FBC Independence Podcast

Finiding Your Place: Live with Integrity and Conviction

While in high school, I got into a huge argument with one of my good friends; we almost came to blows!  We finally calmed ourselves down and ended up laughing at ourselves due to the nature of the argument.  Our big blow-out resulted from a fairly ordinary discussion for high-school boys:  we all worked on our cars, and we would compare notes about tools, techniques, and in this instance, which oil was best to use in our older v8 engines.  He commented that a particular oil brand was best, and I countered that another brand, the one I preferred, was even better.  He and I went back and forth for some time, tempers flared, and I believed we would have to 'duke it out!'  Fortunately, we both caught ourselves, and then I explained that my dad had always used 'my' oil; he gave a sheepish smile and admitted that 'his' oil was one his father always used.  We both started laughing, having realized just how silly we were:  neither one of us knew anything about oil, we were just going on what our fathers had said.  Our 'convictions' about oil quality weren't really convictions; they were just simple preferences that neither of us had ever seriously considered.

 

Of course, this was a silly and childish argument, but I have had occasion to think of it often over the years.  The notion of 'life choices' and 'convictions'  is an important one for at least two simple reasons: First, our choices and convictions, and how we form them, can have a significant impact on our lives, our relationships, and the way we serve God and his Kingdom.  Secondly, the type of convictions that drive our lives can determine our witness for Christ to those around us.

           

John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, was one who had developed certain convictions around the issue of godly faith, and these convictions controlled his life!  No matter where he was or who he was talking to, his convictions of faith in God and Jesus, God's Son, determined every action and word!  Whenever John spoke, those around him knew where he stood when it came to matters of living out one's faith in the One God.  He spoke forcefully against sin and made the case for honest repentance and living out one's faith in a way that would please God.  Also, wherever he lived and whatever he said, he demonstrated his belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who was the promised Messiah.  His convictions were chosen based on his life experiences and how he had seen God work.  In addition, his actions and words purposefully made the case for a life based upon faith in Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jewish faith.  Here is just a small portion of what John spoke, based upon his God-given convictions:

 

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism  of

repentance for the forgiveness of sins. . . And he was preaching and saying, "After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.  I baptized you will water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Mark 1:4, 7-8

 

I urge you to consider the convictions that will shape your life.  Choose your beliefs wisely and let them guide your actions.  Base your life on the teachings of Jesus, who sacrificed himself and rose again. Plan your life according to your faith in Him.  Your life will gain purpose and significance, and others will be inspired by the power of your faith.

 

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 vital 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!

Finding Your Place: Look to God as Your Source of Courage & Strength

I recently attended a cross-country track meet so that I could cheer on my teenage daughter, who is well on her way to becoming a successful athlete. In a cross-country meet, the parents and families of the runners stand at different parts of the course and cheer their loved ones on. Then, everyone rushes to the finish line to yell like crazy, hoping that the support will give the runners an extra 'push' across the finish line. It's great fun!

           

At this meet, the course was in a very hilly location.  At the first station, all the parents yelled out support for the kids as they ran by, and then, in 2-3 minutes, there were a couple of stragglers who were far behind the pack.  They were giving it all they had, but it was apparent they weren't doing well!  We all felt sorry for them and wanted to encourage them, so we all yelled like crazy for the stragglers far behind the pack.  We could only hope that our cheers and volume would help them somehow!

           

I am always surprised when I hear athletes say that the cheers of the crowd really do make a difference. I have even heard professional athletes say that the cheers of the crowd make them feel better and more capable and even encourage them to try harder, especially when they are up against formidable athletes—it really helps!

           

There is a story in the Old Testament that demonstrates how God worked to help a leader of the Hebrew people, Joshua.  Moses had led the people in the wilderness and was no longer with them.  God called Joshua to lead the people after Moses' death. In Joshua 1, we see the way God called Joshua into what would be a very dangerous and difficult task.  He explained that Joshua was to take the people across the Jordan River, lead them to conquer the people of the Promised Land and take the land for God's people. It was terrifying!  But God knew what Joshua needed:  God told him that He would be with them every step of the way and give them victory over the pagan leaders of the land.  And God did something very much like what I did for my granddaughter as she raced across the countryside:  He cheered Joshua on and encouraged him in the task. 

