Philotheos
Lovers of GodKeeping up to date with some of the current events here at Lakeland First Baptist
FBCL | Easter 2024 | NAMB – Malachi’s Testimony
First Baptist Church Lakeland
FBCL | Easter 2024 | NAMB – Malachi’s Testimony
In his 12 years of life, Malachi Joseph Russell never met a stranger. He never saw someone that triggered shyness in him or dissuaded him for speaking life into their souls.
But that’s what messengers do.
In fact, the name Malachi, in its Hebrew origin, literally means, “Messenger of God.” And the young son of Roger and Kim Russell lived up to his name every chance he got—even until cancer caused him to draw his last breath.
“We named him Malachi after the prophet Malachi in the Old Testament, and his name means, ‘my messenger,’” Kim said. “We named him Malachi so that he would be a messenger of the Lord and he would share the gospel and advance the kingdom here on earth.”
It’s similar to how parents named their children in ancient Hebrew/Jewish culture. The names weren’t just names. They were labels that the parents hoped and prayed their children would embody.
“When he was born, we were praying really hard for the ‘my messenger’ part, because, (Malachi) was just a bundle of energy,” Russell said.
“Full throttle all the time,” added Kim. “And so, I’d always pray, ‘Lord, take all this energy and just fan the flame of evangelism in his life with it,’ because, I mean, he was so inquisitive, so curious. He just asked a lot of questions and would talk to anybody. It just seemed like a natural thing.”
From North American Mission Board Website
Malachi’s Story Part 1
Malachi’s Story Part 2
Malachi’s Testimony
FBCL | Valentine’s Dinner February 14th 2024
First Baptist Church Lakeland
FBCL | Valentine’s Dinner February 14th 2024
The evening in February was warm as the members of Lakeland FBC gathered in the Fellowship Hall for the church-wide Valentine Banquet. The men of the church had invited the ladies of the church to attend the banquet. Led by Robert Hamilton, the men decorated the room, prepared the meal and cleaned up afterwards. The ladies were delighted with the preparations that had been made for them. They were also delighted that the cozy ambiance and dinner to come was done with no effort on their part.
Stepping into the building, the ladies were enveloped in delicious aromas, presented with a cup of punch and directed to the beautifully decorated Fellowship Hall. Conversations liberally sprinkled with laughter flowed as the ladies made their way to their seats. Families and friends gathered at the tables in anticipation of the delicious meal.
The highlight of the evening came when our Pastor brought a message from God’s word, an inspiring message about God’s selfless, relentless love. The sacrifice of Jesus reveals the greatest example of love, God’s love that never stops.
“And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” Ephesians 2:1-10
A huge thank you to Robert Hamilton and the team of men who were able to help as they delivered a wonderfully blessed evening of fellowship possible because of God’s endless love.
FBCL | Fellowship Breakfast September 21st 2023
First Baptist Church Lakeland
FBCL | Fellowship Breakfast September 21st 2023
We gathered together with our brothers and sisters from Eikon Ministries for our latest fellowship breakfast. Roy ‘soup’ Campbell was our guest speaker, giving us his testimony and sharing with us the impact Jesus has had on his life. Hearing about his many, many mission trips into hostile, and most often dangerous areas throughout the world, reminding us of the commandment that our Lord Jesus gave to each of us.
Pray, Give, Go. This is how we can impact the world right where we are. Pray for those in our sphere of influence that need salvation. Give generously with your time, resources, and talents. Go, seeking opportunities to serve others selflessly, just as Jesus did during his first time with us.
Go tell the world about him and what He has done for us. We all have a personal testimony how Christ saved us from an eternal separation from God.
As brother Roy expressed the excitement and sincerity of sharing the gospel with a lost world, he showed us that being a missionary doesn’t necessarily mean traveling to a foreign country or going to remote villages. Remember that being a missionary is not reserved for a select few; it’s a call for all who follow Christ. Through our prayers, giving and serving we can bring the message of salvation to those around us right where we are. We often underestimate the power and influence we have in our own communities and workplaces. By following Jesus with a desire for holy living, we can share the love of Christ through our actions and words, we have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on those around us.
