First Baptist Spring Lake

05/31/2026

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Be Still
This verse is God’s gentle yet firm reminder in the middle of chaos. The psalm describes nations raging, kingdoms falling, and the earth shaking. And right in the middle of all that noise, God says: “Be still, and know that I am God.”

Being still here doesn’t just mean sitting quietly; it means letting go. It’s surrender — dropping the illusion that you’re in control and recognizing that God is. He says, “Know that I am God.” That means when everything around you is unstable, He is still steady. When you don’t have the answers, He is still sovereign.

The second half of the verse is His guarantee: “I will be exalted.” In other words, whether people recognize it now or not, His glory will stand. Your stillness isn’t wasted — it’s how you step out of worry and step into worship. Chaos around us doesn’t require chaos within us. When we choose to be still, we’re reminding ourselves that He is in control.

I’ve had moments where I wanted to fix everything myself, but God told me to sit down and be still. "Don't say that... Don't do that... Let them handle it... It's not your fight... Your time in that position is up..." These seasons are uncomfortable, but they became the space where I learned to trust Him deeper.

When life feels out of control, pause and let God remind you He’s still in control. Take 5 minutes of intentional stillness today. No phone, no distractions. Just breathe and acknowledge: “You are God, and I trust You.” Stillness isn’t weakness; it’s trust in action. Shift from panic to praise — He will be exalted.

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

THE CHURCH IS NOT A WEEKLY DESTINATION- IT IS A DAILY IDENTITY

“Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” — 1 Corinthians 12:27

Many people today think of church as a building, an event, or a Sunday routine.
Some say, “I am going to church,” as though church is only a place we visit once a week.

But according to Scripture, the church is not merely a destination.
The church is the people of God.
It is a daily identity.

God’s people do not just attend church.
They are the church.

The building may close after service, but the church never closes because the church lives in us.

The church is present in the marketplace, in homes, in schools, in hospitals, in workplaces, and on the streets wherever believers carry the presence of Christ.

Jesus did not die to create weekly spectators.
He died to form a living body that represents Him every day.

Jesus said: “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” — Matthew 18:20

The presence of God is not limited to a structure made by human hands.
The church is made up of redeemed people.

The early Christians did not always meet in large buildings.
Many gathered in homes, yet they were still the church.

The Bible says: “Greet also the church that meets at their house.”
— Romans 16:5

A building can be destroyed, but the true church cannot be destroyed because it is alive in the hearts of believers.

Jesus declared: “I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” — Matthew 16:18

Notice that Jesus did not say He would build a denomination or a physical structure. He said He would build His church — His people.

The church is not only active during worship services. Believers carry God’s Spirit every day.

The Bible says: “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit?” — 1 Corinthians 6:19

In the Old Testament, people traveled to the temple to encounter God. But through Christ, God now dwells within His people.

That means when a believer walks into a room, the presence of God enters with them.

You do not stop being the church after Sunday service.
You remain the church on Monday morning, during family struggles, at work, during conversations, and even during trials.

Christianity is not a costume worn once a week.
It is a transformed life lived every day.

The world learns about Jesus by watching His people.

The Bible says: “You are the light of the world.” — Matthew 5:14

Light is not useful when hidden.
God calls believers to shine daily through their words, attitudes, forgiveness, humility, and love.

Some people may never enter a church building, but they may encounter Christ through your life.

Paul wrote: “Whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus.” — Colossians 3:17

Being the church means representing Jesus in everyday life.

When believers gossip, hate, cheat, or live like the world, they misrepresent Christ.
But when they love, forgive, serve, and remain faithful, they reveal Jesus to the world.

The early church did not only gather once a week for a short religious event.
Their faith shaped their entire lifestyle.

The Bible says: “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.”— Acts 2:42

Notice the word “devoted.”
Their relationship with God was continuous.

Daily prayer, daily obedience, daily encouragement, and daily worship were part of their lives.

A Christian who only connects with God once a week becomes spiritually weak.
Just as the body needs daily food, the spirit also needs daily nourishment through Scripture and prayer.

David said: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.” — Psalms 119:105

The church remains strong when believers stay connected to God daily.

Paul declared: “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors.” — 2 Corinthians 5:20

An ambassador represents his kingdom wherever he goes.

Likewise, believers represent the Kingdom of God every day.

Your speech should reflect Christ.
Your treatment of people should reflect Christ.
Your decisions should reflect Christ.

People should not be surprised to discover you are a Christian.
Your daily life should already reveal it.

The church is not confined to four walls because the mission of God is outside those walls.

Jesus commanded: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.”— Mark 16:15

The church gathers for worship, but it scatters for mission.

The church is not merely a Sunday schedule.
It is the identity of redeemed people.

Buildings may help us gather, but they do not define who we are.

The church is alive wherever believers walk in obedience to Christ.

So do not just attend church.
Be the church.

Be the church in your home.
Be the church in your workplace.
Be the church in your community.
Be the church in your speech, your conduct, your love, and your faith.

Because God’s people do not simply go to church once a week.
By His grace, they are the church every day.

05/25/2026

What now seems like five short years ago First Baptist Church was blessed when Pastor Steve England and his wife Kimberly agreed to lead our church.
Now Pastor Steve has answered the Lords call to move to a different church and I just wanted to take this opportunity on behalf of the congregation of First Baptist Church to publicly thank him and Kimberly for all they have done through the Lord’s guidance for our church.
On a personal note, Steve was not only my Pastor, but a great friend and Mentor. Over the past few years he has opened my eyes to the many blessings I receive from the Lords Grace.
Kimberly has been my BOSS and inspiration for the many projects we’ve worked on and a great friend to both my wife and I.

We love you both and wish you the best the lord can provide for your future.

Now for our church:

We often seek God’s guidance in our lives, and this is no different when it comes to pastors and their roles within the church. A pastor’s calling can lead them to different places in their spiritual journey, and recognizing that God’s direction is vital is essential. Understanding this helps us honor their decision while remaining anchored in our faith. Just like pastors, we are encouraged to listen to God’s voice, which may lead us down unexpected paths.
Jeremiah 1:5
“Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you, before you were born I set you apart; I appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” – Jeremiah 1:5

This verse highlights how God has a specific plan for each of us, including pastors. It reassures us that God knows us before we even exist and sets us apart for His purposes. If a pastor feels called elsewhere, we can trust that it is part of God’s plan.
1 Timothy 1:12

“I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength, that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.” – 1 Timothy 1:12

This verse emphasizes the Lord’s empowerment and appointment of individuals for ministry. We can acknowledge that a pastor’s role is not just about duty but also about divine strength and purpose, cultivating a deeper understanding of their journey.

Proverbs 16:9
“In their hearts, humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” – Proverbs 16:9
Here we learn that while we may make plans, it is ultimately God who guides our steps. This reassures us that a pastor’s decision to leave may very well be God leading them toward His purpose, and we should honor that direction.

Hebrews 5:4
“And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.” – Hebrews 5:4

This passage reminds us that a calling is divine, not self-assumed. A pastor who leaves may be answering a greater call that we cannot see. We must trust in God’s plan and timing during their transition.

Romans 8:28
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

We should find comfort in knowing that God is always working for the good of those who love Him. A pastor’s departure may seem difficult, yet it can lead to growth for both the pastor and the congregation as they follow God’s purpose.

05/17/2026

Faith Over Everything
Guest Pastor - Cameron Knowles