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Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Sunday Feb 23, 2025
Several years ago, I was getting ready to attend a musical concert at the church where I served as pastor; I and many others were really looking forward to it, as we got a famous guitarist to come and perform, along with his band. It was going to be a great night! Unfortunately, our older building had other plans….
About an hour before the concert started, I got a call from our custodian; our sewer line had blocked up, and our basement was filling with sewage! I thought about canceling the concert, but I knew that many would be disappointed, so I made an executive decision: I would call a group of men in the congregation to help me did up and repair the pipe in the dark while the concert was going on in our main building! I was able to get 8 or 9 men to agree to bring their picks and shovels and help me repair, and we would start just as soon as we could; hopefully, we would be finished before too late in the evening, and the building would be ready for our services the following day. (It was, of course, Saturday night!)
We arrived just before dusk, and it was apparent, as we began to process of finding the stoppage in the pipe, that darkness was coming soon. We decided to circle our pickups around the site and dig by the light of our headlights. We moved our trucks and began to dig. At first, there were complaints and a few grumbles. Then something happened – people started telling stories of similar problems in their homes, a few sewer-related jokes were told, and we all began talking and laughing – we were having a good time! We dug a large hole, tore out, and replaced a section of the old pipe leading to our septic system (a rural site). Before 10:30 p.m. or so, we were filling in the hole and ended up standing around for a few minutes, talking about the good times we'd had working together. I thanked them all for their gifts of time, energy, and hard work, led them in a short prayer of thanksgiving, and we all went home, tired and dirty, to be sure, but affirmed in our faith and in the task we'd done for God's church. To this day, it is still one of my fonder memories of ministry!
The reason the event meant so much to me and the others there that night was that we were united – we didn't fuss over church business or politics, and the personality differences that often messed up our fellowship were simply ignored – the task at hand, and the demonstration of faith that those men made that night, united us in a way that we talked about for some time. One man, who seldom said anything positive, even commented, "This is one of the best times I've had at church in a long time." We all laughed out loud when he said that!
The story expresses the idea that when people give up their time, money, or efforts, they are stronger as a group, they can get things done, and their relationships are better. Giving makes us better!
This is a very scriptural lesson when you think about it. In his first letter, John wrote a sentence he repeated twice: "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." I John 4:11 Later, he wrote, "We love because He first loved us." I John 4:19, God's love for us was best expressed through the gift of his son, Jesus! He came and lived and sacrificed his life for us all, that he might save us from sin and give us eternal life. Based on that gift, God desired that we follow His lead and love each other. In other words, because we had received the greatest gift from God, He wanted us to 'return the favor' by loving others. God loved, and so He gave, and He wants us to do the same!
Let me encourage you to receive the gift of life God has offered in his son, Jesus. And, as an act of faith and obedience, give a gift of love, help, and service to others. Giving will make you better!
Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
Sunday Feb 16, 2025
I recently heard a story of a young couple who began to feel that their well-funded, organized, all-American lifestyle was starting to feel empty and meaningless. So, they decided to have children, which ultimately didn't work out, as they could not conceive. The next step for them was taking care of foster children and then adopting a couple of their foster kids. Along the way of working in the foster care system, though, they recognized an ongoing problem: most of the young, single mothers who were losing their kids to foster care did not have the ability or resources to do anything for themselves and improve their lives. They began to form a plan for how they might affect a change to this problem.
The couple came up with an idea: they would open their home to the foster system, but instead of just taking in a child with an at-risk mother, they would bring the mother, with her child, into their home for the long term! They would nurture and care for the child and nurture, support, and train the young mother to care for her own child. This was an intrusive, complicated, expensive, and life-changing decision on their part – and they were convinced this was what God was calling them to do!
