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Tuesday Nov 10, 2020
Tuesday Nov 10, 2020
Is there any limit to what you want in your house, or garage, or closet? If the advertising efforts of so many is any indication, almost everyone wants for “stuff!” And, if you don’t really want much of anything, the goal of a good advertising campaign is to “create” in you a desire, or even a need, for something, so they can sell it to you!
This is the way it has always been. People want stuff; and in the back of our minds we often make the connection between “stuff,” and “happiness,” even though we know better!
When the Apostle Paul wrote his letter to a young pastor friend Timothy, the people in his congregation were struggling with the desire for the “stuffs” of this life; so much so that their faith in Jesus was being comprised, and they were beginning to do things that would damage both their faith, and their lives; all in the pursuit of “stuff.” I Timothy 6:9-12
Timothy’s congregation needed to learn that:
The pursuits of this world threaten to keep us from the best this life has to offer.
So many of the “pursuits of this world,” that we think will bring us lasting joy and happiness, often do the very opposite!
In our passage, Paul explained this to Timothy in v. 9 when he said that sometimes, in their pursuit of the riches of this world, people “fall into temptation and are trapped by many foolish and harmful desires.” In those ancient days it could have been any number of things: wasting money on that which you did not need; drugs and other abuses; gambling and other ‘get rich quick’ schemes - you name it - it’s all been here forever! The point Paul was making was simple: When people allow their desires for the stuffs of this world drive their actions and values, there was seemingly no limit to what they would do - no matter how foolish, or destructive! It not only has the capacity to destroy one’s life; Paul writes in v. 10 that this pursuit and re-shaping of values may also cause them to “wander away from the faith,” and cause great spiritual pain.
Nothing has changed, has it? Most of us here have made foolish purchases over years, only to recognize later we squandered away our resources. We buy things to bring us pleasure, to make us happy, to help fill our lives - seldom do they last! If you want proof, go to a garage sale - or worse, have one! We come to value fleeting pleasures rather than lasting joy, and make choices that do nothing more than steal something from our lives.
Some of us pursue the ‘stuffs’ of this world by working too much - we justify it by saying it is “for our family;” the paradox is, though, that by spending too much time working you ‘lose’ the very family you love - if not through actual loss of relationship, then just by losing the years they are home - they may be gone when you finally realize what you’ve done, and reap the consequences of foolish decisions, based on a less-than-godly value system.
What we modern people do - known as ‘chasing the dream,’ is a practice that is as old as humanity itself. Paul, in our passage, challenges us to live differently:
The pursuit of faith can lead you to experience a life that is real, and full.
The most successful way to live a life that leads away from the world’s desires, is to focus on a faithful life. In other words, instead of trying to resist the desires of the stuffs of this life, fill your life with the things that a better life can offer! (i.e., if trying to lose weight: Don’t focus on what you can’t have, instead think about what you can have: good and healthy foods, and better health, and smaller waistline, etc.) This is just good psychology! The same principle can enable you to develop a more successful approach to your struggle against worldly desires: The good things of God, and the things that come into your life when you focus on a life of faith, a sense of purpose and meaning in life: they really are better than the stuffs this world can offer!
This approach to life is mentioned in the rest of our passage. I Timothy 6:17-19
Paul instructs Timothy to help his people pursue a life worth living - literally, “real life,’ or “life indeed.” (v.19) Here are some ideas Paul gives his readers, and us, to live “life indeed,” or “keeping it real.”
“Keeping it Real”
Don’t base your worth on your worth (v.17) Your value as a person, and your relationships, are worth much more than any possession. Use this truth to establish your life-values.
Place your hope in that which lasts (v.17) Only the things of God last; everything else is temporary, and can be lost or taken away.
Invest in others (v.18) Do good works, be ready to share. You are a missionary from another world!
Recognize your treasure (v.19) Allow God and his Word to guide your values, and help you find fulfillment in the larger things of this life and the life to come.
Even Jesus addressed the problem of our worldly concerns:
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal, for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. . . But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.” Matthew 6:19-21, 33
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.
