Ebenezer Baptist Hillsborough, NC

Is generosity dead? That may seem like a bleak question, but has the me-first mentality consumed the spirit of self-sacrifice? The church has been called to be generous, but what does that mean? As we conclude the series “Start Here” this Sunday at 10:30am, we will learn that generosity includes so much more than stewardship of physical wealth. Will you join us in this intriguing discussion about this impactful characteristic of authentic Jesus-followers?

Give thanks! You might have to dive deep to really proclaim your gratitude for this year. Let’s be honest, it’s been tough. However, we have to ask, “did God know all this was coming?” This week, we will explore what it means to entrust something. You see, God is not surprised by the circumstances, but He might have an opinion about our response. Join us at 10:30am this Sunday for a look at Matthew 25.

The tension within our world because of economic, health, and social unrest puts everyone on edge. Responses come with a sharper tone and the rampant sharing of opinions has taken control. Chaos and conflict can derail our desire to love others well. What if there was a perspective on the environments of our day that enabled you to love others through grace without compromising a biblical stand? In this last installment from the Ephesians series, we’ll discuss Paul’ battle ready, battle tested prescription for God’s people.

In a week marked with volatility and angst, it’s easy to question where the truth is. It’s seems fluid, doesn’t it. But that’s not altogether true. We can’t change truth. Truth doesn’t change. When we discuss truth, we must consider God. He is the unchanging constant in a tumultuous world. So why do so many discount God, what He says, and His plan? Join us this Sunday for a message entitled, “Truth Doesn’t Change” as we continue our study of Paul’s letter to the Ephesians.

What brings unity in diversity? Everyone has an opinion and the narratives on every side can stimulate your emotions. As we embark on this week of elections and continued division in our country, it is imperative that we consider a solution. Even the church struggles with unity and diversity. Paul understood the dynamics of individuals that can be driven by personal desire. Yet Paul gives the Ephesians a new way to live in unity. That's the discussion for this week's message. Join Pastor Bob as we explore God's Word in Ephesians 4.

When someone gives you a backstage pass or sideline privileges, it comes with access to something special. Usually not shared, it allows you to go places that others cannot. God has provided us an all access pass to Himself through faith in Jesus Christ. Join us Sunday as we explore the privilege with which believers are entrusted from our study of Ephesians 3. It’s time to pick up your all access pass!

With a critical election in our country just around the corner, it is important that your vote counts. Because…voting is influence. Your vote might change the way you live. Paul’s letter to the Ephesian church was a description of a new way to live, even in the tension of rivaling loyalties. Join us this week as Pastor Bob unpacks Ephesians 2 and the clear distinctions we face in the voting booth. The results might just lead to a great time of victorious celebration.

How would you define the word “blessing”? It’s a curious notion that the things that are good from our perspective are a blessing, and yet, the things that are difficult or tragic would not. How would you rate God on His record of blessing? As we begin this 7-week series from Ephesians, we will discover or be reminded that the Gospel calls us to a new way to live. Join us as we examine the question, “Am I All In?” For message resources such as notes and a weekly study plan, visit www.ebcconnect.org/onlinemessageresources.

This year marks the 125th anniversary of Ebenezer Baptist Church. Today, we celebrate God's faithfulness and grace. As we look back at our heritage, we also consider what this generation will leave as a legacy. Our guest speaker for today is Dr. Chuck Register, Associate Executive Director-Treasurer and Director of Church Planting and Missions Partnerships for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina.

In small and large ways, promises are part of everyday life. We promise to pay back loans, change habits, eat healthier, slow down, and more. But what about when God promises? Do we measure the faithfulness of God by our own ability to keep our promises? This Sunday, we will consider how we respond to God’s promises and why this is important when life throws us a curve.

There is a ___________ missing. Do you feel the tension? It is a natural inclination to want to fill in the blank. For every void, we can be drawn to the most convenient alternative to eliminate the discomfort and tension of uncertainty. This week, Pastor Bob discusses the trap of replacing God with weak substitutes and how we can resist the urge to fill the void. Join us in this study of Moses’ story entitled, “God and Cancel Culture”.