Their experience with the young mother they 'adopted' and the mother's baby was heartwarming. It was busy and expensive, of course, and interrupted their home life more than they could have imagined. But the positive results were priceless. They formed a forever bond with the young mother and her child and helped her navigate young motherhood. Too, when the young mother began to respond to their nurture and instruction, she grew and matured and took on characteristics that would benefit her and her child for the rest of their lives. Another thing: the young couple performing this 'ministry' to a young family were growing in their faith due to how God worked through their efforts and prayers. As the mother said, she spoke of how she felt God's presence in her life, "I'm just loving him more and more each day."
What a lesson in real-life ministry! When people give of themselves in ministry, they benefit those they serve and grow in their faith as they serve others, open their lives to those in need, and trust in God for strength and guidance. This is precisely what the Bible teaches!
In the book of I Thessalonians, the Apostle Paul speaks of how God had worked in these very ways. The Christians in Philippi had given to his ministry, and when Paul worked in the distant city of Thessalonica, peoples' needs were met, they were nurtured in their faith, and those who worked the ministry were blessed. Paul wrote this, first in Philippians 4: 15-16, "And you also know, Philippians, that at the first preaching of the gospel, after I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving but you alone; for even in Thessalonica, you sent a gift more than once for my needs." Paul here commends the Philippian Christians for their giving to his missionary efforts in Thessalonica. Later, in his letter to the new Christians, he wrote, "You also became imitators of us. . . so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia." I Thessalonians I:6-7. Paul commended the Philippian Christians for giving to the ministry in Thessalonica. He then commended the Thessalonian Christians, who had received generous gifts from the Philippians because they had grown in the faith and were great witnesses of the power of the Gospel!
When you give, others are healed; when you give, you are also healed. This is just one of the reasons God wants us to give to others all our gifts and possessions!
Please give – that God might work in your lives and the lives of others – it is part of God's plan for his people.
Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
Sunday Feb 09, 2025
As I sit in my office, I notice models of cars and motorcycles, along with a few gift books and knick-knacks lining the shelf. Each of these items holds memories for me, collected over my 45 years of ministry. The goofiest gift—and the one I can't help but share the story about—is my "wild moose" coffee cup. It's a large porcelain cup that looks like a bull moose crashed through it, with its head and antlers sticking out one side and its legs sprawled out the other. Flashy, quirky, and definitely not something my wife would permit in our house, it makes me smile every time I see it.
The cup was given to me by a good friend and her husband, who accompanied me on a church youth ski trip to Colorado many years ago. It was late in the day, and several people were resting along the trail. My two friends were there, and as I glanced over at them, they burst into laughter, waving their arms and shouting. I was a novice skier, so I couldn't really look around, but I eventually heard two men calling out to me from behind. When I turned to see the commotion, I found myself face-to-face with a bull moose charging down the hill right behind me, its eyes glaring and nostrils flaring. I stumbled out of the way as the two trailkeepers yelled at the moose, attempting to scare it off the path. I quickly moved as far to the side as I could and joined my friends, who were laughing hysterically at the sight of their nearly trampled pastor. Of course, I lived to tell the story, and the cup they gave me has a special place in my office; it reminds me of a wild time on the slopes of Colorado and, even more importantly, of a cherished memory with two good friends.
You might have something like this in your home or office: a memento from a friend that evokes fond memories from the past. The gift is wonderful, of course, but the shared experience it reminds us of is even better! Gifts have that ability, don't they? Sometimes a gift can help someone through a tough time or fulfill a need; other times, a gift is simply a reminder of a significant moment in your life.
Jesus wanted us to be a 'giving' people! Sometimes, individuals need their physical needs met; at other times, they may require a pat on the back, a shared meal, or a private conversation about what's troubling them. Regardless of the need, making an effort to address someone's needs can have a real impact. Jesus spoke about the act of 'giving' as an expression of faith: "Give to everyone who asks of you, and if they take away what is yours, do not demand it back. Just as you want people to treat you, treat them in the same way. Give, and it will be given to you; good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, they will pour into your lap. For by your standard of measure, it will be measured back to you." Luke 6:30-38
Jesus, during his Sermon on the Mount, emphasized that his followers should practice generosity and grace in their relationships with others—not because people are inherently good, but to help them and possibly guide them to faith. When we do this, not only are others supported, but there's a real chance that you will receive some form of gift in return from God himself. It may seem counterintuitive, but the old saying, "It is better to give than to receive," remains true. Give generously and selflessly, and experience the blessings of a life lived in obedience to God!
Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcast with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
Sunday Feb 02, 2025
When I first began preaching over 45 years ago, I began performing weddings for various couples in my community. I would meet with the couples, plan the wedding, and usually offer a couple of counseling sessions. I would teach them about handling their anger, working with the in-laws, and generally trying to 'keep the peace' in the home to keep the marriage together. After a few years of this, I began to understand what the couple needed to hear. As they would talk, I could anticipate and address some of the problem areas in their relationship. In many of the couples, there seemed to be a recurring theme – that of lasting commitment. This would come up when we discussed things such as conflict resolution, financial issues, and family differences. I would stress that they love each other, of course, and continually remind themselves of their commitment to each other, and to the marriage itself. When asked about this, I would remind them of something some had never heard. The 'secret' of marriage was that there would be good times and bad, days of love and joy, and days of aggravation and anger.
This seemed to be news to the young couples, as they were usually fresh in love with each other, and could not imagine anything ever coming between them. In fact, I had more than one husband tell me, after going through this part of the counseling, that they would be fine – if they had problems they would talk about their problems, pray together, and everything would be fine. They truly believed it would be that simple to keep their marriage together!
Over the years, though, there were several occasions when I would watch these young couples struggle to keep their marriages together. Some would renew their commitments to each other over and again, and they would build their homes and raise their families. Others, though, would give up on their commitments, giving in to the disappointments and hurts common in marriage life, and ending their marriages in divorce. I make no judgments on these, of course – marriage can be a real challenge! As I said earlier, a marriage will only survive when there is love and commitment to each other and a willingness to dedicate themselves to the relationship.
In some ways, this is a parallel to the way one lives out their faith in Jesus. The Old Testament is a story of 3 men with well-known names: Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. These were men of sincere faith, living in a land dominated by a pagan King. He was religious and had strong views of power and authority over the lives of his subjects. During his reign, he decreed that at the sign of the music played from the temple, everyone must immediately fall to the ground, and worship the golden image the king had established. These three men refused; when the horns blew, they ignored the king's decree. When the king heard of this, he was furious! He called the three law-breakers in before him and gave them another chance. If they bow to the golden image the king had established, they would live, but if they did not, they would be thrown into a fiery furnace.
Here is what the men said to the king: "O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to give you an answer. If it is so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the furnace. . . But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we are not going to serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up." Daniel 3:17-18
The king had them stoke the fire in the furnace, and they were thrown into the flames! The king later looked into the furnace and saw the three men and another man he called "one like a son of god." (Some say this was Jesus!) He had the men come out and questioned them. Because of their commitment to their all-powerful god, he released and blessed them, and they lived out their lives in the kingdom, protected from ridicule and attack.
The unmistakable message here is clear: practicing your faith in God with commitment and obedience can often be very difficult and get you in trouble with all the wrong people! Our God, though, will always be with us, and no matter what happens, He will bless and carry us into the future.
Let me encourage you to follow Jesus, with commitment to his cause, and practice obedience to his Word. Let God work! Do not be afraid, and never back down from your faith. God is in control!
Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcats with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Sunday Jan 26, 2025
Some time ago, I called a credit card company multiple times regarding an unexplained charge on my credit card bill. I left several messages, and when I finally got through to a human being, I could not understand the service agent due to his heavy foreign accent. Although I asked him several times to repeat himself, I still could not understand what he said. In disgust, I told the individual, "Thank you for your time," and hung up the phone. I eventually paid the charge, which, although just a few dollars, was a major aggravation on my part. I was angry that I had been charged with something I had not purchased and enraged that the card company's service department was so poor I could not take care of the charge properly. Instead, I paid it just to get on with my life!
