Ebenezer Baptist Hillsborough, Nc

In turbulent times, the witness and love of Christ and His church is a hinge point on which a culture can turn. As John writes to a group of believers challenged by a philosophy that denied the earthly presence of Jesus and refused to connect real living to following God's commands, we begin to see the importance of the message for us in 2020. John's pastoral letter exposes the truth of God's love for us, but also what it means to love others. Join us as we embark on this discussion in the UPside series entitled "Love That Shines" from 1 John 2:7-11.

The Declaration of Independence was written and signed by representatives of a new nation to separate from the tyranny of Great Britain in 1776. One phrase: "We hold these truths..." has been the most popular, yet controversial phrases of our time. In an era that seems to declare a fluid version of truth, there is only One true Source of lasting truth available to men. It is bedrock. This week, we will discuss the idea of truth, design and discerning, and the implications for us as people of action.

The world around us seems chaotic and uncertain. Yet within the larger picture, people are struggling with isolation and anxiousness. In the apostle John's short letter to the church, he brings an encouraging word of God's presence and grace. Join Pastor Bob on a journey to discover the UPside in a world that seems flipped out in this four-part message series from 1 John.

There are some important perspectives all dads need to know in order to engage in the mission of fathering well. We want to equip and encourage fathers all over the world with a few important pieces their hearts need. You are invited to join Michael Thompson, author of The Heart of a Warrior, LIVE this Father’s Day, June 21, as he guides the exploration ... Navigating Fatherhood: 3 Important Secrets to Being a Good Dad

Pandemic, murder, racism, and riots. These are four words that describe the past couple of weeks in our nation. How should the church respond? How should OUR church respond? In our focal passages for today, Jesus uses three comparisons to illustrate how our hearts should adjust to the grace that has been given to us through God’s gift of salvation. Join us either on campus or online at 9:00am or 11:00am as we discuss "Curing the Culture - Rescuing Rage."

A New Generation is Changing the World

We all can be a little dramatic on occasion. It happens in those times when we are faced with unexpected bad news or a loss of security, whether it is our health, job, or family. In this porch conversation, Jesus shares from the very heart of God what foundation ought to exist for leaving a legacy of faith and an eternal investment. When we get this wrong, we become anxious for what we can provide. It steals our joy. Join us as we search God’s Word on a quest to learn what Jesus had to say about treasure, eyesight, and anxiousness in Matthew 6 this week in our series called, “PORCH Conversations."

The porch was a gathering place for families and friends. It was a place to share big events and converse over the important issues of the day. Many times, the conversations included small tidbits of wisdom and guidance. This small things often changed the trajectory of lives. Sipping on lemonade on a cool summer evening and talking over the day might have included conversation about how to get along with friends, coworkers, and family. Sometimes, we don't see our relationships through the lens of God's love or character. This week, our Children's Pastor, Isaiah, is sharing from Matthew 5: 43-48 on relationships.

The porch was a gathering place for families and friends. It was a place to share big events and converse over the important issues of the day. Many times, the conversations included small tidbits of wisdom and guidance. This small things often changed the trajectory of lives. That's the positive spin. But the opposite is true as well. This week, our NextGen/ Family Pastor is sharing from Matthew 5:27-30 on guarding your heart from the little decisions that have big consequences. Join us online at 10:30am this Sunday. Resources for this week's message and follow-up discussion questions for every age can be found at www.ebcconnect.org/stayhealthy.

Important conversations take place on a porch. No, it's not the same as negotiating a business deal in a conference room or doing important research in a lab. However, the porch has been a place for families and communities to gather. Whether the topic was lighthearted or serious, the porch was important. Jesus sat down to teach in a similar way when He shared the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5. You may have pictured Him standing, expounding in a loud voice to a massive crowd. But that is not how that scene is described. Join us as we embark on a quest to learn what Jesus had to say about life, relationships, and the kingdom of God in this new series called “PORCH Conversations” each Sunday at 10:30am.