Life In Christ Sept 13 2020 Guest Speaker Grayson Caudill by Ebenezer Baptist Church

The Way Back September 6, 2020 NextGen/Family Pastor Jeremiah Chapman by Ebenezer Baptist Church

I have trust issues. Frankly, we all do. And when it comes to a God we cannot see; those trust issues can force us to miss a preferred future that God has orchestrated for our good and His glory. This week, Pastor Bob tackles the sometimes-unsettling nature of walking with God as we continue in our study of Exodus. For the Israelites and you: what is ahead is far better than what is behind. Join us in this study of Moses’ story entitled, “Can I Trust You?”.

When have you had to “prove” yourself? When we look at the events leading up to the release of the Hebrews from Egyptian slavery, it seems God has to measure up to the expectations of many. This week, Pastor Bob is going to talk about the proving ground of faith, how hardness of heart can sabotage our relationship with God, and what to do if you desire to change that connection. Join us in this study of Moses’ life from the book of Exodus.

The mask has become a symbol for safety, fashion, politics, and rights. The myriad of opinions can make people blush or turn red with anger. But are masks a problem for the church? This week, Pastor Bob is going to talk about a context of persecution and why we should celebrate the Gospel more than ever before. Join us in this study of Moses’ life from the book of Exodus called, “recalibrate.”

Learning environments come in all shapes and sizes. That is never truer than today and our current back to school challenges, health issues, and cultural upheaval. Classrooms come in all shapes and sizes, including deserts. Join us in this study called “Your Best Learning Environment” and discover truths from Moses’ life that God wants to use in your life and His story.

Every day, people are faced with decisions that set a course for the future. Sounds ominous, doesn’t it? We may not think of the gravity of a choice because it seems minor in our eyes, but the truth remains: Decisions clear a path for the future. God gives to us the resources to help us navigate through the maze of choices. It’s about recalibrating our lives in the knowledge that we are part of God’s bigger story of redemption and restoration. Join us in this study of Moses’ life from the book of Exodus called, “recalibrate.”

This week we will be looking at the timely truth that “Jesus’ power pulls us through.” Not only that, but we will also deal with the responsibility that we have, as students of our Savior, to learn and grow from each circumstance in order to be more like Him. Please pray that you will be ready for God has for you today.

What brings you the most confidence when facing uncertainty? The fear of death is common and brings anxiousness to our spirits, but it doesn't have to! God, by His mercy, offers us an invitation to experience His grace for today and eternity. The writer of 1 John uses the word confidence when he describes someone in Christ before the throne of the Creator of the universe. Join us this morning as we conclude this series from 1 John. Our discussion called "Grace That Overcomes" will revolve around the idea of grace that is intricately woven into the fabric of John's message.

In turbulent times, the witness and love of Christ and His church is a hinge point on which a culture can turn. As John writes to a group of believers challenged by a philosophy that denied the earthly presence of Jesus and refused to connect real living to following God's commands, we begin to see the importance of the message for us in 2020. John's pastoral letter exposes the truth of God's love for us, but also what it means to love others. Join us as we embark on this discussion in the UPside series entitled "Love That Shines" from 1 John 2:7-11.

The Declaration of Independence was written and signed by representatives of a new nation to separate from the tyranny of Great Britain in 1776. One phrase: "We hold these truths..." has been the most popular, yet controversial phrases of our time. In an era that seems to declare a fluid version of truth, there is only One true Source of lasting truth available to men. It is bedrock. This week, we will discuss the idea of truth, design and discerning, and the implications for us as people of action.

The world around us seems chaotic and uncertain. Yet within the larger picture, people are struggling with isolation and anxiousness. In the apostle John's short letter to the church, he brings an encouraging word of God's presence and grace. Join Pastor Bob on a journey to discover the UPside in a world that seems flipped out in this four-part message series from 1 John.

There are some important perspectives all dads need to know in order to engage in the mission of fathering well. We want to equip and encourage fathers all over the world with a few important pieces their hearts need. You are invited to join Michael Thompson, author of The Heart of a Warrior, LIVE this Father’s Day, June 21, as he guides the exploration ... Navigating Fatherhood: 3 Important Secrets to Being a Good Dad

Pandemic, murder, racism, and riots. These are four words that describe the past couple of weeks in our nation. How should the church respond? How should OUR church respond? In our focal passages for today, Jesus uses three comparisons to illustrate how our hearts should adjust to the grace that has been given to us through God’s gift of salvation. Join us either on campus or online at 9:00am or 11:00am as we discuss "Curing the Culture - Rescuing Rage."

