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Follow along for Rev Kev's Sermons as well as place to keep up on News and Events that pertain to FBC in Independence, MO
Episodes
Sunday Jan 08, 2023
Sunday Jan 08, 2023
Jan told an all-too-familiar story: she had grown up in church, been baptized as a child, and when she got into her 20’s, she decided to leave her childhood faith behind and go ‘the way of the world’ so that she could find herself. It wasn’t long, though, when ‘the ways of the world’ began to hurt her.
She ended up pregnant by a man she hardly knew. Because she wanted to do the right thing, she married this near-stranger, tried to make it work, and ended up divorced, without a job, trying to raise her child.
She struggled like this for a time, met another man, and before long, had another child. The man left soon after. Jan’s life became a downward spiral of bad decisions – nothing she did worked! She felt like she was a total failure and that her life was over. Out of desperation, she found herself in church one morning, trying to find her way.
As the pastor spoke, her old faith began to stir within her.
Over the next few months, she recommitted her life to Christ, reunited with her parents (who were more than happy to help her!), and began rebuilding her life. She found a job, got involved in a Bible Study, and realized the error of her ways; she had rejected God’s ways, and suffered the consequences! God was gracious and loving, though, and began to work in her life. To this day, she struggles: She is still a single mother of 2 young children, holds a physically-taxing job, and carries quite a bit of emotional baggage with her. She has hope, though, based on her faith. She can live each day with the conviction that God has forgiven her, that He wants to help her each day, and that He will work in her life for as long as she follows Him. Her life is hard, to be sure, but she now says, “I am blessed. God is working in me and is helping me raise my children well.
I don’t know the future, but God is with me.”
Amazing, isn’t it? That is the way God is, though. We sin, rebel, and try our own ways. And yet, when we turn to Him in faith, He responds with grace and love.
He cleanses us from our sins, works in our lives to bring about His will, and gives us hope. No matter who you are or what you have done, God at some point whispers in our ear, “Let me help you.”
If you know someone who needs to hear this story, tell them! God can use his people to share this wonderful message of the Gospel: God loves us, no matter what! Let me encourage you to turn your life over to God and accept his grace and new life offer.
The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for watching. We will see you next week.
Sunday Jan 01, 2023
Sunday Jan 01, 2023
Sunday Dec 18, 2022
Sunday Dec 18, 2022
The comedian’s routine was funny, well-delivered, and “predictable.” He wanted to make fun of Christians and anyone who believed in a loving God, so he pointed out the flaws and mistakes preachers and other believers had made in their ministries. The conclusion was that only stupid people could believe in God because the God of the Bible was angry and did nothing other than punish people for being human!
The tragedy wasn’t that the comedian was attacking the Church; that is to be accepted. The real tragedy was that the stories told by the comedian were those of preachers describing an angry God who
hated ‘sinners’! Based on his accounts, God was always angry, looking for someone to punish!
Truth be told, our God is not angry; his primary characteristic is described in the Old Testament as one of mercy and lovingkindness!
In the story of Christ’s birth, Mary meets up with Elizabeth, one of her relatives that was also pregnant, and they speak to each other about God’s grace and mercy to them and mankind. Mary quoted several passages from the Old Testament: “And His mercy is upon generation after generation, toward those who fear him,” and “He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of his mercy.” Mary and Elizabeth had stumbled onto an understanding of God that most never grasp – God is full of grace and mercy, and that is how he wants to relate to us daily! The only reason for God’s anger and judgment is the fact of our sin and our unwillingness to confess that sin and change our behavior.
God loves us and wants to give us grace and mercy. In the Old Testament, we hear through the prophets that God wants his people to resist sin and follow him in faith. If man did that, He would bless them and give them joy. In the New Testament, we are taught that God desires to fulfill all our needs and give us the ability to overcome anything that comes our way. He wants to help us every day and in every way. He loves us!
This Advent Season, invite the God who loves you into your heart. Allow Him to cleanse you through his son, Jesus, and help you in your life.
The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.