           

The way God did this was very simple:  Speaking to a man about to embark upon a difficult task, he said, three separate times, the phrase:  "Be strong and courageous."  Let me give you a shortened version of God's encouragement:  "Be strong and courageous, for you will lead these people to take the land for their own." V.6: "Be strong and courageous, and be careful to obey my commands." V.7  Finally, God said, "Be strong and courageous, and don't be afraid because I will always be with you."  V.9

           

God was encouraging Joshua, just like we were encouraging the runners in the race:  "Come on, you can do it!"  "Push harder, you're doing great!"  finally, "Don't give up, you're almost there!"  The difference, though, is that we gave the kids moral support. At the same time, God taught Joshua essential life lessons that would carry him through dark and challenging days.  "I will be with you;"  "Don't give up; I will help you do this."  Finally, "Do what I tell you, and you will be fine." 

           

The message for us is simple as we endeavor to live our lives of faith:  "God is with us, and he will help us, every day, and in every way."  And, finally, "Trust God to help you, and trust him with your life." 

           

Let me encourage you to hear God's word, which speaks often of faith and obedience.  Trust God with your life, and lethim use you and help you daily.

 

Your support is not just important; it's crucial to spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your support is not just a gesture; it's a key factor in our journey, and your involvement makes you an integral part of our Ministry's mission.

 

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture; it's a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us. Your financial contributions are not just a means of support; they are a testament to your commitment to our mission and a vital part of our operations. We value your contributions and the role you play in making our Ministry a reality.

 

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, we encourage you to download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. Staying connected with us is a great way to stay engaged with our community and our mission. We look forward to your continued support and involvement. Your active participation in our digital platforms will keep you updated on our activities and strengthen our community.

 

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We are truly grateful for your contributions and the role you playin making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture, but a testament to your commitment to our mission. We look forward to your continued support and participation. Thank you for watching. We will see you next week, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our Ministry.

Finding Your Place: God in the Details of Your Life

Years ago, as a student at a Baptist college, I heard a sermon that seemed so right – but was absolutely wrong!  The speaker said something like this:  "If you have sin in your life, God won't be able to use you; He will just use someone else and wait for you to get your life straightened out."  I, and all the other ministerial students at that service said loudly, "Amen!"  The message was a 'hit the sinners hard-with-the-gospel' approach that appealed to our youthful enthusiasm and affirmed our convictions regarding sin, and Christians who aren't 'serious' about Jesus.  We all went back to our dorm rooms' pumped up' about the message, and some of us even planned to use that approach, and maybe even that quote,' the very next time we preached. 

           

Over the next few days, though, I had time to think about the message, and I realized something: If God won't use someone with sin in their life, who will he use?  Also, if God cannot use someone who hasn't gotten their life straightened out, when will I know I'm good enough for God to use?  These were daunting questions, so I asked my preacher friends what they thought.  Some didn't worry about it because it sounded good, but some of my more thoughtful friends agreed with me – something was wrong with what the speaker had said!

           

There is a story in the Old Testament book of Ruth about a woman of the same name who was really in a bad spot in life in the land of Moab.  Her husband had died, and she was alone with her mother-in-law, Naomi, who had come from another country in the city of Bethlehem, with no real prospects for a good life.  She decided she would go back to Judah with her mother-in-law and adopt the elder woman's faith in God.  When they arrived in the land, she had no job or money, so she began to follow the laborers in the field after harvest, picking up the scraps for her and her in-law.  Over time, a man noticed her in the field and arranged to meet with her.  Things progressed quickly; they eventually married, and she had a son named Obed.  This isn't really an unusual story, except that her son Obed grew up and married a woman and had a son named Jesse, who had a son David, who grew to become the King of Israel!  The ultimate end to the story, given in Matthew 1, was that, centuries later, in King David's family, a child whose name was Jesus was born!  Yes, the Messiah, the Son of God, was born because God worked with a woman whose life was in a mess.  She was no one special, new to the Jewish faith, and had nothing to give to God – except her willingness to follow God's lead.  God used  Naomi's influence and family connections to lead her to depend upon God, and God worked his plan to include a Moabite woman, Ruth, to be included in Jesus' genealogy in the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. This was more than just an acknowledgment of history; her inclusion in Jesus' family ancestry was God's way of saying to the world that He could use anyone, from any place, in his plan for all mankind – even a woman born and raised Gentile! This story is a powerful reminder that God's plan is inclusive, and He can use anyone, from any background, in his mission for all mankind.

