Tag / William Earnhardt pastor Homosassa Seventh-day Adventist Church

by In Light Of The Cross

Let’s Explore the Book of Exodus

Dear Sabbath School and Bible Study Friends,

I have presented these challenges before, encouraging everyone to read through the entire book we are studying in the Sabbath School quarterly. With this quarter’s lesson on Exodus, I encourage everyone to read the whole book of Exodus. Many of us have read it before, but there are different ways to approach it that may help you gain fresh insights and new perspectives. For example, you may want to read a different translation than the one you are accustomed to using. After all, every translation has its strengths and weaknesses, including the KJV.

Another idea is to look for different themes in Exodus. For example, the most obvious is the Gospel and plan of salvation that we find throughout the book of Exodus. In Exodus 12, we see the shadow of the cross. Now, I am not going to tell you where else we find the Gospel in the book of Exodus; I am going to let you read it for yourself. Okay, I will give you one more example. In Exodus 15 the children of Israel find an oasis of water, but it tastes bitter. Moses is instructed to place a tree in the water, and suddenly it becomes sweet. Could the tree possibly represent the cross that takes the bitterness out of our lives, and makes our lives sweet? 

Another theme I would like to suggest watching for as you study Exodus is the theme of discipleship. Moses was a disciple of the Lord. In Exodus 18, Moses learns from his father-in-law about how to make more disciples instead of trying to do everything himself. In Matthew 28 Jesus taught His disciples to make more disciples. In Exodus 32 Aaron gives us a good example of how not to disciple. Aaron and the golden calf give us an example of how the most popular leader is not necessarily the best leader. Oh! Speaking of Exodus 32 I just thought of another glimpse of the Gospel that Moses gives us in Exodus chapter 32. But I have given away too much already. I will let you discover that one for yourself. 

Enjoy reading and studying, my friends! Be sure and share what you discover. 

by In Light Of The Cross

Adelina, Angelita and Apollos’ Baptism and Profession of Faith Pictures and Stories

Today we had a wonderful celebration at the Homosassa Seventh-day adventist Church, as we had two baptisms and one profession of faith. Christina (on the right) was especailly celebrating as her sister Adelina (left), who left the church over 40 years ago came back into the fold today on profession of faith. Adelina was so glad to be back home she thanked her sister for praying for her for all those 40 years. Adelina was so glad to be back in God’s church, where she says she belonged the whole time.

Angelita and her brother Apollos have been studying the Making Jesus my Best Friend baptism workbook with their parents. Parents are a child’s first pastor, and Angelita and Apollos’ parents, Kayle and Regine have done a very good job of leading their children to fall in love with Jesus, both by teaching and example. I also studied with Angelita and Apollos and was very moved by their dedication. Angelita even asked me how she can know that she really means it in her heart when she asks Jesus for forgiveness. Angelita and her brother both want to be real with God and have honest hearts.

Apollos is the same age I was when I was baptized! Apollos loves building things and has the mind of an engineer and builder. You should see some of his legos creations they are quite complex. Apollos will be building up the kingdom of God.

Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone,  in whom the whole building, being fitted together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22 NKJV

Apollos and Angelita both received flowers as well as cards, a devotional book and their baptism certificates which contain the fundamental Bible teachings of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Adelina received the same gifts too along with her Profession of Faith certificate.

Adelina says the Seventh-day Adventist Church is where she has belonged all her life. Do you want to belong to a church that loves Jesus and follows His teachings? I would love to talk to you about this anytime. You can reach me at william.earnhardt@floridaconference.com