A New Generation is Changing the World

We all can be a little dramatic on occasion. It happens in those times when we are faced with unexpected bad news or a loss of security, whether it is our health, job, or family. In this porch conversation, Jesus shares from the very heart of God what foundation ought to exist for leaving a legacy of faith and an eternal investment. When we get this wrong, we become anxious for what we can provide. It steals our joy. Join us as we search God’s Word on a quest to learn what Jesus had to say about treasure, eyesight, and anxiousness in Matthew 6 this week in our series called, “PORCH Conversations."

The porch was a gathering place for families and friends. It was a place to share big events and converse over the important issues of the day. Many times, the conversations included small tidbits of wisdom and guidance. This small things often changed the trajectory of lives. Sipping on lemonade on a cool summer evening and talking over the day might have included conversation about how to get along with friends, coworkers, and family. Sometimes, we don't see our relationships through the lens of God's love or character. This week, our Children's Pastor, Isaiah, is sharing from Matthew 5: 43-48 on relationships.

The porch was a gathering place for families and friends. It was a place to share big events and converse over the important issues of the day. Many times, the conversations included small tidbits of wisdom and guidance. This small things often changed the trajectory of lives. That's the positive spin. But the opposite is true as well. This week, our NextGen/ Family Pastor is sharing from Matthew 5:27-30 on guarding your heart from the little decisions that have big consequences. Join us online at 10:30am this Sunday. Resources for this week's message and follow-up discussion questions for every age can be found at www.ebcconnect.org/stayhealthy.

Important conversations take place on a porch. No, it's not the same as negotiating a business deal in a conference room or doing important research in a lab. However, the porch has been a place for families and communities to gather. Whether the topic was lighthearted or serious, the porch was important. Jesus sat down to teach in a similar way when He shared the sermon on the mount in Matthew 5. You may have pictured Him standing, expounding in a loud voice to a massive crowd. But that is not how that scene is described. Join us as we embark on a quest to learn what Jesus had to say about life, relationships, and the kingdom of God in this new series called “PORCH Conversations” each Sunday at 10:30am.

What causes you to be most afraid? During the past several weeks, we have been bombarded with news stories about health and economic concerns. In Peter’s last paragraphs of his letter to the exiles in Asia Minor, he writes a final word of encouragement. Not only does he remind them to stand strong in the face of an uncertain, and possibly dangerous, future, but he leads them to consider a spiritual truth concerning Satan. Faced with fear can paralyze and depress anyone. Join us as we explore the final entry of hope and strength in the letter of 1 Peter this week at Ebenezer.

We all define success differently. Some of us immediately think of our careers. Some consider influence. Others would voice accomplishments in their marriage or family. But how does God define success? Peter wrote to a group of people that were struggling with the idea of being displaced and yet called to be witnesses for God. However, things may not have progressed the way they wanted. Peter addresses this tension between humility, success, and God’s plan. Join us as we explore further in the letter of 1 Peter this week at Ebenezer.

From the time Peter was called to be a disciple of Jesus, we are presented with episodes that expose Peter’s personality and character. Like you and me, some of it is commendable and some of it… well. Let’s just say he had some rough edges. Thirty years removed from the resurrection and his restorative conversation with Jesus on a beach, we hear Peter’s heart for the church and her leadership. This week, Peter stops to address those leading the church, but not without a word to the congregation as well. Join us as we explore further in the letter of 1 Peter this week at Ebenezer.

We are seeing the effects of COVID-19 in just about every area of life. Isolation and the prospect of health and economic disaster has brought about despair and loss of hope. But that’s not Peter’s message to the exiles experiencing similar emotions. Honestly, how has our current environment affected your life? As the exiles looked into the mirror, they likely wrestled with similar questions about suffering and God’s plan. Join us as we continue to search Peter’s letter this Sunday at Ebenezer. You can find online message notes, discussion questions for various ages, and links to different video formats at www.ebcconnect.org/stayhealthy

It’s hard to deny that COVID-19 is affecting people in multiple ways. Certainly, the health concerns bring a sense of anxiety and uncertainly to everyday life. Additionally, the economic impact is changing the unemployment numbers and retirement accounts. And there’s more! But as our “normal” changes, how should the people of God, those identified as God’s chosen, the church, and saved through Jesus Christ respond during this change? Join us ONLINE for a message entitled “When Normal Changes” from 1 Peter 4 this weekend. Go to www.ebcconnect.org/stayhealthy for the message and resources.

