By J.D. Davis
Senior Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, OH

Focal Passage: Nehemiah 8:1-12

I was taught the FAITH evangelism strategy in Auburn, Ala., almost 20 years ago. I went because my church was planning on making it their method of outreach and since I was on staff, it was a good idea that I be trained in it. I did not go because I wanted to learn more about evangelism, and to be honest, I had not done a lot of evangelism. I was intimidated and uncertain concerning this week of training. I smile now, remembering how that week of training changed my life and equipped me to share my faith. [Read more…]

By J.D. Davis
Senior Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, OH

Focal Passage: Nehemiah 7:1-8

I have had the privilege of being a part of helping to start two new churches. I have arrived early on Sunday morning and set up folding chairs in a gym for the morning worship and stayed to take them down and put them away. There were a lot of inconveniences along the way, but there was also a special sense of excitement and fellowship. With both those churches, the first Sunday in a permanent building was a spiritual milestone. [Read more…]

By J.D. Davis
Senior Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, OH

Focal Passage: Nehemiah 6:1-19

We enjoy the great benefits of digital resources and the Internet. I can do Bible research in a fraction of the time. I can quickly copy and paste any valuable information into my document and mark its source with ease. I can communicate with other ministers and missionaries quickly through e-mail and social media. It has made work and personal connections easier. However, there is a negative aspect to the Internet, e-mail, and social media. The attacks and rumors have become more frequent and harder to resolve. [Read more…]

By J.D. Davis
Senior Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, OH

Focal Passage: Genesis 9:1-7; Proverbs 24:10-12; Philippians 2:12-16a

We live in a day when the value of human life is loudly discussed. From political talk shows to coffee shops, everyone has opinions about hot button issues like abortion or euthanasia. [Read more…]

By J.D. Davis
Senior Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, OH

Focal Passage: Nehemiah 2:1-8; 17-18

Just a few weeks ago, we wrapped up the Lottie Moon missions emphasis. Like me, you probably had updates, weeks of prayer, and times of giving as we sought to support the work being done around the globe by Southern Baptist missionaries. It is a vital work that needs our support. This week we begin a new study of the book, Nehemiah, and the focus upon the work God has for Nehemiah to do. [Read more…]

By J.D. Davis
Senior Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, OH

Focal Passage: Ezra 3:1-7;10-11; 6:19-22

Corporate worship is a vital part of a believer’s life. Most all of us gather every Sunday to worship God for who He is and what He has done for us. The Jewish nation in Ezra chapter 3 is no different, however, they lacked the dedicated place and items that defined their worship of God. Rebuilding the altar and the temple are monumental acts of devotion and dedication. [Read more…]

By J.D. Davis
Senior Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, OH

Focal Passage: Luke 2:8-20

There is deep inside every person a universal need to find inner peace. It is a peace that provides direction and satisfies the desire for our lives to have purpose. For centuries philosophers have wrestled with the deeper meaning of life, and how the soul finds peace. It is one of the great quests of life. [Read more…]

By J.D. Davis
Senior Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, OH

Focal Passage: Esther 4:6-17

I am sure that you are familiar with the statement “To be in the world, but not of the world,” but have you ever thought about what that really means. Last week, we saw how Mordecai made his stand by not bowing to Haman. This week’s Sunday School lesson centers on Esther making her stand by pleading with the King to obtain deliverance for her people, the Jews. Esther makes her stand in the world of Persian royalty, a very different world from the one she grew up in. She was in her Persian royal world, but she was not of that world. [Read more…]

By J.D. Davis
Senior Pastor, Dublin Baptist Church, Dublin, OH

Focal Passage: Esther 3:1-9

Sooner or later we all make a public spectacle of ourselves. Regardless of our intentions, we do something in public that is embarrassing or cannot be hidden. But have you ever intentionally made a public spectacle of yourself for the cause of Christ? This passage from Esther for this week’s Sunday School lesson gives the account of Mordecai refusing to bow before Haman. Because of his convictions and allegiance to the Lord, Mordecai intentionally makes a public spectacle of himself.

Mordecai makes his stand at the king’s gate, one of the most public venues of his day. He also offends Haman, a man full of pride who despises the Jews already. However, Mordecai chooses to make a public spectacle by refusing to bow to Haman. [Read more…]

By Chuck Williams
Pastor of First Baptist Church, Covington

Focal Passage: Hebrews 13:1-8

Whenever a pilot gets ready for takeoff there are standard procedures he must follow. If the proper preparations have not taken place, he and his passengers are at great risk. The pilot has spent years studying, testing, and training in order to navigate his craft properly.

The first 12 chapters of Hebrews are similar to the pilot’s preparation. These chapters give the readers a doctrinal foundation to stand on. Now it’s time for them to put it into practice; spread their wings and fly in the power of the Holy Spirit. In effect, the writer is saying “As you go out into God’s blue yonder these are some practical things that will be worked out in your journey.” [Read more…]