The Great Nevertheless

It’s “The Great Nevertheless.” It is the heart of the Christmas season and, indeed, of life itself. It is the remedy for the deepest miseries we face; the cure for the darkest of despairs. And it just may be the Christmas miracle you need this year.

In the days of Isaiah the prophet, in the 8^th century B.C., the people of Israel were just about as rebellious against God as they could be. The Lord had blessed them in such abundance with His goodness and mercy that they should have been forever loyal to Him. He promised His very presence among them, that He would be their sanctuary, their strength, their Savior. But rather than turn to Him in faith, they turned their back in spite.

They were looking to make unholy alliances with the wicked Assyrians for their protection, when they should have been trusting in the mighty hand of God. They were seeking the fortune-tellers, mediums and spiritists for direction and guidance when they should have been consulting the wisdom of God. They did not regard the Lord as holy. They did not have a reverential fear of Him. They did not wait upon the Lord nor trust in Him. They failed to recognized the signs and wonders that He had done in their midst, and they ignored the promises He made in His Word.

Hmmm. It’s a good thing we’re not following that path today, huh?

Instead of walking in His light, they were stumbling over the Living Stone, and the Lord said they would fall and be broken in His judgment against them for their sin. They would be ensnared and captured. They would wander through the land dejected and hungry, and when they become famished they would become enraged and curse their God and King. They would look toward the earth and see only distress and darkness, and the gloom of anguish. And they would be thrust into utter darkness.

The situation could not have been more dire. Perhaps, friend, you’re in a situation today that could not be darker. Whether by your own sinful desires and decisions, or by circumstances far beyond your control, maybe you find yourself facing the deepest gloom of anguish you’ve ever known.

Let me introduce you to “The Great Nevertheless.” After Isaiah spells out the case against Israel, he then offers them a hope of grace and glory that is yet to come that would shatter the shadows of gloom forever – a hope offered to you, as well:

“Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress...The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned…” (Isaiah 9:1-2).

There it is, the great “Nevertheless.” God gives His people a promise that He will shine a light upon them so great that it will dispel the darkness and distress eternally. And He would do it by sending forth a child to be born, His very own Son, Jesus, the Word who was made flesh and dwelt among us. And the darkness wouldn’t stand a chance. 

Christmas is all about the coming of Jesus Christ from heaven to earth, bringing salvation to mankind, turning our darkness into light, our anguish into glory, our sorrow into joy, our oppression into freedom, our terror into triumph and defeat into victory. 

It’s a message of hope and salvation, this great “Nevertheless.” That though our sins be as scarlet, they shall be white as snow. Though weeping may endure for the night, joy comes in the morning. Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life” (John 8:12).

If you’re in need of a Christmas miracle this year, trust in Christ as your sanctuary, your strength, your salvation – and you’ll be walking in the light of life. 

Welcome, October!

Last week I said that The Observer ought to cover the PORTA football team, and, lo and behold, I bought a copy of the paper and right there on the front page was a great write-up of the game. I didn’t see a byline, but to whomever wrote that article – nice job! 

October has always been my favorite month. On the sports front you’ve got football season in full swing, post-season baseball (yes, Cubs fans, there is baseball in October), and even basketball practices get started. Sorry, hockey fans, I’ve tried to like your sport but I just can’t. It’s a good time to be a sports fan. 

Weatherwise, I enjoy the cooler mornings and warmer afternoons, and the transformation of the leaves into beautiful fall colors always highlights the season. “For you, O Lord, have made me glad by your work; at the works of your hands I sing for joy” (Psalm 92:4). There’s even some good motorcycle riding left in October. 

Then there’s the fact that my birthday is in October, the 12^th to be exact. I suppose everyone’s favorite month is the one in which their birthday falls. Maybe I’m just a kid, but I secretly still enjoy the special attention. However, with my youngest son’s birthday coming just two days after mine, much of that attention over the past nine years has been diverted to Toby. Oh, well. I’m going to stop counting pretty soon anyway. 

