First Baptist Of Waterloo

05/06/2020

How do you really treat the wounded people around you? The answer to this question will reveal if your “religion” is true or fake. Jesus told a story in the Gospel of Luke. It’s referred to as The Good Samaritan.

It is about a traveller who is stripped of clothing, beaten, and left half dead alongside the road. Who would stop to help him? First a priest and then a Levite comes by, but both avoid the man.

Finally, a Samaritan happens upon the traveller. Samaritans and Jews despised each other, but the Samaritan helps the injured man. Did you catch that? The one who showed mercy, grace, compassion, kindness and help to the traveler wasn’t the “religious” people who supposedly loved God but it was the Samaritan, who was supposedly hated by God and didn’t follow Gods law.

There is so much rebuke and conviction in this parable, it actually hurts me as I type this. Sometimes, the most church going, religious, Bible thumping, preachiest people are also the most rigid, unkind, unmerciful, unloving, void of compassion people in the world.

If our religion is a religion that causes us to ignore the man or woman who has been wounded by life or others or his own sin, then the religion we have isn’t Christianity. It is something else all together.

After all, Christ came to save those who are wounded by sin. He is “A friend of sinners.” If we are not a friend to the sinner, (whether that sinner is on the streets, in the pew, in the pulpit or in the gutter) then we cannot truly be a friend or follower of Jesus.

In John 13:35 Jesus said,
“By this all people will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” He didn’t say that we would be known by our buildings, budgets, baptisms or even how “good” we are. He said that others would know that we truly belong to Him because of the love we have and show to others.

04/04/2020

(I posted this back in October. I Read it today and it really took on new meaning in light of current events. Pay particular attention to Hagar’s 3rd, 4th and 5th discoveries.)
Genesis 16:13... "So she named the Lord who spoke to her: The God Who Sees, for she said, "Have I really seen here the One who sees me?"

Hagar and her son were sent away and abandoned by Abraham. She was pushed away from familiar and tender associations. She found herself in the lonely, silent wilderness.

However, she found out that there is no place that can escape the eye of God. Out of solitude she found the presence and providence of God.

Hagar made several discoveries during this experience. First of all, she discovered a new name for God - "The God who sees me."

Secondly, she discovered the truth that the Psalmist said long afterwards: "When my father and mother abandoned me, the Lord cares for me." (Psalm 27:10)

Thirdly, she discovered that God was not limited to friendly places. He is also in the hard, difficult places of life.

Fourth, she learned that God is not limited to sacred places. Even when there is no pastor or ordinances or building, His presence is the sweetest ordinance of all - "The God who sees me."

Fifth, she discovered that God is not confined to any special days or seasons. Personally, I love to worship with my faith family on Sundays. However, we must discover God each day of the week.

Finally, Hagar discovered that God saw her in the middle of her suffering. You may feel that God has abandoned you in this hard place. However, reach out to Him now in sincere prayer. You will find that He sees you right there in the wilderness. He hasn't left you. He never will. Michael

04/01/2020

Dear Church Family,

I am sure that you are as burdened as I am that we have been unable to gather together in worship. Due to the current recommendation, I feel it is best not to gather for a while longer. I pray that you are staying encouraged in the Lord and remembering that God is in control of all things.

This virus hasn't taken our God by surprise. He has always been faithful to take care of His people as they have remained focused on Him. Of course, He will continue to be true to His character and His Word. He truly knows your concerns and cares and invites you to "cast your cares on Him."

In an attempt to encourage you, I will be videoing messages for each Sunday beginning this week. A local pastor has invited me to preach in his pulpit here in Savannah. I will then upload these videos to youtube and send a link to your email and/or smartphone. I will also post to this page.

Let's continue to pray that this virus will subside and we will be able to worship together soon. Use this time of isolation to allow God to speak to you. Listen with open ears, hearts, minds, and Bibles. I am grateful to serve as your pastor. Love you all.

Pastor Michael

04/16/2017

Our little egg hunters!

04/16/2017

Happy Easter from all of us to all of you!

03/31/2017

03/26/2017

Tomorrow is our Family and Friend day at FBC Waterloo! All is invited! Sunday school at 10 and worship at 11...tomorrow night is our youth night and will follow up with an ice cream supper...did I mention there was food after the morning service?!? There is! Come be with us!