Tuesday Nov 03, 2020
Tuesday Nov 03, 2020
Tuesday Oct 27, 2020
Tuesday Oct 27, 2020
Tuesday Oct 20, 2020
Tuesday Oct 20, 2020
Tuesday Oct 13, 2020
Tuesday Oct 13, 2020
“That’s not fair!” As soon as children can speak, they start saying that, don’t they? If one child gets two cookies but others get one you will hear, “that’s not fair.”
Nothing changes when we get older! A man who gets a speeding ticket for going 70 in a 55 won’t complain too much, until he hears a pretty woman tell her story of doing the same thing, but only getting a warning; “that’s not fair!”
Equal treatment – where everyone is treated the same, and the punishment is appropriate, seems to be naturally important to everyone! We call this justice.
There has always been a desperate need for justice between men, and the lack of justice not only damages peoples’ lives, but also threatens to bring down God’s judgment. In our passage, we see an example of God’s concern for justice: READ Micah 2:9-11, 3:9-11;
We learn here that:
God stands against those that are unjust.
In the passages we read, the prophet Micah rails against the practices of those in leadership over the nation Israel, in the Northern Kingdom. At this time in Israel the nation was safe, wealthy, and relatively powerful. Things were going well – especially for the elite class! The poor were struggling, though, and this was the issue which the prophet addressed. He observed the wealthy and the powerful among the people, and the way they treated those beneath them, and called out their practices as evil, and worthy of judgment from God. Here are a few of their practices Micah called out:
The Injustices of Israel
- 2:2, use clever laws to take a man’s properties and inheritances;
- 2:8, Abuse of immigrant and refugee;
- 2:9, taking advantage of women in their homes (single moms and widows);
- 2:11, followed fools as leaders;
- 3:2-3, taking advantage of the poor who could not defend themselves or fight the wealthy in their legal system; and
- 3:9, abhor justice and twist everything that is straight.
All of these practices were evil and ungodly and abusive and oppressive – and were completely legal in that culture! This is what Micah was talking about in 3:9 – “abhor justice and twist everything that is straight.”
This book is a message of judgment against the people of Israel! God still loved them, of course, and he sent the prophets to speak to them regarding their sin – but the promise of judgement from God was sure!
Here is just one of the passages which speak of God’s wrath against the injustices of the people, spoken to the leadership of the nation: “Therefore, on account of you, Zion will be plowed as a field, Jerusalem will become a heap of ruins, And the mountain of the temples will become high places of a forest.” (3:12) God would raise up Assyria from the north, who would come and destroy them!
The message for us, 2700 years later, is a solemn warning – God calls for justice from His people, and we ignore His instruction at our peril! Judgement comes in several forms: God may withhold his blessings; He may allow us to lose our blessings, or fall victim to our enemies, ; He may call down some form of judgment; the scriptures give examples of all.
Micah teaches us that:
God’s people are to work for justice in their land.
God wants to live just lives, and also defend those that suffer injustices! Here are a few ideas God has given us as we consider the fight for justice; interestingly, the fight for justice is linked with the need for kindness in at least 3 passages: (Hoseah 12:6; Micah 6:8; Zechariah 7:9)
God’s People and Justice
1) Legal fairness and equality. “You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe.” Deuteronomy 16:18-20
2) No partiality to the rich or poor. “You shall do no injustice in judgment; you shall not be partial to the poor nor defer to the great.” Leviticus 19:15
3) Care for the helpless and powerless. “Cursed is he who distorts the justice due an alien, orphan, and widow.” Deuteronomy 27:19; see also Psalms 82:2-4
4) Think as God thinks. “He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the righteous, both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.” Proverbs 17:15)
This is an incredibly important issue to God; the fact that the same issue is addressed over and again, over centuries of time, show not only how important it is to God, but how often humanity fails to do, and seek, justice.
God’s Word is always trustworthy, giving us counsel as to what life God can bless.
“He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the Lord require of you But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8)
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.
Tuesday Oct 06, 2020
Tuesday Oct 06, 2020
Anger is a really interesting emotion – it seems to influence and control us, without us even recognizing it!
In a recent conversation with a Childcare Mother I asked her how things were going at home (we talk about her children and their issues occasionally); she immediately launched into a tirade, mentioning several of her family members and their flaws! She didn’t ‘get angry,’ at me, of course – but the moment she started talking the anger exploded within her, and led her into a rant she didn’t plan.
