On March 3-5, 2023, various members, friends, and guests of FirstLove Ministries, FBC Bagdad, and partnered churches gathered together in Florida for the Inaugural FirstLove Bible Conference as we examined The New Birth together. The conference covered numerous topics including the Doctrine of the New Birth, Why Regeneration Matters, Regeneration, Revival, & Awakening, and breakouts included Church History, Reformation, Pastoral Ministries and Evangelism all related to Regeneration/the New Birth.
THE SCRIPTURES ADDRESSING REGENERATION
This year’s conference addressed the doctrine of regeneration, commonly referred to as “The New Birth.” Biblical Christians for millennia have asked of their families, friends, neighbors, and perfect strangers the all searching question, “are you Born Again?” In our day, though the phrase, “born again Christian” has become common place, and not given a second thought. We fear that this phraseology, or the doctrine of regeneration, has been absentmindedly set aside so that it doesn’t have the weight and meaning it once did. Whenever Christ spoke to Nicodemus by night, telling this great teacher in Israel, “you must be born again,” His simple words shocked Nicodemus. That statement was loaded with meaning, and Christ intended to cause Nicodemus to stop, think, and reflect. The teacher, however, did not understand. Perhaps today, again. neither do we. How can a man when he is old enter back into his mother’s womb and be born a second time? Nicodemus will neither see the kingdom of heaven, nor will he enter it, until this wondrous miracle has taken place, neither will anyone else.
Scenes From The Conference
(A full slideshow is available at the bottom of this article)
Examining the New Birth
Conference Sermons
Main Session 1: Why Regeneration Matters – Joe Jacowitz
Main Session 2: Doctrine of The New Birth – Tom Smith
Saturday Breakout Sessions
Breakout Session 1:
Regeneration & Church History
Dr. Jonny White
Breakout Session 3:
Regeneration & Reformation
Stephen Ringl
Breakout Session 2:
Regeneration & Evangelism Methodology
Dr. Paul Nelson
Breakout Session 4:
Regeneration & Pastoral Ministries
Dr. Stan MurrellMain Session 3: Baptismal, Decisional Regeneration (And Other False Teachings) – Edward Dalcour
Main Session 4: Regeneration, Revival, & Awakening – Austin Huggins
Main Session 5: The Indwelling Power of The Holy Spirit – Joe Jacowitz
Question & Answer Panels
Q&A Panel Discussion: Session 1
Q&A Panel Discussion: Session 2
Conference Photos Slideshow
Our Thanks and Appreciation!
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s inaugural FirstLove Bible Conference in Bagdad! A special thanks goes out to our friends and partners in the ministry for this year’s conference. Thank you to the elders and members of FBC Bagdad for graciously hosting our conference venue as well as becoming the new official headquarters of FirstLove Ministries. Thank you to our long time friends and fellow-laborers at Chapel Library of Mt.Zion Bible Church in Pensacola for providing a large amount of solid literature to each attendee. Thank you to Martyn Lloyd Jones Sermon trust for their contribution of resources to each attendee as well. Lastly, thank you to Iron Sharpens Iron Radio and Deed and Truth Podcast for conducting our pre-conference interviews. We look forward to seeing you next year, Lord willing.
