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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 Apr 12, 2020
Sunday Apr 12, 2020
- God’s power is greater than death.
- God’s power is greater than any of our problems.
- Physical, without limitations.
- Oriented towards the spiritual
- Experienced in the presence of god
Sunday Apr 05, 2020
Sunday Apr 05, 2020
Let’s read the story of Jesus’ crucifixion – a “day in the life” of Jesus. For today's message we'll be referencing Luke 23:33-46
This story from Jesus’ life challenges us at our deepest level. His death on the cross shows the utter sinfulness of humanity. One scripture passage that can lend some background to this story - “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
All means….everybody! Bad people and good people, big and little people, rich people and poor people – all of us are sinners! It has nothing to do with us being nice or mean or smart – but everything to do with our willingness to reject God’s claim on our lives, and resist His call to loving obedience. The sinfulness of humanity was behind the story we read – our sin is the reason it happened! Our passage reminds us of the utter depravity of us all: The people and leaders mocked and sneered at him (v.35), the soldiers mocked him (v.36), The Thief on the cross mocked him (v.39); all this because Jesus preached a simple message of repentance, and salvation, and forgiveness from God.
Fortunately for us all, the story doesn’t end there - Jesus’ death on the cross demonstrates God’s absolute love for us all. We should never tire of hearing the phrase, “God loves you!” This great truth is the one constant upon which we can build our lives – it never changes!
It should come as no surprise that the four Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, use almost 30% of their space talking about Jesus’ death on the cross – it was Jesus’ primary ministry! Jesus’ crucifixion was the focal point of his ministry!
In God’s plan the sacrifice of Jesus was the way God’s demands for justice could be satisfied, and humanity could be forgiven. The crucifixion was one of the greatest teaching events in human history!
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16
The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing this podcast 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 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. We will talk to you next week.
Sunday Mar 22, 2020
Sunday Mar 22, 2020
Today, we discuss The True Strength of Christianity (while being a responsible Social Distance from our friends and neighbors).
Follow along as we read from Romans 4:1-9
We will be discussing
1. It’s not in what we do - Rom. 4:1-2
2. It’s not something we’re owed - Rom. 4:4-5
3. It’s all God - Rom. 4:3,7-8
The best way you can support our Ministry are the following:
Like us on Facebook
Still want more information? Call the Church Office at 816-252-3377 or email us at church@fbcindep.org
Sunday Mar 15, 2020
Sunday Mar 15, 2020
Some of the best things that occur in our lives are a result of many years of effort and hard work – not everything is “quick and easy!”
The larger or more important or difficult the task, the greater the need for thought and preparation, and a clear process for completion. It is the same for everyone – even the way in which God has worked to save us all!
This is what we read about today: Mark 1:1-11
Jesus’ baptism finalized God’s preparations to save humanity
God had worked for many thousands of years to prepare everything by teaching, influencing, and making people aware of what He was about to do. And when the time was right, God acted to bring about the life and ministry of Jesus:
Steps in God’s Preparations for Salvation
1) The “first” Gospel (Genesis 3:15)
2) Jewish practices (Galatians 3:24)
3) Prophetic Messages (Isaiah 53:4-5)
4) John the Baptist, and Jesus’ arrival (Mark 1:2, 7-8)
So the baptism of Jesus is not only the beginning of Jesus’ ministry - it is the end of God’s centuries-long preparations to bring salvation to man! Jesus would follow God’s plan, and ultimately do God’s will as he gave his life on the cross.
The history of our salvation began in eternity past, when God began preparations to bring about the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. Jesus brief ministry - which began with His baptism, is the fulfillment of all of God’s preparations!
The “kingdom of God” is not an actual place so much as it is a life lived in submission to the leadership of the Heavenly Father. Jesus said it like this, “Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand,” (Matthew 3:2, 10:7). Later he explained, “The Kingdom of Heaven is within you.” (Luke 17:21) The “Kingdom of Heaven,” is the experience of a life of faith, lived in a relationship with the God who saves you!