           

God wants everyone to know that to him, there is only one people on earth – all are part of his creation, and all are called to follow Jesus.  God loves all people and can use anyone, no matter their story, in his plan to save the world from sin.  God is calling you to faith in Jesus and to live a life of obedience to his plan.  God will use you, help you find your place in this life, and bless you into eternity when you follow Him!

 

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is not just invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just appreciated, but it's essential to our mission. You are not just a supporter but a key player in our journey, and your support makes you an integral part of our Ministry.

 

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture but a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us. Your financial contributions are not just a means of support, but a testament to your commitment to our mission and a vital part of our operations. We value your contributions and the role you play in making our Ministry a reality.

 

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, we encourage you to download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. Stayingconnected with us is a great way to stay engaged with our community and our mission. We look forward to your continued support and involvement.

 

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

Finding Your Place: Finding Your Purpose Through Following Jesus

Finding Your Purpose Through Following Jesus

 

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these videos with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is not just invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just appreciated, but it's essential to our mission. You are not just a supporter but a key player in our journey, and your support makes you an integral part of our Ministry.

 

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture but a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us. https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give

Finding Your Place: Accept Your God-Given Strengths

Have you ever noticed that not everyone can do the same things?  I've noticed this with a couple of my grandchildren; they are both beautiful and healthy but have very different abilities!  One was born to be 'on stage;'  she is a natural entertainer and, even while very young, is comfortable performing in front of a large crowd.  She can sing, act, and do anything on stage without getting nervous!  Another of my grandchildren is a stone-cold academic and a top-tier athlete.  She scores near-perfect in almost all of her classes, memorizes vast amounts of information easily, and is growing up to be an excellent cross-country runner.  They are both amazing – but so different!  Thankfully, as they have grown up together, they have come to appreciate each other's abilities and skills without any of the jealousies young siblings so often have.

 

I mention my grandchildren and their gifts and abilities because God has given them different gifts and skills to be developed and used for various reasons.  In one part of his letter in the Bible, the author James mentions 'gifts from God' and gives us insight into the nature of these gifts.  He says, "Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow."  James 1:17

 

Here are a couple of things I've gleaned from this passage, and others in the Bible, about what we can consider gifts from God.  First, if there is something good in your life, consider it a gift from God!  God loves us and blesses us simply out of the goodness of His character and grace.  He gives us gifts for the same reason we give those we love gifts – to bless them and bring joy to their lives!  Another thing to remember is that God intends us to use, develop, and enjoy these gifts!  One may have to practice and learn skills and face down fears and insecurities, but the result is the ability to use and express those gifts to their fullest, bringing joy and inspiration to our lives.  Another thing: God wants us to develop and use our gifts to bring glory to him and draw others into a life-changing relationship with Him through Jesus.  Our gifts are ours, of course, and God gives us complete freedom to use them as we choose, but He wants us to accept them fully, develop them, and then use them in this life, bless others, and bring joy into our lives.         

Let me challenge you to identify whatever gifts and abilities God has given you and then develop them to their fullest. Use your gifts to bless others and share the good news of Jesus as you serve him daily.

 

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is not just invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just appreciated, but it's essential to our mission. You are not just a supporter but a key player in our journey, and your support makes you an integral part of our Ministry.

 

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture but a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us.

 

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

 

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

Finding Your Place: Open your heart to God’s truth

There has been a recent series of ads on Facebook, all dealing with the power of our choices.  The ads are all very similar:  On one side is a man who is well-muscled and physically fit, and the words "This is hard" across the top of the picture; on the other side is a picture of a man who is obviously overweight and unhealthy, with the words, "This is hard."  And then, along the bottom border, is the phrase, "Choose your hard."  The meaning is clear – 'You can choose the 'hard' of exercise and self-discipline and get a certain result, or you can choose the 'hard' of overeating and lack of exercise and get another result.  Both are 'hard' because one takes effort, and the other makes you miserable.  Life is hard, and the type of life you get is your choice! Your choices have the power to shape your life.

 

I often think of that series of ads because of the inherent truth – your life results from your choices!  Of course, there are accidents and outside influences, but for most of us, what we choose to do and how we choose to live determines the course of our lives!

