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As you know we were in prayerful anticipation of holding spring revival services with Evangelist Rick Coram.  The Revival services were originally going to kick off in two weeks on Easter Sunday.  However, given the recent pandemic, the decision has been made to reschedule our revival services for September 6th-9th, 2020.  In the meantime, may God revive our hearts that we may rejoice in Him! Also, stay tuned for more information regarding an outdoor Easter service at our church.  Currently, plans are being made to hold this service in the parking lot of East Barbourville.

As you know we are called to be financially invested in the ministry of the church. With that said, there are two ways that you can continue to financially support the ministry of our church and the ministry partners who receive funding through our church during the Coronavirus outbreak.

Option # 1:

Write a check and mail it to the Church:

East Barbourville Baptist Church

P.O. Box 66

Barbourville, KY 40906

Option # 2:

—Utilize Safe and Secure eGiving through the Church Website—

Step 1: Go to www.ebbc.church

Step 2: Click on “Give Now!”

Step 3: Click on the gray box that says

“Click Here To Give Securely”

Step 4: Choose the best option for you:

1. “Register as a New User”
2. Quick Give (No Registration Required) 

Step 5: Provide your information and click “Submit.”

*Note:  You will immediately receive an email receipt from EBBC.  Please retain this receipt for tax purposes.

Thank you in advance for answering God’s call to give! Because of your faithful support, the gospel will continue to reach deep into unreached hearts in our community as well as those who are unreached in other countries of the world. Your act of generosity is certainly a testimony of your commitment to Christ, His Church, and the Great Commission.

Some have asked how they might view our church service if they don’t have Facebook. Great question! The link below should direct you to our church’s YouTube channel which will allow you to watch a recording of the service once it has been uploaded Sunday afternoon.

https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCGj3wjny8ty5CaEvtgFOFSQ/featured

Obviously, these are unprecedented times.  If you have a questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to myself or one of our deacons. May God continue to give us wisdom so that we can creatively and effectively minister during this time.

In Christ,

Pastor Josh

I’m writing to inform you about upcoming changes in our scheduling due to the Coronavirus pandemic. Unfortunately, the situation calls for everyone to do their part in flattening the curve and preventing the further spread of the virus including churches. With that said, for the next two weeks, we will not be physically meeting as a congregation at our church campus.

However, we will be broadcasting our Sunday morning service online using Facebook and YouTube. In addition, we are planning on making other recorded Bible study resources available online as well. Our hope is that these resources will help facilitate a time of family Bible study in the home among individuals and families given the absence of Sunday school, AWANA, and Wednesday night services.

Please note that these resources may also be used by those who want to meet as a small group of 10 or less in someone’s home. Obviously, our church leaders are unable to organize these groups at this time. However, feel free to invite others to join you if you feel led to host a small group in your home over the next few weeks. The following is an example of what a small group Bible study might look like: meet, fellowship (possibly eat a meal together), study (using the link made available to the recorded resource), and pray.

In the meantime don’t forget about “Your One” that we’ve been praying for in recent months. Perhaps you could invite them to attend and participate in your group as well. If not “Your One” then perhaps others from your neighborhood would want to join your group.

In light of this situation, I cannot help but think of the early church and what resulted when severe persecution broke out according to Acts 8:1. Ironically, what satan meant for discouragement God used as a catalyst for scattering the church far and wide advancing the spread of the gospel.

Likewise, we may find ourselves scattered for a season due to our current circumstances but that does not mean we cannot serve the cause of Christ creatively and effectively. As a matter of fact, a study of church history reminds us that Christ’s church has survived and thrived amidst outbreaks of plagues and persecution for the last 2,000 years.

Let me close by saying that I am praying Romans 15:13 for you, our community, nation, and our world.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

In Christ,

Pastor Josh

Note: Further information and updates will be available through email, Facebook, and our blog (EBBC blog.com). Online giving is available through our website www.ebbc.church.

It is no secret that the Coronavirus has interrupted the typical ebb and flow of our everyday lives.  As such, everyone from the Whitehouse to the Churchhouse is trying to figure out what is the most reasonable and responsible plan of action to take amid all of the legitimate concerns.

With that said, I was introduced this afternoon to an article in “Christianity Today” written by Daniel Chin who is a global health expert with experience in helping churches respond to the Coronavirus Crisis. The title of the article is Should Your Church Stop Meeting to Slow COVID-19? How 3 Seattle Churches Decided. While I found the entire article insightful the most valuable part of the article consisted of a visual tool the author used in helping churches assess the risk factor of their community and how congregations should respond accordingly.  In the event that you do not want to read the entire article but you would like to know how we will assess the risk factor associated with continuing to worship together over the course of the next couple of weeks his assessment tool is provided for you below.

(Note: The full article can be found at http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2020/march-web-only/seattle-churches-stop-meeting-to-slow-covid-19-coronavirus.html).

