"Reset: Changed Lives, New Beginnings"

 

“Reset”

What if you could start over again? What if life had a “reset” button? The New Year offers us a unique opportunity to start again, to have a fresh start, to have a “do over.” According to what Jesus said to Nicodemus in John 3:1-8, not only is a “reset” possible, it’s the only way to experience God’s best life.

“Reset: Changed Lives, New Beginnings” is a new sermon series that begins this Sunday, January 3^rd at Carrollwood Baptist Church. When people encountered Jesus, miraculous things always happened. What “New Beginning” could take place in your life this year? You can read the story of Jesus’ encounter with Nicodemus from John’s account below.

You are invited to join us for worship this Sunday at Carrollwood Baptist Church where all are welcomed. Worship begins at 10:30 a.m. and we are conveniently located one mile east of the Veterans Expressway at 5395 Ehrlich Road. For more information, check us out online at carrollwoodbaptist.org.

Looking forward to a New Year and a great day of worship!

Pastor Joe

John 3:1-8, New International Version (NIV)

Jesus Teaches Nicodemus
1 Now there was a Pharisee, a man named Nicodemus who was a member of the Jewish ruling council. 2 He came to Jesus at night and said, “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher who has come from God. For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him.”

3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.”

4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!”

5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 7 You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit.”

"The Grinch Who Almost Stole Christmas"

“The Grinch Who Almost Stole Christmas”

One of the most popular stories and movies during the Christmas season is the classic Dr. Seuss tale, How the Grinch Stole Christmas. You probably remember the story. The Grinch hates Christmas and everyone who lives in “Whoville” in the valley below him. But through a kind of Christmas miracle, the old Grinch has a change of heart and discovers the real meaning of Christmas with a little help from some of “Whoville’s” smaller residents.

The Grinch is just a fairytale but the Bible tells us of a real-life Grinch in the Christmas story who unlike the imaginary tale did not have a change of heart. This story begins when the wise men (“magi”) come to worship the new born king of the Jews which caused a disturbance in the force, Herod and “all Jerusalem” were “deeply disturbed” (Matt. 2:3). Jesus still disturbs the comfortable, the indifferent, the prideful, the Pharisees, the ones who think they have it all together. But Jesus comforts those who are tired of living in their comfortable chaos and who know they don’t have it all together!

This Sunday we will wrap up our Christmas sermon series, “Christmas through Matthew’s Eyes.” In Sunday’s message, we will look at the Jesus who not only comforts the afflicted but afflicts the comfortable. You can read the story from Matthew’s account below. We invite you to join us for worship this Sunday. Worship at Carrollwood Baptist Church is at 10:30 a.m. and we are conveniently located one mile east of the Veterans Expressway at 5395 Ehrlich Road. For more information, check us out online at carrollwoodbaptist.org.

See you this Sunday as we gather to glorify our Lord together!

For His Glory, By His Grace

 

Pastor Joe

Matthew 2:3-8, English Standard Version (ESV)

³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

⁶ “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.”

 Matthew 2:12-18, English Standard Version (ESV)

¹² And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

 The Flight to Egypt

¹³ Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” ¹⁴ And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt ¹⁵ and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”

 Herod Kills the Children

¹⁶ Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.

 ¹⁷ Then was fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet Jeremiah: ¹⁸ “A voice was heard in Ramah, weeping and loud lamentation, Rachel weeping for her children; she refused to be comforted, because they are no more.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Eve Worship

Join us at Carrollwood Baptist Church for this very special evening of worship and communion.

"Under a Starry Sky"

Very proud of our CBC family for the wonderful Christmas presentations this weekend. Thanks to everyone in our Worship Arts Ministry for a super job. A powerful message of encouragement and hope. The Lord does know what He's doing, and we can trust Him.

Here's a pic from the opening scene of "Under a Starry Sky."

Visiting the Christ child.

The final scene, "A Million Little Lights." 

"Star Gazing and a Trip to See 'The Star'" (Matthew 2:1-12)

“Star Gazing and a Trip to See ‘The Star’”

Matthew 2:1-12

The wise men (magi) from the east followed the star first to Jerusalem and then to its final destination to the little town of Bethlehem. They came because a star was born – the Messiah had come to earth. And when they saw “the child” Jesus, "they fell down and worshiped him" (2:11).
                                                                            
Apparently, when they visited Jesus He was living in a “house” (2:11) instead of a manger (stable or feed trough). We really do not know how long after Jesus’ birth the wise men came. Based on Herod’s rampage (2:16), it could have been as much as two years after His birth. But the time of their coming is not as important as the fact that they came! And when they did come, no other person or object captivated their attention or received their worship, it was Jesus only! There is but one who is worthy of worship, Jesus. He is “The Star” of our Christmas celebrations!

Regardless of what Christmas you finally “come to Jesus,” what matters is that you do come to Him. And when you do arrive, worship Him as the worthy King of Kings that He is! We invite you to join us this Sunday at Carrollwood Baptist Church as we continue in our Christmas sermon series, “Christmas through Matthew’s Eyes.” This week we will be looking at the cast of characters from the Christmas story that we call the wise men. Shown below is the text of this account from Matthew's Gospel. Worship at CBC is at 10:30 a.m. and we are conveniently located one mile east of the Veterans Expressway at 5395 Ehrlich Road. For more information, check us out online at carrollwoodbaptist.org.