Have you ever felt that way? You try to contact an individual or company, but you cannot get through. We are all familiar with that frustration!
So, too, must be God! He has made multiple efforts over several years, trying to get individuals to speak with him and deal with him "one-on-one," only to be brushed off or ignored. Even when He can get through to someone, through a sermon, bible passage, or one of our personal friends, we just go on about our business, paying him no real attention.
This is exactly what was going on when the Prophet Jeremiah was preaching to the Hebrew people in the land of Judah.
It had been a little over 150 years since the Northern Kingdom of Israel had fallen to the Assyrian Army, which was known to be God's punishment for their apostasy. They had ignored God's pleas for repentance for many years. God patiently reached out to them through different prophets and circumstances. This was all for naught, though, as the people of Israel had determined to ignore God's call to repentance and renewed faith. The judgment was brutal; the Northern Kingdom simply ceased to exist!
Jeremiah was preaching to those in the land of Judah, considered the Southern Kingdom. Here is just one of the passages of Jeremiah calling out to God's people: "Turn, O backsliding children, saith the Lord; for I am married unto you: and I will take you one of a city, and two of a family, and I will bring you to Zion; and I will give your pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. Jeremiah 3:14-15 Here, the Prophet had reminded the Southern Kingdom of what had happened to the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Too, he had challenged them with the call to repent, promising that if they would turn from their sin, God would forgive them, teach them, and give them wisdom that they might live in God's ways and live eternally with God and His people.
Unfortunately, the people refused to repent, and ended up suffering the punishment of God for their sins; they were conquered by the Babylonian army and were taken into slavery in a foreign land. Had they repented of their sin, God would have forgiven them and blessed them and their nation; because of their stubbornness, though, they suffered the consequences.
The great truth of this true story of history is not that God punishes sin but that God would prefer to forgive those who turn from their sin and bless them. That is God's desire!
God loves his people; God loves all people. He calls us all to follow Him and turn from our sins so that He may save us, and bless us with the eternal life that only He can give.
Won't you turn from your own path, confess your sin, and decide to ask God into your life? He will forgive you, save you, and lead you into a life of eternal blessing and joy!
Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Years ago, I heard a ruckus in the basement of our home – my young daughters were at it again! "It's not fair!" One said, "Yet, it is fair," said the other. This went on for some time. I eventually went downstairs and tried to calm them down, but I must admit, I failed! I tried my best to make sense of the situation and perhaps inject some peace and justice into the situation – but I could not! It was one of those situations where one had been given a privilege by virtue of being two years older than the other; when the younger one found out, her first response was predictable and somewhat accurate: "It's not fair!" We discussed this at length, with the end coming when my youngest daughter ran off to her room, crying loudly, and me hearing the familiar "slam!" of her door.
Life's not fair, is it? Even under the best of circumstances, there may always be a situation or event that has an inherent injustice or unfairness: One's parents make more money and can buy their child nice things, and their friends have less; Or, one is inherently more intelligent than another, and gets more recognition or awards than others. Sometimes, what is unjust or unfair results from another's actions or decisions. Regardless, we all have been on the side of the one who felt slighted – and we have all cried out, just as my daughter, "It's not fair!"
