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Water is generally known as the essence of life. Water can also bring death. It can clean or carry in dirt. It can erode and cut. It can overwhelm you with its power and you can use that power to your advantage. It can run from you or take you along for the ride. If you are going to have to deal with the water, take The Lord with you. In all instances you will be better off with the encounter. Isaiah 43:1–2; 1 Peter 1:17–19; Exodus 14

Mothers do for us far more than the eye can see or the ear can hear, especially when she gets God in on the action. Pastor Harrison gives us many examples of mothers in the Bible, in our church, and throughout his life that have been putting in work asking God to act on our behalf. He also tells us about one of the very first times a mother was recognized and honored publicly. 2 Timothy 1:3–5; Psalm 145; 1 Samuel 1:1–20

Receiving a gift is usually a good thing. Think of the exclamation, the thanks, and the joy a gift brings us. Especially those gifts that have much more meaning or use than what appears to be a single object. God decided to forgive Adam and Eve instead of ending humanity right there. Each day since is a gift to us. That day is a box containing light to see and land to walk on. Every other little thing we come across each day is a gift. The hug of a child. The chance to buy gas. Everything. This sums up today’s message. But if you listen to the stories Pastor Harrison shares, the reason to ‘rejoice in it’ will stick you with far beyond this read. Psalm 118:24; Hebrews 4:12; Ecclesiastes 3:1–8; Nehemiah 8:10; Philippians 4:4; Isaiah 61:10; 2 Corinthians 12:6–10

Why do you pray? There are plenty of ways to answer that question. Are we sure any of them are correct? In today’s message, Deacon Locklear gives us a little reminder of what we already know but may have forgotten to think about over the years. When we consider the power of prayer, the why, when, and how can be correctly applied. Matthew 6:5–15; John 15:1–8

Once you know that you cannot be separated from God, your interaction with everything around you will change. You will not be fearless. But what you fear will shift. As will your overall demeanor and what you refuse to budge on. Knowing that no matter where you go in this world, you have a constant unbreakable connection to the source of life gives new meaning to it all. Pastor Harrison gives us a window into what we can expect. As you listen, you may even recognize these shifts. Especially the ones that took years in the making. Romans 8:35–39; Acts 9:3; Matthew 22:23–33; Mark 12:18–27; Luke 20:27–38; Psalm 42:1–2; 2 Chronicles 20:11–17; Luke 18:1–8

Will you recognize Jesus when He sits down at your table, passes you on the street, or hands you a mocha latte? In today’s message, Pastor Harrison shows us how Jesus’ followers were able to recognize Him after He was raised from the dead. With these things in mind, we can recognize Jesus when He shows up in our lives today. Luke 24:13–35; Acts 9:1–6; Romans 8:38–39; Isaiah 53; Psalm 22; Numbers 21:4-9; John 3:14

Think about your possessions and what made it possible to have them. Because of your parents or your job, you might have a car. Because of your spouse, you might own a crock pot or a circular saw. Because of a teacher, you might have musical skill. Because of a mentor, you might have the confidence to apply for that job or promotion. Because of Jesus’ birth and life, we have knowledge of the Father. Because of Jesus’ death, we are reconciled with the Lord. Because Jesus was resurrected and is alive today…we’ll let Pastor Harisson tell you all about that. John 14:19; Psalm 77:19; Matthew 28:20; 1 Corinthians 15:42–45; 1 Corinthians 2:6–16; 1 Corinthians 15:22–28

First Baptist Church of Hope Mills is honored to host the Community Good Friday Service sponsored by the Hope Mills Ministers Association. A number of ministers and their congregations come together to hear seven mini sermons on the last seven phrases Christ spoke before he died on the cross. Luke 23:34; Luke 23:43; John 19:26–27; Matthew 27:46; John 19:28; John 19:30; Luke 23:46

Even if you did not plan the whole party or parade, you at least planned to be there. What to wear, what to bring, whether to walk, ride or drive to get there. Does anyone plan what they will be doing after the festivities are over? In today’s message, Pastor Harisson discusses what can happen once the good times stop rolling, and how having a plan for this time can be beneficial. Matthew 21:1–11; Isaiah 52:13–53:12; John 17:20–21

After reading the title of Pastor Harrison’s sermon, the tale of Lazarus’ resurrection has similarities to a release from slavery or prison. You’ve been bound and put away. Then, someone with power and authority tells your captors to open the door and set you free. A very different feeling from if that person opens the doors and unties you themselves. We humans are said to be bound by sin, even a slave to it. Who gave sin a name? I bet He could free you from it. John 11:38–44; John 11:1–37; Ezekiel 37:7–8; Hebrews 4:14–15; John 1:14; John 20:3–9