FBC Independence Podcast

Truth or Not? We are a Broken People

In churches, you will occasionally hear a success story of the Gospel:

 

Occasionally you hear a success story of a radical transformation by Jesus.

 

I recently talked with a good friend who works in a crisis pregnancy center run by a local church. A young pregnant drug addict came in seeking an abortion; they could not help her with that but tried to get her into a drug treatment program. She left and called back a few days later and had lost the baby. Months later, she came in again, still addicted and several months pregnant again. She and her boyfriend wanted an abortion.

 

Similarly, they could not help her with that, instead encouraging her to get treatment, carry the baby to term, and perhaps put it up for adoption. She was uninterested and left again. This time, however, she stayed in touch with my friend. She and her boyfriend had gotten involved in a housing ministry nearby; over months, her connections with those Christians began to affect her. Well over a year later, she came in to talk to a friend: She was clean and bright, drug-free, and had a beautiful baby girl! She and her now-husband had gotten clean, received Jesus, and worked in that housing ministry. Through her faith in Jesus, God's power completely changed her life!

 

Paul had written regarding how some people had become 'enemies of the cross of Christ because they rejected the Gospel truths. 

 

The story above, though, proves that Jesus really can transform a life! Our faith may make us feel like we do not 'fit' in this world, so our beliefs and values are foreign. But we can live with the conviction that our faith is based on truth – the truth of the offer of new life in the message of Jesus!

 

Let us follow Jesus and allow him to transform us so that we might share the good news of the Gospel with others and bring Him all the glory!

 

The best way you can support our Ministry is 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.

Truth or Not? We are created in the image of God

God has created us for greatness!

 

Years ago, a man named Johannes Guttenberg had an idea that would change the world.  While working on a piece of jewelry in his shop, it occurred to him that he could make a letter out of metal, and somehow use it to print letters for notes on paper.  He worked and toiled for months – he fiddled with different metals to use for the letters, then experimented with a variety of oils and chemicals to mix with ink, and then adapted a common winepress – and invented what came to be called the printing press.  His invention was an immediate success – He printed over a hundred Bibles in the first year, and started what became a revolution around the world. Books were affordable, and available, to almost everyone. By all accounts, his printing press was one of the most important inventions of all time!

 

This is why God created us – to be successes in this life! 

 

We are all creations of God – formed in His mind, before time began.  He instills within us the capacity for thought, and emotion, and, yes, invention.  He wants us to shine!  Too, he created us “in his image,” with all sorts of abilities and characteristics that set us apart from all the animals. 

 

The children’s song says it best, “red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight, Jesus loves the little children of the world.”  That’s us – the children, all different, but all equal – and all loved by God!

 

The best way you can support our Ministry is 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 listening. We will see you next week.

What you Believe Makes a Difference: We Are Accountable to God

The air was crisp and cool, and my motorcycle ran great that afternoon. I sped up to the legal limit, which was far slower than I wanted to go, and for several miles, I just drifted along, taking

in the scenery and the pleasure of a good ride. And then I came upon a long, smooth straight on the road, and again I began to fight with the urge to ‘give it the gas’ and hear the roar of my motor flying down the road. I sped up, and then, as I approached the end of the straight, I let off the gas and slowed down. I was afraid! I wasn’t scared of the corner; no, I feared getting caught by a State Trooper and receiving a costly ticket! That fear slowed me down, as it almost always does. If I weren’t afraid, I would probably speed up all the time!

 

That’s the way it often is in our lives, isn’t it? There is a way we know we must live and act to ‘keep it together, but occasionally we have the desire to live and act differently, but we are a little

afraid. We may be fearful of getting into trouble or making someone mad; we may even be fearful of God!

 

For those who follow Jesus, a healthy fear of God can be very good! God wants us to live in a way that follows a narrow path;’ because the narrow path is the way of life: good relationships,

restrained behavior, and self-control. God loves us and wants us to have a good life; there may be times when the threat of judgment from God may be the only thing that keeps our behavior under control. The Bible says, in Proverbs 9, that “The fear of God is the beginning of wisdom,” which means that if we hold a healthy fear of God, it can be an influence for good in our life.

 

Let us all hold a healthy fear of the God who loves us – not because He wants to hurt us, but because He wants to bless us and enable us to live a good life full of joy!

God’s Helps to His People: A Clear Focus Can Guide us in Life

Focus, focus!

 

I heard the young mother repeat this to her toddler over and over. She was trying to get him up the steps, and he, every bit of 18 months old, was having some trouble. He was working on the steps and leaned down to touch a dead bug in his way. The steps were hard – because he couldn’t yet focus on them! After the mother said ‘focus,’ he looked up and smiled and was immediately distracted by my presence behind him. He turned and smiled at me and waved, and then, before his mother could say ‘focus!’ again, he was distracted by the sounds of a garbage truck in our parking lot.