See you this Sunday as we gather to glorify our Lord and King together!

For His Glory, By His Grace

 

Pastor Joe

 

 

Matthew 2:1-12English Standard Version (ESV)

The Visit of the Wise Men

1 Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men^[a] from the east came to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose^[b] and have come to worship him.” ³ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him; ⁴ and assembling all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he inquired of them where the Christ was to be born. ⁵ They told him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet:

 

⁶ “‘And you, O Bethlehem, in the land of Judah,
    are by no means least among the rulers of Judah;
for from you shall come a ruler
    who will shepherd my people Israel.’”

⁷ Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, “Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.” ⁹ After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. ¹¹ And going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.

Footnotes:

1. Matthew 2:1 Greek magi; also verses 7, 16
2. Matthew 2:2 Or in the east; also verse 9

 

 

 

"When God Changes Your Plans" (Matthew 1:1-18)

“When God Changes Your Plans”

A First-Person Dramatic Monologue

This Sunday, December 13^th our Advent/Christmas sermon series continues, “Christmas through Matthew’s Eyes,” with a dramatic first-person monologue based on the story of the angel’s visit to Joseph in Matthew 1:18-25. When God changed Joseph’s plans, he was confronted with a choice. Would he do what made logical sense to him? Or would he follow God’s will even at great personal costs?

 

Joseph’s struggle to accept a change of plans speaks to us today. Our well-thought-out plans often change too. Tragedies happen and circumstances don’t always turn out the way we had envisioned. Maybe you have lost a job, a spouse, a child, a dream, your plans have been changed and shattered and you find yourself unsure where you once were confident. Joseph’s struggle and walk of faith helps us to know that when our plans have been changed, life isn’t over. God is always there, He is Immanuel and we can trust His plans.

 

We invite you to join us at Carrollwood Baptist Church this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. If you live in the bay area and don’t have a church home, we invite you to join us at CBC. We are conveniently located at 5395 Ehrlich Road one mile east of the Veterans Expressway. CBC is a caring, family-oriented, and mission’s minded church where you can thrive in your relationship with Christ. Look forward to seeing you Sunday at CBC for a life-changing encounter with the living Lord!

Pastor Joe

"Your Family Tree" (Matthew 1:1-17)

 

“Your Family Tree”

Christmas through Matthew’s Eyes

 

There is a fascination today among many people to search out their family tree. We want to know our history, where we’ve come from, who are ancestors are, what they did. Part of the fascination of this research is we want to discover more about who we are. What makes us tick? Why do we do what we do?

 

Genealogies are found throughout the Bible and when we come across them, we sigh, we glaze over, and we practice our “speed reading” skills. But the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:1-17 should interest us because in a real sense, we’re actually in it! This is part of our spiritual family tree.

 

We invite you to join us at Carrollwood Baptist Church this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. as we begin a four-part sermon series, “Christmas through Matthew’s Eyes.” This week we will take a look at some important faith lessons from Jesus’ family tree. You might just be surprised at what you will discover.

 

If you live in the bay area and don’t have a church home, we invite you to join us at CBC. We are conveniently located at 5395 Ehrlich Road one mile east of the Veterans Expressway. CBC is a caring, family-oriented, and mission’s minded church where you can thrive in your relationship with Christ. Look forward to seeing you Sunday at CBC for a life-changing encounter with the living Lord!

Pastor Joe

 

 

"How God Grows You" Sunday's Message, November 29, 2015

 “How God Grows You”

God has a plan for your life! This purpose that God has for you is expressed in Romans 8:29, ESV, “For those whom He foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son.” God’s purpose is to make you like his Son. This purpose that God has planned for your life involves a life-long process we call “Discipleship.” There are a variety of ways that God uses to make you like Himself. This Sunday we will look at one those ways, how God grows you through the work of the Holy Spirit within you.

If you live in the bay area and don’t have a church home, we invite you to join us at Carrollwood Baptist Church this Sunday at 10:30 a.m. We are conveniently located at 5395 Ehrlich Road one mile east of the Veterans Expressway. CBC is a caring, family-oriented, and mission’s minded church where you can thrive in your relationship with Christ. Look forward to seeing you this Sunday at CBC for a life-changing encounter with the living Lord!

“For His Glory, By His Grace!”
Pastor Joe

"Bringing Christ to the Nations" (Psalm 96)

In the early church, the believers worshiped, they modeled their lives after Christ, they loved and served one another, and the logical outcome of all this was that “the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved” (Acts 2:47). Bringing Christ to people was not so much a program that they “performed,” but a passion that compelled them.

 

This passion for the Lord and sharing Him lies at the heart of Psalm 96. We “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples” (Ps. 96:3). This Sunday, November 22th at Carrollwood Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m., we will discover the essential aspects about the hopeful message of Christ that we have the privilege to bring to our family, friends, and to “all peoples.” You can see the entire text of Psalm 96 below.  

