In a culture that often tolerates and even celebrates sin, God calls His church to live differently. In 1 Corinthians 5, Paul confronts the danger of unchecked sin within the body and reminds us that membership matters. The church is not a casual gathering—it is a covenant family where we are responsible for one another’s spiritual health. This passage challenges us to mourn over sin rather than ignore it, to pursue holiness rather than compromise, and to lovingly confront rather than passively tolerate. Like leaven in dough, sin that is left unaddressed will spread—weakening our witness, confusing our message, and compromising our mission. Yet even in discipline, the goal is never punishment—it is restoration. God calls us to be a people marked by sincerity and truth, walking together in accountability and grace. A counter-cultural church is a holy church—one where we are known, where we pursue holiness, where we stand on truth, and where we fight for one another’s restoration in Christ.

In a world where authority is often resisted and leadership is questioned; many have developed an allergy to being led. This isn’t new—it was alive in the Corinthian church, where pride and preference created division. But God’s answer isn’t the removal of leadership—it’s the installation of the right kind of leaders. In 1 Corinthians 4, Paul gives us a clear picture of what faithful, Christ-centered leadership looks like and then challenges the church to follow those leaders. As an elder-led, congregationally ruled church, our unity depends on recognizing, affirming, and imitating the right kind of leaders. When we recognize biblical leadership, we overcome the Authority allergy—and live out a gospel adventure that changes the world, starting right here where God planted us.

Adulting is hard. Everyone enjoys the freedom to stay out late, eat ice cream for dinner, and spend time with whomever they want. But no one likes buying tires, fixing broken air conditioners, or paying bills. Relationships make adulting even more difficult. We want what we want when we want it, and we want what we want right now! I’m not sure who you think you are to get in the way of me having it!

In the book of First Corinthians, the Apostle Paul challenges us to spiritual maturity. He pushes us to milk maturity for all it’s worth and reveals that spiritual maturity is the foundation for practical unity. With three simple words, he helps us recognize when we’re the ones being immature and shows us how to grow up in every relationship. Ultimately, the most persuasive evidence that Jesus transforms lives is the unity of diverse people joyfully serving God and one another – and that’s the best “adulting” we’ll ever experience!

Paul reminds the believers in Corinth that when he first came to them, he did not rely on eloquent speech or human wisdom. Instead, he simply preached Jesus Christ and the cross, trusting in the power of the Holy Spirit. In the same way, he calls them to remain humble, united, and focused on God so that their lives would reflect His influence in the city of Corinth.

At first glance, the cross looked like defeat. From a worldly perspective, the crucifixion of Jesus appeared to be the end — a failed movement and a silenced King. But what looked like weakness was actually the wisdom and power of God on full display. God has always worked this way. He takes what appears foolish and reveals true wisdom. He takes what seems weak and shows His strength. The cross divides humanity: to those who are perishing, it is foolishness, but to those who are being saved, it is the very power of God. The world cannot reason its way to redemption, so God chose what the world calls foolish — the preaching of Christ crucified — to save those who believe. Some demand signs. Others seek sophistication.

Both stumble over a crucified Savior. But rejecting the cross does not remove it; it only deepens the fall. Paul reminds the Corinthians, and us,, that not many were wise, powerful, or noble by worldly standards. That is not a flaw in God’s plan; it is the strategy. God chose the weak and lowly so that no one could boast in themselves. In Christ we receive righteousness, sanctification, and redemption. Our standing is secure, our transformation is underway, and our future is certain. Therefore, let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.

Paul begins addressing one of the major issues in the Corinthian church—division. His challenge to the believers “in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” to agree with one another and be united in mind and purpose. Fights were raging with some believers claiming allegiance to Paul, others to Apollos, Cephas (Peter), or even Christ. These factions were toxic to the work of the church revealing pride and misplaced loyalty, undermining the unity of the body. The church was out of tune. An out of tune church is noticeable to a seeking world. Conflict resolution among God’s people remains one of the main storylines in the entire New Testament. We have learned that the greatest tactic of the enemy is twisting the truth of God’s word. The second greatest tactic of the enemy is to disrupt the unity of the church. Our calling is to be unified in mind and judgment.

A DIVIDED WORLD NEEDS A UNIFIED CHURCH. We are living in one of the most divided cultural moments in our lifetime. Our world is fractured. Politics divide us. Generations divide us. Social media trains us to argue. Culture tells us to choose sides. Even Christians can begin to define themselves more by opinions than by Christ. And if we’re not careful, the spirit of the age will creep into the church. But God has not called the church to reflect the division of the world. God has called the church to display something different. A supernatural unity. A gospel-shaped togetherness. That’s why we are beginning a new series today called Unified—Unity is devotion to ONE MISSION - God’s Mission - (Knowing God and Helping people follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere)

The church in Laodicea had the most direct warning of all the churches. This was a church that was neither hot nor cold but lukewarm. They were stuck in complacency, self-satisfaction, and blindness to their true condition. They would brag about their wealth and sufficiency, but really, they were poor, naked and shameful. Their complacency as ambassadors for Christ made them ineffective, forgetting that their mission was to represent the living God in a broken world. The revelation is clear: God disciplines those He loves, and His correction is an invitation to restoration, not rejection. Our church needs to hear the urgent warning of the church at Laodicea. Complacency weakens our witness and is a dangerous place to live.

I like bold statements. I like swagger. I like the confidence that comes from believing that, even with the odds stacked against you, you have everything you need to win. It’s not arrogance. It’s grit.

In the book of Revelation, the church at Philadelphia was like that. They were small, scrappy, persecuted. Every time they got knocked down, they got back up. God opened a door for them that no one could shut. They persevered for one simple reason – The ultimate champion chose them to be part of His championship team. They were faithful. They overcame, and they showed us what it means to play like a champion today.

