First Baptist Blog

“Can you fathom the mysteries of God? Can you probe the limits of the Almighty?” – Job 11:7

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

"Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." – Ecclesiastes 4:12

“The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold.” – Psalm 46:7

“Be still and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10

I struggled for a while to find my identity. I played volleyball at Clemson and very much felt defined by it. I was injured in my senior year season and wasn’t able to play.

“And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:7

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” — Matthew 11:28–30 

"Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel, which means, God with us."    – Matthew 1:23

“Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7

In 2016 I learned that I needed open heart surgery. This was a shocking surprise, as my only symptom was shortness of breath with minor activity. Initially I was quite anxious since I had never spent one night in a hospital.

The grace that saved us is the grace that shapes us.

In my youth I began to depend on God’s presence to support me through challenges only He could understand. Looking back, I think of the children of Israel waiting for the Messiah.

Think about your favorite movie. Odds are at some point in the movie you see the protagonist experience a series of events resulting in some revelation, growth, new way of thinking, or other improvement in their life.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

Welcome to our Advent blog! For each day, beginning on the First Sunday in Advent and ending on Christmas Day, a member of our congregation has written about their experience of Emmanuel: God is With Us, sharing a time when they have felt and known God’s presence in a meaningful way.