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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 Jul 02, 2023
Sunday Jul 02, 2023
The father took his son to the WWII memorial, hoping to teach him something about the world. The boy was not interested in history, but the father thought it might be a good trip. They looked at the different clothes and uniforms, the tanks and trucks and motorcycles, and pictures of everything. It was fascinating! Even the little boy seemed to enjoy the day. One of the displays had to do with the number of those injured and killed in the years-long conflict and explained that the Allied Forces united in maintaining their freedoms for their nations and keeping others from invading the United States. The little boy bounced around, and Dad wondered if he was learning anything.
A few days later, the father listened in on his young son's conversation with a neighbor – he told him about their trip to the memorial. He talked excitedly about the tanks and motorcycles. And then the little boy said something that convinced the father that the trip had been worthwhile: his son explained that bad guys had attacked our nation, and everyone fought together to keep the world free from the influences of bad people.
He got it, didn't he? The little boy understood a tremendous lesson: sometimes people must fight for what is good and to protect themselves, and when you can, it helps if you can get others to fight with you against those that would hurt you.
The little boy would have learned those lessons; eventually, we hope. But the father realized that he had 'done his job' as a father in taking the time to be with his son and help him learn important lessons for life.
People must learn! Lessons need to be given, time investments need to be made, and those who know important truths must make an effort to pass down those truths to others – lives are at stake!
Jesus understood this as much as anyone else.
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus talks about the importance of helping others and teaching them about God and how He can help them in this life. He used the image of a lamp and said, "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden, nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. Your life must shine before people so they may see your good works and glorify your father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:14-16)
Jesus taught us all that there are things we need to learn and do so that we might help people live good lives. You cannot just leave the important stuff up to someone else; instead, we must all speak and live so that others can learn about the truths of God.
God wants us to learn from Him as we study the Bible. After knowing God's truth, he wants us to live so that others can discover the Gospel message by watching our actions and hearing our words. Let us join in teaching the truths of God so that others may see His light in Jesus!
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Sunday Jun 25, 2023
Several years ago, a good friend, a Deacon of a church in the Ozarks, told of a woman in his congregation struggling to provide for the needs of her several children. The Church had previously helped her family and was familiar with her situation. During a ‘special offering’ drive over Christmas, a plea was made in Church for offerings for the poor in other parts of the world. People gave different amounts, and some publicized their gifts by announcing them at the end of the services.
After one service, this woman got up. Much to everyone’s amazement, she announced that she was giving an amount to the Christmas offering that would place her family in peril. Not only would her children not receive any Christmas gifts, but she would also be unable to pay their heating bills and feed those hungry mouths!
She meant well, of course, but everyone else saw the problem! She allowed her faith and devotion to God to distort her perspective. She decided to do something that everyone saw as a grave mistake! Later that day, some of the ladies in the Church were able to talk to her, and they were able to return the offering to her. The deacons of the Church also gave her and her family a nice Christmas offering and affirmed her expression of faith. The woman felt good about the situation, and everything seemed to work well.
The point is that, sometimes, peoples’ expressions of faith go too far, or they act ‘in the moment’ without thinking clearly!
The Bible teaches us that God calls us to a life of faith and devotion to Him. He wants us to follow Him in faith, live according to his teachings, and make his cause a primary force in our lives! At the same time, though, there is a current of thought in scripture that teaches that we are to be a people of faith that love and serve others!
Simply put: We cannot live a life of devotion and faith in God if we fail to love others and help them in this life.
Jesus told a parable to illustrate this great truth called “The Parable of the Good Samaritan.” Here’s a short, modernized version of the story: A man is robbed and beaten along the highway and left for dead. A preacher came by, though, and everyone listening to the story thought he would help.
But instead, he crossed the road and went on his way – he had a church meeting to go to, after all! Later, another minister came by, and he did the same as the other: he crossed the road and went on his way. No doubt, he had something important at Church, too! Finally, a man that wasn’t a minister, or even a Christian, came by.
He stopped and helped the man, took him to a motel, and paid for his stay for a few days. He came back later and made sure he was ok. Jesus then asked the people listening to the story, “Who was this man’s friend?” One in the crowd shouted the one that helped him! Jesus agreed, saying, “This is how I want you to live. I want you to have faith, but I also want you to love and help people when they need it.”
