First Things First

October 1st marks my first year as Pastor at Hardy Street Baptist Church. As I reflect on the past 12 months, I am overwhelmed with a sense of God's leadership. We have experienced tremendous growth as a Faith Family. Growth in spirit, unity, mission, vision, & values have lead to numeric growth and Kingdom expansion!

Looking back, here's a summary of my very first message at Hardy Street Baptist Church on October 4, 2015.

First Things First: The Foundation of our Faith
1 Corinthians 1:17-2:5

These words of the Apostle, Paul resonate with me here today! As I begin a new ministry of preaching and pastoring... I want to make sure that we are clear about matters of first importance! Not only sequentially, but in rank order of priority!

1) The aim of our ministry together will be to beget and build FAITH!

Paul's desire was to preach Christ and see people come to faith!

Without faith it impossible to please God (Heb. 11:6)
Faith comes by hearing (Romans 10:17)

It’s the difference between “religion” and “relationship”.

2) Our ministry together will be built upon the centrality of the CROSS of JESUS CHRIST!

It’s the difference between “therefore" and "nevertheless."

3) Our ministry together must be grounded in the POWER of God!

It’s the difference between God’s strength and our strategies.

4) Our ministry together must be established by an admission of our  WEAKNESSES!

It’s the difference between the power of the cross and the persuasion of words.

How do we apply this? By living out G.R.A.C.E.

Genuine accountability
Right relationships
A servant heart 
Constant safeguards
Embrace God intimately