Jesus confronts the church at Sardis as a congregation with a reputation for life but a reality of spiritual death. Though active on the surface, they had neglected the gospel, forgotten what they had received, and drifted from Spirit-led obedience. Christ’s command is clear and urgent: wake up, strengthen what remains, remember the truth, and repent. Spiritual vitality cannot be sustained by appearance or activity alone—only by dependence on the Holy Spirit and faithful obedience to God’s Word. When believers walk together in unity, using their God-given gifts, the church is strengthened and prepared to stand against sin and deception. For FBC Owasso, the warning is unmistakable: forgetting the Lord’s calling and gifts leads to the loss of our witness. But if we respond quickly to Christ’s voice, Spirit-filled unity and obedience will shape our future.

Jesus addresses the church in Thyatira, commending their love, faith, service, and perseverance. This was a church whose works were increasing over time. Yet alongside this growth, they stumbled into a dangerous compromise: they tolerated a false teacher. This was a teacher who led believers into immorality and idolatry. Despite being given time to repent, she remained unyielding, and her influence was corrupting the church. Christ calls the church to quick repentance, showing that delay only deepens sin’s grip. For those who repent, there is both mercy and grace. Spirit-led obedience is the mark of a believer. The Spirit will naturally move us to reject compromise, embrace holiness, and hold fast to what Christ has taught. For our church today, this passage reminds us that love and service must be matched with discernment and obedience. Quick repentance and Spirit-led faithfulness keep us in step with God’s will and purpose. The message to the church at Thyatira highlights the core value of Spirit-led obedience to the Lord.

Jesus speaks to the church in Pergamum, a community living “where Satan’s throne is.” They were surrounded by idolatry and persecution but were able to hold fast to Christ’s name, even when one of their own was martyred. Though these are great wins, Jesus confronts them for tolerating false teaching, specifically the doctrines of Balaam and the Nicolaitans where they were falling for compromise with immorality and idol worship. The bottom line was they were failing to rightly apply God’s word. Christ calls them to repent, reminding them that His Word is like a sharp, double-edged sword. The Spirit’s correction brings both warning and grace, pressing the church to realign their thinking with God’s truth. Tension from the Holy Spirit is a gift. The Spirit is faithful to expose where compromise has crept in and redirects hearts to obedience. When rightly applied, God’s Word helps believers think clearly about life, family, ministry, and work, keeping Christ at the center of all. The promise for those who overcome is deeply personal: hidden manna for spiritual nourishment and a white stone with a new name, symbolizing acceptance and identity in Christ. For our church, Pergamum’s message reminds us that true faithfulness requires Spirit-led correction and the courage to live by God’s Word in every sphere of life.

The church in Smyrna was a congregation facing poverty, slander, and persecution. Their example reminds us how our hope rests in the power of His resurrection. Though outwardly poor, Smyrna was a church rich in faith. Their suffering had a purpose. Suffering proved to be a refining process, preparing them for eternal reward. Jesus warns that the devil will throw some into prison and that tribulation will test them. Yet He calls them not to fear but to remain faithful even to the point of death, promising the crown of life. The lesson is clear: trials are not signs of God’s absence but opportunities to draw near to Him in deeper dependence. Tough times become the environment where faith is forged, purified, strengthened, and proven genuine. For our church, this message highlights that suffering, though painful, is often the pathway to the richest experiences of God’s presence. As we endure with faith, we are being prepared for glory and a gospel adventure testimony that extends into heaven itself.

To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in his right hand, who walks among the seven golden lampstands. “‘I know your works, your toil and your patient endurance, and how you cannot bear with those who are evil, but have tested those who call themselves apostles and are not, and found them to be false. I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for my name’s sake, and you have not grown weary. But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent. Yet this you have: you hate the works of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who conquers I will grant to eat of the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.’” ‭‭Revelation‬ ‭2‬:‭1‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬

The Advent miracle of Christmas is deeper than God came to earth. This miracle is wrapped in the revelation that He came with the mission of giving His life out of love for the world. The manger was not the end game; the destruction of sin and death was the goal. From the beginning, Christ demonstrated the greatest love the world has ever known. Love is the message of Christmas, and this transforming love moves His people to love one another in tangible ways. 

Advent reveals a gift of joy so deep that it cannot be taken by trials. True joy is deeper and stronger than just happiness. Joy comes from God’s PROMISES, His PRESENCE, discovered through the gift of His PEOPLE. Despite the challenging circumstances of life or the certainty of uncertainty, Christ came bringing the gift of JOY to the WORLD. This Christmas season, choose to rejoice because God is near to you. Fear not, because there is good news of GREAT JOY for YOU: A Savior is born, He is Christ the Lord.

The Shepherds were the first to hear the announcement that Christ was born. They were outcasts and undeserving yet were the first to hear how a Savior came for all people. The Christmas season shows us how God is present with us bringing lasting PEACE through thick and thin, highs and lows, good times and bad. When Christ entered the world, He brought a personal and lasting peace to every believer walking them through every circumstance. The Lord’s Supper reminds us that a Savior came to you and His coming helps you every day and secures your eternity forever.

The Christmas message is not a “once upon a time in a land ‘far’ ‘far’ away”. The Christmas story is not just speculative legend; it is true. In fact, because the Christmas story is an event in history, it confirms that fellowship with God is possible. Christmas reveals the literal incarnation of God. Incarnation describes the supernatural act of God the Son taking on a human nature. This supernatural event shows us that fellowship with God is possible for you and me. Salvation has really been made available to us. Today, we are beginning the Christmas season by unwrapping the gift of HOPE The gift of Christmas is not just about a baby in a manger—it’s about the transforming hope that changes lives, beginning with people like Luke and continuing in us today.