And to top off October, I’ve found out that along with National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, National Book Month, National CyberSecurity Awareness Month and National Bullying Prevention Month, among a host of others, this is also Pastor Appreciation Month. 

A couple of weeks ago I came home to find two long-bearded thugs in my garage messing around with my motorcycle. Listen, if there’s anything you don’t do, you don’t mess around with another man’s wife and you don’t even think about touching his motorcycle. But before I could show them my best Karate Kid “Crane Kick,” it turns out the intruders were installing a new windshield on my bike. The whole operation, as I understand, was even being financed by a couple of tough gangs in town that like to refer to themselves as “Senior Men” and “The Ladies” Sunday School classes. 

I would say the whole thing smells fishy to me, but not as fishy as the Jay Leno line someone posted on Facebook recently: “The National Aquarium in Washington is going to close. But don’t worry. If you’re in D.C. and you still want to smell something fishy, stop by the White House. They’ve gone from ‘Change you can believe in’ to ‘Changing the story until you believe it.’” Oh, the things I could say about the state of our political absurdity and chaos. America voted for change, and we’re sure getting it. 

Last week I got a letter in the mail from my current health insurance provider stating that the new law (Obamacare) requires that I have maternity benefits. Talk about change! All I know is that if my wife finds out that I’m pregnant, heads are gonna roll!

If I could change anything about October it would be our culture’s fascination with the dead, our appetite for fright and enjoyment of all the ghosts and goblins and witches and wickedness we see around Halloween. Clearly for a Christian, we are called to walk in the light of Christ Jesus and have nothing to do with the deeds of darkness. And yes, I’m talking about the horror movies and TV shows portraying (and glorifying) all sorts of violence, gore and death. I’m talking about haunted houses that feast on terrifying young and old with evil images, scary scenes and the dread of darkness.

“God is light; in him there is no darkness at all” (1 John 1:5). Christ Jesus has called His followers out of darkness and into His marvelous light. Jesus said, “I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in me should stay in darkness” (John 12:46). You’re not walking in the light when you’re walking through dark haunted houses, watching horror movies or reading books about zombies.

There is so much more, so much that’s better and true and good and wholesome and hope-filled and peaceful and life-giving when we’re living by the light of Christ Jesus and shining out that light into the darkness of the world. And let me offer my appreciation to my fellow pastors who preach that word of the gospel. May the Lord bless you and His church as you stay faithful in the work! Enjoy October!

 

"Smarter than my Dad"

“…and that’s the day I got smarter than my Dad,” Toby grinned as he talked with me about what he was going to tell his friends at school. Unfortunately, I could hardly disagree with him. 

After all, when he pointed out the nail in the front driver’s side tire, it really was a bonehead move for me to pull it out. And that against my 8-year-old’s counsel to leave it in. I’m not sure what I expected to happen. Maybe that it would not have actually pierced the inner tube or that perhaps it would not leak, miraculously. Hey, if Jesus can stop the wind from blowing on the sea, surely He could stop the air from leaking from my tire.

All I know is that nails do not belong in tires, and I wanted it gone. Of course, the hissing that immediately followed my blunder quickly deflated my pride and served as confirmation to Toby that he just got smarter than his Dad. 

At least I can still beat him in arm wrestling. Wish I could say the same about my 13-year-old. We usually end in a draw, but I should note that he always wants to take me on when my right arm is already physically exhausted from playing the guitar or writing newspaper articles or strenuous texting. I think they must be beefing him up in football. 

Speaking of football, the PORTA Junior High teams are doing well. If you missed the home games, you’ll have to travel to catch the last couple away, but it might be worth the trip. The 8^th graders are undefeated (as of this writing) so far this year, having gone 8-0 last year. They have some great players on the team, but the coaches have really drilled the fundamentals of the game into them, taught them well, praised them enough but not too much, and have been tough on them when needed. Go watch a game and you’ll see how well they execute. 