It is possible that we may be forced in the coming days or weeks to take a different approach in conducting our worship services.  As such, please be prepared to worship with us via Livestream on Facebook or via a pre-recorded uploaded sermon/service on YouTube. Thankfully, we have the capability to do this if it comes to that. In addition, we have the capability for folks to give securely online at http://www.ebbc.church/give-now/.

Stay tuned to our Facebook page and check your email in the event our scheduling has changed.

In Christ,

Pastor Josh

Church family & Community,

In an effort to care for the health of our congregation and community we have been actively monitoring developments related to the Coronavirus across our state.

As you know, there are 14 confirmed cases of the Coronavirus in Kentucky. Of the confirmed cases announced this week affected areas include Harrison, Fayette, Jefferson, and Montgomery counties.

Given the fact that these cases are outside of our geographical location and upon the recommendation of trusted health professionals We WILL have church tomorrow.

With that said, our prevention guidelines will be the same practice that we use every year during Flu season.

1. We ask that everyone forgo handshakes and hugs during this time.

2. We ask folks who are sick to stay home until they are feeling better.

3. We also ask that if you have been out of the country within the last two weeks that you remain home.

4. In addition, we ask everyone to actively use hand soaps and sanitizers in order to eliminate the further spread of germs.

We understand that people are alarmed about the spread of this virus. Therefore, if you are legitimately concerned about your safety don’t feel that you have to attend. Use your best judgment.

As such, join me in praying for the healing of those who are infected and for the protection of those who are most vulnerable to the virus because of preexisting conditions.

Ultimately, situations like this remind us of the brevity of life and force us to wrestle with the question of life after death. Spiritually speaking sin left untreated is terminal but sin treated with the gospel is curable. Therefore, in the uncertainty of this moment let’s look to Jesus and trust Him to save you and keep you safe.

in Christ,

Pastor Josh

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Families are gathering, the weather is cooling, and the Christmas spirit is growing (along with our waistlines)! This is, by far, my most favorite time of the year. December 1^st hits and I am just in a good mood. I love Christmas music (start in November actually – don’t judge me!), I love being with family and the joy that being around the table with loved ones brings, and I LOVE celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior!

But, if we’re honest, the hustle and bustle of the holiday season can be a little draining and most certainly hectic. There’s always another get together to be at, another present that needs to be wrapped, and another gift that we can’t afford. It’s very easy to forget what this season is all about. We often fall into the trap of leaving Christ out of Christmas. I would like to propose a few ideas that you (especially parents) can implement in your home to keep Christ at the center of your Christmas.

1. Open your bibles and read through the Christmas story.

The Bible is the foundation upon which the Christian builds his knowledge of God and of how to live this thing called the Christian life. The Bible is not mere words on a page – it is the very Word of God. It is not some ancient book with irrelevant meaning, but instead it is life for today. Hebrews 4:12 tells us that the Bible is living and active and sharper than any two edged sword and penetrates the heart of man. 2 Timothy 3:16 tells us is it profitable for man to be made complete. What better way to celebrate the birth of Christ than to proclaim it in our very homes!

2. Serve those who are in need of Christ this Christmas season.

Christ was not someone who only talked a big talk but also walked the walk. Jesus saw those who were in need and he was moved with compassion (Matthew 9:36). Jesus met physical needs in order to meet spiritual needs as well. It was never either/or but always both/and. There are many in our community that do not have the same Christmas experience as we do. There are some who have lost family, some whose family is far away, and others who have alienated themselves from family. There are many who just simply do not have the means to have a traditional family Christmas. My old pastor and his family were a great example of how to serve others during this time. Every year on Christmas day they volunteered to help serve meals to those who were in need. By doing this, they showed the love of Christ in deed but they were also able to have a platform to share the gospel with them. Notice that I said they did this as a family. It wasn’t mom and dad or older siblings. This was a family event. Parents you have a great opportunity to set the example for your children this Christmas season. Don’t pass it up!

3. Get your family in church.

I would actually challenge you to make this a year round commitment! Holidays usually bring out the masses when it comes to church attendance. Many feel obligated to come during times like this. Some scoff at those that only come during this time, but I say we praise God for it! Anytime someone comes to the house of the Lord we should be ecstatic. Christmas brings along with it the emphasis upon the birth of Jesus. Because of this, our preaching around this year tends to intensely focus on evangelism. This should encourage those of us with lost members of our family to invite them even more! Another reason we should make sure to get our families in church is that the Lord commands it. Hebrews 10:25 tells us not to forsake the gathering of the saints, that is, the church. Parents, it is your responsibility to have your children in church. You are the primary spiritual advisers of their lives. If it is not a priority to you now, it will not be a priority to them later in life. Make time this Christmas season and all other times of the year to be in church with your family!

While this is not an exhaustive list, I do hope that it could at least be a starting point for some. Overall, I just ask you to make much of Christ. As the song says, “O come let us adore Him!”