^{The physical second coming of Christ is a hard date on the human calendar. God is faithfully preparing His people for this moment by entrusting each of us with resources, opportunities, and abilities. He expects us to use them faithfully for His purposes, not to bury them in fear. His goal in providing for us is not for us to be fully funded, but fully faithful. Faithfulness leads to greater kingdom responsibility which is exactly where we want to be on the day we see Him face to face.}

Our mission as a church is to know God and help people follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere. A key core value to living out this mission involves learning to think generationally. We live today standing on the shoulders of believers who came before us. God brought to us the message of salvation and moves us to intentionally pass on our faith to those who come behind us. A generational mindset fosters spiritual growth helping enabling a believer individually and corporately learn from the past, connect in the present, while preparing for the future.

It is right to understand that every believer is part of something much larger than themselves, the global body of Christ. Yet, it is equally right to see that God has placed each of us right here in this church family where our faith is formed, love is practiced, and lives are transformed. In Philippians 1:1–11, Paul reminds us that the local church is the place where God’s people experience the greatest spiritual growth and the deepest unity. Our church provides the greatest opportunity for your life to make the greatest difference. God’s plan has never been for isolated believers but for a connected body, standing firm like a mighty army, advancing the gospel in our city. When we stay unified in our mission, to Know God and help people follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere, we will certainly live well and enter heaven with no regrets. Today, we will see that the church that lives unified becomes unstoppable for the glory and praise of God.

Our mission as a church is To know God and help people follow Christ here, there, and everywhere. This mission is grounded in the core value of living every day as AMBASSADORS for Christ. The Ambassador call moves our church to represent Christ in every circle of our lives. We represent Christ to our families, neighbors and co-workers. We represent Christ as we engage in our hobbies, sports teams, and our day-to-day shopping.  And of course, we represent Christ to the strangers who cross our path. God’s people representing Christ is the historic plan for the spread of the gospel. It is the one on one, life on life, day by day gospel adventure set apart for Christians in every generation. By the time Paul wrote the letter to the church at Philippi, it was established and growing. The beginning of this letter is filled with a great deal of gratitude and joy because this entire church partners in the gospel. This is the essence of being an Ambassador for Christ. Followers of Jesus represent Christ until the race is over or the world comes to its proper end. As we come back into a newly remodeled worship center, it is timely for our church to flesh out what it means to live as Ambassadors representing Christ in the very place God planted each one of us.

One of our core values as a church is to be led by the Holy Spirit daily. Walking by the Spirit is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of continuous spiritual growth. At the moment of salvation, the Holy Spirit not only saves, but seals, teaches, and moves the believer to live in step with God’s will. This work moves us to starve the flesh and feed work of the Spirit. This is evident both individually and as a church body. Surrender to the leadership of the Holy Spirit moves us to recognize His voice, follow His Word, and join God where He is working. This core value calls us to embrace the blessing of conviction and pursue life in step with the Spirit so that together we can KNOW GOD and HELP PEOPLE follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere.

We are a church devoted to reading, understanding, and meditating on God’s Word. Scripture is our guide for life, shaping both how we think and how we live. We view the world through the lens of God’s revealed truth. The Bible is inspired, inerrant, and the perfect revelation of God to man. It is a divine treasure—with God as its author, salvation as its goal, and truth without error in every part. Therefore, God’s Word is trustworthy, eternal, and remains the unchanging standard for our lives.

The Challenge today is grounded in these questions: Do you understand God’s Word? Are you taking intentional steps this week to go deeper in study. Are you living it? Are you surrounding yourself with godly people who will help you apply His truth every day.

James opens his letter with a bold challenge: “Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds.” He’s writing to believers who are scattered and suffering, yet he calls them to see trials not as interruptions, but as invitations. God uses hardship to grow us up in Christ. Trials test our faith, but they also produce endurance, shape our character, and forge a deeper trust in God. This passage invites us to re-focus our view of hardship, not as something to escape, but as the very workshop where Christ builds us into people who are mature, complete, and lacking nothing.

The writings of Luke makes up up over one-fourth of the entire New Testament when taking both the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Luke gives a vivid description of the the radical life-change that took place among the post-resurrection disciples. Acts specifically fills in the gap between the Gospels and the Epistles. This revelation of God provides the transition of the gospel becoming a world-wide faith. This first chapter in Acts portrays the power of God at work in the church through the Holy Spirit delivered to the world after the ascension of Christ into heaven. This work of the Holy Spirit continues until His glorious return that it certainly on the horizon.

Our Mission to KNOW GOD and HELP PEOPLE follow Jesus here, there, and everywhere puts us right in the middle of the spiritual battle in Tulsa. We have to be aware of the spiritual battle. In fact, living our lives unaware of the spiritual battle around us is dangerous. Jesus taught us to not only be mindful of the spiritual battle, but we are to take our stand against the schemes of the devil. This week part of our RE-FOCUS is learning to STAND TOGETHER against the schemes of the devil. Ephesians 6 teaches us how to do that well.

As we Re-focus, the revelation of salvation and God’s purpose of grace is critical to keep the MISSION in our SIGHTS. We believe that a person is made right with God by His grace, through faith in Jesus Christ. This describes the experience of being BORN AGAIN. Saving faith is not just mentally agreeing that Christ, the Cross and the Resurrection took place in history. Saving faith occurs when one is born again. This is the moment of transformation. When God brings about a sanctifying life, guided and empowered by the HOLY SPIRIT resulting in a relying on Christ work on the cross. Every person must face the reality that no one can meet God’s standard on their own, no matter how moral they may be. The narrow gate cannot be entered by partly trusting ourselves and partly trusting God. The gospel calls us to depend completely on Christ alone for salvation. This summarizes the MESSAGE and MISSION God has entrusted our church here, there, and everywhere. Nearly 2,000 years after Jesus’ prayer, we stand as a direct answer, called to be workers in His harvest field. Let's get to work in OUR HARVEST FIELD by keeping this mission always in sight.

