Tired of Complicated Faith? Discover 7 Ancient Rhythms That Turned Fishermen into World-Changers!
Hello, friends and church family! I'm Ronnie Tabor, Senior Pastor at First Baptist Church Mascoutah, Illinois. As we step into 2026, I've been reflecting on how life can get so cluttered—schedules packed, distractions everywhere, and sometimes our faith feels more like a checklist than a lifeline. But what if we stripped it all back to the essentials? That's exactly what our new series at First Baptist Church Mascoutah is all about: "SEVEN." Drawing from the early church in Acts 2, we're exploring seven simple, biblical rhythms that can transform ordinary lives into something extraordinary. These aren't new ideas; they're the habits that turned fishermen into world-changers. Whether you're a longtime believer, a seeker, or a military family stationed near Scott Air Force Base looking for a spiritual home away from home, these rhythms—Bible Study, Prayer, Confession, Generosity, Serving, Telling Your Story, and Worship—are for you.
Why We Need These Rhythms Now
In a world that's moving faster than ever, it's easy to drift from the core of our faith. At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, these rhythms will anchor us. Think about Acts 2:42-47, where the early believers devoted themselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking bread, and prayer. The result? Lives changed, community built, and the church growing daily. As a church near Scott Air Force Base, we're especially mindful of the transient nature of military life—deployments, moves, and uncertainties. These rhythms provide stability, helping families find and follow Jesus no matter where life takes them. They're not about adding more to your plate; they're about rediscovering the joy of simple obedience.
The Seven Rhythms Explained
Let's break them down briefly. First, Bible Study (Daily Devotion) is about opening the Book every day to let God's Word shape us, as Joshua 1:8 reminds us: "This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night." Then there's Prayer—talking to God honestly and often, like in Matthew 7:7-11, where Jesus invites us to ask, seek, and knock.
Confession, or repentance, keeps our hearts clean, echoing 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Generosity teaches us to hold loosely to what we have, as in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8, sowing bountifully for God's kingdom. Serving rolls up our sleeves to love others, following Jesus' example in Mark 10:45. Telling Your Story shares what God's done in our lives, fulfilling Acts 1:8's call to be witnesses. Finally, Worship lifts our voices in praise, as John 4:23-24 describes true worshipers in spirit and truth.
These rhythms aren't optional extras; they're the foundation for radical obedience and life-changing growth.
How These Rhythms Build Community
At our church in Mascoutah, we're living this out together. Our ConneXion groups are perfect for practicing these—small groups where we study Scripture, pray, confess, serve, and more. And through ministries like Lighthouse Preschool Mascoutah, we're reaching young families, including those from Scott AFB, with faith-based education that plants these seeds early. Imagine military families finding a welcoming “home away from home” community here, where these rhythms help them thrive amid change. As we launch this series on January 11, we'll explore each one, with practical challenges to make them stick.
Ready to get started? Here's how you can begin incorporating these rhythms today:
Assess Your Current Habits: Take a quiet moment to journal which of the seven you're strong in and which need attention.
Pick One to Start: Choose Bible Study or Prayer as your entry point—set aside 10 minutes daily.
Join a Group: Sign up for a ConneXion group at First Baptist Church Mascoutah to practice these with others.
Involve Your Family: Discuss one rhythm at dinner, perhaps starting with Worship through a family song or prayer.
Track Your Progress: Use a simple app or notebook to note how these rhythms impact your week.
Friends, these seven rhythms are God's invitation to a fuller life in Him. At First Baptist Church Mascoutah, we're excited to walk this journey with you—whether you're joining us in person for Sunday services at 10:45 AM, our Oasis community meal on Wednesdays, or through Lighthouse Preschool. If you're searching for churches in Mascoutah, IL, or a military-friendly church near Scott AFB, come visit. Let's get back to the basics and watch God move. I can't wait to see what He does in our church family this year!