Anger does that, doesn’t it? Not only can it ruin a situation with a loved-one, it can seemingly take control of us, and cause us to act in ways we would never choose on our own.
One of the most important abilities you can teach a child, and one of the most powerful and life-changing ability an adult can have, is how to graciously and effectively handle and express their anger! No matter your looks, or intellect, or abilities or gifts, your uncontrolled anger can mar every aspect of your life!
As we consider this truth, you should not be surprised when you discover that God’s Word has a lot to say regarding this powerful emotion, anger.
READ Ephesians 4:26-32
Because the way we deal with anger affects every area of our lives, it is important we consider the spiritual side of our emotions:
The practice of our faith is directly impacted by the way we handle our anger.
There is a general understanding that anger is a normal, typical emotion, experienced by everyone. In the judicial system and in most areas of life this is assumed, and anger control or “anger management” is merely the idea of applying practical steps to help people calm themselves down; things such as counting to 10 before you speak, or taking a break from a situation when you feel anger building, among other methods are taught. And, to be honest, these practices help – they’re better than nothing! However, the Christian, Bible-based position adds another dimension to the understanding of anger. Instead of a simple emotion, and utilization of practical methods of anger management, Scriptures teach us that our anger: the way we experience and express it, is more than just simple emotion – it is a spiritual issue, too! If you understand that your anger is affected by your Christian faith, subject to biblical teachings and the work of the Holy Spirit within you, you can gain additional helps in dealing with your anger effectively! Here are a few of the biblical teachings regarding this incredibly powerful emotion, instilled within us by God in creation:
“Be angry, and yet do not sin”; “do not give the Devil an opportunity.” (vv.26, 27) In these two verses Paul mentions the connection between anger and sin; he then comments that the Devil can use our anger as an opportunity to lead us into sin and away from God. Temptations towards violence, sinful action, and unchristian behavior are almost automatic in times of anger!Paul had seen this in his own life, and the lives of others – anger was a primary way by which people would fall into sinful practices! More than mere emotion, our anger has the ability to touch us in our most inward parts, and affect us in ways that are as profound as any other emotion – including love.
“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger . . . do not grieve the Holy Spirit. .. put away” (vv.29-30) Here Paul mentions several damaging ways anger is expressed, telling us that these actions “grieve” the Holy Spirit. In other words, God takes our sin seriously, and the sins based in anger seem to be particularly offensive to God! Perhaps the most insidious part of anger is that it seems completely natural and even “justified.” Uncontrolled anger is almost ‘normal,’ and we have to be taught, and develop skills, to handle it well.
“does not achieve the righteousness of God.” (James 1:20) This is the big reason – your anger isn’t something God chooses to use – it does not serve the cause of righteousness and God’s Kingdom when we sin in the process - no matter how you rationalize it! This may be aimed at Christians who claim “righteous anger” in attacking their opponents – be very careful!
Your anger, and how you express, is a spiritual issue! It affects how you live out your faith, and what kind of witness and impact you might have on others. Because of this,
We must deal with our anger from a perspective of faith.
Whenever you mentions the words “spiritual” or “faith” people oftentimes have thoughts of ideas that are impractical, or not applicable to normal, everyday life. When the Bible addresses issues such as anger, though, nothing could be further from the truth! Here are a few biblical teachings regarding how to deal with the emotion of anger:
Handling Anger
Deal with anger in a spiritual manner. (4:30) Paul here mentions the Holy Spirit’s involvement – He is grieved with all our sin, including sin and bad behaviors based in anger. Using Paul’s mention of the Holy Spirit, we are also to remember what he wrote in his letter to the Galatian church, “The fruit of the Spirit is. . . peace, kindness, kindness, self-control.” (5:22-23)
“Fruits of the Spirit” are the result of our openness and submission to God’s Spirit at work in our lives! Also, 5 of the 9 characteristics mentioned are directly related to the control of our anger; we can infer from this that the “self-control” that comes from the Holy Spirit’s influence in our lives would greatly apply to the way we tolerate and express our anger, and whether or not we allow it to affect and influence us in any way.