In the Old Testament, a preacher named Ecclesiastes wrote about the unfairness of life and the need for justice to overcome this harsh reality of life on this earth. He commented on the nature of this life when he said, "In the place of justice there is wickedness, and in the place of righteousness there is wickedness." 3:16 He was speaking of the unfairness and injustices he had observed in the halls of the justice system, and government actions. Even the 'good people' were unjust! The preacher went so far as to say that he could discern no difference between the animals and mankind when it came to their actions towards each other: "I said to myself, 'God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man, for a time for every matter and every deed is there. I said to myself concerning the sons of men, God has surely tested them for them to see that they are but beasts.'" Vv.17-18
We are, obviously, a people with a great need for justice and fairness in our affairs. But we cannot do it alone! Here are the instructions from the old preacher; "The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. God will bring every act to judgement, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil." 12:13-14 Simply put, the only way we will experience a life of fairness, justice, and peace is when people of faith apply their faith to their lives, relationships, and dealings with others. We cannot, and will not, do it on our own, and we will all face God for our unjust ways!!
Other than the clear call to a life of faith, there are a couple of other instructions given to us in God's Word that can guide us in our efforts to bring peace and justice to this life:
God wants us to love others. Not just with shallow emotionalism and easy 'feel good' moments; no, God wants us to practice a godly love towards all, living and acting in a way that demonstrates sincere concern towards the well-being of others. Ministries to the sick, hurting, and hungry, as do those who are poor and lonely, come to mind.
God wants us to work for justice and peace. This leads us to actions that will protect others from the predatory people of this earth, as well as those in power who tend to use others for their personal gain. The work for justice and peace is to take place both on a personal level and on a larger level, which may challenge us in our political actions and perspectives.
Here is a final thought on peace, and justice, as given to us by the prophet Micah: "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
Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Years ago, my dad was driving us through the Ozarks while on vacation, looking for "cheap gas." Back in those days, (the mid-1960s), there were often so-called 'gas wars,' where competing gas stations would try to lure in customers from other stations with lower gas prices. So intense was the competition that even a penny or two difference per gallon could make a huge difference! At some point during this search, it became apparent that the 'cheap gas' being pursued was nowhere to be found; in disgust, my father asserted, in an angry tone, "I'll never pay $.25 for a gallon of gas!" We were stunned by his anger and said nothing. He only relaxed when he found what he had been looking for – cheap gas at $.23 a gallon. What a relief! Years later, of course, we teased him mercilessly for getting angry over $.25 a gallon of gas – by the time we were teasing him, gas was well over $1.50 a gallon.
Now, my dad was not an ignorant man, but he was 'stuck;' in the situation. What I mean is that he was thinking like everyone else, in ways that were restricted by the shared wisdom of the day. No one else wanted to pay $.25 for a gallon of gas, either. The world had changed!
What brought this story to mind is how most people think; the "wisdom of this world" is conditioned and shaped by so many things, including our emotions, the current practices of the day, and more. Also, the "wisdom of this world" is often wrong and will fade away over time, to be replaced by some other 'wisdom' that might be just as far from the truth.
In the Bible, there is a story from King Solomon's life that literally 'put him on the map' in the politics of the day. It's a familiar story of God's wisdom bringing peace to a tragic situation. Solomon was king, and there was trouble in the courtyard. Two women were fighting over a child. Both were prostitutes with infants and shared an apartment. One of the infants had died overnight. The mother of the deceased baby recognized the situation and, in the middle of the night, 'switched out' her dead infant with the one who was sleeping. When the other mother woke, she recognized that the infant was dead, and the baby in her bed was the other woman's. She immediately understood the situation – the babies had been switched! There was a loud, screaming fight between the two, of course, and the two ended up in front of the king, whose task was to bring justice and peace to the now buzzing community.
Solomon pondered the situation and said, 'Bring me the child.' He then reasoned that the only way to satisfy both women was to cut the child in half, giving each one half. The woman who had switched the babies accepted the ruling; the true mother of the living child, though, immediately acted to save her child, begging the king to give the child to the other. In some way, God's wisdom had helped Solomon to discern that the real mother would instead save the life of her child, even if it meant she would lose him. Solomon gave that woman the child, as he recognized her sincerity and the facts of the situation. So clearly, this act of Solomon from God was something the people immediately recognized as something beyond human understanding. The Bible says, "When all Israel heard of the judgment which the king had handed down, they feared the king; for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to administer justice." I Kings 3:28 Word spread throughout the land, and soon people from all over the world came to hear Solomon speak the wisdom that was recognized to be from God.