Then, speaking of football (again), was last Friday night’s homecoming game not one of the most thrilling high school football games you’ve ever seen? Big plays, clutch catches, blocked kicks, fumble recovery, Manning-like offense for Auburn, an AP-like running game for the Bluejays, overtime, an extra point through the uprights for the win. You name it, this game had everything but defense as PORTA electrified the home crowd with a 56-55 overtime win. Great job, Bluejays! Go take down the Bullets this weekend!

The Springfield paper had a nice write-up of the game in Sunday’s Sports section. They reported Jesse Setzer carried for 359 rushing yards breaking the school record set in 1988 by Bart Jones. The article also noted the Auburn QB threw 7 touchdown passes – also a school record. I’m one of those guys who will watch a game and then want to read about it in the paper the next day. I even like box scores. Weird, huh?

Somebody ought to cover the football team for The Observer. Even if you get the news nearly a week later, I think people would be interested in reading about our high school sports, wouldn’t they? I would so do it, too, if I weren’t already busy messing with car tires and arm wrestling with my boys.

Amy might write this one up in her journal. I thought it would be good for the boys to learn how to change a tire, so I had them come out to the garage with me, to learn from the master. Space will thankfully spare me from embarrassing myself here, but let’s just say it didn’t go as well as I would have hoped. Big thanks to Bill Hodges for bailing me out! I probably should have had Toby walk me through it since he’s smarter than me.

Finally, a biker’s wave goes out to the guys who rode their motorcycles for Bike to Church Sunday last week! Even had one pedal in to church. Next step, we need to get a group together and ride! Just want to let everyone know, even bikers, there is room at the cross for all who turn in faith to Christ Jesus. Hope to see you Sunday!

Does God grade on the curve?

How good do you think you have to be in order to go to heaven? You may have wondered about this from time to time. Thinking about things of eternity is healthy. It’s heavy, too. We’re so often caught up in just getting through the day that we hardly have time to think deeply. We’re so ingrained in our culture toward the 20-second sound bites, reading headlines, scanning Facebook posts or 140-characters or less tweets, that’s it’s becoming increasingly difficult to keep our minds engaged in weighty matters without getting easily distracted. But heaven is a topic worth contemplating long and hard.

So, how good do you think one has to be? Does God grade on the curve? Everyone knows that no one is perfect, so do you just have to be better than most? Or, as long as you’re good most of the time, isn’t that good enough? If you’re a faithful spouse, a loving parent, a productive employee or a model citizen, is that good enough to go to heaven? Or does it take all that plus volunteering at the blood drive, working at the food pantry, coaching your kid’s soccer team, helping with 4-H and giving money to charity?

How good is good enough for God? Is regular church attendance good enough? What about serving on the missions committee or teaching a Sunday School class? What about ministering at the nursing home or chaperoning the next youth group outing? Now that ought to earn you a special seat in heaven if anything will, right?!

It’s impossible to be perfectly good, but surely, at least if you don’t do anything terrible like killing someone or abusing children or robbing a bank that ought to score some points you can cash in for eternal rewards. Won’t there be some kind of heavenly scales with all your good deeds going on one side and your bad deeds on the other, and whichever outweighs the other will determine whether you go to heaven or not?

Somebody once jokingly said, “My greatest fear is standing behind Mother Theresa in the Final Judgment line and hearing God say to her, ‘You know, you really should have done more.’” 

Friend, let me tell you what the Bible says: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). God says that because we have all sinned, we all fall short of His glory. That is to say, that no one can be good enough to go to heaven. You can list every good work on your resume and hand it to God at the gate, but it won’t be enough. God is perfectly holy and righteous, and we’re not. There is no amount of good things we can do to earn a seat in heaven. In fact, because of our sin, what we really deserve is death, eternal separation from God in hell.

But here’s the good news: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16)! Whosoever! That’s you! That’s me! In His great love and mercy and grace, God has made a way possible for us to be saved from death and hell and saved to eternal life in heaven. That way is by believing in Jesus as Savior and Lord of your life. That means repenting of your sins and trusting in the forgiveness Jesus offers to you by His death in your place on the cross and in His triumphant victory over the grave.

The unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God (1 Cor. 6:9), but no matter what your past has been like or what your present condition, you can be made righteous in God’s eyes through faith in Jesus and through Him only. And no, even Mother Theresa won’t get in based on what she’s done. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life; no one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Neither you nor I can be good enough to go heaven, but we can receive by faith the “gift of God which is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Why not come to Jesus today?

Back to Church

If you haven’t been to church lately, why not come this Sunday? Whether that’s the First Baptist Church, or the one you belong to but, you know, it’s been awhile since you’ve been there, matters not, as long as they worship Jesus as Lord and Savior, teach truth from the Bible and don’t serve lethal doses of red Kool-aide.

What are you doing this Sunday anyway that’s more important than encountering Almighty God in worship? Oh, you have a good excuse for not going to church? I totally get where you’re coming from. Here’s why I stopped going to ballgames:

1)      Whenever I go to a game, they ask for money.

2)      The other fans don’t seem to care about me.

3)      The seats are too hard.

4)      The weather is too cold/hot/rainy/windy.

5)      The coach never visits me.

6)      The referee makes calls I don’t agree with.

7) Some of the games go into overtime and make me late for dinner.

8)      The band plays songs I don’t know.

9)      My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.

10)  I know more than the coaches do anyway.

11)  I can be just as good a fan at the lake.

[* For the record: This list is not my own. It's out there in many variations in various places. I would cite the original source if I knew it.]

Okay, you’re right. I haven’t stopped going to ballgames. It would make me a hypocrite to say one thing and do another, and I don’t really want to give you any more ammunition to skip church because of all the hypocrites there.

I’ve read of motivational speaker Zig Ziglar inviting a friend to go to church with him. The man answered, “Well, I’d like to go, but the church is so full of hypocrites.” Ziglar responded, “That’s okay. There’s always room for one more.”

So, what’s your best excuse for not going to church? Any of the above sound familiar? Or, do you have a real, valid reason, like, “Someone in the church offended me”? Here’s my tender, kind-hearted, pastoral response to such an excuse: “Get over it.”

Seriously. Get over it. Forgive them and go on with life. Don’t let one person keep you from a right relationship with God. “But I love God,” you say. “It’s just that I can’t stand to be around His children.” And if that’s your attitude, then let me ask you how many friends you have who can’t stand your own children? I didn’t think so.

The Bible commands us to forgive one another. That’s not optional, nor conditional. I’m not saying your hurt isn’t real or that the wound is not deep. But your love for the Lord is revealed in your obedience to His commands, and your disobedience to the Lord reveals your lack of love. Regardless of whether the other person has admitted wrong or apologized, your job is to obey, “forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Nobody said following Jesus would be easy.

Let me challenge you to stop making excuses and come back to church. If you’re a professing Christian, you do need to be part of the fellowship of God’s people. You need the church body and the body needs you! (See 1 Corinthians 12 for details.)

Here’s what will happen. You will be welcomed with love and joy, not loathing and judgment. Whether you’ve been away for years or have never set foot inside the doors of the church for fear the walls will cave in, go to church this Sunday.

To be upfront, it’s not merely church attendance we want for you. We want you to know and love Jesus, love His people and get in on His mission to reach others with the gospel. That happens in the context of church. Come, encounter God in worship!

What's your story?

Well, it’s only taken two years, but I finally got a tire swing hung up for Toby over the weekend. I should have done it two years ago. That was one of his favorite things to do at our previous house, and he was disappointed to not have a place for one here. So after lopping off a few low hanging branches, we found a place for it. I don’t like to get in a big hurry about things.

Two years, though, is how long we’ve been in Petersburg now. Some days it seems we just unpacked yesterday, and other days it feels like we’ve been here for years. Maybe I’m remembering wrong, but didn’t I have a full head of hair when we arrived?

