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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 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!
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Sunday Nov 24, 2024
Guest Speaker: Brian Forman
"Again and Again," Mark 1:9-15
Brian serves on the Senior Leadership Team at CBF, helping to coordinate congregational ministries. Brian lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife, Denise, and they have two adult children.
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 forengagement. 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 Nov 17, 2024
Sunday Nov 17, 2024
Good morning, FBC! It's an honor to be filling in for Pastor Kevin while he's taking a well deserved week off. Since this morning is our Operation Christmas Child Celebration Sunday, I thought I'd extend Rev Kev's 3:16s of the Bible sermon series. This project allows us to send a shoebox filled with gifts and essentials to children in need, helping them experience the tangible love of God.
Our message will focus on several scriptures—all 3:16 verses from various books of the Bible—that remind us of the core values behind this mission. Each verse speaks to God's love, generosity, and call for us to serve others.
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 Nov 10, 2024
Sunday Nov 10, 2024
The book of Exodus, the second book in the Bible, is the story of how God rescued the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt. This powerful narrative of liberation and faith is at the core of our ministry's mission, inspiring us to bring hope and freedom to those in need. Here is a little bit of historical background:
Egypt was at the peak of its political and military power, dominating the world. This powerful nation conquered smaller nations at will, taking captives from the population and selling them into slavery. Smaller migrant groups already in the country were enslaved, too, including a group of people identified as the Sons of Israel, the descendants of those who had come to Egypt with Jacob in previous years. They were considered a threat because of their great numbers, so the Egyptian leaders enslaved them, forcing them to build 'storage cities' named Pithom and Raamses.
This lasted for several hundred years until their prayers for relief were answered. God called Moses, who was raised in the Egyptian palace, to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Here is a part of what God said to Moses: "I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey. . . So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles, which I shall do in the midst of it; after that, he will let you go." (Exodus 3:17-20)
After a series of confrontations between Pharoah and Moses, God worked ten miraculous plagues on the Egyptian people to convince their leader to let the people go. Moses led them out into the desert, and soon after, God parted the waters of the Red Sea and allowed them to escape the Egyptian chariots Pharoah had sent to destroy them. They were free! It was another 40 years before they were allowed to enter the Promised Land, but the promise of God finally happened. God had heard their cries for freedom from their bondage and suffering, and He worked a mighty work that is spoken of to this day.
I tell this story because it is one that not only inspires faith in the hearts of those who hear; it also teaches us great truths about the One God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the God who later sent his son, Jesus, to rescue all mankind from their suffering and sin. One of the great truths from this story is that God hears us and cares about what is going on in our lives. He is, literally, our "loving father," who listens to our prayers and wants us to share our hearts with Him. Also, our Father-God can act in history to change our lives and bring us strength, courage, and blessings. He may not work in our lives "on demand," but in His time, God acts! Finally, God brings positive changes into our lives as we pray in faith. God loves us, and wants to care for us both now, and in the life that is to come.
Won't you follow this Father-God who cares for you? If you want Him to work in your life to bring forgiveness, joy, and hope, you can ask Jesus into your heart. God will hear your prayer of faith. He will cleanse you from all your sins and failures and begin to work in your life, as only He can, to bring life and joy!
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 continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just significant, it is 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 Nov 03, 2024
Sunday Nov 03, 2024
Several years I was conducting a wedding for a young couple in the church where I served as pastor. I met with them a couple of times to plan the ceremony and discuss the issues, and all seemed well. Both were Christian, young, and in love, and seemed to get along very well. The big day arrived, and a few minutes before the ceremony began, I met with the groom behind the stage, waiting for the correct time to enter the auditorium. We talked about the wedding plans, and the young man commented that their planning process had been relatively pleasant, as his young bride was very accommodating. I mentioned that she would probably change a little over time, as she grew into her role as wife, and, later, as mother. With that comment, though, the young man's eyes opened wide as he exclaimed, "I've noticed that – she's gotten pretty aggressive and outspoken in just the last couple of weeks, as we've talked about renting an apartment and making decisions about decorations and furniture; she's never talked to me like that before." I laughed, as I knew this young man was in for a shock! I told him that was normal and that she would probably surprise him with her strength in the days to come.
It is often said that "women are the weaker sex," but most men's experience is the very opposite! Men always find that women are strong and intelligent, can be very aggressive, and often may seem to have a sense of resentment, or even anger, towards men. Why would this be?