People need justice and guidance in messy situations, and they need to be given the understanding that it is better than what the world has to offer!
When we read this old story, we are confronted with the understanding that there are two types of wisdom: Earthly wisdom, which often brings suffering, broken relationships, and even wars. Then, in contrast, is godly wisdom, which can get justice, emotional healing, and even peace when applied to a life or event. That wisdom is a gift from God, given through his grace.
You may sense a need for wisdom from God to be applied to some situation in your life. Ask God for wisdom, and follow His direction. He can guide us in this life!
Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
Sunday Dec 22, 2024
An update from Rob Van Wey on his missionary work with Soldiers in North Carolina.
"For God so loved the world."
One of the most familiar passages out of the Christian Bible, this passage is always appropriate! In creation, "For God so loved the world." In good times and bad, "For God so loved the world." In life and death, "For God so loved the world." In all situations, the message of God's eternal love for us all can bring comfort, guidance, and joy. God loves us all!
Especially in times like the Christmas season, is the message ever appropriate. A man and his very pregnant wife are looking for a place to stay in a strange land. No room in the in; a bed in a backroom stall; a piercing cry of a newborn boy in the middle of a moonlit night – God loves and has brought about a miracle! Not just the miracle of birth, of course – this birth was special! This baby was "the Christ Child." God, 'in the flesh;' God was moving to save man from his own sin, and self-destructive ways. In the Christ-Child the eternal Creator came as an innocent child, putting to the test the phrase, "For God so loved the world."
The Creator-God, in the flesh, has come to earth! The Creator has come to re-create, to give new life – to save!
This is God's promise: "He was wounded and crushed for our sin. He was beaten that we might have peace. He was whipped, and we were healed." Isaiah 53: Jesus came and lived, preached, suffered, and died so that we might live. From that first creation story, this was God's plan!
This is Jesus' testimony: "I am the living bread that came down out of heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he shall live forever." John 6 Jesus made the fantastic claim – "I who speak to you am he." He was more than just a preacher or prophet, as many have said – He was, and is, the Savior of all!
This is the witness of scripture: "Once for all time, he took blood into that most Holy Place, but not the blood of goats and calves. He took his own blood, and with it, he secured our salvation forever." Hebrews 9, the blood of Jesus, shed on the cross, was God's plan; this is how he would cleanse us from our sin! No magic trick, of course – this was an act of a loving God, giving himself to save the humanity that he had created and strayed from Him.
"For God so loved the world, He gave his one and only son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life." This is the story 'behind' the Christmas story and the reason for it all. God's loves us, and that is the reason for the wonderful celebration!
Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our videos with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Sunday Dec 15, 2024
Last week, we began a series on The Incarnation of Jesus. We pondered an answer to the question, "What is the Incarnation," and learned that the act of God the Son, coming in human flesh, was the simplest way to understand the Incarnation. It was a miraculous act demonstrating God's willingness to do great and mighty things to help humanity. This week, we will consider an answer to the question, "Why did the Incarnation occur?"
Let's take a quick look at the condition of man. The Bible teaches us that we were created in innocence and perfection, with the intention of living in a loving and fulfilling relationship with God. Everything was wonderful for a time. But then man chose to disobey God. That is one way to understand the nature of sin: it is when we decide that we would rather live according to our desires rather than the ways of God. When we live a life of sin (characterized by our rebellion against Him), it means that we may reject God's direction for our lives, and that often brings suffering and misery our way. We aren't typically horrible people, of course, but we live in a way that makes our lives more difficult and tends to hurt those we love. No matter how hard we try, we cannot go back to a sinless life! However, God loves us and wants to help us 'come back' to him so we can live our best lives. God's ultimate solution was the Incarnation! The Incarnation was a miraculous intervention that would enable God to forgive us for our sins, cleanse our lives, and begin the process of re-creating this life on earth.
