by Brent McDougal | Jun 14, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
Years ago, the great actor Richard Burton was given a grand reception in his childhood church. As people said many complimentary things about his oratory and acting, Burton asked if anyone would like to request that he recite something special. His old pastor, then...
by Brent McDougal | Jun 6, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
Some 700 years ago, a remarkable man was born. Although he was the son of an Italian cloth merchant and destined to be a knight, the young man decided not to take the path of wealth and fame. Instead, he chose a life of poverty. For most of his adult life, he wore a...
by Brent McDougal | Jun 1, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
During our time in Texas, we lived just a few miles from the Golden Gate Funeral Home. I never attended a funeral there or was asked to lead a ceremony. The building seemed a bit run down and never seemed busy. Therefore, I was surprised to learn that a TLC reality...
by Brent McDougal | Feb 20, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
Dear First Baptist Family, As most of you know, the subject of prayer has been very important to me in the last few years. My fascination with prayer — how it works, what we can expect, how to pray effectively — has grown out of my own sense of a lack of understanding...
by FBC Knoxville | Feb 13, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
When I was a child, I remember hearing the story of Joni Erickson Tada. She had a terrible swimming accident that left her a quadriplegic. In spite of her physical limitations, Joni became an accomplished author and artist. Her story of faith is inspiring. On her...
by FBC Knoxville | Feb 6, 2023 | FirstLife Blog
I so enjoyed celebrating communion with the family of faith yesterday. We’ve just begun to pass the plates again in the 11:00 am service. While I love the image of approaching the altar, as we do in the First Community early service, I also love the image of serving...