Seriously, it does take some time to adjust to a new environment, but the church has received us as family in the Lord, and the community has welcomed us well. We’ve made an effort to get involved in some community events, and certainly our children’s school activities have given us many opportunities to get to know people.

If I haven’t yet met you, I’m sorry. Juggling church-related ministry, home life and all the extra-curriculars proves to be challenging and time-consuming. Feel free to come up and introduce yourself, though, if you see me out and about. I’d love to chat with you and hear your story.

Everyone has a story. Your upbringing, your circumstances, your experiences, your passions, your decisions, your attitudes, your worldview, your investments, your family, your friends, your work, and more, all weave together in creating the narrative of your life. Each story is unique. Some are pleasant, some are painful. Some are inspiring, some are tiring. Some are full of light and truth, some are full of darkness and deception.  

What’s your story like? How have you arrived at the place where you are today? Are you happy with what’s been written so far? Grateful? Angry? Encouraged? Disappointed?

Think about what’s already happened. You can’t change the past nor can you relive it. Maybe you’d like to, but what’s been done can’t be undone or duplicated. The next chapter starts with a blank page, just waiting to be written. What will it say? How will your choices and reactions and attitudes contribute to what the future holds?

Listen, I don’t know your past. I probably don’t know much about your present, and I certainly don’t know what’s in your immediate future. But I do know your eternal destiny will come down to this: Those who repent from sin, embrace Jesus as the Son of God and follow Him as Lord and Savior will be forever with Him in heaven, while those who reject Jesus are condemned already because of their unbelief.

The final outcome of your story does not have to be dictated by your past. If you’ve not yet come to a point of turning away from sin and believing in the good news that Jesus Christ came from heaven to earth, died on the cross for the forgiveness of your sins and rose to everlasting life, then let me urge you run to Him in faith today.

No matter what your life’s been like so far, we are all sinners in need of a Savior. Jesus is the Savior we need and for which our souls long to embrace. Jesus is the light of the world, and whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life (John 8:12).

Why not start that next chapter with an opening line something like this: “And then Jesus came to my rescue.” Then see how the light starts shattering the darkness.

That’s my story. And if I can help you along the way, please let me know. That’s what we’re here for as a church. Don’t waste another day. Do what you should have done two years ago, or more. Some things are worth getting in a hurry about.

Been awhile...

I see that I haven't posted anything here for over two months! Not that I've been flooded with e-mail from loyal readers wondering what's going on. But for those interested, I'll try to get back on track.

Most of what I do post comes directly from what I submit to the Petersburg Observer, our weekly newspaper, which they are kind enough to publish. So if you do not receive that paper, or just prefer reading online anyway, then here you go.

And, yes, feel free to respond with comments. I'd love to hear from either one of my readers.

VBS is coming soon!

And finally, to whichever little guy left the Block Party without his size 6 Garanimals sandals, we found them and would be happy to return them to you.

Did you know that our Vacation Bible School is coming July 21-25? That’s less than four weeks away! Good thing they don’t give me much to do. Just show up, hang out, smile and look pretty. I think I can get three out of those four things done anyway. 

Let me encourage you to plan on bringing your K-6^th grade children for a terrific week of VBS. We might do it a little differently than when you were a kid, but there’s still upbeat music, tasty snacks, fun crafts, crazy rec games and solid Bible stories. 

Here are two things I can guarantee will happen.

One, we will show the love of Christ to your children. We’ll show it by words and actions of kindness and respect toward your children. We’ll reflect it in the way we enjoy the time getting to know them. We’ll display it in our attitudes of servant leadership. We’ll do it by providing a safe environment with proper behavioral boundaries. We’ll do it by praying for your children and by sharing the good news of salvation with them. We’ll model it in the 1 Corinthians 13 style of biblical, Christ-like love.

