Stories and News

Events

Classified Ads

Church Positions

Crowfield Baptist Church, Goose Creek, SC

Crowfield Baptist Church, located in the growing area of Goose Creek, SC, is seeking a full-time Lead Pastor who is dedicated to preaching Scripture without compromise. Strong theological grounding and a commitment to lead the church in evangelism and discipleship are essential. Candidates must be ordained Southern Baptist Ministers and should have a theological stance consistent with the Baptist Faith and…

Cedar Bay Baptist Church, Jacksonville, FL

Cedar Bay Baptist Church is prayerfully seeking a part-time Youth/Worship Minister to join our team and lead our church’s youth ministry and worship services. Please submit your resume, a brief statement of faith, and any relevant worship leadership materials (e.g., videos or audio recordings) to: JordanChambers@CedarBayBaptist.com or office@cedarbaybaptist.com. For more information go to:…

Woodland Community Church, Bradenton, FL

Woodland Community Church, located in Bradenton Florida, is seeking a Fine Arts Director. This individual is responsible for leading, overseeing, and managing staff, programing, education, and ministry of Woodland Fine Arts. This position serves as a bridge between the church and the academy. Pastoral or ministry experience required with a background in worship, fine arts, or music education preferred. This…

Bible Studies

Bible Studies For Life

Rich Elligson

Richard Elligson

Richard Elligson earned a PhD in Theology from Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary. Archives

Session 4

February 9, 2025

THE BENEFITS OF WORSHIP

Psalm 63:1-11

There’s a joke I remember from long ago. It seems a man woke up on Sunday morning and said to his wife, “I don’t feel like going to church today. Some of the people there are downright mean. Nobody seems particularly interested in being there. It seems like everybody is complaining about something. Can you give me just one good reason why I should get up and go?” “Well,” she replied, “you are the pastor.”

“I don’t feel like going to church today.” That’s a sentiment we have all felt, even in the pastorate! Yet the reality is that fewer and fewer people feel the need to attend church, and fewer and fewer people do. The last time I checked, the major polling data reported that the average “active” church member attended worship just twice a month. In Psalm 63, David expresses three key aspects of worship. While the context is more personal than corporate, the principles certainly apply to both.

Desperation brings satisfaction (vv. 1-5). I must be honest and confess that I can’t remember hungering after God the way that David did. Here, he demonstrates an utterly desperate desire to experience God’s presence (see also Ps. 42). Yet the Bible is replete with encouragements to seek after God, and to do so with utter commitment. In Jeremiah, God said, “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). Notice the descriptions David uses: he “eagerly seeks” for God; he “thirsts” for Him; and his body “faints” as though he was stranded in a desert that was (emphatically) “dry, desolate, and without water.” His remedy for this is not to complain to God in his misery, but rather to “gaze” on Him in awe. The word “gaze’ means more than to see; it means to see and understand. Finally, look at the contrast between David in the desert and God in His glory. David is weak, parched, and exposed in the desert; God is strong, faithful, and loving in His sanctuary. David’s weakness led to lifted hands; his parched lips to praise; and his utter desperation to joyful satisfaction. For reflection: How does David’s desperation for God strike you? Do you think we only hunger for God like that when we are in trouble? Or maybe when we need something?

Meditation brings protection (vv. 6-8). The context here is clearly personal, private devotion. Unfortunately, a lot of people use the concept of personal, private worship as a substitute for attending church. But worship should be a “both/and” not an “either/or” proposition! In fact, both are necessary (see Heb. 10:25). Verse 6 describes the context of David’s worship. The fact that he is enamored by the “night watches” is not surprising, for the author is the same shepherd-king who once declared, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky proclaims the work of His hands.” Here, the emphasis is not on God’s revelation but rather His protection. God is David’s “helper” (v. 7). Security is found in the “shadow of His wings,” and when he stays close, his God “steadies” him with a strong right hand. For reflection: The distinguishing phrase “right hand” is used 108 times in the Bible. What do you think is the significance of the “right hand?” What about God’s right hand?

Dedication brings justification (vv. 9-11). Finally, David turns to public expression. The construction is awkward, as verses 9 and 10 suddenly attack David’s enemies. But the overall theme is not the superiority of David’s position as king; rather it is the superiority of His God over all others. Quite simply, David declares that the pagan armies will end up dead and buried (v. 9) as a result of God’s powerful sword. What’s worse is that their shallow graves will be easy pickings for the wild jackals that notoriously dug them up and devoured their remains (v. 10). Verse 11 concludes the thought and the Psalm. “The king” is of course David himself. He will rejoice in His God and those who join him will share in his victory. For reflection: Read Rom. 8:33-37. How does this New Testament text related to our Old Testament discussion? 