How is a church to maintain connections in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic? It's a question we wrestle with because having community is so important to the church. In 1 Peter, the writer shares some ways that the exiled Christians could live with each other and be a witness for Jesus Christ within their community.

Have you witnessed a change in the way people respond to authority? Serving as a law enforcement agent, a teacher, coach, or an employer puts you in the middle of this tension of questioning authority. Our culture has moved from seeking answers to expressing opinion in action. Do you think that our responses to human authority is connected to our ability to see and understand divine authority? This question will drive our discussion in today's message in our 1 Peter study entitled “How Should I Respond to Authority?”

With traditional, biblically-based marriage being marginalized within our culture, how should the church respond? God's design is clear. From the early accounts in Genesis to the New Testament encouragements from Paul and Peter, the marriage covenant between one man and one woman is to be a vivid portrait of God's love for us through Jesus Christ. Peter reminds his readers, those exiles, that responding to authority outside the home may require submission and respect, the order of the home can be more difficult. Our discussion today teaches us to have a heart that chases after God and His precepts first. It is then that the marriage can flourish for both the husband and wife.

Announcements are made, lineups are in, the commentators check their stats, teams enter the court to raucous fans, and... It's the BIG game. Are you ready? When Peter writes to the exiles, he seems to understand that there is more on the line than a score at the end of sixty minutes. Peter reminds his readers that their lives are worth more than they imagine. This fresh start is not about them, but about the God Who loves them and has given Himself so that they can be on this team. Discover why our lives and our representation of the team is vital as we discuss the “The BIG Game.”

Do you ever feel like the world is watching to see what those claiming to believe in Jesus are going to do? During this election season, candidates are being measure, but so is our behavior as Christians being measured. It may seem unfair, but is it? What does Peter write about our behavior, obedience, and practical living in his letter to the exiles? Discover why our lives should be action-packed as we discuss the “Primary Outcomes of a Living Hope.”

In a world where hope seems scarce, Peter, gives a word of encouragement to those exiles to Asia Minor during some severe persecution. We might be familiar with the idea of muscle memory. Our "muscle memory" when we face difficult circumstances can often take us away from the bigger picture of what God may be doing in our lives. This week, we address what a living hope looks like when applied to our lives.

Exiles- Encouragement From A Grace Perspective Sunday, Feb 2, 2020 Pastor Bob Sipper by Ebenezer Baptist Church

Becoming Good Soil Sunday, January 26, 2020 Pastor Jeremiah Chapman by Ebenezer Baptist Church

When you think of prayer, what first comes to mind? Is it important, worth the time, or effective? Jesus referred to the Temple as a place of prayer. On one occasion, Jesus cleared the Temple courts because of the abuse of people wanting to bring an offering and seeking to worship God. Jesus put a high value on prayer. How does that affect us?

The puns will be numerous during this first step into the new decade. As with previous years, the turn of the calendar seems to provide a fresh start and new chances to find purpose, grow (or shrink), and have things be different. Today, we look at the importance of connection and conversation with God as the marker for a new start. Join us as we together look at the topic and action of prayer.

The Light That Effects Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 Pastor Isaiah Hawks by Ebenezer Baptist Church

Where Is There Peace? Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019 Pastor Bob Sipper by Ebenezer Baptist Church

Tim Brown, missionary serving in Africa at Rift Valley Academy, shares the connection between light and love in the context of the Christmas story. Tim and Laura serve through Africa Inland Mission and are members of Ebenezer Baptist Church

Behold, There Is Hope Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019 Pastor Bob Sipper by Ebenezer Baptist Church

Keys To Passing The Midterm Exam Sunday, Nov. 24, 2019 Pastor Bob Sipper by Ebenezer Baptist Church

The Remedy For Unfaithfulness Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019 Pastor Bob Sipper by Ebenezer Baptist Church