No, we’re not perfect, and we won’t love perfectly. Honestly, it’s not even in our human nature to love others like Jesus. But we have been given a new nature in Christ, and in the power of His Spirit abiding in our hearts we let Him live in us and do the loving through us. So we can’t even take the credit if we get this right. If we love well, then to God be the glory, and that’s our number one desire anyway!

Two, your children will come home and drive you crazy with continual singing of the songs they’ll be learning. Not that driving you crazy is our goal, you understand. Just saying you may have to raise your own crazy bar higher to allow your children to sing at home, in the car, at the grocery store, in the doctor’s office or wherever else they may be when the urge to unloosen the tongue hits.

Remember, while such singing may start pushing the needle on the crazy-meter into the yellow (I’m a parent, too, and I have my limits, as well), these songs are rich with the truths of God’s Word that you want them to hold in their hearts. Think about it. You may not have a single verse in the Bible memorized, but you can probably sing “Jesus Loves Me” and “Amazing Grace” and others word for word. Music drives the message home and helps it stick. Praise God for what our children will be learning through those songs that may drive you and me crazy!

So, if I haven’t deterred you from bringing your children or grandchildren or nieces or nephews or stray neighborhood kids you happen to find along the way, we’d love to invite you to come to Vacation Bible School! The dates again are July 21-25, Sunday through Thursday, from 6:00-9:00 each night. The last night will include a Family Night opportunity for you to come and see what the kids have been doing all week. It will be held at the First Baptist Church, 103 W. Sangamon Ave., just one block west of the only stop light in town.

Speaking of VBS, many of our former VBS children are now in our youth group and are continuing to learn and grow in the faith and serve others for the sake of Christ. This Sunday, June 30, why not come and hear from many of them about their recent mission trip? Some of them will also be leading in music. We are blessed with leaders who invest in our young people for the advancement of the kingdom of God, and youth who have a heart to follow after Jesus. Join us in worship this Sunday at 10:45 a.m. for a special time of encouragement in the Lord!

Block Party thank you's and Father's Day encouragement to Dads

To everyone who attended our Block Party last Friday night: Thank you for coming, and I hope you enjoyed the event! We were delighted to welcome you. The Lord blessed us with terrific weather, a great turn-out, an outstanding group of servant volunteers and lots of donated cakes. If you left without getting a cake, I’m sorry, but hope you were able to make up for it with some Sno-Cones or cotton candy.

To the New Jerusalem Singers: Thank you for doing an awesome job! You all played some great old gospel songs, were flexible with the schedule and conveyed a joyful, Christ-like spirit in your music. Thanks for letting me sing along on the last one, too! When you make it to Nashville, don’t forget us little people.

To Bob Swaar: Thank you for bringing your train ride over to Petersburg! You were a hit! It looked like every ride was packed. The kids (and adults) loved it, and it seemed to me that you were having the time of your life, as well.

To those who filled out a prayer card: We are praying for you. Sometimes life gets messy, and maybe it’s not turned out at all like you hoped it would. Let me remind you that God is able to help you in your time of need. He is able strengthen you in your weakness, comfort you in sorrow and surprise you with peace and joy in the midst of life’s hardships. Keep calling upon His name, and we’ll be on our knees with you.

To the First Baptist Church: Thank you for investing your time and resources to make this a wonderful community outreach event! Yes, it was a lot of work, but I hope you saw the some of the fruit of your labor in the precious faces and bright smiles of the children and their families. Our mission continues to mean glorifying God by shining the light of Christ Jesus into our neighbor and throughout the nations. The fields are still white unto harvest, the laborers are few and the gospel is still the power of salvation to everyone who believes. Let’s keep going in the power of the Holy Spirit!

To those who may be looking for a church home: I hope you’ll join us in the journey. We’re not a perfect church. We’re made up of people who have walked the same path you’re on right now. We’ve got baggage, too. But we know that in Jesus we have been washed clean from our sins, are being made holy in the image of Christ and are looking forward to better things (heavenly things) yet to come. We’ve found that God is our Refuge and Strength, an ever-present help in trouble (Ps. 46:1). We know that He is our Good Shepherd, the One who is Faithful and True, whose love is unfailing with mercies unending and grace overflowing though we’re undeserving.

