Pastor Ricky Powell

The Resurrection and the Life

A Sample of My Typical Sermon Manuscript

Some preacher friends who are just getting started in the ministry recently asked to see what I take into the pulpit when I preach. They wanted to know if I used notes or a manuscript. I told them that sometimes I preach without notes, but usually I have at least an outline of the message with my main points, supporting Scripture references, and key illustrations. I do not always have time to write out a full manuscript. However, my goal is to write out my sermon in full if at all possible. This practice makes me a better expositor of the Word and makes me think more deeply than I would otherwise. Writing out a manuscript also aids me when I preach because I do not have to look at the notes as much. The writing and review process helps me to internalize the message. I would encourage new preachers to write out as many of their sermons as possible. Of course, it should go without saying that the preacher must rely on the Holy Spirit at all times regardless of his preaching style. I have previously written about my philosophy of preaching that you can read here. Below is a recent sermon manuscript from the series I am in titled, "Miracles." As you will see, I use different colors to remind me of Scriptures (red), illustrations (blue), etc. I will also mark up the manuscript with handwritten notes that help me as I glance at key words or phrases. You can listen to the audio sermon here. If you compare the written manuscript with the audio you will see that I include things in the moment that I had not thought to write. If you are a preacher I would love to know what you use when you preach.

FCBC Is Partnering With Trinity Rescue Mission’s “More Than A Meal Celebration”

We are asking our members to donate the following toiletries for the men and women served by Trinity Rescue. We will pack plastic baggies with the following items:

1. Shampoo
2. Deodorant
3. Razor
4. Soap/Body Wash
5. Conditioner
6. Comb
7. Feminine Product (for female bags)

Please bring these items to the church at 11428 McCormick Road, Jacksonville, FL 32225 by November 21^st.

Inventory of bag items as of Noon on Friday

   

Kits already made    

M    F

18    13         

    

ITEM TOTALS    

Combs        213    

         

F Deodorant    34    

         

M Deodorant    32    

         

M Shampoo    21    

         

F Shampoo    30    

         

Toothbrushes    52    

         

Toothpaste    52    

         

M Shave Cream 29    

         

F Shave Cream    10    

         

Razors        290    

         

Soap        68    

         

Body Wash    8    

         

Feminine items 40    

Atheists Don't Have No Songs by Steve Martin and the Steep Canyon Rangers

A Conceptual Rendering of the Future Worship Center for Fort Caroline Baptist Church

Here is the beautiful rendering created by Lifeway Church Architecture Services. It is a design concept to show what our future campus might look like. The rendering illustrates a worship center on McCormick Road. You can see how the existing facilities are tied together with a covered walkway and a covered drive for dropping off passengers. The worship center would seat approximately 800-1000 people.

 

The Light of the World

This is the video of yesterday's service. I preached a brief message from John 9:1-11 about how Jesus is the light of the world. The message also featured an inspirational video testimony from the Foster family. I also shared an update with our congregation about our "Imagine A Place" building fund campaign and revealed a conceptual drawing of our future worship center. It is not too late to get involved in the building campaign. Just call the church office for more information. Thank you for being such a wonderful congregation!

 

“Imagine A Place” Building Fund Update

Dear Partner in Ministry,

Two years have passed since we stepped out in faith, expanded our campus, and began the 3-year "Imagine a place" capital stewardship campaign. Do you remember what it was like before we started this journey? Our church was out of preschool space, and we were nearly out of children, student, and adult classroom space. We were out of parking space and most of what we had was unpaved. Our campus was in need of some serious curb appeal. Worst of all, we had plateaued in our growth because we did not have room for new people who needed the Lord. Two years later we have a beautiful campus that God is filling with new people all the time! We have reached record numbers in LifeGroups by adding over 100 new people in average weekly attendance. We have grown from approximately 70 preschoolers each week to nearly 100! And we baptized a record 65 people in the last church year, for a total of 168 new members!

Just reviewing what the Lord has done through you makes my heart rejoice. As we begin this next year of the Imagine campaign it is CRITICAL that we stay focused on the task God has given us. Please continue to give toward the building fund so we can complete phase 1 and so we can move on toward phase 2 which includes completing the top floor of the new building for the children and remodeling the top floor of the Sandiford building for the students. The sooner we complete these goals the sooner we can build a new worship center on McCormick Road. I am thrilled to say that in November 2008 you pledged nearly $1 million dollars to be given over three years and have already given approximately $700,000! We must all give sacrificially this year to reach and surpass our goals.

This Sunday, November 14 you will be asked to renew (or adjust) your commitment to Imagine, or make a commitment if you are new to the church. Commitment cards will be available to everyone. We need EVERY person who considers this their church home to participate in whatever way they can to help us reach the lost. If you have already completed your pledge amount I say thank you. I would encourage you to continue to give to the building fund! I am also asking everyone to give a cash offering toward the building fund this Sunday as a way of demonstrating your commitment. Every penny received goes towards paying down the principle of the mortgage which is down from $1.5 million to approximately $1 million in just a few months. Even our children are going to get involved this Sunday by bringing their building fund offering into the worship service!

I will also unveil Lifeway Architecture's full-color rendering of what our new worship center could look like in the near future! You will be thrilled to see what the future holds for our church! So make every effort to be in worship this Sunday!

Grateful to be your Pastor... Ricky

Everlasting God - Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra

The Florida Worship Choir and Orchestra recently performed at First Baptist Church, Jacksonville. This is praise at its finest! I know you will enjoy watching. Also, you will see a former FCBC minister of music on the drums and several members of Fort Caroline Baptist Church in the audience close to the end of the song. You know who you are!

Jesus Is Sovereign Over The Storms Of Life

 

Jesus Walks On Water

 

Here Is A Hint About Tomorrow's Message