Fairburn Baptist Association

06/04/2026

Jesus said we know a tree by its fruit — not by its press release.

That may be the most uncomfortable sentence in church life.

Any church, pastor, deacon, Sunday School teacher, theologian, or denominational committee can print values on a brochure. But the better question is:

What grows naturally when life squeezes us?

When the email is sharp, what comes out?
When the meeting goes sideways, what comes out?
When someone else gets praised, what comes out?
When we are tired, contradicted, overlooked, or treated like the church copier — used all the time and blamed when things go wrong — what comes out?

That is fruit inspection.

My latest blog, “The Fruit Does Not Lie,” looks at the fruit of the Spirit as the visible evidence that the invisible life of God is actually growing in us.

It is not religious foliage.
It is not spiritual branding.
It is not fake fruit taped to dead branches.

It is the life of Jesus taking shape in ordinary people.

Read it here: https://www.fairburnba.org/post/the-fruit-does-not-lie

06/03/2026

05/31/2026

Today was a special day at Line Creek Baptist Church as the church family honored Dr. David Hammonds in his retirement service.

Members expressed sincere love and appreciation for Dr. Hammonds and Sandra and for their faithful ministry to the church through the years. Their service, sacrifice, leadership, and love for the people of Line Creek have made a lasting impact.

May God bless Dr. David and Sandra Hammonds in this next chapter of life and ministry. We are grateful for their faithfulness and pray for the Lord’s continued favor over them.

www.linecreekbaptist.com

05/27/2026

A clipper ship can have tall masts, beautiful sails, and a hardworking crew—but without wind, it's not going anywhere.

That is a pretty accurate picture of the Christian life without the Holy Spirit.

In my latest blog, “The Atmosphere of the Spirit,” I look at how the Holy Spirit breathes life through the whole Christian Character Tree: the soil, seed, roots, nutrients, trunk, limbs, fruit, weather, pruning, and the orchard of the church.

Christian character does not grow because we finally “try harder” and hope God grades on a curve. It grows as we walk by the Spirit, keep in step with the Spirit, and live in His presence and power.

Because without Him, all we have is a pile of religious lumber.

But with Him, dead wood becomes a living tree.

Read the blog here:
www.fairburnba.org/post/the-atmosphere-of-the-spirit

05/24/2026

Karen and I were grateful to be at First Baptist Church, Fairburn, GA today, where I had the privilege of speaking on renewal from the life of King Josiah.

Josiah’s story is a needed word for our time. Renewal does not begin with pretending everything is fine. It begins when God’s people rediscover God’s Word, humble themselves before Him, tear down what does not belong, and return to wholehearted obedience.

That is not just ancient history. That is a desperately needed word for churches, leaders, families, and believers today.

I have a free eBook available on this subject called "Light in the Attic". You can download it here:

www.FairburnBA.org/light-in-the-attic

May the Lord renew His church again.

05/19/2026

Thank you Lisa at FASTSIGNS in Newnan for the banner to honor our Pastor. May 31st will be his last Sunday in the pulpit and he will be missed so very much.

05/17/2026

Karen and I were grateful to worship today at The Greater Solid Rock Baptist Church in Riverdale, GA.

What a warm and welcoming church family. The music was inspiring, the spirit in the room was joyful, and then Pastor Dr. Anton Rowe preached from Numbers 14:1–4 on **“How to Avoid a Complaining Spirit.”**

Let’s just say the sermon was convicting enough that I almost complained about being convicted. Almost.

It was a timely reminder that grumbling can become a habit before we even realize it—and that God calls His people to trust Him instead of rehearsing everything that frustrates us.

Thankful for Pastor Rowe and the Greater Solid Rock family. A strong word, a gracious people, and a blessed morning of worship. https://tgsrbaptistchurch.org/ Greater Solid Rock Baptist Church

05/07/2026

On Sunday, April 19, Karen and I had the joy of worshiping with two wonderful churches in South Metro Atlanta.

First, we visited Dogwood Church in Tyrone, where we enjoyed seeing their beautiful new worship facilities, participating in dynamic worship, and hearing practical, Christ-centered preaching from Pastor Keith Moore. It was encouraging to see a church committed to both biblical truth and meaningful ministry. https://f.mtr.cool/nqdwjwcpje

Later that morning, we worshiped with First Baptist Church, Red Oak, in College Park and appreciated the warm fellowship and faithful preaching of Pastor John Allen.

We are grateful for churches that are lifting up Christ, preaching the Word of God, and serving their communities well. Thankful for a rich day of worship and encouragement.

05/06/2026

Sunday, April 26, Karen and I worshiped at Campbellton Baptist Church. The people were warm and welcoming from the start. Pastor Chris Brady preached from the Epistle to the Philippians, chapter 2, with a clear call: believe, receive, and follow Christ. Simple, direct, and needed.

05/05/2026

Sunday, May 3, Karen and I had the joy of worshiping at Shanor Baptist Church in Union City. Warm, welcoming, and genuinely uplifting. Pastor Wendell Burdett’s message on patience didn’t just inspire—it convicted. Grateful for the reminder that growth often comes slowly… and on God’s timeline. http://www.shadnorfbc.org/