“I Can’t Breathe.” “Black Lives Matter.” “My Skin is Not a Sin.” These were just a few of the signs carried and lines chanted by peaceful protesters in downtown Smyrna this past weekend. After witnessing the protest first hand, I am still trying to process the experience. My heart is […]
Heavenly Father, As the sun rises on this day of resurrection, the dawning light of gratitude captivates my heart and mind. From our east coast to the west, from Alaska to the Islands of Hawaii, the sun illuminates a country whose citizens live in freedom. We pray for relief from […]
Endorsed by the Leadership Team of First Baptist Church of SmyrnaMay 2, 2020 The Non-Discrimination Ordinance (NDO) as drafted is clearly unconstitutional. The NDO refers to “violations of city ordinances” without limitation or explanation. Subjecting all existing ordinances to required “enhanced penalties” as a result of this NDO will result […]
Jeffrey D. Pennington, Ph.D.Sr. PastorFirst Baptist Church, Smyrna, GAMay 1, 2020 The purpose of this article is to argue that a non-discrimination ordinance (NDO) for the City of Smyrna should be rejected because it does not stand the test of common sense. Such an ordinance is not good policy for […]
Jeffrey D. Pennington, Ph.D.Sr. PastorFirst Baptist Church, Smyrna, GAApril 30, 2020 One of my favorite stories from the Revolutionary War occurred on Christmas night 1776 in treacherous conditions. Washington surprised the Hessian Army in Trenton, New Jersey, after crossing the Delaware River, and won an overwhelming victory. It is truly […]
Jeffrey D. Pennington, Ph.D.Sr. PastorFirst Baptist Church, Smyrna, GAApril 29, 2020 On April 16, 2020, Mayor Derek Norton and City Council met for a regular Committee on the Whole meeting. On the agenda for that meeting was a discussion and review of a Non- Discrimination Ordinance (NDO) written by Scott […]
“Know therefore that the Lord your God is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9 I am thrilled and excited for you! If you are reading this article, it is likely that you are still being […]
By Jeff Pennington & Ryan Showalter This morning, during family worship, the girls and I (Pastor Jeff) enjoyed reading yesterday’s conclusion to our Holy Week Reading Guide. Ken and Jeane Travis’ article is beautifully written, and their reflections on Jesus’ resurrection brought a fitting conclusion to the week of focus. […]
“The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and fourth generation.” – Numbers 14:18 When I was training to run a marathon, […]
I rarely write about matters that stem from a television show. This is especially true when the show is a singing competition. But in the void of March Madness and the Masters, I have taken an unusual interest in American Idol. This has been the best thing I have found […]