What causes you to be most afraid? During the past several weeks, we have been bombarded with news stories about health and economic concerns. In Peter’s last paragraphs of his letter to the exiles in Asia Minor, he writes a final word of encouragement. Not only does he remind them to stand strong in the face of an uncertain, and possibly dangerous, future, but he leads them to consider a spiritual truth concerning Satan. Faced with fear can paralyze and depress anyone. Join us as we explore the final entry of hope and strength in the letter of 1 Peter this week at Ebenezer.

We all define success differently. Some of us immediately think of our careers. Some consider influence. Others would voice accomplishments in their marriage or family. But how does God define success? Peter wrote to a group of people that were struggling with the idea of being displaced and yet called to be witnesses for God. However, things may not have progressed the way they wanted. Peter addresses this tension between humility, success, and God’s plan. Join us as we explore further in the letter of 1 Peter this week at Ebenezer.

From the time Peter was called to be a disciple of Jesus, we are presented with episodes that expose Peter’s personality and character. Like you and me, some of it is commendable and some of it… well. Let’s just say he had some rough edges. Thirty years removed from the resurrection and his restorative conversation with Jesus on a beach, we hear Peter’s heart for the church and her leadership. This week, Peter stops to address those leading the church, but not without a word to the congregation as well. Join us as we explore further in the letter of 1 Peter this week at Ebenezer.

We are seeing the effects of COVID-19 in just about every area of life. Isolation and the prospect of health and economic disaster has brought about despair and loss of hope. But that’s not Peter’s message to the exiles experiencing similar emotions. Honestly, how has our current environment affected your life? As the exiles looked into the mirror, they likely wrestled with similar questions about suffering and God’s plan. Join us as we continue to search Peter’s letter this Sunday at Ebenezer. You can find online message notes, discussion questions for various ages, and links to different video formats at www.ebcconnect.org/stayhealthy

It’s hard to deny that COVID-19 is affecting people in multiple ways. Certainly, the health concerns bring a sense of anxiety and uncertainly to everyday life. Additionally, the economic impact is changing the unemployment numbers and retirement accounts. And there’s more! But as our “normal” changes, how should the people of God, those identified as God’s chosen, the church, and saved through Jesus Christ respond during this change? Join us ONLINE for a message entitled “When Normal Changes” from 1 Peter 4 this weekend. Go to www.ebcconnect.org/stayhealthy for the message and resources.

How is a church to maintain connections in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic? It's a question we wrestle with because having community is so important to the church. In 1 Peter, the writer shares some ways that the exiled Christians could live with each other and be a witness for Jesus Christ within their community.

Have you witnessed a change in the way people respond to authority? Serving as a law enforcement agent, a teacher, coach, or an employer puts you in the middle of this tension of questioning authority. Our culture has moved from seeking answers to expressing opinion in action. Do you think that our responses to human authority is connected to our ability to see and understand divine authority? This question will drive our discussion in today's message in our 1 Peter study entitled “How Should I Respond to Authority?”

With traditional, biblically-based marriage being marginalized within our culture, how should the church respond? God's design is clear. From the early accounts in Genesis to the New Testament encouragements from Paul and Peter, the marriage covenant between one man and one woman is to be a vivid portrait of God's love for us through Jesus Christ. Peter reminds his readers, those exiles, that responding to authority outside the home may require submission and respect, the order of the home can be more difficult. Our discussion today teaches us to have a heart that chases after God and His precepts first. It is then that the marriage can flourish for both the husband and wife.

Announcements are made, lineups are in, the commentators check their stats, teams enter the court to raucous fans, and... It's the BIG game. Are you ready? When Peter writes to the exiles, he seems to understand that there is more on the line than a score at the end of sixty minutes. Peter reminds his readers that their lives are worth more than they imagine. This fresh start is not about them, but about the God Who loves them and has given Himself so that they can be on this team. Discover why our lives and our representation of the team is vital as we discuss the “The BIG Game.”

Do you ever feel like the world is watching to see what those claiming to believe in Jesus are going to do? During this election season, candidates are being measure, but so is our behavior as Christians being measured. It may seem unfair, but is it? What does Peter write about our behavior, obedience, and practical living in his letter to the exiles? Discover why our lives should be action-packed as we discuss the “Primary Outcomes of a Living Hope.”