The very act of Jesus’ baptism shows us the way of salvation:
- Repent of your sin
- A Public Profession
- Receive the Holy Spirit
Jesus’ baptism was an act of faith, and a major turning point in his life. His actions show us the way of life in him!
“The righteousness based on faith speaks thus. . . if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved; for with the heart man believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.”
Romans 10:6, 9-10
We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.
If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.
Sunday Mar 08, 2020
Sunday Mar 08, 2020
A Trip to the Temple
We talk so much about Jesus as a man – a carpenter, healer, itinerant preacher and teacher, theologian, crucified and resurrected Savior; have you ever thought much about Jesus the child? There were rumors, to be sure, even some books in the mythical “Apocrypha” that mentioned childhood powers and miracles.
What about Jesus, the boy? Was he normal? A nerd? Maybe an athlete?
The scriptures in Luke 2:41-52 give us a couple of pictures regarding Jesus’ childhood:
The Christian faith is built upon God coming to earth in human form
- Jesus had a normal Jewish life. His family practiced their faith, they took trips, and, when he disappeared, he had a very worried mother!
- Jesus’ parents did not fully understand Jesus’ unique nature. They were aware of Jesus’ special birth, of course, and had heard the words of the angels – but they obviously were not completely aware of what it all meant.
- Jesus grew normally, and by the age of 12 was somewhat aware of his unique nature. At this age he was already well-versed in scripture, reasoned as an adult, and was able to challenge and debate the leadership in the Temple. He was an intelligent and disciplined student!
This brings us to discuss the very nature of Jesus’ humanity, and deity. When scholars talk about the belief that Jesus was God and man and how that came about, they use the term “Incarnation.” Here is a simple definition of the term: “The act by which the second person of the Trinity, God the Son, took on a human form.” We have to remind ourselves that as we talk about the normal humanity of Jesus, we are also talking about The One who was God Himself, conceived by the Holy Spirit. The Bible, and church history, give us insight into this Incarnation.
The Incarnation: God became Man
- A Miraculous conception. (Luke 1:35) The virgin birth is taught as a real, historical event; it is a direct result of God’s power at work in human life.
- God in the flesh. (John 1:1, 14) Jesus is not a lower-level or created God, but fully God himself, in human form.
- Completely human. (Philippians 2:6-7) Jesus, fully God, became a human being in all ways just like us! He worked, slept, got tired and hungry, and struggled with the experiences of this life – He was a man. And, he was God. We worship Him, knowing that He was a man, but more than that; He was The One sent from God, sent to save us from our sin.
Jesus’ personal life challenges us to accept our role as the people of God
Here is the challenge for us, as we observe Jesus’ humanity: Jesus came to understand and accept God’s will for his life, even though it was neither easy nor pleasant. Will you?
Here are some ways for us to live, that we might know and accept God’s will for our lives:
- A spiritually-oriented life: (Romans 12:2) This is a choice to think, act, and talk like a Christian – to submit your actions and thoughts to God’s lead, as expressed in scripture. This is also the decision to practice justice, forgiveness, and developing good relationships.
- An eternally-minded life (Philippians 3:20-21) This is where you begin to think “big picture” about your life. A consideration of long-term value is applied to all there is in life, as well as determining one’s life and actions by those long-term effects.
- A Witnessing life (I Peter 3:15) We have been given the responsibility to share our faith with those around us, with grace and love. Do your friends know of your faith in Jesus? Do you ever bring up your faith in the context of everyday discussions?
Jesus was human, just like us in every way! And yet, he walked the narrow way, resisted sin, and followed God.
Jesus lived a life of faith! His sincerity, lovingkindness, and obedience to God is the best example of a truly human life.
We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.
If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.
Sunday Feb 23, 2020
Sunday Feb 23, 2020
Where is your “security?” What makes you feel “safe” in this world?