Heed biblical teaching. (26) Not only must we not allow our anger to lead us into sin, we must integrate the way we deal with anger into our daily lives. James’s instruction regarding anger is always appropriate: “Let everyone be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.” (1:19) Simply: Listen to others, and don’t speak before you are sure what you want to say and how you want to say it, and don’t allow the situation to control you.
Remember God’s grace (v.30) You are Christian; your sins have been forgiven by God who is gracious and instead of expressing his anger towards our sin with punishment, offered us the grace that saved us. Your ‘experienced’ faith can instruct you in your relationships with others!
In anger, the desires of our flesh are to attack and hurt and destroy; but Paul says this: “Walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
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/
Sunday May 10, 2020
Sunday May 10, 2020
When you need a straight answer, “just the facts”, where do you turn? For Christians, there is security that in the realm of spiritual truth, the One authority is that which was given to us by God himself – the scriptures. In our scripture God speaks; His wisdom and insight, and his guidance, is given to us. In our passage, the Apostle Paul speaks to a young pastor, Timothy, and reminds him of this great truth: II Timothy 3:14-17
Here is what makes this faith we have chosen unique:
- The Christian faith is one which comes from God’s own heart
- God’s revealed wisdom can help us in this life, and in the life to come
A Revealed Faith
- have experienced the truth
- sacred writings
- inspired by God
The Value of a Revealed Faith
- A reliable source for spiritual teaching
- A way to correct false teaching
- Inspired writings challenge us
- Prepares us for God’s service
“For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
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. If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App or by Like our Facebook page. Of course, if you have questions about today's service or want to discuss something feel free to shoot us an email church@fbcindep.org or call the Church office at 816-252-3377.
Thank you for listening.
Sunday May 03, 2020
Sunday May 03, 2020
The best things are the more original or pure version, was the topic of a conversation Jesus had with one we call “the woman at the well.” Follow along in John 4:19-26
The woman learned two things:
1.)Jesus came to deliver a pure and untainted faith and
2.) God call us to that purity of faith that is driven by Spirit, and Truth.
A Pure Faith
1. Salvation in Jesus, for everyone
2. Indwelling Holy Spirit for believers
A calling to a life of obedience and love Jesus calls us to a simple and pure faith, directed by Spirit, and Truth. He calls us to practice baptism by immersion, to demonstrate our faith to the world, and to practice Communion, patterned after his Last Supper with the Disciples. We do that today, as part of the faith given to us “In spirit and in truth.”
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 here. If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App or by Liking our Facebook page. Of course, if you have questions about today's service or want to discuss something feel free to shoot us an email church@fbcindep.org or call the Church office at 816-252-3377 Thank you for listening.
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
Sunday Apr 26, 2020
Today we begin a series on “Authentic Faith.”
We begin with the most basic teachings – what we believe. Paul wrote these words to a young struggling Pastor, Timothy: I Timothy 3:14-16
Let’s talk about the ‘facts’ of our authentic faith:
1. God has acted to reveal his glorious mystery of salvation
2. God has called His church to proclaim a pure and glorious gospel
The defining issue of our faith, and the determining factor of one’s eternal destiny, is the crucified and resurrected Jesus. We must never assume people have “heard the word.” We might be wrong! The only truly authentic faith, that can deliver us from sin and take us into eternity with Father God, is the faith that is based on the resurrected Christ. Follow Him – He is literally “the real thing!”
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 here.
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App or by Liking our Facebook page. Of course, if you have questions about today's service or want to discuss something feel free to shoot us an email church@fbcindep.org or call the Church office at 816-252-3377 Thank you for listening.
Sunday Apr 19, 2020
Sunday Apr 19, 2020
Surrender to God means doing what God wants, when he wants it, regardless of what you want.
Our story from Luke 1:26-35 helps to illustrate this point
Faithful submission
You are not equal to God - A daily decision Submission to god can be a source of blessing and provide:
- Inner peace and strength
- Meaning and purpose in life
- Stability in difficult times
Submission to God is a choice to follow god’s leadership instead of our desires. It is an act of faith, and a source of tremendous blessings in this life.
The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts and with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online here. If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App or by Liking our Facebook page. Of course, if you have questions about today's service or want to discuss something feel free to shoot us an email church@fbcindep.org or call the Church office at 816-252-3377 Thank you for listening.