Session 3

February 2, 2025

THE ATTITUDE IN WORSHIP

Psalm 40:1-11

I have always been a little critical of church experiences that attempt to cram as much as possible into a Sunday morning service. The intention is certainly good: you have a limited amount of time to make as much spiritual impact as possible. Therefore, pack it full so that every minute counts, right? The problem is that the final product often feels rushed. While I certainly agree that worship should leave us breathless, should it leave us out of breath as well? Compare today’s paradigm with that of David. Notice his patient, reverent encounters with God, like that found in Psalm 40. There is a quiet breathlessness demonstrated here that doesn’t require choreographed set changes or high-energy praise bands. His worship encounter can be summarized in four key words.

He waited (vv. 1-3). The Bible balances God’s omnipresence with man’s requirement to still seek Him (see Is. 55:6). Yet here, David is pictured as waiting for God. The Hebrew construction is emphatic; literally, he “waited waiting.” But the remainder of verse 1 reveals that David had already been seeking God with his cries! Here, he is waiting for God to answer. Anyone who has been confined to God’s “waiting room” knows both the frustration and the joy such experiences bring. In verses 2 and 3, David’s patience paid off with five great responses: (1) God turned; (2) God heard; (3) God saved; (4) God secured; and (5) God gave a song. As in every good worship encounter, the supplicant is changed through that encounter. Notice how David was changed in verse 3. His deliverance not only put a new song in his heart, but a fresh witness on his lips. For reflection: If God is everywhere, then why do you think we are still required to seek Him? And how do we know when we have found Him?

He contemplated (vv. 4-5). Here, David’s outward joy is matched by his inward reflection. That too, is an expression of worship. Looking back on his experience with God, David is moved by God’s goodness. First, he reflects on how happy he is that he didn’t give in to his own impatience and turn to human wisdom in his time of need (v. 4). Then he reflects on God’s unwavering faithfulness (v. 5). Notice his recognition of both past blessings (“You have done many things”) and future blessings (“Your plans for us”). In every case, the glory goes to God. For reflection: Christian faith is not blind faith, but faith based on evidence. Why do you think David had such confidence in God?

He consecrated (vv. 6-8). Here, David’s contemplation has led him to deeper consecration. Verse 6 echoes Samuel’s confrontation with King Saul in 1 Samuel 15:22, “Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” What God really wants through legitimate worship is deeper commitment; and deeper commitment is expressed in obedience. The Lord Jesus demonstrated this in both word and deed. In word, Jesus said, “If you love Me, keep My commandments” (John 14:15); and by example, He always did “those things that please” the Father (John 8:29). In fact, He seems to be the subject of verses 7 and 8. For reflection: Can you see a messianic overtone in verses 7 and 8? What other principles can you gather from these verses?

He proclamated (vv. 9-11). I know that “proclamated” is not a word, but it seemed to fit, so I used it! So often in the Psalms (and particularly with David’s), inward contemplation and deeper consecration spill into outward proclamation (see also Ps. 51:13). And that, too, is an expression of genuine worship. Here, David’s proclamation is all about the character of God. He is righteous; He is faithful; He is saving; He is constant in love and truth; and He is compassionate. Again, this proclamation is not an attempt to flatter God, but to honor Him. And that really is the purpose of worship. For reflection: The commission of each church is to reach its community with the gospel. That means that each church will express itself in a unique way. The important thing is that God is honored for who He is, and what He has done.

Session 2

January 26, 2025

THE INSPIRATION FOR WORSHIP

Psalm 25:4-15

I sometimes joke that the Psalms make King David look moody. How else can a man jump from blessing out his enemies as dogs to blessing His God with praise? Yet moody is not the right word. Perhaps intense is better. Intense people feel every emotion with intensity. The highs are really high, and the lows are really low. And when David was talking about the goodness of God, he was nearly breathless. Here, in Psalm 25, the goodness of God is sandwiched within a context of dependency (see vv. 1-3 at the beginning, and vv. 16-22 at the end). Simply put, David’s plea for God’s help reminded Him of just how needy he really was and just how compassionate—and faithful—God really is. His prayer makes three specific requests.