God wants us to know the Bible and live according to His teachings; at the same time, though, he wants us to think through our plans and avoid actions and words that go ‘too far’ and lead us away from Him. He wants us to help others and not ignore our own family. And he wants us to live out our faith in the Church and, at the same time, serve those who are outside the faith.
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
Sunday Jun 18, 2023
The story’s title captured my attention: “Love Means Reporting Back to Duty.” Written several years ago, the article told the story of Captain David Rozelle, who lost a part of his leg in battle in Iraq. He wasn’t sure how his life was going to work out. Still, after a year of surgeries and rehabilitation and being fitted and trained with a prosthetic foot and ankle, he was declared “fit for duty.” He didn’t hesitate for even a moment – he immediately began the process of going back to active duty by visiting other veterans who had lost limbs in battle. He encouraged them to gain the treatments and training that would allow them to get back to life and enjoyed helping them in any way he could. After about a year of this, though, he knew it was time for him to get back into battle. When asked why he would do this again, exposing himself to the risks of battle, he said, “It is my duty. By accepting command, I knew that I would eventually return to Iraq. I am smarter, stronger, and more ready to help create freedom for the Iraqi people.”
In other words, he wanted to get back to serving his country and the needs of the Iraqi people!
Captain Rozelle demonstrates what we, the Christians, call a “servant spirit.” A servant spirit is the driving force within us that leads us to serve others in need simply because that is what God wants us to do. No one must force or manipulate us to make sacrifices and do what may be unpleasant tasks. We follow the God who calls us into service out of love for Him and those around us!
In the Old Testament is the story of Joshua, who led the Hebrew people after Moses’ death. He led them to take the promised land and saw God work in many ways for many years.
He was convinced their lives would be best if they followed Him! So, before he retired, he spoke to his people about service. Here are his famous words: “If it is disagreeable in your sight to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves today whom you will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served which were beyond the River or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you are living; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
(Joshua 24:15) A life of service was the only way for him!
We who follow Jesus understand that God calls each of us into a life of service. Whether in a foreign land or our neighbor’s yard, God wants us to care for those around us and give of ourselves to help them – no matter what!
A life of faith – is a life of service!
Let us all take our commitments seriously. Let us take up the mantle of service and show our faith and devotion to God as we serve those in need daily.
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.
Sunday Jun 11, 2023
Sunday Jun 11, 2023
God gifted King Solomon with great wisdom. He pursued pleasure, wealth, knowledge, and accomplishment for meaning. By the end, through wise reflection, he learned that all good things are from God and should be used for His will & glory.
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.
Sunday Jun 04, 2023
Sunday Jun 04, 2023
Wisdom comes in all forms – sometimes it is very ‘academic’ in nature, focusing upon something you can know and understand, and sometimes it requires almost no ‘book smarts’! Wisdom is not just something you can ‘know,’ sometimes wisdom is something you ‘do.’ For instance, you can understand human biology and sexuality and even grasp something of the tension between the races; but that may not mean you have a clue as to how to get along with people. Some of the smartest and most capable people live their lives alone simply because they lack the wisdom that leads to good relationships with others!
The Bible is a story of a man named Nabal and his wife, Abigail. Nabal was driven and forceful and a capable and wealthy businessman. He had amassed quite a fortune because of his business acumen and ability to make sound business decisions. At the same time, though, he was recognized as a fool, as he had a hot temper and tended to abuse and take advantage of those with whom he did business. On the other hand, his wife wasn’t known for anything other than being attractive and able to get along with everyone; she was loved and respected by all who knew her!
In the Bible, I Samuel 25, there is a story of an encounter with King David of Israel just before he became King. He was out in the wilderness, and he and his men were hungry, and he sent his men to ask Nabal and his workers for some food. He rebuffed David’s men and made it clear he had no respect for David; this infuriated him! He told his men to get their swords because he would lead them to kill Nabal and all his soldiers! However, before David’s men could make the journey to the attack, Abigail heard what had happened. She tried to talk to her foolish husband, but he was passed out drunk, so she took matters into her own hands. She had her assistants help her load a mass of food and wine on horses and delivered the gift to David as he made his way into town. She apologized for her husband’s bad decision, asked for mercy from David, and fed them all. She made such a positive impression on David that he withdrew his intention to kill Nabal and returned home. Abigail then explained what she had done to her now-sober husband, who, upon hearing what his wife had done, went into a huge, screaming fit! In his rage, he had a massive stroke, which struck him down; 10 days later, Nabal died.