 

We’ve all done it! Isn’t that how it is for many of us as we navigate our lives on this earth? We struggle and make efforts, but something distracts us before we finish what we started. Worse yet, we sometimes lose focus out of boredom, change of mood, or the influence of others.

 

In his sermon on the Mount, Jesus once encouraged his followers to ‘focus’ on their faith! He said it several times; the most memorable phrase was “seek first the Kingdom of God, and His righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33). Jesus knew people – he had observed good and godly people losing their focus on their faith due to work, family situations, the pleasures of this world, and even the simple passage of what we often call ‘the daily grind.’ He knew that even the most faithful might ‘lose their focus on the practice of their faith. He challenged people to be faithful to God, day after day, despite everything else. Jesus knew, more than anyone, that the things of this world cannot compare to the wonders of a life lived with God! He called them to faith, and he called them to faithfulness.  

 

Let me challenge you to ‘focus’ on Jesus! When we maintain our focus, God can use us in his service and lead us to be a blessing to those around us. That is the life that truly satisfies and is more valuable than anything this world offers! Make every effort to practice your faith in works of worship and service to others; too, pray often, renewing your commitments to Jesus every day.

 

The best way you can support our Ministry is 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.

Extreme Christianity: Extreme Maturity 7-24-22

I heard the little voice cry out through the car door, “But I don’t want to grow up!”

 

I could relate – sometimes, I would rather do whatever I want, and just not ‘grow up;’ but because I am no longer a small child, I don’t really have a choice! Sometimes, though, people resist growing up, don’t they?

 

In a passage in the book of Hebrews, the author tells the people in the early church that it is time for them to ‘grow up.’ He said it like this: “Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity. . . .” The early Christians were resistant to the whole idea of ‘growing up’ in their faith! They were content to talk about things of which they already understood, and continue in the practices that were comfortable to them – even if it hurt the Church! They weren’t bad people, of course, nor were they totally ignorant of Christian truth; they just didn’t want to do any more than that! Being mature in the faith meant thinking through the hard issues of life, and even making changes to the way you lived. They were confronted with a world that was not eager to follow Jesus, and there were social issues that were very difficult to deal with; it was easier to say, as did the young child to his mama, “But I don’t want to grow up!”

 

God wants us to ‘grow up’ in the way we live out our faith! This means learning some biblical truths, to be sure – but it is more than that! It is making a sincere effort to apply your faith to the tough issues of life. It also means that even though people are not perfect, they are still worthy of love and acceptance. It also means loving people as they are, and slowing encouraging them in their faith, rather than just condemning people in their sin and brokenness. Let us make the choice to ‘grow up,’ and become the people of God!

 

The best way you can support our Ministry is 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!

Extreme Chrisitanity: Extreme Faith 7-10-22

Following Jesus is easy and clear – until it isn't! When someone first receives Jesus as Savior, the issue is usually very simple: "Do you want to be forgiven of your sins and commit to following Jesus?" The answer is usually, "Yes, I do." However, at some point, when the new convert begins to struggle against the sin that is their life, or they struggle with biblical teachings that challenge them, they begin to realize just how 'extreme' this Christian faith can become!

 

Faith's 'extreme' nature occurs in at least two areas of life. First, the very beliefs that lead to salvation are pretty extreme. We believe that our salvation is based on the truths of the Gospel: God came in the flesh as the infant Jesus and lived a sinless life; when he was about 33 years old, though, he was crucified by the Roman government and buried, and then came back to life after three days in the grave. This was God's way of cleansing us from our sin, a chance at a better life now, and an eternal life with Him after our life on this earth is over. This is an extreme set of beliefs!

 

The other area where the faith becomes extreme is in the area of how we are to live our daily lives. God calls us not only to learn some of the spiritual beliefs of the faith; He expects us to live our lives based upon those beliefs! The self-control of our emotions and passions, as well as offering love and forgiveness to others, are to be a value to those who follow Jesus. Too, He calls us to give up part of our lives to serve others in the name of Jesus, helping those in need and proclaiming the message of Jesus to anyone who will listen.

 

This is an extreme faith! It is much more than just "listen, and learn." It is also "practice and do!" When we live as God calls us to live, our lives are better. 

 

God blesses us, and we can even become a blessing to those around us.   

 

The best way you can support our Ministry is 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 listening. We will see you next week!

