First Baptist Church Columbia (sc)

The Bible says when John approached the empty tomb on that early Easter Morning, he "saw and believed." Today, we celebrate the resurrection because it is our HOPE. Join with Dr. Estep as he teaches the Easter Message: "Saw & Believed."

On the way to the cross, Jesus traveled the Via Dolorosa - "the way of suffering." Join with Dr. Estep as he examines some of Jesus' stops along the way to the cross.

It has been said that "it is not how you start but how you finish." What is your legacy to your family, your friends and to your community? Join with Dr. Estep as he shares the story of King David and David's vision (and legacy) of Solomon's Temple.

Many of the faithful men and women listed in the Bible are not there because of their holy living, but instead, because of their faithfulness. Living with tempation is not a sin but giving in to the temptation is. Join with Dr. Estep as he shares the message: "God Was Displeased."

We are all touched by those we perceive as the "mighty men" of faith...not because of their education or heritage...but because of their heart. David surrounded himself with this type of men and because of their courage and sacrifice, David was successful. Join with Dr. Estep as he tells us of the story of David's "Mighty Men."

How would you respond if your doctor told you that you only had six months to live? When King Hezekiah became gravely ill, Isaiah brought him word that the king would die. Join with us today as Dr. Estep reveals several truths from Hezekiah's story.

Does it matter if I sin? In today's society, we have learned to tolerate sin in our lives and in our society. Jehu had been anointed as king of Israel but faced the difficult task of confronting "the house of Ahab" that had sinned against God. Join us today as Dr. Estep examines the story of Jehu and the judgement against the sinful house of Ahab.

In the past decade, there have been numerous disasters: genocide, floods and earthquakes that have killed and injured millions of people. Additionally, people have suffered hunger, sickness and diseases throughout the world. Many have questioned why a loving God would allow suffering to occur. Join with Dr. Estep as he answers the question: "Why is there Suffering?"

There have been times of hopelessness throughout history and today, given our severe financial crisis, many citizens see themselves again in a hopeless situation. In today's lesson, Dr. Estep tells us the story of a widow in a hopeless situation in which her sons were to be taken into slavery because of the demands of her creditors. Join Dr. Estep as he gives us words of encouragement in our difficult times.

Elisha was a protege of Elijah and, like his mentor, was one of Israel's two most prominent prophets. In today's sermon, Dr. Estep teaches us of the important lessons from Elisha.

2009 has been an unbelievable year with many interesting and unusual events throughout the entire 12 months. Join with Rev. Dennis Banks as he encourages us to believe as we walk with the Lord in peace, purpose, power & faith during the coming year.

All of us can remember where we were when the World Trade Center towers were attacked and collapsed. And we can also remember other events that shaped the world: WWII, Holocaust, Atom Bomb, etc. But the event that changed the world more than any other event is the birth of Christ. Since it happened over 2000 years ago, we must rely on the Bible to tell the story. Join Dr. Estep as he shares the prophet Isaiah's prophecy of "God Incarnate."

In celebration of First Baptist's 200th anniversary, we feature individuals who served or were trained here at First Baptist. We are honored to have Dr. Rebekah Naylor, who was baptized here a "mere" 60 years ago and spent her youth growing up in our church. Prior to her recent retirement, Dr. Naylor served as a medical missionary to India, dedicating her life to providing medical healing and spiritual nourishment to the impoverished Hindu people. Dr. Rebekah Naylor's message: "Who's Missing? Whose Mission?"

The Queen of Sheba lived 1400 miles from King Solomon and traveled for six months to visit with him. Join Dr. Estep as he tells us what the Queen of Sheba learned about, arguably, the wisest king of all times.

Remember King Solomon...considered as one of the wisest men in history? Today, Dr. Estep tells us the story of Solomon, the king, the wise man, the failure and the example.

How do you see the glass...half empty or half full? Do you look at life as a series of mishaps or as a series of opportunities? The Apostle Paul is a great example of seeing the "roses" of life, regardless of his circumstances. Join with Dr. Estep as he shares with us how to be thankful, no matter what life throws at us.

For the final time in 2009, in celebration of First Baptist's 200th anniversary, we feature 'Sons of First Baptist,' men who served or were trained here at First Baptist. The fourth 'Son of First Baptist' is Dr. Albert Allen, who spent his youth growing up in our church. Dr. Albert Allen's Message: 'Sirs, What Must I Do To Be Saved?'

If the Lord tarries, all of us will face the certainty of death. Facing death can be difficult for our loved ones left behind. All will certainly grieve. Join with Dr. Estep as he helps to understand grief by examining the grief suffered by the sisters of Lazarus.

Just as David faced his giant, Goliath, we all face our own giants...jobs, friends, marriage, school, appearance, relationships, etc. Giants can sometimes paralyze us with fear and instead of dealing with the issue, we run the opposite way. Join with Dr. Estep as he gives us "Four Principles for Facing Giants."

There are many types of government: Communism, Democracy, Socialism, etc. In today's message, Dr. Estep examines Israel's first government...a Theocracy...and its leader, King Saul.