This church was God’s idea and He is the one who called us together. It is Christ who made us…A light to the Word. (Matthew 5) Like a city that is on a hill that cannot be hidden. He calls us a body working together in unity. (1 Corinthians 12) He told us in John 17:20-21 – that it is in our unity that the world would believe that God the Father sent Him. It is the unity of the church that helps the world recognize Christ is Lord (John 17). It is the gathered church where the only hope for the nations is found (Matthew 28). It is the gathered church the gates of hell will not defeat (Matthew 16). It is the church where Jesus builds a living body put into action impacting society (1 Corinthians 12)

Here Jesus wraps up His Sermon on the Mount with a crystal-clear illustration of two builders, two houses and a certain storm. Certainly, hearing His words and putting them into practice reveals wisdom because rain is coming. We can’t just listen to Jesus, we have to put His words into action. Your eternal destiny will rests on how you respond to Jesus. The wise hear and obey, securing life on the unshakable foundation of Christ. The foolish dismiss His authority, building on sand, and face inevitable collapse. Are you experiencing the unparalleled construction of your life? It is available to you.

Most people who live in the world think they are going to heaven when they die. The sad truth is that most will walk through the door of death only to discover they were wrong. In this sermon, Jesus makes it clear that the path to destruction is wide and the path to eternal life is narrow. Though there are many false teachers who are gifted with the art of confusion, God has clearly revealed this narrow path to eternal life. In this sermon, Jesus reveals this narrow path while simultaneously exposing the way to recognize false teachers. Today, will you wisely examine your life to see if you are on that unparalleled narrow way to eternal life.

One of the key aspects of our unparalleled life as a believer is the benefits of the indwelling Holy Spirit. When Christ saves you, His Holy Spirit indwells you providing an interactive relationship extending through heaven. In this incredible sermon, Jesus unveils the benefits of this interactive relationship that is unparalleled in every season of life. Is the Holy Spirit indwelling in you? This can start today.

It’s the most misquoted verse in the Bible. We live in a generation that rightly rejects and ridicules judgmental people, yet struggles to practice good judgment. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus calls out hypocrites, holds the Scribes and Pharisees accountable for manipulating people, and calls some people dogs and pigs. In the middle of all that name-calling, He reminds us, “Judge not lest we be judged.” In His unparalleled way of living, Jesus teaches us how to practice good judgment without becoming judgmental.

Worry is not going away. But could we begin to look at a couple of areas in our life that this passage speaks to directly and start to loosen our grip on them? Could we begin to become more dependent on King Jesus and less consumed about building our own kingdom that leaves us exhausted? Too often when we do finally recognize we need to stop worrying about something, it turns into another to do list instead of turning our hearts to God and relying on Him. This week, let's look to the author and perfector of our faith and truly be dependent on Him.

Every one of us are experienced fasters. Maybe not this discipline of going without meals for the purpose of prayer, but all of us have fasted in daily life. Did you ever miss a meal in school because you were focused on a test. Did you choose not to watch a certain show because work required some extra time. At some point, you had to get up early to make an appointment or lose some sleep to get a job done. When the church was younger, fasting was much more common for followers of Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus taught us about Fasting and He did not say, “if you fast, but “when” you fast. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that God calls us to experience because it produces incredible power in your life. This week, give up something that matters to you for the sake of turning your face to Christ in prayer.

It is good that most people can quote the Lord’s prayer by memory. Any scripture that is memorized is profitable. At the same time, Jesus quoted this prayer in the Sermon on the Mount so that we utilize the prayer to learn to actually pray. Often our prayers become monotonous and repetitive and come off of our lips with very little meaning. This is not the kind of conversation we are to have with the Lord. This morning, lets all lean into the Lord and learn to use this famous passage of Scripture like Jesus intended: To learn how to pray.

Jesus defined prayer simply defined is communication with God. Communication involves both listening and talking. Prayer is a fascinating and remarkable opportunity for us. Every one of us in this room could start talking to God right now and He has the power to not only to completely understand each one of us, but His Holy Spirit miraculously leads each of us in unique ways. We need to pray not because God is somehow needy. God leads us to pray not for Him but for us. Through prayer, we come to see the Lord’s hand uniquely. We come to know the Lord’s heart specifically. We come to understand the Lord’s will directly. This morning, allow the Lord to teach you to pray.

The call to follow Christ comes with an invitation to pursue heavenly rewards. A life produces heavenly rewards when it is marked by giving, praying, fasting, serving, and growing in faith for the praise of God over man. Giving from selfless desire focused on pleasing God produces heavenly rewards you do not want to miss. At the same time, giving with a selfish desire to look spiritual in front of others produces nothing. Is your giving stretching into eternity or are you missing the blessing by giving for selfish gain, building up an ego, or working to get your name on a little plaque. Allow God to get to the heart of the matter ensuring you are on the path of giving in a way that truly counts.

An unparalleled life is marked by forgiveness, not retaliation. In fact, God calls us to love our enemies and do good to those who wrong you. In fact, loving our enemies is one of the ways God’s love is evident in our lives. Who are our enemies and what does it look like to love them? An enemy is someone who comes against you, curses you, uses you, and abuses you. Of course, we are not called to be “doormats” but we have a responsibility to love our enemies. Ironically, the best way to defeat an enemy is to show forgiveness. Let’s dig into this idea that we are never more like Jesus than when we are forgiving someone.

