Is following Jesus more important than following the “rules”? What might it look like if we find ourselves as God’s people gathered into the Holy Spirit’s work rather than holding on to our own comforts and desires? As Peter asks in our text today, interrupted by the Holy Spirit’s work among the Gentiles: “Can anyone withhold the water for baptizing these people who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” Indeed not. How can we live such an amazing truth in our church today?

This Sunday is the Sixth Sunday of Easter. Easter Sunday was the beginning of the season of Eastertide in the liturgical year. Eastertide is celebrated from Easter Sunday for fifty days, until the day of Pentecost, and focuses on the meaning of Christ’s resurrection. The liturgical color is white, symbolizing light, victory, and eternal life.

We welcome to our pulpit Rev. Dr. Nathan Taylor, Executive Director, Virginia Baptist Historical Society. Dr. Taylor serves as the Executive Director of the Virginia Baptist Historical Society and the Center for Baptist Heritage & Studies, both located at the University of Richmond. A Baptist heritage educator and Certified Archivist, he holds a D.Min. from Mercer University, an M.Div. from Baptist Theological Seminary at Richmond, a B.S. in Social Studies Education from Asbury University, as well as additional studies in archives & information science.

This Sunday is Homecoming Sunday! In 2024, First Baptist Church celebrates 140 years of ministry and service (1884-2024). During the month of April, we have been highlighting moments in our history and marking our legacy in worship. Today we host Homecoming Sunday, inviting everyone to come home for a time of worship and fellowship. The liturgical color of the day is red, which represents the Holy Spirit and the martyrs of the Christian Church. Red is also the liturgical color for anniversaries and festival days of the churches.

We welcome to our pulpit Rev. John Fulcher, retired Pastor of First Baptist Church. Rev. Fulcher was pastor from 2012-2017, and previously had served as Minister of Education then Associate Pastor from 2000 to 2012, serving a total of 17 years on the church staff.

This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Easter. Easter Sunday was the beginning of the season of Eastertide in the liturgical year. Eastertide is celebrated from Easter Sunday for fifty days, until the day of Pentecost, and focuses on the meaning of Christ’s resurrection. The liturgical color is white, symbolizing light, victory, and eternal life.

We welcome to our pulpit Rev. Dr. Dennis Knight, Retired Pastor of First Baptist Church. Dr. Knight was pastor of First Baptist Church from 2006-2012. Dr. Knight and his wife Sylvia continue to be members at First Baptist, serving in various capacities in retirement.

This Sunday is the Third Sunday of Easter. Easter Sunday was the beginning of the season of Eastertide in the liturgical year. Eastertide is celebrated from Easter Sunday for fifty days, until the day of Pentecost, and focuses on the meaning of Christ’s resurrection. The liturgical color is white, symbolizing light, victory, and eternal life.