July 03, 2019

The Well

As I sit in my living room on the 4th of July eve, I find myself reminiscing about growing up in a small town. As many of you know, I grew up here in Tallapoosa, and one of the greatest events that occurs in this small town is the 4th of July parade. What a gathering of community it is. On the 4th, I will see people that I have not seen in a year and some longer than that. It really is like a big family reunion. 

So, I hope to see you at the reunion on the 4th! Look for me. I'll be with FBC Tallapoosa handing out water to those who are thirsty. As Tallapoosa First gives away water tomorrow, I believe there will be many who have never been to the well with Jesus. A Samaritan women met Jesus at a well, and . . . well . . . she was not only given water, but she was also given grace. Tallapoosa First Baptist, let us go and give out some grace with water tomorrow and remember that we invite people to interact with Jesus at the well. 

I invite you to watch the music video below. It is the theme song for why we will be giving away water tomorrow. 

Mike

June 25, 2019

Treasure in Jars of Clay

In 2 Corinthians 4:7, Paul paints a beautiful picture, through his word choice, of a treasure available to everyone. First, he states that we "have a treasure in jars of clay." How can we understand the phrase "jars of clay?"

Jars of Clay

Scripture uses metaphorical language to compare humanity to dust and/or clay. In Genesis 2:7, Scripture teaches that God created man from the dust of the ground. Isaiah also weighs in on our understanding by saying, "But now, O Lord, you are our Father; we are the clay, and you are our potter; we are all the work of your hand" (64:8, ESV).  Jeremiah also uses this comparison when he writes, "Behold, like the clay in the potter's hand, so are you in my hand, O house of Israel" (18:2-6, ESV). The comparison continues in the New Testament as Paul writes about the treasure in jars of clay (2 Cor. 4:7).  With these references in mind, the only interpretation we can offer is that the jars of clay must refer to this human body. Now, we must turn to the treasure found in this jar of clay. 

The Treasure in Jars of Clay

Paul tells us that "we have this treasure in jars of clay." Well, what is THIS treasure? The treasure in this jar of clay is "to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us" (2 Cor. 4:7, ESV). Did you get that? The treasure is not to show any power of our own, BUT to reveal the surpassing power of God. What does God's power surpass? 

His power surpasses the power of sin! His power surpasses the power of death! His power surpasses the power of the grave! His power is limitless! His power is infinite! His power is the same yesterday, today, and forevermore! His power rescues the perishing! His power saves everyone who calls upon the name of Jesus. His power . . . breaks the chains and sets the captives free! 

I invite you to watch the video of Tasha Cobb singing Break Every Chain, as I believe it speaks directly to the all surpassing power of Jesus! 

Mike Casey

June 24, 2019

Life Together

Welcome to Tallapoosa First Baptist’s (TFBC) virtual campus. My name is Mike Casey, and I am the Pastor of this wonderful group of people here at Tallapoosa First. I am excited to have you as our guest and want to introduce you to who and what we are doing as we follow Jesus together.

First, our mission is to intentionally disciple by living life together with Jesus. Our goal is for every person affiliated with TFBC to become intentional about their discipleship and understand the importance of following Jesus daily with others.

Second, our vision is to live life together. Living life is messy business on the best day. This is why I love Jesus and what makes His grace so amazing. He chooses to live life together with people whose lives are a mess, and He offers grace instead of judgment. As followers of Jesus here at TFBC, we will choose to live life with others the way Jesus did.

I invite you to come along on this journey as we disciple by living life together with Jesus.

Mike