Sunday Dec 11, 2022
Sunday Dec 11, 2022
Imagine the childhood conversation between two young boys: “My dad is bigger than your dad.” “No, my dad is bigger than yours.” “Uh uh, mine could beat yours in a fight!” Not ever – my dad could beat yours into the ground!” And on and on it goes, of course! I wish I could say this was only an imaginary disagreement. Still, I remember arguing with one of my childhood friends in first or second grade. Having the biggest, strongest, or toughest dad was a big deal to two little boys!
No matter the age, we may often find comfort in knowing that whatever is “ours” (Dad, mom, car, etc.) is bigger, better, faster, or more powerful than another. This even applies to peoples’ ideas of faith, religion, and even ‘gods.’
After the angel had appeared to Mary and told her of God’s plan to use her to bring about the birth of Jesus, she made a several-day journey to see her friend and distant relative, Elizabeth, who at the time was pregnant with her son, who would grow to become John the Baptist. They hugged and kissed, and after talking for a moment, Elizabeth was moved to rejoice in the precious child, the coming Messiah, carried in Mary’s swollen form. Mary responded in what has come to be called the ‘Magnificat,’ a beautiful collection of Old Testament prophecies regarding The Coming One, to be applied to Jesus. In this poem of hers, Mary spoke of the power of God:
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is His name.” A couple of lines later, she said, “He has done mighty deeds with His arm; He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.” Still, later she stated, “He has filled the Hungry with good things; and sent away the rich empty-handed.”
She was bragging about her God! ‘He was mighty; He had done great things; conquered the proud and evil, and fed the Hungry.’ In other words, her God, the One God, was greater than all others!
We who follow Jesus understand this! We don’t just believe our God is big and powerful, more than any other – we believe He is The One True God, the one and only God, who is over all!
More than 2000 years ago, two young women gathered and rejoiced in the power and glory of the One God. He was gracious and good and would punish evil, care for the downtrodden and give mercy and grace to all who came to Him.
Let us join these two women in our worship of the One God and give thanks this Christmas season for his great gift of new life in his son Jesus, who is The Christ.
The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.
Sunday Dec 04, 2022
Sunday Dec 04, 2022
Every year on the first Sunday of December, our congregations reads interpretations of common Christmas decorations. Enjoy this special service.
The best way to support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Sunday Nov 27, 2022
Sunday Nov 27, 2022
Have you ever noticed “the beautiful people?”
I went down to the local Dentistry College to meet a friend a few years ago, and I was confronted with a building full of “the beautiful people.” The young female dental students were all gorgeous and had beautiful smiles, and the male students were tall and good-looking, with broad shoulders and square jaws. I felt so out of place!
Interestingly, the world notices those who are physically attractive or come from ‘good families.’ There has been much research over the years. Anthropologists have concluded what most of us have observed: Those that are attractive and come from good backgrounds will get noticed first, receive preferential treatment in almost every area of life, and are even more likely to be elected to public office. People are naturally drawn to those that fit the profile of ‘the beautiful people!’
When you read your Bible, you will find that God not only teaches us to resist the tendency to show preferential treatment to people for any reason, but He also demonstrates that He is “no respecter of persons.” He loves all equally and chooses to use the efforts of anyone who will serve Him!
During this Christmas season, we will examine the understanding of two women, Mary and Elizabeth, who were heavily involved in the early days of Jesus’ life and ministry. They recognized and celebrated that God could use them in a powerful way, even though they had no social standing at all. God loved and cared for them and allowed their essential roles in his kingdom-building here on earth. This holiday season, let us rejoice that God loves us all and wants us all involved in his plans for eternity!
The best way you can support our ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here
https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!
Sunday Nov 13, 2022
Sunday Nov 13, 2022
The best way to support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Sunday Nov 06, 2022
Sunday Nov 06, 2022
Years ago, I started taking guitar lessons – visions of greatness danced in my head! I went to lessons, spent money on multiple guitars and all sorts of equipment, and practiced every day, sometimes for over an hour! I was going to ‘do it’ this time – I would not quit, slack off, or let anything keep me from mastering this instrument as I had in the past – it was that important!