A plea for His path (vv. 4-7). In this section, there are three pleas made, all of which would help the psalmist know God better. The first is a plea for guidance. Notice the descriptions David used to describe God’s revelation. In verse 4 we see His “ways.” This is a plea to understand how God operates. Often translated as “journey,” the term may connote the direction in which God is moving. Then we see His “paths.” This may connote the places God has been. Then in verse 5, David pleads for God’s “truth.” This is the same word for “firmness” or “foundation,” and likely refers to God’s unchanging precepts. Notice too, that in each case, the psalmist is the student and God is the teacher. His ways are made known by God; His paths are taught by God, and His precepts are revealed by God. Following the plea for guidance, David made a plea for remembrance. Yes, His compassion and faithful love “have existed from antiquity” (v. 6), but the plea here is personal. He could just as easily have said “Remember, Lord, Your compassion
and Your faithful love toward me!” (see v. 7). Finally, David makes the plea for forgetfulness. While he really wants God to remember His own love and compassion, he wanted Him to forget His righteous judgment that he (and us) so rightly deserves! For reflection: When you think about it, what are some things you hope God will remember when it comes to your life? What are some things you hope He will forget??

A plea for His pardon (vv. 8-11). In these verses, the focus shifts to God’s salvation. Notice that now David has become the instructor. Verse 8 highlights some of God’s attributes. He is “good,” and He is “upright.” His goodness refers to His benevolence. The very concept of His gracious salvation indicates just how benevolent our God is. The word “upright” means straight. But it is often used to indicate something that is pleasant to look at, or “satisfying.” The end of verse 8 moves from who God is to what God does. Because He is good and upright, He is both willing and able to show sinners the way of salvation. In addition, He leads the humble and teaches them His way. Verse 10, then, suggests a condition that must be met for salvation. Beyond the humility mentioned in verse 9, there is the necessity of obedience to His word. By verse 11, David the teacher has reverted to David the needful. The name Yahweh is both powerful and personal. It represents both the powerful Lord who keeps the covenant (mentioned in v. 10) and the personal Lord who relates to men. David’s neediness is reiterated in verse 11. Only a great God can forgive great sin. For reflection: The Psalms often speak of God’s “way.” What are some concepts you think are captured by that word? Did you know that the early church was often called “the Way?” (see Acts 9:2).

A plea for His provision (vv. 12-15). Fortunately, David’s neediness was met in God’s provision. Again, David has become the teacher. What exactly do those who revere God receive? In verse 12, they receive divine guidance (see Ps. 119:105); in verse 13, they receive earthly prosperity; and in verse 14, they receive godly wisdom. David again makes things personal in verse 15. “Personally,” he said, “I keep my eyes on My Lord, for He will keep me from stumbling.” For reflection: Notice the seeming contradiction David used to make his point in verse 15. When we are looking down, we are apt to stumble…and when we are looking up, we are kept safe!   

Special Focus Session

January 19, 2025

TREASURING WHO GOD TREASURES

Exodus 1:16-17, 22–2:10

When I took Old Testament Survey in seminary, we spent an inordinate amount of time studying the books of Genesis and Exodus. When I asked him about it, the professor replied, “Genesis tells us the origin or everything. Exodus tells us about the journey from sin and defeat to salvation and victory. If you can understand Genesis and Exodus, the rest of the Bible will make sense.” I accepted his explanation at the time with wonder. I believe it now with conviction. Many people believe the whole concept of the Promised Land is all about heaven. But it isn’t! (will there be sin, and rebellion, and giants in heaven??). No…Exodus is about our journey from salvation into the victorious Christian life including all the challenges (and victories) we encounter along the way. The story of Exodus begins with salvation. In this case, it’s a physical deliverance from death. That threat of death was initiated by an Egyptian king who “knew not Joseph” (Ex 1:8). In this week’s lesson, we see how God used chosen people to ensure the survival of His chosen nation. Four personalities are presented.

