Today we visited First Baptist of Orange and we both said when we were leaving, “Thats more like it,” and decided to go back next week and see how we feel.

We liked that the message was put together and polished, not all over the place. We liked that the music was good and each song didn’t go on forever. The set up was nice and comfortable, and someone was baptized this morning (always a blessing) but the tub sat center stage which was different.

We noticed we were sitting in the middle of a basketball court, so we were in chairs not pews, but that’s ok. That didn’t change the message, of course. The temperature was comfortable.

The message itself was after the announcements, which had to do with budget and growth. It was based on Colossians 18 but centered on verses 1-8.

Paul, writing to the Colossians is telling them how much they are loved and how he and Timothy have been praying non-stop because they have heard how god and strong their faith, hope, and love is.

1-5 says, “the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel.

He continues on saying that the message has born fruit and has spread worldwide as it has been doing since they heard and understood God’s grace.

Grace we don’t deserve but was given freely by God. What a gift! We can’t do anything to earn it, that way, no one can boast. But if we believe that Jesus died to take away our sins, we get it automatically!

So since Paul knew that the church at Colossae was so successful, he has not stopped praying for their continued success. He prays for knowledge and wisdom of God’s will.

The bottom line is this: Jesus + nothing = everything!

18 – “And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

Love. Love each other, love your neighbor, even love your enemies. Have eyes for eternity and don’t let anything or anyone take that view away from you.

Never lose hope. 🙏