Marriage is instituted by God and provides the greatest earthly example of reconciliation. In marriage, God established the most sacred relationship known to mankind. It is this reason why the unexpected legacy of divorce needs to be exposed. Answering the call to the unparalleled life moves us to build divorce-proof marriages. This is the legacy that we must leave to our children. Jesus is not suggesting marriages should end in divorce, but God offers an unparalleled marriage awaiting every couple.

Jesus is preparing his disciples for the Great Commission. He's communicating to them that they must take extreme measures to protect themselves from sin and keep a Godly witness to the world.

When the Scripture speaks about the heart, it is describing the center of man’s being and personality. It is the source of every choice, every motivation and every activity. When it comes to challenges, the heart is often the foundation of the troubles we have with others. The heart reveals what we think and what we feel. It describes true desires or wants. It shapes decisions, choices, and beliefs. The heart describes the deep, private parts of every life. This is why Jesus connects the heart directly with peace in every relationship. Are you holding a grudge? Is there someone you need to forgive? Today is the day to experience the unparalleled response to conflict. Peace starts and continues with the heart moving you towards an unparalleled response to conflict.

Jesus revealed incredible truths about God’s plan for our lives and His plans for the world. As time ticks away, the unparalleled revelations of God continues to prove reveal His trustworthiness. This “heart check” moment in the sermon on the mount reveals the calling to serve the Lord from the inside out; not the outside in. Jesus is trustworthy and moves us to read, understand, memorize, and more importantly, submit to what God has revealed through His word. Today is a heart check opportunity. Let’s embrace the moment.

When you experienced the gift of salvation, God gave you a gift that can only be described by unparalleled resilience. We live in a world plagued by decay and darkness. The example of salt reveals the unparalleled power of salvation. The example of light on a hill and light in a house speaks to the unparalleled impact of salvation. Christ followers are salt of the earth. Christ followers are light to the world.

The Beatitudes - The Snapshot of a Christ Follower - Start to finish - These eight statements paint a portrait of unparalleled life produced by our relationship with Christ. These attitudes reveal the inner characteristics of the disciple of Christ. The beatitudes are the job description of the disciple. These attitudes naturally moves us to put our “YES” on the table. “Yes” to the invitation of salvation. “Yes” to repentance. “Yes” to God’s will. “Yes” to seeking the Lord. “Yes” to forgiveness. And, even “Yes” to persecution for Christ’s sake. Today, experience the blessing of an unparalleled life that says “Yes” to the call of God. Is your “YES” on the table?

We are therefore Christ’ Ambassadors for Christ. This is a definitive declaration of both our standing with God and our calling in life. An ambassador describes a person who acts as a representative or promoter of something specific. The background of the Sermon on the Mount is fulfilling the Ambassador mandate. Christians literally embody Christ to others. Ambassadors for Christ represent His heart, His plan, and His will. This is a calling that begins at salvation and grows all the way through the gates of heaven. The unparalleled
life of the Ambassador is the continuous becoming in the righteousness of God. Have you been declared an Ambassador for Christ? If not, the call is to come to Christ. If so, the call is to the unparalleled life of becoming righteous.

The birth, life, death and resurrection of Christ was without a doubt the focal point in human history. Earthly and heavenly consequences for every person in history hinges on this moment in time. Prior to this point, the world anticipated the event. Since this period of history, the world continues to live with it in view. Today is Easter Sunday. It is the day every living individual comes to grips with the impact of the resurrection in the world and in each life. The Resurrection of Jesus continues to speak from the past, drawing every heart in this moment all the while revealing critical promises for the future. This Easter, have you personally encountered the impact of this moment in history? Do you understand the supernatural message, and do you sense the supernatural draw to awe, respect, repentance, and surrender? May this Resurrection Sunday be unique. May it mark a change that brings hope in your life, no fear in your death, and an eternal destiny only found in the gift available to everyone who would come to the dying Lord took your place. The Lord is risen. He is risen indeed!

The Chronicler is moving and motivating a new generation of God’s people to re-build the temple. We must not forget the context of this book is written to God’s people coming out of exile. As God’s people prepare, he remembers how God’s people all came together when David closed his reign to Solomon. David prepared the way exhorting the leaders to support the new king in the construction of the temple. His goal was that when
Solomon became king, the kingdom would be orderly and peaceful and nothing would stand in the way of the most prosperous time in the history of the people of God. Great things happen when God’s people come together. This was true of David’s time. This was true of the time of the Chronicler, and this will be true for us today and tomorrow. Let’s come together.

The Chronicler is moving and motivating a new generation of God’s people to re-build the temple. We must not forget the context of this book is written to God’s people coming out of exile. They are literally living out a miracle as they come together for this remodel. At first glance, these chapters reveal a lengthy section of the
names and duties of those who held responsibilities during David’s reign. The focus is on the temple, its priests, and attendants, though military leaders are also briefly mentioned. However, the Chronicler outlines these jobs and highlights these responsibilities so that an entirely new generation live out a real miracle as they re-build the temple. Let’s not miss the miracle lessons in the remodel of the temple.

Even though God put a stop to King David’s plan to build a temple in Jerusalem, David rejoiced in the promise that God would always place his descendants on the throne. This promise was fulfilled with finality in Jesus Christ. God gave David many victories to establish domination over his land and to show that he rewarded those who came to him with unreserved trust. David left a legacy. He was excited about his endowment calling. David empowered the next generation to continue fulfilling the call of God. This is the calling for God’s people in every generation.

King David decided to bring the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem but carelessly ignored God’s direct commands. This oversight resulted in the sudden death of one of David’s loyal leaders. This event not only taught David but also provided valuable instruction for us on the holiness of God, the value of God’s clear instructions in our lives, and the blessings that come when Jesus is Lord of our lives.

God used many men in David's life as he became king and as he rebuilt Israel. Let's discover together, what qualities these men had and how they apply to us today.