 

You may not realize it, but that is a very 'Christian' way of thinking about your life and the practice of your faith. You can choose to ignore your faith and get very little from it, or you can choose to accept the Biblical teachings God has given us, allow them to shape your thoughts and actions, and experience the life that God has planned for you!

 

There is a passage in the Old Testament that can help us grasp the life-changing nature of true faith.  It states, "The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the grandchildren to the third and fourth generation."  Exodus 4:6-7

 

The passage presents several dramatic truths that can make a real difference in our lives when we choose to accept them.

 

First, God is a loving and compassionate God who is slow to anger and quick to forgive.  This means we can live with the conviction that God loves us and wants to help us in this life!  He does not wish to punish us; rather, He desires to lift us and help us rebuild our lives when we fall.  Second, God values truth and righteousness.  The God who loves is a God who speaks the truth and can help us discern the truths that can shape our lives and avoid the lies and deceptions of our fallen world.  Finally, God is a just and righteous judge who fully intends to punish sin.  There is no justice if there is no judgment!  As the passage said earlier, God does not wish to punish anyone; His choice would be for us to turn from our sin, receive the forgiveness He so freely offers, and rebuild our lives.  But, when people resist Him, God will punish sin – it is inescapable!  Our sin brings suffering upon us and upon those we love most.

 

This, of course, is the message of grace.  God loves us and wants to forgive and bless us, but we will reap the whirlwind if we reject his leadership.  When we choose the 'hard' of personal responsibility and faith, we can live with joy. On the other hand, the 'hard' of rebellion and living apart from God's grace leads to a life of spiritual emptiness and separation from God's love.  It is our choice!

 

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcats with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is not just invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just appreciated, but it's essential to our mission. You are not just a supporter but a key player in our journey, and your support makes you an integral part of our ministry.

 

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture but a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us.

 

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

 

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

Finding Your Place: Finding and Living the life God has planned for you

There are many ways by which people 'define' their lives and choose to live:

 

Some time ago, I stumbled upon an ad for one of those ancestry services that became so popular.  The ad focused on the story of a man who had always believed he was of German ancestry. So, to carry on the tradition of his German heritage, he often dressed in traditional Bavarian clothes, sang songs and performed in dance groups that featured German traditions.  He was happy with his Germanic heritage and made many good friends through these activities.  Interestingly, though, when he finally signed up to discover his family lineage, he found minimal German lineage; however, he had a powerful Italian ancestry!  He felt obligated to 're-define' his life so that his hobbies and interests were more consistent with his true ancestry.  He joined groups that honored and practiced his newfound Italian heritage. He had to learn new songs and dance steps to reflect who he was accurately. This transformation, guided by faith, is a powerful testament to the potential of faith to shape our lives.

While the man's reaction to his ancestry is extreme, it vividly demonstrates the profound influence of one's 'identity' on their life. This concept, deeply rooted in the Bible, is a powerful force that can shape our lives in ways  we may not realize.

 

In both the Old and New Testaments, God speaks to his people about 'who they are.'   God teaches the reader who they 'are' and who they 'identify as' and can guide them as they determine the course of their lives. In one Old Testament Passage, Moses said this: ". . . You shall live in booths for seven days; all the native-born in Israel shall live in booths so that your generations may know that I had the sons of Israel live in booths when I brought them out from the land of Egypt.  I am the Lord, you God."   Leviticus 23: 42-43

 

Moses was teaching his people to 'act out' how their ancestors had survived the wanderings in the desert after the Exodus experience on a special once-a-year holiday called The Feast of Booths.  This was part of a larger celebration where the people would erect a small tent, or hut, outside their homes and live for a week to be reminded of how God worked in their history to form them as His people, the nation Israel.  As they participated in this practice year after year, they would begin to create their 'identity' as the chosen people of God, Israel.  It was a powerful teaching tool and was instrumental in helping them remember their heritage and make choices to further their lives of faith.  

 

There are many examples of this kind of thing in the Bible, all with the same intent:  to help God's people 'identify' with God and continue practicing their faith.  One short passage in the New Testament was also compelling:  "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us  for it is written, 'Cursed  is everyone who hangs on a tree'- so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come the Gentiles so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith."   Galatians 3:12-14.  Here, Paul was explaining to the Jewish Christians that their identity as Christians was because of Christ's work on the cross, just like the Gentiles.  Indeed, there was no difference at all because all who are "in Christ" are God's people, and they should live accordingly.