Over time, though, I started skipping my daily practice sessions – once in a while. I continued to go to my lessons and still tried to keep going and improving, but over time something happened. I never really ‘decided’ to stop practicing and move on to other interests – I just did.
I finally quit my lessons and reduced my practice sessions to just a few minutes, two or three times a week. I had moved on!
I still believed that playing the guitar was important to me – but I was kidding myself, wasn’t I? My actions told a different story!
The Bible challenges us to look at our actions and not just our words. We might say that our faith is important to us, and even go to church and carry a Bible – but the truth of what we value can be seen in our actions and heard in our words.
In the Bible, Christians are told that they are “aliens and strangers” on this earth. This was not literal, of course; the author (Peter) was making the case that if their lives and values were firmly rooted in their faith in Jesus, they would not ‘fit’ well in this world. The matters of faith challenge the values of this world, and the actions commonly accepted by this world are often unacceptable and offensive to those who follow Jesus! It is almost as if we are ‘foreigners’ on this earth!
For those who seriously value the practice of their Christian faith, we are told to do a couple of things in our passage in I Peter 2. First, we are to resist the fleshly desires of this world, keep things in perspective, and not give in to the temptations that come. Second, we must ensure our actions reflect our faith because people are watching! Those in this world may not seek Jesus on their own, but when confronted by the witness of one who knows and follows Jesus and values him above all else, they may see something they desire or need and find Jesus. That is our goal!
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these videos with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.
Sunday Oct 30, 2022
Sunday Oct 30, 2022
In churches, you will occasionally hear a success story of the Gospel:
Occasionally you hear a success story of a radical transformation by Jesus.
I recently talked with a good friend who works in a crisis pregnancy center run by a local church. A young pregnant drug addict came in seeking an abortion; they could not help her with that but tried to get her into a drug treatment program. She left and called back a few days later and had lost the baby. Months later, she came in again, still addicted and several months pregnant again. She and her boyfriend wanted an abortion.
Similarly, they could not help her with that, instead encouraging her to get treatment, carry the baby to term, and perhaps put it up for adoption. She was uninterested and left again. This time, however, she stayed in touch with my friend. She and her boyfriend had gotten involved in a housing ministry nearby; over months, her connections with those Christians began to affect her. Well over a year later, she came in to talk to a friend: She was clean and bright, drug-free, and had a beautiful baby girl! She and her now-husband had gotten clean, received Jesus, and worked in that housing ministry. Through her faith in Jesus, God's power completely changed her life!
Paul had written regarding how some people had become 'enemies of the cross of Christ because they rejected the Gospel truths.
The story above, though, proves that Jesus really can transform a life! Our faith may make us feel like we do not 'fit' in this world, so our beliefs and values are foreign. But we can live with the conviction that our faith is based on truth – the truth of the offer of new life in the message of Jesus!
Let us follow Jesus and allow him to transform us so that we might share the good news of the Gospel with others and bring Him all the glory!
The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for watching. We will see you next week.
Sunday Oct 16, 2022
Sunday Oct 16, 2022
God has created us for greatness!
Years ago, a man named Johannes Guttenberg had an idea that would change the world. While working on a piece of jewelry in his shop, it occurred to him that he could make a letter out of metal, and somehow use it to print letters for notes on paper. He worked and toiled for months – he fiddled with different metals to use for the letters, then experimented with a variety of oils and chemicals to mix with ink, and then adapted a common winepress – and invented what came to be called the printing press. His invention was an immediate success – He printed over a hundred Bibles in the first year, and started what became a revolution around the world. Books were affordable, and available, to almost everyone. By all accounts, his printing press was one of the most important inventions of all time!
This is why God created us – to be successes in this life!
We are all creations of God – formed in His mind, before time began. He instills within us the capacity for thought, and emotion, and, yes, invention. He wants us to shine! Too, he created us “in his image,” with all sorts of abilities and characteristics that set us apart from all the animals.
The children’s song says it best, “red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.” That’s us – the children, all different, but all equal – and all loved by God!
The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.