In our passage, Jesus addresses the issue of security: spiritual security, and eternal security. Years ago people mentioned it often in churches; it was important then, and it is important now! Jesus thought enough of the issue to address it directly:
This passage can help us to understand that Faith in Jesus Christ can give you a strong sense of spiritual security
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Our security is based upon God’s power and grace. (Ephesians 2:8-9)
- You can be sure of your life with God. (I John 5:12-13)
God wants us to feel safe secure! A secure salvation can provide an unshakeable foundation for our lives.
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Gives confidence in life
- Provides a basis for service
A strong and mature faith in Jesus can provide you with an unshakeable foundation for your life. Trust Jesus completely, and experience the strength and security only God can give!
We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.
If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.
Sunday Feb 23, 2020
Sunday Feb 23, 2020
Life or death; joy or misery. There are times when it seems that the extremes of experience are our only choices!
In our passage today, we see the prophet Ezekiel telling of a vision he experienced, that spoke to a people who felt as if they had no hope in this world. We reference Ezekiel 37:1-14 today. This passage contains a message of hope for those who follow God in faith:
- Times of despair and hopelessness come to us all.
- May come to Christian and non-Christian alike.
- Circumstances beyond our control
- Circumstances because of our actions or decisions
- The Spirit of God can bring life and hope to desperate situations
- God’s Spirit can give us power in our weakness.
- God’s Spirit can work to bring about His purpose in our lives
Regardless of our circumstances, God loves us and provides for us a reason for hope; He will continue to be our God, and help us recover from our suffering, and rebuild our lives.
We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.
If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.
Sunday Feb 09, 2020
Sunday Feb 09, 2020
What would you think if someone brought up “the rapture” in a conversation? Interestingly, the idea of the “rapture” is very common in Christian circles; it is something most Christians anticipate! Also, it is something that has been a part of the Christian faith since the very beginning.
We reference I Thessalonians 4:13-18 for today's scripture
What are some of the ideas contained in this passage?
1. Jesus will care for his people in death
2. Jesus will return to take us home with Him
“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life. “For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.”
We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.
If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.
Sunday Feb 02, 2020
Sunday Feb 02, 2020
Do you remember the old Children’s rhyme about the church, formed by your fingers? As you hold fingers together then turn them “inside out,” you say, “Here is the church, and here is the steeple, open the doors and here are the people.”
The point of that children’s rhyme is to talk about the people, isn’t it? Because kids have to be taught that even though a building is nice and useful, when it comes to the church, it’s all about the people!
God’s people – formed into the Church by the Spirit of God, are God’s way of changing our world. Jesus spoke of this process in his teaching ministry to the disciples: Matthew 16:13-19
Here are a couple of ideas Jesus gave his disciples that day:
- The Church is based upon Jesus, and his work on the cross
- The church is God’s way of overcoming the evil of this world
God’s people are The Church! He calls us and shapes us, and equips us to work for His Kingdom on earth.
We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.
If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.
Sunday Jan 26, 2020
Sunday Jan 26, 2020
Whenever you talk about the ‘old time religion,’ specifically of the Christian faith, you will encounter many sermons and teachings on the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself talked much about the “Spirit:” in John 14:15-18
What do Jesus, and the other writers of the Bible, have to say about this Spirit? We'll discuss the main points of
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The Holy Spirit is God’s influence at work on this earth
- The Holy Spirit works to further God’s Kingdom on earth
The Holy Spirit is God’s presence on earth! When you sense God’s presence, that is the Holy Spirit; when you feel God leading you, that is the Holy Spirit. And, when you feel a pang of guilt or conviction over something you have said or done, that is the Holy Spirit. He is, literally, everywhere doing the work of God!
We'd love to have you join us every Sunday at 500 West Truman Road in Independence. Sunday School starts at 9:00AM, Fellowship at 10:00, and Sunday Service at 10:30.
If you would like to contribute to our ministry, you can do so by clicking here.