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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
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Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Sunday Apr 16, 2023
Many years ago, I found myself lost while on a family vacation!
Instead of a map, I had been using an early version of what was then called a Garmin, which served as a high-tech electronic map. My Garmin developed a glitch in its software, and I found myself and my family lost at the end of a dirt road in the mountains of Arkansas. Out of desperation, we turned off the Garmin, backtracked to a gas station we had passed a few miles back, and bought an old-fashioned map.
That map was clear and concise and gave us a clear way of finding our destination. Our vacation went without a hitch, and we always carried a map after that.
The map always gave us the ‘way’ to get where we wanted to go!
We often need directions to get somewhere or to do or experience something; we seldom know the best ‘way’ to do something without instruction or guidance. That’s what Jesus was doing one day with his people.
Jesus was speaking to his disciples when they told him they did not know the ‘way’ to go to be with him after this life. Jesus then made a simple statement in John 14: “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through me.” I say this was a simple statement because the clear meaning is simple: ‘Follow Me.’ Jesus spoke of the afterlife and how to experience the afterlife that he intended to give to his people. The directions there were simple, “Follow me.” If people wanted to be with Jesus and live the life that Jesus wanted them to live, they only needed to ‘follow him’ in belief and practice. Jesus then said something that surprised them all: “No, none comes to the Father but through Me.”
Jesus not only claimed to be “the way, the truth, and the life,” he said there was no other way to reach a life with God in eternity apart from following him! Different religions and beliefs weren’t based on truth; instead, they were based upon the lie that man’s religions could cleanse them of sin and give them eternal life. Jesus corrected that idea by declaring that he was the way, and the truth, that could give eternal life. No one else can bring salvation to anyone – only Jesus can do that!
Jesus is the way to salvation, and just as importantly, Jesus is the only way to salvation. Follow Him, and be saved! The author of the book of Hebrews chapter 4 repeated the claim of Jesus when he said, “And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among mankind by which we must be saved.”
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 09, 2023
Sunday Apr 09, 2023
Faith in Jesus isn't just another religion – it is a life-changing relationship with the Living God!
I recently came across a story of an individual who left his home in India as a young man and moved to London, where the opportunities for a good income were much better. He soon purchased a business, and he and his young wife invested their lives in this new venture. The years passed, and one shop turned into two, then three, and he finally stopped with five. He was doing great! One day he was in a local pub and heard a familiar tune – a popular Christian song. It spoke of how Jesus could change one's life and provide strength and hope for the future.
It occurred to this successful businessman that he knew absolutely nothing about Jesus! He was an intelligent adult, doing well in life, and a faithful Hindu – but he said there was just something about the story of Jesus that captured his imagination! Over the next several months, he began reading the Bible and studying the Christian faith. He began to attach a Christian church, just trying to find some answers that had come to him. Finally, after months of prayer and consideration, he invited Jesus into his life. He was soon baptized, along with his wife.
He continued to grow in his newfound faith. He felt something different within him and soon became a Christian leader, sharing his faith with others and getting involved in various ministry endeavors. He marveled at his life's difference now that he practiced this faith that offered a relationship with God through his son, Jesus. Looking back over his life, he spoke of how grateful he was that he had gone to that particular pub that day and how the message of Jesus had touched something within him that he didn't even know existed. He was saved, encouraged by his faith every day, and now had learned to face the prospect of loss and death with hope – Jesus would be with him every step of the way.
That is the glory of the Easter Story! Jesus can enter into one's life and give them hope and strength. He offers forgiveness for one's sin and shows the promise of eternal life. The only requirement is that one receives the message of Jesus and commits to following Him. There is nothing to do to 'earn' this salvation and hope; we must only receive it in faith. Jesus, through his death and resurrection (The Easter Story), had paid the price for our sins and had conquered fear and death. When we follow Him, we receive God's gift of salvation. God promises to help us in this life and the life that is to come!
This Easter season, let me encourage you to consider the message of Jesus. Confess your sin to him, and invite him into your heart and life. He will come to live in your heart, give you strength for this life, and hope for the life to come.
