April 28th

Good morning on this Saturday, April 28th. Some people wonder why Easter is my favorite day of the year above Christmas, birthdays, and every other special day. Those of you who have been in the church for many years have heard my testimony, but many newer people have not. The Easter message not only established my faith but saved it as well. I was a brand new Christian who was so excited about being saved, I wanted to tell everybody I could that Jesus saves and how wonderful the fully-committed life to Christ really is. I had excitedly shared my faith with my father who was not only not a believer, but was an avid anti-bible anti-Christian skeptic as well. He was a man who had extensive knowledge of science, world religions (including Christianity which he rejected), history, and most other topics. He responded by attacking my new-found faith and giving me argument after argument against Christ and Christianity. He gave me all the reasons why he was not, nor ever would be, a Christian and told me my faith was invalid and even foolish. His vast knowledge was far greater than mine as a 19 year old.

I remember going to the front porch of our house and sitting in the darkness deeply demoralized after an intellectual drubbing at his hand. I also remember crying out to God for answers and help and went to bed that night deeply troubled and agonized. The next day was Easter Sunday and I went to church with a heavy heart. But God was about to change all that with a truth that would provide assurance of my faith that would last for a lifetime. My pastor preached on the resurrection that morning. He talked about how the founders of all of the other world religions were dead and remained dead, but Christ was different because He alone had been raised from the dead, a living Savior. He proved He was the Son of God by His resurrection verified by many infallible proofs. It was a dynamic, defining, faith-producing moment which changed my life and elevated my faith and assurance to a new level. That was 49 years ago last Easter and my life and ministry stand testimony to the strength of that experience. I remember hurrying home to further discuss my faith and the proofs of the resurrection with my father. That discussion was to be the first of many over the next 12 years which eventually resulted in my father becoming a devoted Christian. That is why Easter is my favorite day of the year!

Tomorrow's sermon is another from the book of Ephesians. I hope to see you in church.
Mel Brown

Good morning on this Saturday, April 21st. Many of you have been inquiring about when I will do a prophecy update based upon events occurring throughout the changing geopolitical scene. I plan to do a prophecy update after I complete the messages on Ephesians. In the mean time, I would suggest keeping a close eye on the following events: (1) Iran's progress in their development of nuclear weapons. (2) Israel's pursuit of an attack on Iran's nuclear sites (Various news sources are reporting that Israel will likely attack these sites by late fall). (3) Egypt's new government's composition (Particularly whether it is composed of radicals who threaten to support a more radical agenda). (4) Syria's internal struggles and success of rebel's attempted overthrow of their government. (5) Russia's position of support of Iran in their pursuit of nukes. (6) North Korea's continued pursuit of nuclear capability to develop a rocket that is capable of reaching other continents. (7) The U.S. and allies posture toward prevention of rogue nations like Iran having nukes. These are a few of the many world-wide events which bear watching. Tomorrow's message will be about walking in harmony in relationships between parents and children. I hope you will attend. Mel Brown

Good evening on this Friday, April 13th. I am writing this blog on Friday instead of Saturday this week.
What tremendous services we had over Easter weekend. Here are the stats:
(1) Our attendance was 1678, in spite of rain on Saturday and schools have spring break during Easter this year.
(2) At least 10 people dedicated or rededicated their lives to Christ.
(3) 129 new families visited our church Easter weekend.
(4) 70 families were first-time ever attenders at Edgewood.
(5) Many folks called, mailed, or e-mailed us saying it was the best Easter service they had ever attended.
(6) Kudos were given for the dramas, staging, videos, and sound effects, especially the stone rolling away of the stone.
(7) The many hundreds of Edgewooders who served in every capacity did an outstanding job in every way, nursery, children's workers, and adult servers all.
(8) The flow of traffic and parking were excellent for all services.
(9) The musicians were at their best.
(10) Tens of thousands of people saw our ads on TV and many made favorable comments about them.
(11) One member brought 30 visitors to the Easter services after inviting nearly 80 people.
(12) Our facilities were especially neat and presented well inside and out.
Thank you Edgewood for a job well done, all of you good and faithful servants.
Your proud and grateful pastor,
Mel Brown

In behalf of the entire Edgewood Baptist Church staff, I would like to wish you Happy Easter and invite you to attend one of our four great Easter services this weekend. Our multi-sensory multi-media Easter experience will feature great music, warm fellowship, a moving personal Easter testimony and a stirring Easter message which will include special effects, drama, video and demonstration of the Crown of Thorns and Cat of Nine Tails Scourge. All services will include a very special Easter children's program. Our service times this weekend are Saturday evening at 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 and 10:30 a.m. Sunday. It will be an Easter to remember. You will be blessed. Come and see!