Here are a couple of things we can learn from this old story:
First, the willingness and ability to form good relationships with others can be a lifesaver in some situations. Nabal almost lost everything simply because he was rude to David’s men and didn’t want to help them – even though they had protected his workers while in the field! David didn’t kill him only because of Abigail’s efforts. She was kind and gracious, apologized for her husband’s offense, and was generous in the way she helped David and his men.
She saved lives with her very simple efforts!
Another thing we can learn is that it often takes real work to form and even heal the relationships in our lives. Abigail took the initiative to mend their broken relationship with David. Then she did the hard work of traveling, giving gifts, and even offering an explanation and apology for her husband’s actions. Too, David demonstrated that some relationships could only be saved with forgiveness is given. David ‘let it go,’ and went on his way, allowing Nabal and his people to get on with their lives.
Good relationships are priceless and a continual source of God’s blessing!
Let us all learn the ways of good relationships from both Abigail and David and put those lessons into practice.
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.
Sunday May 28, 2023
Sunday May 28, 2023
A few years ago, a national survey asked respondents several questions regarding how they felt about Christians and the Church.
Unfortunately, the opinions of many were quite negative!
- 91% said Christianity had an anti-gay image.
- 87% said it was too judgmental.
- 85% claimed that the Church and Christians were hypocritical.
The report was hard to read because the results were so negative. The very things Jesus warned us about have become an accepted part of the church in America!
One day Jesus told a story about a religious leader, a Pharisee, who came into the temple to pray. He made a big show of his efforts! He prayed out loud so everyone would know he was very spiritual. In his prayer, he thanked God that he was a good person and was nothing like a sinner standing nearby. In the story, Jesus contrasted this self-righteous leader with that sinner:
His sin so broke him that he couldn’t raise his head, and he beat his chest as a sign of humility!
His prayer was short and simple, “God, be merciful to me, the sinner!” (Luke 18:13)
Jesus surprised everyone that day – when he finished the story, which was a contrast between a respected leader and a sinful tax collector, he commented that the sinner, a man rejected by everyone, was the more spiritual of the two.
Here’s what Jesus said, “I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other, for everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, but he who humbles himself she be exalted.” (Luke 18:14)
God values what is in our hearts!
He is not impressed by a well-worded prayer or even religious acts of service – if one’s heart isn’t right with God, and there is no humility, good works and religious titles mean almost nothing to God!
Humility comes as we allow God to work in our lives. Open your heart to his influence and Word, and be alert to the self-righteousness that can separate us from God and others.
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.
Sunday May 14, 2023
Sunday May 14, 2023
Even when you get just what you ask for, it may not be what you thought!
A few weeks ago, I walked out of a store into a large, car-filled parking lot, and my eyes immediately fixated upon a small, bright-red sports car. It was beautiful! I walked up to the car, looked it over, and then realized that someone was sitting in the driver's seat. Just as I caught his eye, he opened the door and began an excruciating climb out of the low-slung car. Because there was no way for me to escape the situation without talking, I waited. Then I asked him, after watching him struggle to lift himself out of the car, if it was 'worth it.' He flashed me a big smile and said, "Oh yeah!" We both had a good laugh and spoke for a moment about the perils of aging and "getting what you've always wanted."
Isn't that the way it is in life? You can yearn for something for years, save your money and finally get it, but the results are almost always the same:
After the new is worn off, it begins to lose its luster. Eventually, time takes its toll, and the joy and satisfaction it gives tend to fade. Almost everything in life is like that, and part of maturing is learning that not many things are genuinely 'worth it' to gain, especially if the costs of ownership are high! Whatever it is, be it a car, house, or pair of shoes.
This is part of what the Bible talks about. When we read scripture, we are taught that almost everything in this life will fade. What brings joy and happiness today will one day no longer be as satisfying, or it might wear out or even be stolen!
In fact, we are taught that only two things bring truly lasting joy into our lives: good and loving relationships and a living faith in Jesus.
Our relationships with others can be a true blessing, bringing joy into our hearts and putting a smile on our faces. Our faith in Jesus can be with us through good times and bad, giving us insight into the situations of life, encouraging and strengthening us, and ultimately carrying us into life after this life on earth. It is "worth it!"
The Apostle Paul says, "Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:4-7)
It's alright to gain worldly goods – they can be seen as blessings, or gifts, from God. Remember that everything in this life will fail; the only things truly 'worth it' are your good and loving relationships and your faith in Jesus.