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 02, 2023
Sunday Apr 02, 2023
Several years ago, after a move to a new community, I started doing business at a different bank. After establishing my accounts, I began using the ‘drive-through’ facility, which was faster and closer to my house. I soon began to dread my trips through this drive-through because I felt like the woman working there was cold, rude, and unprofessional. I continued to feel this way for over a year until, one day, I decided to give this woman another chance. I started to be more friendly to her, asking her about her family and getting to know her. Amazingly, she responded with a smile, and we soon became friends! Over the next several years, we often talked about her family and other concerns. Eventually, when her aging mother died, she asked me to perform the funeral for her! She and I were good friends for many years. She wasn’t cold, rude, or anything like that – the problem was that, in my haste to do my business, I hadn’t given her a chance. Over time I found that she was clever, intelligent, and warm-hearted. I just had to get to know her!
Many of us are that way in our approach toward God. We have a few pre-conceived ideas of how He thinks and feels without giving him a chance to become a part of our lives!
In one of his sermons in the gospel of John, chapter 10, Jesus, who claimed that He was God ‘in the flesh,’ referred to himself as “The Good Shepherd.” The farmers in the crowd understood what he meant: a good shepherd cared for his sheep, would get to know them and even care for them, and, if the situation demanded, he would fight to protect those in his herd! This is exactly how Jesus wanted his hearers to begin to think of God.
Let’s take Jesus’ comments about ‘The Good Shepherd’ to heart. Instead of viewing God as a cold and distant deity, let us consider God a loving father who cares for his children. Instead of an angry god who wants to punish and destroy those who have failed, let us remind ourselves that God’s primary motivations are to love and give us help and grace in this life.
God loves us and wants to have a living, daily relationship with us all! He wants to get involved in our lives, help, bless, and give us hope. May we all follow Him! God in the flesh, Jesus, is “The Good Shepherd.”
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 Mar 26, 2023
Sunday Mar 26, 2023
We all remember the old Army promotional campaign – "Be all you can be." Pictures of young soldiers, accompanied by a snappy song in the background, with the words of the campaign sung with great joy. It was a tremendous success in its day! Interestingly, the Army leadership has recently decided to use the same slogan and approach with its new enlistment campaign. Today's younger generations need meaning and significance in this life, and this campaign seems to reach them where they are. They want a meaningful life and to know that they can develop their abilities and live a life that is good, full, and even 'abundant.'
Interestingly, that is precisely what Jesus offered his followers in one of his messages – an abundant life! This is how Jesus said it: "The thief comes only to steal, and kill, and destroy; I came that they might have life, and might have it abundantly." (John 10:10) Jesus was contrasting what he, the true Son of God, offered to people, and what The Evil One, through those that were leaders of earthly and corrupt faiths, offered. Jesus asserted that He could lead his followers to a life worth living; A life that God blessed; and a life that would last forever into eternity, in the presence of the One True God.
The Life that Jesus offered – an "Abundant Life"- can be experienced by all who decide to follow Jesus as Savior. It is a very personal decision between God and every individual, and one that is literally life-changing.
Let me encourage you to consider your decision to follow Jesus as Savior. Jesus is the crucified and resurrected Son of God and the only one that can give you life and life eternal! Confess your sins to Him, ask Him into your heart, and begin living the abundant life only available through him.
The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcast with your friends and family.
We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/
Sunday Mar 05, 2023
Sunday Mar 05, 2023
Changing your life is hard; it is so hard that many never even try!
That is a sad truth, isn’t it? We all know someone who needs to make changes in their life to keep their job, family, or health – yet, it is so complex they often give up and lose some of the essential things in their lives!
In the Bible, there is a story of a man who wanted to change his life but couldn’t do it. He had made a fortune doing something that drove everyone he loved away from him: he was a tax collector for the Roman government!
He wanted to change – he was lonely and rejected by all who knew him, but he just couldn’t bring himself to give up his fortune and regain his life. It was too hard!
And then, one day, Zacchaeus heard that Jesus was coming to his part of town. He was a very short man, so he climbed into a tree so that he might see Jesus when he walked by. Amazingly, Jesus saw him in the tree and called him down – “Zacchaeus, hurry and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” The hated tax collector was thrilled! He climbed down the tree and led Jesus to his house. He promised Jesus that he would give half of his fortune to the poor, and if he had defrauded anyone in his tax collections, he would repay them four times as much as he took! After talking with Jesus all afternoon, his life was transformed.
Zacchaeus had experienced a change of heart. When the hardened tax collector gave his heart to Jesus, God began to work to change his heart, soul, and actions.
God cleansed him of his sin, enabled him to change his behavior, and began the long and arduous process of rebuilding his life. This time, though, it was going to work. God was with him!