 

Who you 'are' is important!  God calls us to live 'in Christ' and to identify as God's people.  When we do this, our lives will be shaped by that conviction, and our faith will be a powerful force in our lives – just like God intended!  This, of course, will be a guide in every area of life and a way through which God can bless, use, and bring us joy.

 

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is not just invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just appreciated, but it's essential to our mission.

 

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture, but it's a significant step towards making a difference in our community.

 

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

 

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

Fake News from The Church What you believe isn’t as important as how strongly you believe it

We've all heard crazy stories that are all but unbelievable, haven't we?  Interestingly, though, no matter how bizarre a story is, a few almost always believe it to be true. This is especially true with stories of alien abductions – people who say that they were taken captive by aliens from another world.  One of the first of these 'abduction' stories hit the news way back in September 1961, and it made quite a splash!

 

The couple involved in this story were a husband and wife named Barney and Betty Hill.  They made their story public and followed the publicity with interviews, investigations, and eventually a best-selling book.  They told the story with great conviction and presented drawings, pictures, and other details; they were pretty convincing in those days!  Mr. Hill died of a stroke a few years later, and Betty continued to tell her story to anyone who would listen for the rest of her life.  Neither of them ever waivered in their story – until their dying days, they were absolutely convinced that their story was the absolute truth!

 

As most of these stories go, this one, too, was thoroughly debunked.  No matter how much the Hills believed the story, it just wasn't true!

           

This sort of thing is not really unusual, is it? Even in the Church, people will tell stories of miracles or experiences and even teach 'truths' that are not true. 

 

This was the case even in the very early years of Christian history.  Timothy was a young pastor of a church struggling with 'what to believe.'  There were false teachers and false teachings everywhere, and those in the Church were having trouble discerning what was true and what was false.  So, Paul, an older pastor, wrote him a letter giving him instructions.  Here is part of what he wrote to the young Pastor: "Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with great patience and instruction.  For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires; and will turn away their ears from the truth, and will turn aside to myths."  II Timothy 4: 2-4

           

Paul anticipated a time in the Church when people would not be satisfied with the biblical message; instead, they would go after what was either new, exciting, or popular in the culture.  The Pastor's task was simple:  teach the word of God!  In discussions, bible studies, sermons, and everyday conversation.  Sometimes, the discussions would be easy and pleasant; at other times, they would be contentious and difficult.  But the task for the Pastor was to always teach the truth according to God's Word and do so with great patience.  How people felt about something did not determine the truth of their beliefs.  People would know the truth only by holding fast to the teachings in God's word!

 

Centuries later, those in the Church still must adhere to the truth of God's Word! Regardless of our title or role in the Church, we must hold fast to biblical teachings and resist the ungodly influences of the world around us.  That is the task of the pastor/teacher and the task of all who would follow Jesus.  What you believe matters!

 

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is not just invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission.

 

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

 

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

 

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

Fake News from the Church: You have to be perfect to have God’s help in your life

Have you ever read a 'news report' that didn't sound quite right? Are you familiar with the term 'fake news?

 

 Some time ago, I came across an article discussing the years-long fight to get 'fat' out of our American diet.  Years ago, scientists had supposedly proven that fat in our diets was a terrible problem and that if we eliminated fats from our foods, we would be thinner, healthier, and probably look better!  Interestingly enough, researchers have recently begun to turn away from that perspective.  Even as many have eliminated fats from their diets,  our people have continued to gain weight and suffer more diet-related health problems.  The article acknowledged these phenomena and discussed the efforts to get fat from our diets.

 

The back story behind the idea that fat in our diets was the problem was initially suggested by those in the sugar industry.  The executives of several companies that manufactured sugar- and sugar-related products were trying to draw away any negative attention that sugar may have attracted by those researching foods. These executives influenced the scientific organizations to blame Americans' health problems on the fats in Americans' high-fat diets. This led to decades of low-fat advertising and low-fat products in the American food culture. 

 

To put it bluntly, the idea that the fats in our diets were a significant problem for Americans was 'fake news!'  The food researchers and Sugar Industry executives purposely falsified information. They misled the American people so that theirsugar-related products would continue to do well in the marketplace.  Their plan worked, and for the last several decades, millions of Americans have been trying to lose weight and be healthy, cutting fat from their diets.  Unfortunately, there was no real focus on caloric reductions, including calories from sugars, which meant that people cut fats from their diets and still gained weight.  Instead of getting healthier, their health problems increased!

