WeAreIBC

Join Pastor Allen Bonnell for a special Mother's Day message at Immanuel Baptist Church. While the genealogies of the ancient world typically focused on men to settle legal and land rights, Matthew’s Gospel includes four "speed bumps" in the lineage of Jesus—four women whose stories were scandalous, messy, and unexpected. In this message, "Four Faces of Courage," we explore how God’s grace works through brokenness and outsiders: - Tamar (Courage to Pursue Justice): We look at the "messed up" story of Tamar, who courageously pursued what was right when she was neglected and treated unjustly by those meant to protect her. - Rahab (Courage to Change): A Canaanite prostitute who risked her life to hide Israelite spies. Her story reminds us that no matter how we were raised, we have the courage to turn in a new direction when faced with the truth of God. - Ruth (Courage to Trust): An outsider from Moab who gave her life away to care for her mother-in-law. Ruth teaches us what it looks like to take refuge under the wings of the God of Israel without any guarantees. - Mary (Courage to Surrender): A teenage mom who accepted God’s calling despite the certainty of rumors and social pressure. Her humble submission paved the way for the Savior of the world. Whether your family tree is full of "Cousin Eddies" or you feel like an outsider today, this message is a reminder that God never wastes your wounds. He uses the most unlikely people to advance His kingdom.

Join Pastor Allen Bonnell for a convicting message from 1 Peter 4:1–11. In a world that interprets events through many different lenses, Peter calls believers to "arm themselves" with a biblical worldview—interpreting life through the reality of Christ’s suffering and His imminent return.This sermon explores how to "number our days" so that every moment counts for eternity. If you knew Jesus was coming back in just one year, how would your priorities change? We look at four radical expressions of Christian love that should define our lives in these last days: - Love Expressed in Forgiveness: Discover how love "covers a multitude of sins" by choosing to let go of grudges and covering the shame of others rather than exposing it. - Love Expressed in Hospitality: Moving beyond dinner with friends, we look at "radical ordinary hospitality"—opening our homes and lives to those we disagree with to further the Gospel. - Love Expressed in Service: Every believer is given a spiritual gift for the common good. We discuss what it means to be an "owner" rather than just a "member" of the church, sacrificing rights to serve others. - Love Expressed for God's Glory: Life is not about our own happiness, but about God’s glory. Learn why the sooner we realize life isn't about us, the more our joy will explode.The message concludes with a challenge to check your direction. If you realize you’re heading the wrong way spiritually, today is the day to turn around. Following Jesus is a "right now" decision.