Zacchaeus’s story has been repeated many times over the centuries – people who have tried and failed to change receive Christ into their hearts and finally begin to rebuild their lives. This is what God does when people turn to Him!
You may have something in your life that needs to change – it is a behavior or ‘way of life’ dragging you down; maybe it is keeping you from those you love. Perhaps you have tried to change and failed. Zacchaeus’s story teaches us that it is never too late to turn to God and allow Him to help you change. Turn to him in faith, and allow Him to come in and begin the transformation you need and want.
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these videos 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 watching. We will see you next week.
Sunday Feb 26, 2023
Sunday Feb 26, 2023
Years ago, I lived in a small Ozark town that featured a university with an engineering emphasis. The ‘engineering’ students came from all over the world, and I loved how they approached everything in their lives. They were logical thinkers and liked to develop and live by rules. Whenever they created a machine or worked on a project, they developed ‘design parameters.’ A ‘design parameter’ was a set of guidelines on how to use and maintain whatever machine they were building. When the user follows those parameters, the machine performs at its best and lasts a long time; if you ignore those parameters, performance will suffer, and premature failure is a real possibility. I have thought about that often!
The Bible teaches us that God is our Creator and that we are to live as He guides us. In my mind, God’s instructions for life are similar in concept to the ‘design parameters’ the engineers wrote for the use of their machines. When we live according to those parameters, our lives are better, more fulfilling, and more useful to God. When we ignore those parameters, though, our lives will suffer, and we will miss out on the blessings God intends for us to have!
In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus gave us some of God’s ‘design parameters’ for our lives. For instance, one of those parameters is often called ‘The Golden Rule,’ and simply states, “However you want people to treat you, so treat them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12) This is a very simple and practical guide for all our relationships! It works like this: If you don’t want to be lied to, don’t lie to others. If you want to be treated fairly and with respect, do that with others.
In almost all interactions with others, this simple ‘parameter’ can make a huge difference in our lives! One other teaching was the instruction to decide to walk “the narrow way” instead of “the wide way.” (vv.13-14) This meant choosing to live as God has directed instead of living as everyone else around you.
Be more thoughtful and ‘sober-minded’ towards life and relationships, live to please God and make your faith a priority in your life. This kind of life is one that God can bless and will bring you joy.
God wants to bless you and use you for His Kingdom’s purpose! How you live determines if that will happen. Choose to live a life that pleases God and follows his instruction for your life. It is the very best life you can live!
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these videos 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 watching. We will see you next week.
Sunday Feb 19, 2023
Sunday Feb 19, 2023
“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.”
That’s a very simple statement and easy to understand, but when you think about it, it is probably one of the most important things you can believe!
Here are my reasons for thinking this easy, first-verse-in-the-Bible statement is so important.
First, if you take this to heart, you accept the idea that God was, in the beginning, before creation. Before the world, before the universe and the ‘big bang,’ and before anything else existed – there was God! He exists, He is timeless, and He is eternal. If you say you believe in God and that He was before all things, it would make sense to believe in Him and follow Him, right? Why would you follow anyone else – it doesn’t make sense.
Another thought comes to mind from that first statement: “God created.” God is all-powerful and all-knowing, else He could not create all things! If that is so, and God said something, wouldn’t it be wise for us to listen to Him and maybe take direction from Him? Since He created all things, including us, He would probably have an idea of what kind of life would be best for us, right? Here are some of the things this all-powerful God has said to us: “I love you, and forgive you;” “I want to help you live a good life and live forever in peace;” “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you;” and finally, “Be encouraging and helpful to others, and live without strife as much as you can.”
It’s amazing, isn’t it – if you take that first sentence in the Bible seriously, it can change almost everything about your life!
Your relationships can be better, your personal life can be better, and you can live confidently because God will be with you.
“In the beginning, God created. . . you!”
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 Feb 12, 2023
Sunday Feb 12, 2023
Many years ago, my wife and I purchased a special gift for our daughters: an electric piano! They told us they wanted it and promised to practice every day – so we gave them a quality instrument, just like they wanted. At first, they practiced several times a week without complaint and went to their lessons regularly. After a little over a year, though, we noticed that their attitudes toward their music lessons began to change. They complained a little about their teacher and then started 'forgetting' to practice. Finally, they were in outright rebellion, and nothing we could do or say could get them to even look at that piano! It wasn't long before they quit their lessons, and the piano got moved into a dusty corner of our house, finally being sold at a garage sale.
