Here at Millington Baptist Church, our vision is to make disciples of Jesus who are “Firmly Planted, Growing Together and Made to Multiply.” to establish people in a growing relationship with Christ and spread the gospel. So, despite all of the rapid cultural change, all around us, we believe God still has us on his mission here.
But here’s the problem, sometimes we wish it would go back to the way it was, maybe 5 years ago, or maybe 20 years ago to when things felt more “normal.” But here’s the reality: we can’t go back, we’ve can only go forward, and sometimes it will look different than the way it was or even the way we expected it to look. So here’s the challenge, will you embrace the moment God has called you to in this world? Will you respond with cheers, or tears?
We pursue restoration when we embrace our moment. (Ezra Chapter 3)
This is your moment. Don’t you see? Jesus Christ hand picked you, for this moment. On purpose. The Bible says God is doing a new thing. This is what restoration is, it’s not going back to exactly what it was, it’s something completely new. Something you’ve never seen before.
I sometimes wonder what God thought about those who were crying and sad. Because God knew what he was going to do. And maybe God was up there in heaven thinking you want to go back? Don’t you realize that on this foundation you’re laying right now, that’s where my one and only son will walk? Do you have any idea, the plans I have in store for this second temple?
You want to go back to Solomon? Someone so much greater than Solomon is coming, you need to look forward and prepare the way for what’s next. It’s the same principle today. We need to look forward. God wants to restore his people, and the path forward toward restoration is found eyes wide open to where we are today.
Here’s the truth: “Normal isn’t coming back, Jesus is coming back.” And he’s coming back looking for a restored church. And he’s coming back as the true and better Ezra to restore not the physical temple, but he’s going to make this whole world into a temple. This is where we’re headed.
And in the meantime, he’s looking for a church that’s really seeking after him and his restorative power.
David Hentschel serves as Lead Pastor: Preaching, Spiritual Formation and Care at Millington Baptist Church in Basking Ridge, NJ. He is a graduate of Philadelphia Biblical University and Dallas Theological Seminary. He and his wife Juli enjoy three children.
MBC's Bible Engagement Plan
MBC’s Bible Engagement Plan: Isaiah – From Ruin to Redemption
As a church community, our desire is to move from hearing God’s Word to living it out daily. This Bible Engagement Plan is designed to help us walk through Isaiah together in a weekly rhythm that deepens our understanding while also cultivating habits of daily reading and reflection.
- LISTEN TO THE SUNDAY SERMON
Each week begins with the Pastor’s Sunday sermon on a passage from Isaiah and includes
- Pastor’s Outline: A guide to follow along and take notes. We also suggest picking up the Isaiah scripture journal from the Welcome Center.
- Discussion Questions: Provided to encourage reflection and conversation in small groups, families, or personal study. If you are not already part of a small group, consider joining one this Fall: Click here to explore one of MBC’s small groups
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE WEEKLY PLAN
Monday through Saturday, follow the suggested reading plan outlined in the Saturday eNews Bulletin. As you read and reflect on your passage each day, ask these two guiding questions and jot down your thoughts in your Isaiah journal.
- What does this passage reveal about God—His character, His purposes, or His promises?
- How should I respond in light of what I’ve read—through trust, obedience, repentance, or worship?
- MEMORIZE THE WEEKLY KEY VERSE
Every week, one key verse from the sermon will be highlighted for memory. You are invited to use the free Bible Memory app and join the “Millington Baptist Church” Bible memorization group: Click here to join
- READ AND REFLECT ON THE PASTOR’S DEVOTIONAL BLOG
Each Wednesday, one of our pastors will share a devotional expanding on the sermon theme helping to connect Isaiah’s message to everyday life.
Why This Rhythm Matters
- Immersion: This plan helps you engage learning in multiple ways—hearing, reading, memorizing, and reflecting—so you gain a richer understanding of Isaiah’s message.
- Transformation in Community: Discussion questions and shared readings create space for us to learn together and nurture application of the biblical principles into our daily lives.
Questions or comments?
Contact Amy Huber, Director of Discipleship and Connections: ahuber@millingtonbaptist.org
Previous Entries
Pastor Bob Erbig and Pastor Dave Hentschel