hard not to be filled with awe and gratitude. Each sunrise, each flower, shrub, and tree seemingly coming to life in the Springtime, reminds us of the Creator’s love for us. God’s declaration that His creation is “very good” reminds us of the inherent worth of all He has made, including us.

Spring is an exciting time because it’s as if the earth is coming back to life. The earth seems to die during months of freezing temperatures and bone-chilling winds. However, we know the truth: the greenness and warmth will return, because springtime always follows the winter. Just as spring brings the renewal of nature, Easter brings spiritual renewal for all who believe in Jesus.

It is a time of hope, where we celebrate the resurrection of Christ, who offers us eternal life and forgiveness of our sins. Let’s celebrate this spring — this Easter — singing with grateful hearts, “He lives! He lives! Christ Jesus lives today! “

I hope you are planning to join us in church this coming Sunday. Have a great week and let your light shine for Jesus this week!

Pastor Rick

Message From Andy (Student Minister)

Church family … God is blessing our J.A.M. Ministry in a mighty way! We’ve averaged around 30-40 students on Wednesday nights, and we’ve been having around 20-30 students on Sunday nights. I’m quick to tell myself, though, that our J.A.M. Ministry is not about numbers … it’s all about JESUS! It is so encouraging to watch God move in the lives of each individual student and to have the opportunity to share Jesus with them and to disciple them. And I’m so grateful for our leaders taking time to serve and make J.A.M. happen!

This month, as part of our Easter events at Lynn Garden Baptist, we are hosting a “J.A.M. Family Night” at the Kingsport Carousel! Our goal is to have a fun night of fellowship with our J.A.M. kids. We also hope to connect with their families and personally invite them tostart coming to church with their child if they don’t already. We will also have a special invitation for each family to join us on Easter Sunday.

This event will be on Wednesday, April 16th from 5:30 to 7:30. There are no other activities at church on this Wednesday evening, so I’d like to invite everyone to come join us at the carousel to meet and talk with our J.A.M. families about Lynn Garden Baptist!

Excited for Easter this month and to continue to Grow God’s Garden Together!

Andy