The fact that we lost a little bit of money was a concern, of course – but the big disappointment was that a gift that was once prized and practiced ended up dusty in a corner, never utilized in any meaningful way. The fulfillment that comes from playing an instrument well was never experienced, and the joy that could have been shared with others never materialized.
I'm sure other parents can relate to this story; there are many 'barely used' pianos for sale on Craigslist!
I think of this story fairly often – not because of anything negative about my daughters (they both turned out wonderfully!), but because I am reminded that, in some ways, God has been through the very same thing with us! God is a loving father, giving his children beautiful gifts. Sometimes they develop and use those gifts; at other times, those gifts are 'wasted,' moved to a dusty corner of our lives.
The scriptures teach us that God gives people gifts to be used in service to others. Sometimes these are natural abilities or aptitudes that can be developed; at other times, these gifts are called 'spiritual gifts' that come directly from God's Spirit at work in one's life. When discovered and developed, these gifts can bring great joy into people's lives and can be used by God to build up His Church and serve the needs of a community. When people develop their gifts and use them as God directs, peoples' lives can be changed, and tremendous blessings can be experienced by everyone involved! God gives them to his children just because He loves them.
Let me encourage you to search your life and determine what 'gifts' God has given you. Do you have musical abilities? Are you good with numbers or patient with those who need help? Perhaps you can lead people or even serve as one who 'works behind the scenes' without being noticed; there are many different gifts, all from Father-God! God wants you to use the skills you have been given by serving others.
You can best support our Ministry by sharing these videos 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 watching. We will see you next week!
Sunday Feb 05, 2023
Sunday Feb 05, 2023
Have you ever whispered to yourself or someone else, “Control Yourself?” I know I have! It can make the difference between disaster and success! We sometimes find ourselves in situations where our emotions are in turmoil, and we find ourselves upset and confused; if you’ve been taught how to act in challenging situations, you find yourself thinking, “I’ve got to keep it under control.”
Learning to control yourself is key to a successful life; it is also directly related to one’s Christian faith! In the first 11 verses of Colossians 3, the Apostle Paul instructed those in the church to ‘control themselves’ to serve the risen Christ better. He used a few different terms that pointed in the same direction. Here are a few:
“Keep seeking the things above,” “Set your mind on things above,” and “put them all aside.”
Each phrase dealt with the issue of subjecting your actions to the teachings of Christ and the needs of the situation. As we read those passages, we realize they are all different ways of communicating the same idea, “Control yourself.”
Our lives are primarily the result of our choices and how we respond to the situations and people we encounter. How you think, act, and speak can make a tremendous impact on your life and the lives of those around you. “Controlling yourself” makes sense; it is a way for us to put our faith to work! God uses people who submit their actions and words to his leadership; He also blesses those people because they are literally ‘following Jesus.’
Let me encourage you to follow Jesus in every way of life. By following his teachings and applying your faith in him to your life, you learn to ‘control yourself’ and experience the kind of life God can use and bless.
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 Jan 29, 2023
Sunday Jan 29, 2023
"Oh yeah, then 'put your money where your mouth is!'" My brother used to say this when we were growing up, particularly when we disagreed on something important –He was trying to cut through the nonsense of our arguments and force us to act out on what we said. His logic was clear – if you really believed something, then you would act on it and even 'bet on it!'
We may often find ourselves saying that we believe something, but when pressed, realize that what we said was only words – we really didn't mean it! We even recognize this in other people – the fact that someone says something 'in the moment' may not mean they really believe it. Jesus understood this!
In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus told a parable about a man that was robbed and left for dead. In the story, two religious leaders walked by him without effort to help. Finally, a man that was a 'Samaritan' came by and helped him. This story surprised his hearers because religious leaders were supposed to be good and helpful, and everybody in the crowd believed that someone from Samaria was no good. Their words said they followed God and lived lives of faith, but their actions didn't back up their words! Jesus made it clear that the man who helped the robber had done the right thing and that the other two had not followed God because they had ignored the man who needed help.
Here's the truth of that simple parable: God wants his people to help others! Regardless of who you are or what you've been through when you follow Jesus, God wants you to live your life in service to others.
When you discover a need, do what you can to fill it; when someone is hurting, help them as much as possible.
This is to be the way we demonstrate our faith to others – to love and help them, just as Jesus did!
Receiving Jesus as Savior is the beginning of a life of faith, and serving others is how we live out our faith. When we live this life of service to God and others, our words of faith become believable to others, and they will know what we really believe. This is what God wants from his people!
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.