Roger McKenzie

The Incarnation of Jesus: An Overwhelming Grace There are lots of emotions that come with Christmas. Panic, for example, when you realize how few shopping days remain between now and December 25. Anger might be your emotion if you get asked if you are on your way to an Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and you are not. Hopefully, gratitude will be your response when you open gifts on Christmas morning (or Christmas eve). When I consider what Christmas really means, I have an overwhelming sense of God’s love. In chapter one of his Gospel, John carefully describes who Jesus is as the “Word” and then goes on to describe the miracle that happened at Christmas when “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14 NIV). God came in the form of the Son to live among us to show us the way and to make a way for our salvation.  At Christmas, we celebrate th...

Seven Characteristics of Highly Effective Teachers I think a lot about teaching. I became involved in the teaching ministry of the church as an assistant with a kindergarten group while I was still in middle school. So, teaching has always been very important to me--maybe too because it is such a vital part of the church’s ministry. Jesus commanded in His Great Commission that teaching be part of our disciple-making process. Since teaching is so important, the question that follows is “How do we teach well?” Let me state upfront that great learning experiences grow from teachers who are biblically based and Spirit-led. Aside from grounding our teaching in Scripture and moving at the guiding of the Holy Spirit, we have little to say that can add to the lives of our learners. With those presuppositions in place regarding teachers, let me add an additional Seven Characteristics of Highly Effective Teachers in the church’s ministry: Highly Effective Teachers are Learner-Centered . ...

 Dear Church Family: The past three-and-a-half weeks have been a bit of a whirlwind as you have welcomed me into the First Baptist Church community. I am indebted to so many of you and have been overwhelmed by your generosity. Special thanks go to: Pastor Joel and Debbie who have welcomed me in their home many times in this transition. Jim and Debbie Payne who came to South Carolina and helped load, clean, transport, and have continued to dog-sit for Grady until I get into the house I am buying later this week. Pam and Danny Lipscomb who helped me connect with temporary housing in a home that Pam’s parents own. Many of you who showed up to unload my moving truck and discovered just how much stuff I have accumulated over the years. Those who have provided meals in your homes or in restaurants and the great conversations that have accompanied those times. All those who have prayed for me in this transition. The Well Student Ministries : Fall Rally at Cam...