Ladies who deliver babies (1:16-17). In the opening verses of the chapter, about 400 years had passed since Joseph moved his family of seventy into Egypt (v. 5). Verse 6 points out that the Hebrew nation had prospered, and their numbers multiplied so much that their Egyptians hosts ran out of hospitality. The result was the enslavement of God’s people. This was not enough to control their numbers, however (v. 12), so the king ordered that newborn Hebrew boys were to be eliminated. Egyptian midwives were assigned the awful task of murdering the male babies at birth. Verse 17 is a bright spot in an otherwise dark and sordid tale. These dear ladies distinguished themselves in three ways. First, they “feared God.” Whether this fear was the result of the Hebrews’ witness or their own moral beliefs, these otherwise pagan women understood the preciousness of human life, regardless of race, gender, or religion. Second, they “did not do” what they had been ordered to do. Third—and most importantly— “they let the boys live.” For reflection: Take a moment and thank God for the dedicated men and women who took their oath and practice medicine to save the suffering and protect the innocent.   

Parents who love babies (2:1-3). Even in the hardest of times, loving couples bring children into the world. Here, in the midst of a tyrannical reign, Moses was born. It’s interesting that Moses’ mother Jochebed remarked on how beautiful a baby he was. Could any mother ever look at her newborn baby and not see his beauty? But it was not his beauty that saved baby Moses; it was his parents’ love. When he was too big (and too noisy) to hide any longer, they gambled on providence and placed him in a basket among the reeds that crowded the bank of the river. Whether the plan was to hide him longer or place him in a conspicuous spot is not known. That his sister followed at a distance tells us he was not simply abandoned to chance. Clearly, the survival of this baby boy was a priority for the family that brought him into the world. For reflection: Take a moment and thank God for loving parents who do all they can to see their children safe, happy, healthy, and prosperous, even in very difficult times.

Siblings who watch out for babies (2:4). Several weeks ago, our lessons mentioned sibling rivalry. And anyone with brothers or sisters knows about the tensions and squabbles that develop among siblings. But there is a special bond that grows between siblings as well. Here, in a very classic sense, we see an older sister “baby sitting” her baby brother. Her presence along the riverbank would have been less conspicuous than an adult Hebrew, and her intervention with Pharoah’s daughter (vv. 7, 8) shows both her ingenuity and her grit. For reflection: Take a moment and thank God for loving brothers and sisters who go the extra mile to nurture and protect their siblings when parents can’t be around.

Strangers who pity babies (2:5-6). While it’s hard to swallow, even Pharoah’s daughter is a hero in this story. As a member of the royal family, she certainly would have known about Pharoah’s decree and the risk she was taking in saving the life of a Hebrew male. Yet the baby’s crying spoke louder and reached deeper than her father’s mandate. And her taking a strange little Hebrew girl’s advice about a wetnurse makes this princess much more a woman than a ruler. When the baby was weaned by her “real” mom (v. 10), she was taken to, and raised by, her “adoptive” mom. In God’s great providence, the family would not only be preserved by this act but would one day would even be reunited. For reflection: Take a moment and thank God for foster parents, adoptive parents, and other “strangers” who love children enough to take them in and raise them even when it is tough to do so.

Meet Our Writers

Margaret Colson

Margaret Colson

Margaret Colson began serving as consulting communications editor for the Florida Baptist Convention in April 2022, but she has a long history of working with Florida Baptists in telling the story of how God is at work in the Sunshine State.

Margaret earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Georgia and a Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She is a leader in denominational communications, serving as executive director for Baptist Communicators Association as well as for Association of State Baptist Publications. She is married to Keith Colson.

Keila Diaz

Keila Diaz

Keila earned a B.S. in Communications from Florida International University in Miami. She writes news and stories about Florida Baptist churches, creates and posts social content to the FBC’s social media channels, and is a Baptist Press contributor.

When she’s not working, Keila enjoys bike rides and spending time with her family.

null

Brooke Mannion

Brooke Mannion is a Pensacola native and longtime member of Hillcrest Baptist Church. She is a graduate of University of West Florida and has a diverse work history in advertising, interior decorating and accounting. Now she finds joy as a wife and stay-at-home mom of three children. Brooke enjoys home schooling, cooking, connecting with others and studying God’s Word.

David Moore, Florida Baptist Convention, Writers' Network

David Moore

David Moore has been writing and editing for newspapers and magazines in Florida for more than 20 years. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Florida. A proud member of First Baptist Church of Ocala, David serves in the worship, deacon and NextGen ministries. He and his wife Beth have three children.

Jessica Pigg, Florida Baptist Convention, Writers' Network

Jessica Pigg

Jessica received her B.S. in Biblical Studies from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. She contributes to Florida Baptist Conv, Biblical Woman, Baptist Press, The Devotional for Women, and Daily Devotional Bible for Women. Her greatest joy is serving beside her husband who is the Senior Pastor of Fellowship Church.