Citizens of Heaven: Living with an Eternal Perspective

In a nation (and even an entire world) full of chaos and confusion, it’s easy to get caught up in the here and now—the news, the debates, the primaries, the wars, the politics, the polls, the elections, etc.

We become consumed by our daily routines, our immediate struggles, and our short-term goals. Yet, as believers, we are called to live with an eternal perspective, understanding that our true citizenship is not of this world but of heaven.

continue reading

Faithfulness Is Fire

There is nothing inherently wrong with living a life that is full of excitement and entertainment, but our highest pursuit should be to stand before God one day and hear these words—“Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

continue reading

Love with Boots On: Missions Trip to Brooklyn

During Spring Break, thirteen people headed up to Brooklyn, New York to help at Bay Ridge Baptist Church.

You may ask, “Why would someone want to spend almost a week away from their family, use up a whole week of vacation, and be in Brooklyn—a city that you wouldn’t necessarily consider to be the safest place to be?”

Well, the short answer is that we love the Lord!

continue reading

The Eclipse, God’s Glory, and the Gospel

As much of the country paused this week to witness the celestial spectacle of a solar eclipse, I was reminded of what the psalmist said in Psalm 19:1—the heavens declare the glory of God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.

continue reading

My Brother’s Keeper: The Call to Missions Beyond Familiar Faces

You’ve probably heard the phrase, “Every man for himself!”

I’ve said this jokingly after disturbing a bee’s nest and many other times when self preservation quickly became my top priority.

Since the beginning of time, man has been tempted to look out for himself at the neglect of others. In Genesis 4, God asks Cain, “Where is Abel thy brother?” to which Cain replies, “Am I my brother’s keeper?”

Perhaps surprising to Cain, the answer is and continues to be a resounding “yes!”

continue reading

The Meaning of Home

Home is a powerful word. Over 1,000 movie titles have the word “home” in them, and home is a central, emotional motif of much literature and art in general.

Whether you’ve gone away to war, college, or vacation, coming home just feels special.

Scripture gives us a few examples of homecomings…

continue reading

Christmas Bells—A Message of Hope

Much of the world’s greatest hymnody and poetry has been more therapeutic for the writer who penned the words than for those who continue to read them decades later. Such is the case with the famous poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow and his classic Christmas carol “I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day,” originally titled “Christmas Bells.” In the depths of his unimaginable grief, Longfellow’s pen etched a journey from personal despair to resolute hope.

continue reading

Coming Home to Bethlehem: A Christmas Musical

What if the story of the prodigal son and the Christmas story got together? Our 2023 Christmas musical, “Coming Home to Bethlehem” provides at least a possible answer to that question.

An original drama set in Bethlehem, PA is matched with sparkling music presented by the choirs and orchestra of Friendship Baptist Church to tell a story of rebellion, hurt, longing, waiting, and redemption.

continue reading

By Prayer to Paju

A few months ago, during the 2023 FBC Missions Conference, Pastor Vradenburgh shared that the Lord had laid it on his heart to have others specifically ask God to reach down and to call someone from our midst into the whitened harvest field. He had no idea who it would be, but he was praying that God would touch somebody.

Later, he found out that the Lord had touched Ashley Huskey’s heart—even before then.

continue reading

Are Beautiful, Ornate Cathedrals Detrimental to the Gospel?

As tourists travel to a destination, they often plan to visit specific sites in that region or city. It’s common for these travelers to explore one of the magnificent cathedrals in that city. 

But do those cathedrals point people to the powerful and loving God, or do they muffle and confuse people when it comes to how they see God?

continue reading