Saul was condemned by God because of his disobedience. As a result, he dies in a losing battle against the Philistines. In this tragic passage we see the inescapable truth that sin has greater consequences than we think. Saul experienced the blessing of God yet tragically took the bait in the temptation battle. The silver lining in this tragic story opens our eye to the temptation battle. Jesus is Lord and has shown Himself in our lives. Let’s discover how to overcome temptation.

Unity is one of the most consistent challenges to believers. Chronicles unveils the messy tale of God moving His people into this promised Kingdom of Priests. In a fascinating flashback, God shifts the camera backwards to from David to Saul revealing the shift of His people from CHAOS to UNITAS. As we seek the Lord through the Chronicles, Psalm 133, gives interesting insight into this chaotic time in Chronicles as works in His priest nation people. The lack of unity is a stumbling block to God’s purposes (John 13:34-35). Unity of the priest nation people is God’s will for First Baptist Owasso. When unity is present, we become a priest nation people ensuring the world sees Jesus. (John 17:20-21)

What are you called to do? God gave the children of Israel a family business. He called every person in every tribe to connect people in every nation to God. Out of these twelve tribes, God gave one tribe a significant task. He called the Levites to live in the heart of Israel to keep the heart of Israel fully surrendered to God. They reminded the nation of God's holiness. They called the people into God's presence. They did more than minister to people. They ministered to God.

The tribes of Simeon, Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh are STORYWORTH because they were groups who ultimately disappeared from the story of God’s people. The tribe of Simeon were valiant while the tribes of Reuben, Gad and half of Manasseh walked away from the Lord were the first to be conquered. Every role in ministry is important to God. The people of Simeon served valiantly even though their role seemed to be less significant. Reuben, Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh wasted their opportunity. You may not think your gifts are small but God is calling you to embrace your place. Find your place of service to the Lord and steward it well. The ask: are you playing your position?

Description: When you hear the names Judah and David, so many positive thoughts come to mind. Judah became the tribe of Kings and David was known to be a “man after God’s own heart”. But, when you get behind the curtain of their family history, you very quickly discover these “peeps” produce more drama than the Kardashian’s. The STORYWORTH chapters in David’s family are the moments of brokenness to healing, failure to success, rebellion to obedience; that long game of repentance. Again, the Chronicler offered us more than a genealogical record. He offered to us a snapshot revealing how repentance impacts a family legacy.

It is worth our time thinking deeply on the story of God’s people. 1 Chronicles spends nine chapters chronicling families. Since we know that All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, this part of Scripture shows how your family’s story has great worth. In fact, as we develop a gameplan for a godly family, we will be certain to pass on the treasure of faithfulness to those coming behind us. Following Christ produces a powerful family legacy that is truly storyworth.

We are a part of a Gospel Church where we conduct ourselves together as followers of Christ planted in this community. The church is described as a family in the New Testament and we are to treat each other as brothers and sisters. Because we have been united to Christ, God has been faithful to provide these family guidelines speaking to our congregational responsibility to God and one another.

78 years ago, God planted this church right here in the heart of Owasso. Since then, First Baptist has been a growing body of believers on mission here, there, and everywhere. The impact of this church on our city, surrounding communities, state, and world is a beautiful collision. As a church, God has called us to collide with culture. Daily we engage the lost, the needy, the broken, the searching, the gifted, the growing, and the resourced; deepening their relationship with God and one another. As our church family looks forward to a season of growth in our community, may the Holy Spirit move us to beautifully collide with our culture raising up the next generation of leaders living on MISSION; HERE, THERE, and EVERYWHERE.

We need to be ever mindful that Christ is coming back and the way He is coming back. Our friends and family who are unbelievers most likely do not realize what’s coming. Jesus and the apostles refer to this “as being like in the days of Noah.” While this day is good news to us, as it was to Noah in his preparations, it will be a terrible day to many. He’s coming back to judge the living and the dead. Considering the Day, God calls us to be awake and sober. To be diligent in our faith as those with a real, great hope of Jesus returning and a deep concern for those who don’t know Christ yet (2 Cor. 5:11 “By the Fear of the Lord, we persuade men).

The Word showed up in the flesh and dwelt among us. For the first time in world history, the glory of God has come in physical form. Jesus came full of grace and truth. Your spiritual growth is connected to the size of your vision. This Christmas, God is using the Gospel of John to give us all a bigger vision of Christ. Light has come into this world revealing the Glory of God. Shepherds were blessed by a growing vision of Jesus. John was transformed by a growing vision of Jesus. This Christmas, may we join them in being transformed by a growing vision of Jesus. God came down to earth and dwelt among us giving us a growing vision of Jesus. Merry Christmas, God still dwells among us.

The Word showed up in the flesh and dwelt among us. For the first time in world history, the glory of God has come in physical form. Jesus came full of grace and truth. We understand that grace is a gift given no one deserves. Jesus came full of grace offering an underserved gift of salvation to ALL people. God became a man.
Gabriel, the angel who stands in the presence of God came to Mary delivering the word of all words. Grace and truth were revealed. Grace is a gift given no one deserves - have you received it? Mercy is the withholding of punishment that is deserved - have you experienced it? Truth has been revealed through Christ coming down to earth - do you believe it?

Prior to the birth of Christ, God sent John the Baptist as a forerunner to the birth of Christ. He came as a witness. Both John and Jesus came to a world that struggled to believe the message of the gospel and the call of God. God confronts every person in their sin calling to a decision to repent and follow Christ. God gave us eyes but we refused to see His glory. He gave us ears, but we are prone not to listen to His words. He gave us minds, but we often set our minds against His logical revelation. God came to His own but they rejected him. This Christmas it is time to stop closing your eyes, ears, and mind to the call of Christ and the real purpose of Christ coming down to earth.