 

This is the danger of 'fake news.'  If you base your life upon that which is untrue, you always suffer in some way.  Regardless of what area of life you're talking about, the truth is always best!

           

The Apostle Paul never wrote about fats and sugars in your diets, to be sure. Still, he wrote that Christians needed to base their lives upon the truth, even when it was unpopular or painful.  In one passage in the book of Romans, he wrote, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus. ., for we maintain that a ma is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.  Or is God the God of Jews only?  Is he not the God of Gentiles also?  Yes, of Gentiles also. . . ."  Romans 3:23-24, 28-29. This passage is part of a long section where Paul taught the Roman Church that God was the One God, who loves and offers forgiveness to all.  Jews were called to worship the One God through Jesus, and Gentiles (non-Jews) were also called to worship the One God through Jesus.  Any other belief – that God loved one group more than another or that only certain people could be saved, was declared to be what we would today call "fake news."  There was already a problem with 'fake news' in the Church, and Paul knew the only way to root it out was to teach the truth clearly and expose that which was false.

           

Centuries later, there is still a problem with fake news in the Church!  Fake news in the Church is any idea or teaching that limits what kind of people can be saved; it is any action or practice that distorts the clear message of Jesus; and it is any belief that asserts the spiritual superiority of one group or individual over another.  But remember, the truth in the Church always unites God's people under the sign of the cross, making us all part of a larger, unified community.

           

Let me encourage you to be aware of any fake news you might hear in the Church. Choose to believe the truth that is in Jesus, and nothing else!

 

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is invaluable, and we are grateful for your contribution. We urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission.

 

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

 

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

 

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

The Deceitfulness of This World

Scratch Lotto – Win money, get the girl, travel, have a big house with a pool! 

           

That's the commercial, isn't it?  It's always the same with the various get-rich-quick schemes:  Spend just a little bit of money, take your chances, and even if you lose, you're closer to winning.  If you lose, just buy another ticket, and eventually, you'll win, and it will all be yours!  And literally, millions of people have bought tickets, over and over, for decades.  For some, it's 'just for fun,' but ,it is a life-long obsession for others.

           

The tragedy of it all is that the happiness people chase is much simpler to achieve: a life lived by faith, where you love God and love people, is the life that will produce the happiness you desire.  If you fill your life with the desires and the things of this world, chances are you will never get what can fill your heart. But remember, the path to true happiness is not complex, it's simple and within reach.

 

Jesus knew this 'secret,' of course, and he told a parable to help people grasp the ways of happiness and joy. 

 

"Behold, a sower went forth to sow; And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside, and the fowls came and devoured them up:  Some fell upon stony places, where they had not much earth:  and forthwith they sprung up because they had no deepness of earth: And when the sun was up, they were scorched; and because they had no root, they withered away.  And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprung up, and choked them: But other fell into good ground, and brought forth fruit, some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold." 

 

The disciples did not understand the parable, so Jesus explained it:

 

When anyone hears the word of the Kingdom and doesn't understand it, the evil one takes it away. When someone hears and receives the word of the Kingdom, but isn't really serious, the seed is rooted at first, but then dies away quickly; When others receive the word, but never nurture their faith, it remains shallow, and hard times will destroy those beliefs; finally, when the word of the Kingdom falls on good soil, and is nurtured and watered and fed, that faith grows, and brings forth life, and joy. This is what Jesus meant when he told the parable of the sower. [Matthew 13:1-23]

           

What Jesus was saying was really quite simple:  If the message of Jesus is received, nurtured, and allowed to grow in one's heart, it will bring much joy to one's life.  God will work with them, help them transform their lives, and give them that which will bring joy!  However, if people don't receive the message of Jesus in a serious manner and invest their lives in knowing and serving Him, their initial interest in the faith will fade away, and they will be left on their own.  They will look for love and happiness in all the wrong places and live without the things God yearns to give them!

           

I hope you will receive the words of the Kingdom with the 'good soil' of your heart!  Receive the message of new life in Jesus, and nurture your faith, no matter what happens in your life.  God will bless you and bring you the joy and happiness you desire, even if you never buy a lottery ticket! ! 

 

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people, but you are also playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this is invaluable, and we are grateful for your contribution.

 

We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will be used to support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We want to assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

 

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/

 

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!