We’ve not “arrived” spiritually, but we’re growing and learning to trust and obey our Savior more and more each day. We’d love for you to experience what it means to have a saving relationship with Jesus, what it means to be a part of the family of God, and what it means to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Why not come and join us this coming Sunday at 9:30 for Sunday School, 10:40 for worship? I think you’ll be glad you did.

And finally, to all the Dads doing your best to raise your children right: Thanks for being there for your sons and daughters. You have an incredible responsibility, yet an awesome privilege. I know because when I look at my own two boys I am reminded of what a blessing this is, but also what an overwhelming task lies before me. There’s only so much time we have to shape and guide and train them in the way they should go, and I don’t know about you, but I want to honor the Lord in the way I raise my boys. Let’s set them a godly example by our own lives, men, and be intentional about investing in them, praying always for them, and instilling the truth of God’s Word and the way of righteousness into their hearts. It’s not always easy, but by God’s grace we can do this.

Free Block Party Time!

If you don’t already have plans for this Friday night (June 14), from 5-8, let me invite you to our Block Party. Bring the whole family, because there really is something for everyone. We’re at the corner of 7^th and Sangamon (Petersburg, IL), just one block west of the only stoplight in town. 

For the children there will be the big inflatable bounce house, which is really a great opportunity to bounce as high as you can and crash land into the walls and other small children while laughing and giggling all the way. With arms and legs flying all over the place, there’s a good reason why they make you take your shoes off before entering.

Another inflatable is the Bungee Run. That’s the one where you’re hooked on to a large bungee cord, you take off running and when you reach the end of the rope it jerks you back, you go tumbling and everyone has a good laugh at your expense. 

We’ll also have other games and prizes that the young ones enjoy, as well as do some face painting. Just don’t let your kids ask for a Cubs logo on their cheek because we’d rather keep the atmosphere positive. Oh, and Sno-Cones, popcorn and cotton candy. 

Personally, I’m not a big fan of cotton candy. What is cotton candy anyway? Sugar swirled on a stick? My stomach can’t take too much of that, nor do I really want to end up with sticky stuff all over my face and fingers. But if you don’t mind your kids bouncing off the walls on a sugar high and getting everything they touch sticky, then go for it. Mine will probably do the same. 

Back this year we’ve also invited Bob Swaar to come over with his train ride! Then there’s the dunk tank, the ever-popular cake walk (I bet County Market loves it when churches or other organizations have a cake walk), and free hot dogs and hamburgers and chips for everyone.

And for your musical enjoyment, do we have a variety of entertainment scheduled for you! From 5-6, Christian rap/hip hop artist Zach Ayappa will be on stage. Zach was here last year and got the crowd up on their feet when he broke it down and dropped the beat. If you want to see Zach and get your shirt signed, or your back as at least one young man did last year, then be there early and be ready to hip and hop.

The other end of that spectrum will feature The New Jerusalem Singers, a Southern Gospel group complete with cowboy hats, vests, bolo ties and at least one pink country guitar. If that’s a little more your style, then make sure you find your way over to the stage area around 6, and, yes, feel free to tap your toes, clap, raise your hands or even dance if you want to. 

Did I mention that everything’s free? No tickets, no armbands, no cover charge. The First Baptist Church desires to glorify God by shining the light and love of Jesus into our community, and this is one way we do that. As much as we want you to enjoy the event and have fun, we also want you to see the joy of Christ in us, and ultimately to be drawn to Him by God’s grace through faith. We’re not in business to sell you anything. Our prayer is that you will receive “the free gift of God [which] is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). 

This year we are also making available a prayer station. If you have something going on in your life you just want someone from the church to pray about with you, we’d be glad to do so. We really do care about you, and this is another way to show it. 

So we hope to see you along with the whole family this Friday night! Maybe we’ll even provide a hand washing station for all those sticky fingers!