First Baptist Church Columbia (sc)

First Baptist is celebrating her 200th birthday! Dr. Estep's message today looks at First Baptist's history, imagines the future and encourages us to commit our futures to God. Join us as we celebrate our birthday!

What matters to you? In our day-to-day lives, there are many things that "matter" but what matters the most in your life? Today is "Greek Day '09" at First Baptist Church and we recognize the many sororities and fraternities on the University of South Carolina campus. Join with our College Minister, Wes Church, as he teaches us what Jesus has determined what really matters the most.

The Book of Ruth is a lovely book...a love story, if you will. But what is the purpose of the Book? Join us as Dr. Estep helps us to see God's involvement in the affairs of man.

Samson was a unique individual...He was handsome, strong and witty. He killed a lion with his bare hands; he killed 1,000 Philistines with the jawbone of a donkey; his birth was announced by an angel; and he was santified and set apart as a Nazarite. Yet, for all that he had going for him, he fell into sin. This sin led to his downfall. Join Dr. Estep today as he discusses how sin can attack us at our weakest point. But stick around to the end to find out about the grace that carries the promise of forgiveness

Statistics show that as church-reared young people become adults, they tend to drift away from the Church. Today, Dr. Estep teaches from the book of Judges and shows us how each generation makes their own decisions to follow God's direction.

Our guest speaker today is Reverend Jack Easterby, who is the Chaplain for the University of S.C. basketball team and also a member of First Baptist. Today, he uses text from John 13 to issue a challenge to us as Christians to seek the Ultimate Servanthood. You should not miss this message!

Tom Watson, just shy of his 60th birthday, tied for first place at the British Open at the end of regulation play. Tom was playing against men half his age! "Older people" everywhere were cheering his efforts. Join us as Dr Estep tells us the story of an "old guy" who saw a great God and little giants.

Several times in 2009, in celebration of First Baptist's 200th anniversary, we will feature "Sons of First Baptist," men who served or were trained here at First Baptist. The third "Son of First Baptist" is Rev. Ron Milne, currently the pastor of Immanuel Baptist Church, Temple, TX and who spent his youth growing up in our church. Rev. Ron Milne's Message: "Battling the Blues."

Are you worried about the problems that America faces today? As the children of Israel traveled in search of the Promised Land, they also faced problems. Join with us as Dr. Estep teaches about one of Israel's biggest problems: Jericho...and what God did about it!

Is there something in your past that keeps you from fully serving the Lord? Many of us are in that same boat!! Yet, there are stories in the Bible of fallen men and women that have become some of God's greatest servants. Join us today as Dr. Estep tells us the story of the prostitute Rahab.

Have you had a transitional period in your life? Wedding, funeral, new job, new baby? Perhaps you are stuck in a transitional period right now where it is more comfortable to stay in your current life situation rather than trusting God to move forward. Join Dr. Estep as he teaches us from Joshua on "Transitions."

As our Nation celebrates 233 years of freedom, many are concerned about the direction that our country is taking. In today's message, Rev. Jere Wilson gives us a word of encouragement

America has changed significantly over the last century, and especially over the last 25 years. In today's message, Dr. Estep answers the question: "Who is America?" The answer needs to be heard by everyone - politicians, leaders and citizens!

The journey to the Promised Land is one of the most significant events in the history of Israel. The spiritual journey of Christians parallels Israel's journey. Today, Dr. Estep teaches on the similarities of that journey.

What is the worst enemy of the church faces today? In today's message, Dr. Estep discusses the "three R's": Routine, Rut and Rot.

Circumstances of life can serve as chains that bind us. As we age, we are bound by our circumstances; health, cynicism and being stuck in the past. Join Dr. Wendell Estep as he speaks to the church on "Senior Adult Sunday."

The Lord's Supper is a reminder of Jesus' sacrificial death on the cross. Through His death and resurrection, man can be reconciled to God. Today, Dr. Estep discusses the symbolism of this important ordinance in a Christian's life.

Several times in 2009, in celebration of First Baptist's 200th anniversary, we will feature "Sons of First Baptist," men who served or were trained here at First Baptist. The second "Son of First Baptist" is Rev. Marshall Edwards, currently the interim pastor of First Baptist Church, Boone, NC and who was pastor of our church between 1980 and 1983. Rev. Marshall Edward's Message: "Encouraging Words for Discouraging Times"

Dr. Estep has a special for mothers on Mother's Day.

Are you impatient? Have you ever made a mistake because you took matters into your own hands instead of waiting on God? Join with Dr. Estep as he teachs us about Aaron's Golden Calf.