Jesus is God, born to deliver mankind from death and darkness. This first message of the Christmas
season, we must be able to recognize who Jesus is and why He came to the earth. It is through God the Son
that we understand God’s mind, His will, His perfections, and His heart.

Everybody experiences failure. And everybody experiences the fear of failure. The very fear of failing paralyzes people, becoming a self-fulfilling prophecy. When you give in to the fear of failure, you usually fail. When you do it all your life, your life becomes filled with example after example of failure simply because you become afraid to even try. You cannot please God and live your life playing it safe. Peter’s decision to follow Jesus is big. This decision reveals how following Jesus shows us what it looks like to overcome failure.

When your confidence is crushed, Jesus can restore your hope. Life is messy. It’s easy to be distracted by discouragement and get stuck in all the ways we’ve denied our faith or become a disappointment to others. But Jesus sees more in you than you’ll ever know. On the shores of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus shares a meal with his disciples. He reignites their purpose. He restores Peter. He reminds them what He meant when he said, “Come follow me.”

God has moved so clearly in our lives. Because this is true, it makes sense to take God at His Word. At the same time, trials produce overwhelming temptations to doubt the Lord. This is the story of Thomas. Every promise of God will prove true over time. Thomas discovered it was time to believe in Jesus. It is time for us to believe in Him too.

When believers live unified while they are living in the world, many will take note, choose to believe in Jesus Christ, and God will be glorified.

Paying attention to the prayers of Jesus produces lasting results. The night before the Crucifixion, God brought this prayer to John’s mind as this gospel was written. Jesus prayed for Himself, His disciples, and He prayed for you and me. As a modern-day disciple, the call to walk together as we engage the world remains a relevant revelation. May we never forget that Jesus prepares every disciple to engage each other and engage the world. It is time to get prepared.

Last words are lasting words. If you were Jesus deciding on your farewell speech to your disciples on your last night together, what would you say to address their greatest need? Jesus tells us in the last verses of John 16:16-33, our life-changing passage. He wanted them to experience victory in the midst of their major headwinds and He wants you to experience the same.

As followers of Christ, the ultimate advantage is ours. Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit says the Lord. Knowing Jesus is the advantage that leads to a life that lasts. On the night Jesus was betrayed, he prayed in the garden with His disciples. His prayer reveals the glory of who He is, the gift He died to give, and the eternal life he has for all who believe.

According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionally, and liberally to fulfill God’s plan for the world. We simply cannot realize a true biblical vision of the Christian life without embracing the biblical concept of stewardship. At the heart of stewardship is the understanding that stewards do not own what God has entrusted to them but are managers of His resources. We know that God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are, we owe to Him. As we take our next step together as a church, let’s turn our sights to God-focused giving.

Some people just aren’t that comfortable in their own skin. They feel like they bring the “awkward” everywhere they go. When we first meet, should we shake hands, fist bump, or high-five?

But for some people, social anxiety is about more than the occasional awkward interaction. The bigger the crowd the greater the stress. They feel so out of place that they deceive themselves into thinking that everything would be better if they could just redefine their entire identity.
In John 15, Jesus reveals an incredible truth. In Jesus, we have a new identity. Because of who He is and what He’s done, because He’s made Himself known to us, we can know who we are in Christ.

And when you know who you are, you’ll know what to do.
It's the satisfying fruit that abundantly grows when we learn to abide.

As God led John to write his gospel, the Holy Spirit brought to memory the critical conversations in the Upper Room. As these conversations ended, Jesus made known key truths regarding how the Holy Spirit would work. His work around and in the disciples proved to be foundational in answering the call of God for their future. In the same way, the work of the Holy Spirit around and in each one of us is also foundational as we answer God’s call on our lives.

Belief fuels the fire of faithfulness. Communication to the Master of the Universe takes place every time you pray. Go back and listen to the last few prayers you prayed. That communication with the Lord reveals what you believe about God. Philip is the third disciple to ask Jesus for more details about who He is and where He’s going. In this moment, Jesus makes known His disciples their greatest gospel adventure is yet to come. God still moves His disciples to a vision grounded in prayer. Jesus entered heaven and left the Holy Spirit to powerfully work in and through disciples in BIG WAYS. What are you asking God to do through the work of your life, your family, and your church? Do your prayers reflect the glory of God?

Belief creates the confidence that Christ is coming to take us home. Peter promises to go where he goes. Thomas confesses he doesn’t know where Jesus will go. What you believe about Jesus determines the view you have of heaven. Heaven isn’t a place you go. It’s the home Jesus prepared for you. It’s the home he
takes you to. Know this: Jesus is the way (to heaven), the truth (about heaven), and the life (eternal in heaven).

The glory of God is revealed in our love for one another. Christ glorified God with his sacrificial death. God glorified Christ in his miraculous resurrection. The glory of God in his disciples is best seen in our love for one another. The love of Christ is God-centered and God-defined (It’s not a temporary, human kind of love). The love of Christ is self-sacrificing. The love of Christ moves us to love one another. Who do you need to forgive? Who do you struggle to love? What will you do to forgive and love that person this week?

The story of Judas is arguably the most shocking account of betrayal in history. His betrayal shows the ultimate end of misguided belief. Judas heard all the teaching. He went to all the places. He experienced all the wonders and even ate the bread and fish Jesus miraculously made. Yet his heart remained stubbornly stuck in unbelief. What is even more striking is that his unbelief was hidden from everyone but Jesus. When hearing of a betrayal in the group, the other 11 accused themselves without even considering Judas as the culprit. Though Judas’s story was prophetically predicted, surely there are lessons to learn from his historic downfall. Surely there are safeguards to establish so you can avoid the Judas path to misguided belief.

