Roger McKenzie

The events of Wednesday, January 6, 2021 in our nation’s capitol were deeply unsettling. Our country is deeply divided over many issues. Further, we remain in the midst of a global pandemic, people’s thoughts are frenzied, their emotions are frayed, and fear reigns in many hearts and minds of many. What is your role and mine as Christians in our culture in 2021? Jesus said about us as His followers, “you are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13-14 NIV). It is hard for us to be salt and light in our culture just now. We are sorting through the same issues and emotions as everyone else. However, as followers of Jesus, we are called to respond differently! Here is how the Apostle Paul described that difference, “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same min...

Angels We Have Heard on High (2) [Verse 1] Angels we have heard on high Sweetly swinging o'er the plains And the mountains in reply Echoing their joyous strains [Chorus] Gloria In Excelsis Deo Gloria In Excelsis Deo [Verse 2] Shepherds why this jubilee? Why your joyous strains prolong? What the gladsome tidings be Which inspire your heavenly song? [Verse 3] Come to Bethlehem and see Him Whose birth the angels sing; Come, adore on bended knee Christ the Lord, the newborn King [Verse 4] See Him in a manger laid Whom the choirs of angels praise Mary, Joseph lend your aid While our hearts in love we raise. Away In a Manger (3) [Verse 1] Away in a manger, no crib for a bed The little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head The stars in the bright sky looked down where He lay The little Lord Jesus asleep on the hay [Verse 2] The cattle are lowing, the poor Baby awakes But little Lord Jesus, no crying He makes I love Thee, Lord...

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...

Seven Steps to Living the Transformed Christian Life    Make it your goal to become more like Jesus. Then you will be the person that God created you to be.   Become more aware of the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit in your life.    Allow God to change the focus of your affections.    Focus more on training than trying (from  The Life You’ve Always Wanted  by John Ortberg).   Pay more attention to the small daily victories than the defeats when you slip into old patterns or sin.   When you do fall in to old patterns, repent, ask for God’s help, and move ahead.    Take inventory at regular intervals so that you can see how far you have come in living this transformed life.