God Blessed America 7-3-22

God has blessed our nation!  Every day I enjoy the blessings that God has showered upon our nation:  Freedom, safety and security, a stable governmental framework, the list is endless!  These blessings came to us not because we have earned it or are better than anyone else, but because God chose to bless us.  We understand, of course, that when our lives generally follow biblical teachings God blesses us, and when we outright reject those teachings, God withholds those blessings.  For instance, when we follow God’s teachings of grace and kindness towards others, we are blessed with peace and generally good relationships; when we reject those teachings, strife and unrest is our reward. 

           

In the Old Testament, one of the great Jewish leaders, Joshua, gave a final speech before his retirement; he had led them for many years, and they had seen God do wondrous things, time after time. Joshua challenged the people to continue on in their faith.  He left the choice up to them (I will paraphrase his speech):  “Choose today who you will serve – the God who has been with you, or the gods of your enemies; but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.”  He knew the source of  good in this life, and he wanted his people to follow the faith he had given them!

           

This week we celebrate our God, and the wonders of this great nation he had allowed us to form.  Let us be thankful to the God who loves us, and has blessed us; and let us continue to live in a way that honors Him! 

 

The best way you can support our Ministry is 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!

Jim Myrick: Roft Valley Academy

Jim and Shelly Myrick provide care for the children of missionaries in Africa. Their work allows the parents to continue their work sharing the gospel in villages and cities throughout Africa. Jim is sharing his experience with us today and how you can help support their ministry needs. If you would like to contribute to Jim and Shelly's Mission, you may do so by clicking here https://usgiving.aimint.org/missionary/145160

What I Learned from a Diseased Man, Healed

This life can be a battle!

 

In one famous Old Testament story, a powerful soldier named Naaman had everything in life – but he was a leper. This was a then-incurable and disfiguring disease, and he had spent considerable time and resources trying to find a doctor or healer who could help him, but there was nothing anyone could do! One day a young slave girl tasked with caring for Naaman’s wife mentioned that there was a prophet in a nearby country who could heal him. 

 

The wife told her husband, who immediately arranged with his King to make a trip to see this Hebrew prophet named Elisha. When he went to see him, there was little fanfare or commotion; the prophet sent a message through his servant that Naaman should go and wash seven times in the Jordan River, and he would be cleansed.  

 

When he received this prescribed remedy, Naaman, at first, was angry! He had expected some religious incantations, along with things such as incense and holy men in special clothing, as that was how things were done in those days. 

 

He at first refused, thinking the prophet had simply dismissed him. His servants, however, tried to talk to him.

 

After he calmed down, those traveling with Naaman reasoned with him and convinced him to go and do as Elisha had instructed. He made the trip to the Jordan river and washed seven times, per the prophet’s instruction. As soon as he came out of the river the seventh time, his skin appeared perfect and without blemish, much as a baby’s skin; it was an amazing sight! Miraculously, he was healed! 

 

They made the trip back to thank Elisha, who received him. He would take no payment or gift, so Naaman went on his way back home, making preparations to worship the Hebrew God when he resumed his life, healed.

           

This is much of what we know about Naaman! He needed healing, and God healed him when he was obedient to the prophet’s instructions. After that, he became a man of faith in the Hebrew God and lived to tell the story of the God who healed him. No doubt his story impacted his family and all who knew him.

           

This is the way God works! Sometimes he heals those who need healing; at other times, he gives comfort and strength to those in difficult circumstances. Regardless of how God works, the best response to God is demonstrated by Naaman’s reaction: to become a faithful believer of the One God and to worship him in action and religious devotion.  

If you need God to work in your life, pray to him in faith, believing He will help you! God’s help may not come in the form you choose, but He will always act to help people who will follow Him and let Him work in their life!

 

The best way you can support our Ministry is 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 listening. We will see you next week.

What I Learned from a Liar

God calls us to a life of honesty and integrity! This means that we speak the truth, and what we say we believe is supported by our words and actions. This is extremely important to God!

In the early church, there was a practice of selling your possessions and giving the proceeds to the church so that all would have food and clothing. One couple intended to do this but lied about the money they received after selling a piece of property. They gave a generous gift to the church but held back some for their purposes. 

When confronted by the church leaders, they held to their story, and they were both struck dead by God’s power! 

The fact that they held some of the money back for their purposes wasn’t the issue – there was no “requirement” from God that people give all the proceeds from a sale; the fact that they lied, though, both to the church and God, brought God’s judgment on them!

This story is somewhat terrifying and seems to challenge the teachings of the Bible regarding God’s love and forgiveness. The story's point is to teach us that God values the practice of speaking the truth and living by those words. It may not be a big deal to us in this sin-stained world, but it is a crucial element of the Christian life! Let us speak the truth, in all situations, with grace and compassion for others. Honesty really is “the best policy!”

 

The best way to support our Ministry is 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 listening. We will see you next week.