In Christ,

Bro. Taylor Haley

Student Pastor

March to the Manger

In 2010 I had the unforgettable experience of walking the hillsides of Bethlehem in Israel.  While there we visited the historic Church of the Nativity which is celebrated as the location where Jesus was born.  Looking back I realize that what took us just hours to drive in the comfort of an air conditioned bus would have taken Mary and Joseph days to travel by foot.  The journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem would have been strenuous for someone who was physically fit much less someone in the late stages of pregnancy.  Nevertheless unbeknownst to them Mary and Joseph marched their way to the manger in Bethlehem.

As a result, here we are some 2,000 years later thanking God for that miraculous moment in Bethlehem.  That’s because through Jesus our sins are forgiven, we are adopted as children into the family of God, and we are guaranteed eternal life.  Like all men He was born and like all men He was Buried but unlike any man He rose from the dead.  He had a miraculous conception, a meager birth, a meaningful ministry, a moral life, a martyrs death, and a monumental resurrection!  As such Paul reminds us that “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

However, that is not all that Paul tells us in that chapter related to the gospel message.  In the two verses that followed Paul highlights the necessity of fostering the missional spirit within the church as he writes “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:14-15).  With that said we must give so that others can continue to go taking the gospel message to the ends of the earth.  Mark your calendars because this Sunday we will do just that.  We will march to the manger with our gifts for the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering which supports the work of International Missionaries through the ministry of the International Mission Board.

For more info about the Lottie Moon Christmas offering and the International Mission Board check out: https://www.imb.org/lottie-moon-christmas-offering.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7 we read “Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.”  It is no secret that “cheerful giving” plays an important role in the fulfillment of the mission and ministry of the local church.  When folks give to their church they ensure that the gospel is proclaimed around the world, the lights stay on, the bus continues to run, the children and youth ministries are funded, and salaries are paid.  Yes, the church needs faithful givers like you to answer God’s call to be financially invested in the ministry of Christ’s Church.

With that said there are several ways that you can give to the ministry of East Barbourville Baptist Church. First, you can give during the worship service on a Sunday morning. Second, you could mail your gift to the church. Third, you can give electronically through the virtual offering plate that is available on our website (www.ebbc.church). Our family and others have been utilizing this giving option for the last year. In doing so we have found it to be safe, secure, and convenient. In order to do just follow these five easy steps:

Step 1: Go to http://www.ebbc.church

Step 2: Click on “Give Now”

Step 3: Scroll down and click on the link that says CLICK HERE TO GIVE SECURELY

Step 4: Choose the best option for you:

– Register as a New User in order to setup a recurring gift. (Our family doesn’t ever carry cash or hardly ever write checks anymore therefore this recurring giving option allows us to give weekly and freely. It takes less than five minutes to setup the first time. After that you don’t have to log back in unless you need to change the amount or the schedule of when your gift is given. If you elect to use this option I recommend setting it up as an electronic check because the transaction fee is minimal compared to a debit card.)

Or

– Click “Quick Give” (No registration is required.)

Step 5: Provide the requested information and click “Submit.”

In addition, a unique feature of this giving platform is the email receipt that you receive immediately from East Barbourville which can be retained and used for tax purposes. With that said let me say thank for for your faithful giving through any of the three options mentioned above. Your continued contributions are a testimony to your commitment to Christ, His Church, and the Great Commission! Because of your faithful support the gospel will continue to reach deep into unreached hearts in our community as well as those who are unreached in other countries of the world.

In Christ,

Pastor Josh

To God be the Glory!!

In Psalm 126:3 the Psalmist declares “The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.”  This verse certainly captures how we feel after the revival services that have been held this week.  It has been so good to fellowship with sister churches who have graciously ministered to us through song.  It has been so good to fellowship with one another as a result of our commitment to faithful attendance and participation each night.  It has been so good to sit under the authority of Spirit-empowered preaching through the evangelistic ministry of Bro. Rick Coram.  Most importantly it has been so good to see a fresh move of God in the hearts and lives of many who have knelt at the altar for salvation, rededication, relational reconciliation, as well as physical and emotional liberation.  Yes, we thank God for every spiritual victory that we have encountered this week!

In addition, I want to thank you for doing your part in making this a great week of revival.  I especially want to thank you for being faithful to plow the soil of revival by fervently praying for these services.  I also want to thank you for being faithful in participating in these services by being physically present and by allowing God to speak into your heart and life each night.  In addition, I want to thank you for your generous financial support.  When I first contacted Bro. Rick about coming I assumed that he would require a set honorarium and that it might not be feasible to bring him to Barbourville Kentucky.  However, I was pleasantly surprised when he explained that he would be honored to come on the basis of a love offering.  In response, the saints of God have generously and cheerfully invested in Bro. Rick’s ministry through their faithful giving at the end of each service.

With said may we bask in the afterglow of this week. In doing so may we guard our hearts against the temptation to drift once again into the comfortable posture of complacency. Instead, may our hearts continue to be stirred with a holy unrest that leads us to love, live for, and serve the Lord without reservation. In addition, may God move through each of us in order to bring our friends and family to saving faith in Jesus Christ! I look forward to all that God will continue to do in and through the ministry of East Barbourville right here in our hometown and around the world.

In Christ,

Pastor Josh