Let's talk a little about the love of God that brought about this great miracle! In the Old Testament, the love of God was spoken of in one passage like this: "I knew that you were a gracious and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love." Jonah 4:2 The last words in that verse, "unfailing love," is in many other places translated as "abundant lovingkindness." These words for God's love appear over 180 times in the Old Testament, speaking of God's gracious, unearned, and life-changing love for man! In the New Testament, God's love was spoken of using a different term, "agape love." This is similar in meaning, adding a dimension of God's grace to the understanding. So, when we read the very popular New Testament verse, John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever lives and believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life," we see God's 'agape love' in action.
This love of God, spoken of often throughout the scriptures, is the 'why' of the Incarnation! God created us in love with the intention of sharing his blessings and life with us, but our sins separated us from Him. Nothing man could fix this devastating problem, so, in the mind of God, the act of the Incarnation was conceived. God would send his son to this earth in the form of the Christ-child Jesus and ultimately pay the price for our sins. Through this act of love, God would cleanse us from our sins, give us pure hearts, and begin re-creating us in his image. In this precious gift, God would save us from ourselves!
Let me encourage you to consider your place in your relationship with God! if you never asked for the cleansing available through Jesus and would like to have a new and better life, go to God in prayer and receive him into your heart. That will begin a new life for you and can be a source of blessings and joy forever!
Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
Sunday Dec 08, 2024
"With."
A simple term, really. A word that can truly 'make a difference' in one's life or a specific situation. Here are a few examples: "Will you come with me?" "May I come with you?" Or, perhaps, "It would mean so much to me if you would come with us."
When used in such a way, the term "with" can refer to an invitation, an expression of devotion or love, and maybe even a desire for something more in a relationship.
In Old Testament times, it was understood that there was a sort of barrier between man and God. God created us intending to live in a relationship and share his blessings with us. Mankind, however, from the earliest couple on, seemed to have trouble with that idea, at least in practice. There was rebellion, a rejection of God's words, and, finally, sin. The barrier between God and man became more profound as time passed; there were times when it seemed that man had little patience for God at all! Prophets preached a message of the need for repentance in the lives of men and women of all ages; the message of those prophets, in so many words, was simple, "Won't you come with me?" God yearned to bring us close to Him, love, and bless us.
Finally, God made the decision: He would do something unheard of, and miraculous! He sent his son to earth in the form of a child named Jesus. This 'incarnation' was how God would show us who He was and what He wanted of us. He would help us see what we 'could have been' if we had not rejected God, both as individuals and as a people. Throughout the scriptures, Jesus was referred to by many names. One, though, was particularly significant, and full of meaning: Immanuel.
Most everyone is aware of this name of Jesus, not just because it is in the Bible, but because the very name "Immanuel" has been immortalized in a famous Christmas hymn.
Here are the first couple of lines in the old Hymn, which beautifully encapsulates the essence of God's presence among us:
Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel.
God is with us and revealed in us. His name is Emmanuel.
Did you see those words, "God with us?" That is the literal meaning of the words in the original language from Jesus' day: "With us, God." God was saying to us all, as he gave us this name for His son, "I am going to be with you, from now on." He also told us, "Will you come with me and live a life of faith?"
Jesus, the embodiment of the Incarnation of 'God in the flesh,' says to us all, "Come with me: I love you, and will save you, and will bless you, forever." This 'What?' of the Incarnation is the core of our mission, inviting all to experience the love and salvation of God.
Through His son, Jesus, God's God, proclaims his love and intentions for us all. He says, simply and repeatedly, "I want to be with you. Will you come with me?"
How will you answer the God who calls you to faith? This call is not just a request for belief, but a commitment to live a life of faith, to spread His love and message, and to be a part of our ministry's mission.
Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.
Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!