If you live in the bay area and don’t have a church home, we invite you to join us. We are conveniently located at 5395 Ehrlich Road one mile east of the Veterans Expressway. Look forward to seeing you Sunday at CBC for a life-changing encounter with the living Lord!

“For His Glory, By His Grace!”

Pastor Joe

 

Psalm 96, NIV

¹ Sing to the Lord a new song;
    sing to the Lord, all the earth.
² Sing to the Lord, praise his name;
    proclaim his salvation day after day.
³ Declare his glory among the nations,
    his marvelous deeds among all peoples.

⁴ For great is the Lord and most worthy of praise;
    he is to be feared above all gods.
⁵ For all the gods of the nations are idols,
    but the Lord made the heavens.
⁶ Splendor and majesty are before him;
    strength and glory are in his sanctuary.

⁷ Ascribe to the Lord, all you families of nations,
    ascribe to the Lord glory and strength.
⁸ Ascribe to the Lord the glory due his name;
    bring an offering and come into his courts.
⁹ Worship the Lord in the splendor of his holiness;
    tremble before him, all the earth.
¹⁰ Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.”
    The world is firmly established, it cannot be moved;
    he will judge the peoples with equity.

¹¹ Let the heavens rejoice, let the earth be glad;
    let the sea resound, and all that is in it.
¹² Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them;
    let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
¹³ Let all creation rejoice before the Lord, for he comes,
    he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world in righteousness
    and the peoples in his faithfulness.

 

 

 

"This Is Worship!" Sunday's Message at Carrollwood Baptist Church

What is your view of worship? Is worship just what happens in church on Sunday? Do you identify worship with an emotional experience, spiritual thoughts, or maybe performing certain rituals? The fact is, biblical worship is not defined by a place, a feeling, or a ritual. God set the standard for worship in His Word. The model for worship is found in the Bible and it is more rewarding than most of us have ever imagined. So to really answer the question, “What does it mean to truly worship God?,” the only place to turn is the Bible.

This Sunday, November 15th at Carrollwood Baptist Church at 10:30 a.m., we will explore what really matters in worship and how to worship in a way that is not only acceptable to God but that truly brings you into contact with the God who is near, who is personal, who alone satisfies, and who is the true joy-giver.

 If you live in the bay area and don’t have a church home, we invite you to join us. We are conveniently located at 5395 Ehrlich Road one mile east of the Veterans Expressway. Look forward to seeing you Sunday at CBC for a life-changing encounter with the living Lord!

“For His Glory, By His Grace!”
Pastor

Our Journey

I took the above picture of Caleb and Gracie Mae the night before his tragic passing. So many emotions have flooded our lives these past few weeks that it is hard to even put them into words. We have moved to a new state and ministry, become first-time grandparents, and have had to say goodbye to our youngest son, Caleb and all this in a week’s time! While this has obviously been a very difficult time, the outpouring of love that has been shown to us has been incredibly comforting. John said that when we love each other, we are reflecting the unseen but very real God. “No one has ever seen God; but if we love each other, God lives in us and His love is made complete in us” (1 Jn. 4:12). We have been loved on by so many people, and we’ve seen the face of God through this tragic time. Thank you for your prayers, calls, texts, visits, cards and letters and other generous expressions of love that you have shown to our family. We have read some of the most heartfelt and sweetest words this past week. We’ve smiled, we’ve cried, and we’ve thanked God for each you and the love you have demonstrated. All of you are amazing! Please continue to pray for us and especially Sierra and baby Gracie Mae. 

Joe and Rhonda 

"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

This Is Church!

This past Sunday (November 8^th) was our first official day at Carrollwood Baptist Church. We once again sensed the warmth and love of the fellowship that we now call home. It was a day that we knew would be filled with many emotions, but we are so blessed to be serving here and look forward to some great days ahead. I mentioned to the congregation that we had come to serve them, but instead, they have been serving us. What a beautiful expression of The Body of Christ!

This past Sunday I began a new sermon series that I’m calling, “This Is Church!” I can think of no better way to start off a ministry than to explore who we are as followers of Christ and what the Lord is doing in and through His church, the Body of Christ. My text was Acts 2:36-41. You can listen to the sermon online at carrollwoodbaptist.org. You can also use the following questions to reflect on as a way to deepen your understanding and application of the text:

1. What was the central message that Peter preached that caused the people to come under conviction, to be “cut to the heart” (2:37; see, 2:14-ff.)? What is the connection between the Word of God and people having faith in Christ?

2. What response did Peter call for when the people asked, “What shall we do?” (2:37)?

3. What is the relationship between repentance and baptism (2:38)? What does baptism signify?

4. What occurs when people genuinely turn to God in Christ (2:38, 41)? What is the result of repentance?

5. What is the significance of Peter stating that “The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off” (2:39a; see, Matt. 27:25)?

6. How do people often respond to guilt, grief, and regrets? Why do people have such a difficult time believing that God’s grace is for them too? Is there something that is causing you to feel far away from God? Have you allowed God’s grace to impact your life, to heal your hurts, to wash away your guilt? 

For His Glory, By His Grace!

Pastor Joe