In the Old Testament, there is a story that may give us some insight into this male/female relationship dynamic. In the creation story in Genesis 1-3, there is the story of the Creation of the world, including animals, the natural realm, and the first couple, Adam and Eve. They were given almost total freedom; the only restriction on their behavior was not eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil. Adam and Eve failed, as you probably remember, eating a piece of fruit from the forbidden tree. God confronted them, and punished them, for their sin and disobedience to His Will. Part of the judgments given out had to do with the relationship between the man and woman: "To the woman He said, 'I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, in pain you shall bring forth children; Yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.'" Later, to the man, God said, "Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you shall eat of it, All the days of your life. . . therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken." Genesis 3:16-24
The phrase in v.16, 'yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you,' is a key part of the man/woman relationship. Man and woman were created as equals, to work together, and help and encourage each other,in a relationship of mutual support and submission. However, when sin entered the relationship, this balance was disrupted. The loss of mutual support and submission led to a perpetual power struggle between man and woman. This is the unfortunate effect of sin on our relationships.
Men and women can rise above this when they learn to accept the biblical message of mutual support and submission. Unfortunately, that goes against our fallen nature! God can help, though, when we follow Jesus. In Christ, we are "made new" and have transformed hearts and minds. With changed hearts and an education mindset, men and women can learn to trust each other and work together, one submitting to the other, determined by each other's strengths and weaknesses. In this relationship, there can be peace 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 deeplyappreciate your contributions and urge you to continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just significant, it is 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 Oct 27, 2024
Sunday Oct 27, 2024
Not too long ago, I watched a TV program focusing on the use of what are called 'service robots,' which are becoming commonly used worldwide; it was a fascinating program. One of the 'robots' that was very popular was the 'robot dog,' which is in use in several large cities worldwide. This 'dog' could walk up and down stairs and is equipped with a camera and lights, a 'sniffer,' and, in the future, may be equipped with a weapon – all controlled by a remote officer nearby. The 'dog' is fearless, of course, and can go into situations that might threaten the life or well-being of an officer. There is great interest in this model, we were told! Another robot was a 'hospitality robot' that stood upright on wheels, had face-like features on the top to mimic a human face, and was designed to carry a tray to patients in a hospital or nursing home. This type of robot was equipped with new 'artificial intelligence' software (all computer-operated); it could even carry on basic patient conversations. These patients have responded well to these robots in trials. It was reported that these models will soon be almost everywhere, and some people need help daily.
The focus of the program was that, eventually, there would be no need for real people to engage in many of these tasks, as there would eventually be a 'bot' developed for tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or considered too 'menial' for human beings. There would be a literal 'army' of these bots everywhere you went, and this would be a great boon for humanity, accomplishing all sorts of tasks!
I have often wondered what could be done if one had an 'army' of these 'service bots' at one's disposal. The answer: almost anything!
We don't have to imagine this situation, as someone has already done something similar to this, but with real, live people. Who has done this, you might ask? I would contend that this is precisely what God has done with his people of faith in the Church! The Church is the collection of God's people, united by faith in him through Jesus. Much more than a building, it is an army of believers who have voluntarily given their lives over the service of God in almost every way imaginable!
Here are some characteristics of God's people who have become, by choice, servants of the One God. First, they are united by their belief in the Gospel message and the experience of Jesus cleansing them of their sin. Additionally, they have received God's Spirit with them. They are engaged in the transformation of their hearts and lives through that Spirit and the teachings of the Scripture. Finally, they are organized into a functioning body of people, united by their faith, forming a worldwide organization called into service every day. The Church is God's 'army,' ready to go out into the world to help people in crisis, to teach them the good news of Jesus, and to model the kinds of loving and gracious behaviors that best reflect the One God, who loves us all.
God's plan for the Church may be 'low-tech,' but look at all God has done with his servants: He has taken schools and hospitals into needy areas, provided food and water to millions in crisis, taught cultures how to value human life and foster respect and concern for people of all colors and nationalities, and even provided foundational beliefs for some of the greatest nations in human history. WOW!!
Would you like to be a part of God's "army" on this earth? When you come to believe in Jesus as the crucified and resurrected Son of God and ask him to come into your heart and save you, the transformation of your life begins. God will fill and guide you with his Holy Spirit, teach you with his written Word, the Bible, and then start to guide you into service. When you say "yes" to God's call, you join the largest, most effective, and most enduring organization in human history – the Church! He will use, bless, and fill you up in ways you have never imagined. Follow Jesus, and join the servants of God, the Church!
Your support is crucial to spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing these 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 are deeply grateful for your contributions and urge you to continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just important, it's integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.
Your financial contributions make our ministry possible. They support outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for the community. We assure you that your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we value your role in making this ministry a reality. 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/. Staying connected with us is a great way to engage with our community and support our mission.
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!