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.
Sunday May 07, 2023
Sunday May 07, 2023
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
Sunday Apr 30, 2023
If there are no ‘newborns,’ things cease to exist, don’t they? This goes for plants, animals, people, and people of faith!
Many years ago, there was a religious group who were fervent in their Christian faith and lived isolated from the world as much as they could.
They were called ‘Shakers’ because one of their religious rituals involved a sort of dancing that involved a very rhythmic shaking while they held a strict formation. They were known for moral purity and love for others; they became famous because their simple lifestyle, unadorned with fancy decorations, led them to design and build a type of furniture highly admired for its beauty and simplicity. Another characteristic they had was that they, as a group, were committed to a life of celibacy. Not only would there be no sexual contact among the group, but there would also be no newborn babies or children! As you can imagine, this caused all sorts of problems. Obviously, the group would slowly but surely, get older, with fewer and fewer young adults; finally, though, they would cease to exist, as there was no ‘birth replacement’ within the group. There would be a few that would continue to attend, and there were occasionally new families who joined this group. Still, the lack of births ultimately led to their demise. At last count, after more than 200 years since their inception, the group numbers less than an individual.
Without some form of reproduction, the group simply faded away!
Reproduction, interestingly, is part of God’s plan for all living things.
He created all things: plants and animals, people, and groups, to reproduce. To reproduce is to bring life; to fail to reproduce is to invite death!
This is true for all forms of life, including religious groups.
In the book of Acts in the Bible, there are multiple stories of individuals in the early church who had a burden to ‘reproduce’ in the faith. At one point, two disciples of Jesus, Peter, and John, were arrested for preaching the message of Jesus. The leaders couldn’t get away with killing them, but they wanted to stop their efforts to bring new people into the faith. They said they would let them go under the condition that they stop talking about Jesus.
Their response was clear and very simple: “We cannot stop speaking what we have seen and heard.” In other words, they would ‘reproduce’ people of faith everywhere they went!
The rest is history: Peter and John and most Christians proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus after that. At one point, a small group of disciples became one of the largest religious groups in human history – The Church!
From the beginning, this was God’s plan: Jesus would be crucified and resurrected and form The Church from his followers. Then and forever after, members of the church would insistently share the message of Jesus and bring others into the faith. People would be ‘born into’ a relationship with Christ, and they, too, would take up the banner of Jesus.
Let us all take up this ‘banner’ of the cross.
People everywhere need Jesus; we who know him can lead them to faith and everlasting life!
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.
Sunday Apr 23, 2023
Sunday Apr 23, 2023
Several years ago, I purchased several ducks for my small farm with the hope of watching them raise baby ducks. I thought this might be interesting and a source of delight for my grandchildren. Unfortunately, my ducks were not interested in laying on their eggs and hatching them, so for the first couple of years, none of their eggs hatched. But then, something happened that really surprised me! A couple of my older hens (chickens) went ‘broody’ (which meant they wanted to sit on eggs) and began to sit on a few of the duck eggs. 28 days later, I had five little ducks following around their ‘chicken’ mothers! They hid under their wings at first, then began to venture away; that is, until something, or someone, scared them. They stayed close to their mothers into adulthood and never mixed with the other ducks in the barnyard. As long as I had them, they drew courage and companionship from their mothers!
This is the way of nature, isn’t it? No matter the type or species, life can be gained through a herd, a family, a root system, or a vine. Jesus understood this!
In a sermon to his disciples, Jesus explained that he had the ability to give life and strength to those that would stay close to them. He used the analogy out of local vineyards when he said, “I am the vine, and you are the branches.” (John 15: 5)
He explained that as long as his followers stayed connected to him by their faith and obedience to his teachings, they would live, grow, and produce fruit. The Vinedresser (Father God in this sermon) would tend the vines, caring and pruning for them so that they might stay healthy and fruitful.
“I am the vine” has become a powerful teaching in the Christian faith! We cannot ‘live’ in the faith without maintaining our faith in, and connection to, Jesus, the vine. Through him, we receive teachings, hope, and strength. No one can stop this – it is, quite literally, a “God thing!”
Let me encourage you to cling to the ‘vine’ that is Jesus. Allow him to help you in every way, and make an effort to cling to him, even when you do not ‘feel like it.’ When you cling to Him, your life will be better and more joyful!
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/
Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!