Jesus moves into the Upper Room discourse with a dramatic call to servanthood. This was an unexpected and humble act of service that symbolized the washing of regeneration (forgiveness) given to all who believe. John 13:14-17 moves from what Jesus did to what we should do for one another. “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” The gospel continues to radically impact our lives one person at a time. Nothing earns the credibility to share the gospel like humbling serving people expecting nothing in return. God is calling our church to a unified heart so that we can more effectively serve one another.

Do you believe in Jesus? What does that even mean? Obedience to God is the way you can show that you believe. Trust in the redemptive power of the cross. Pay attention to the clear messages in God’s word. Rest in the eternal life and promises God makes and keeps. The light of Christ is shining a little while longer. God has prepared you to believe so that you will faithfully point people around you to the amazing gift of salvation that came to you. Share your faith with someone this week.

Jesus marched into Jerusalem in the manner of a king seated on a donkey. The Pharisees scoffed at Him and tried to end His work. Later, they thought they had succeeded. But, Jesus sacrificed everything and calls us to do the same. How are you going to surrender Jesus?

What does a passionate personal response to Jesus actually look like? What does a passionate personal response to reject Jesus look like? The gospel of John was written for us to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and yet we often struggle with what we are to do with these realities in our lives. John 12 is the hinge from Jesus' public ministry to His private ministry before the cross. John 12 through the end of the gospel of John is about Passion Week and the resurrection. Within the first few verses of John 12 we get to peek inside the hearts of Mary and Judas who both make very passionate personal responses to who they believe Jesus to be. What is your response?

There are two reactions to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead- Belief and Unbelief.

John 11 recounts the story of the death and resurrection of Lazarus. The chapter highlights themes of faith and belief, particularly through the interactions between Jesus, Martha, and Mary. When Lazarus falls ill, his sisters Martha and Mary send word to Jesus. Despite his love for Lazarus, Jesus delays his visit, ultimately arriving four days after Lazarus's death. Martha meets Jesus and expresses her faith that if He had been there, her brother would not have died. Jesus then declares, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?" Martha affirms her belief that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God. Jesus then proceeds to the tomb where he raises Lazarus from the dead. This miraculous event leads many to believe in Jesus. The question "Do you believe this?" serves as a central theme, challenging us all to consider our faith in Jesus as the source of eternal life and resurrection.

Jesus uses the powerful imagery of a shepherd and his sheep to convey deep spiritual truths. He declares Himself as the Good Shepherd, the One who intimately knows and cares for His sheep, willing to lay down His life for their protection. Not only does he defend the sheep, but He knows the sheep and the sheep know his
voice. There is complete certainty in Christ. You can live with an unshakable trust that transcends the challenges and uncertainties of life. It is a confidence that our salvation is secure, firmly held in the hands of the One who laid down His life for us. Put yourself in the best position to hear God's voice. One day, we will not just hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, but we will see him face to face.

The bad news is that every person is born spiritually blind. However, the good news is that Jesus came as the light of the world offering healing from spiritual blindness. Just as Jesus gave physical sight to the blind man, He offers the gift of spiritual vision to all who have faith in Him. Communicating this powerful message of salvation is the primary work Jesus came to do. Today, you are called to join Him in this very work: You are sent to WORK the WORK of God.

A Divine plan was implemented in Jesus being sent to the world revealing the light of salvation. John 8 describes a transformative confrontation with the scribes and Pharisees as they come to grips with their need for salvation. God issues a call to genuine repentance, resulting in a turning away from sin, leading to the internal light of life. Is that light of life in you? Jesus shared this light with the world. Our church is SENT to do the same. Today, look deeply in your heart for the Light of Life.

The scene continues at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. On the last day, Jesus stands and proclaims that whoever is thirsty should come to Him and drink, promising that rivers of living water will flow from within them. “Every believer is SENT by God to share the LOVE of Jesus so the WORLD will KNOW and BELIEVE that He is God.” “The One SENT to save the worlds sends you.” On this Father’s Day, we pray that our men become channels of living water that changes the world.

If you have a brother, you know. “You think you’re something special!? Prove it!” Let’s be honest: even beyond sibling rivalry, we don’t like being told what to do. Sure, give me advice. Help me achieve my goals. But insert the word “should,” tell me I have to? It’s the quickest way to get me to go the other way.

In the days before Jesus was crucified, he encountered people who couldn’t get past their doubt, dissatisfaction, defeats, disagreements, or denial—even his brothers. Yet Jesus kept confidently living a God-given plan. He kept moving toward His redemptive purpose. He met people where they were and challenged them to take their next step of faith.

And now, the One sent to save the world sends you.

Our appetites can fuel our strengths or feed our vices. On the day after He fed the 5000, the morning after He walked on water, the crowd came, seeking Jesus. After hearing His words, their day ended, leaving Jesus. The appetites that drove them to Him became the obstacles that kept them from believing in Him. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Enjoy a meal you’ll always remember with a man you’ll never forget. Trust every appetite to the One who satisfies every need.

He has the Words of Life.

Jesus brings the calm. When life's storms rage around us, our instinct is often to focus on the tempest itself, but Jesus calls us to a different response. He invites us to sit with Him, to rest in His unwavering presence, and to find calm amid the turbulence. This passage reminds us that no matter how tumultuous our circumstances, Jesus brings the calm over the tumultuous waves of life. Sit with the Lord. Instead of sitting with your problems, sit with the Lord. Instead of meditating on your problems, meditate on His promises.

God is more than able and provides physically and spiritually. According to His purpose and will, Gods blessings often exceed our expectations and needs, revealing His overflowing grace. This miraculous meal serves as a powerful reminder to give thanks for Gods provision in our lives, knowing that He is able to provide more than we could ever imagine, both physically and spiritually. Gratitude. When was the last time you genuinely thanked the Lord?

We witness a poignant scene at the foot of the cross where Jesus is being crucified. Standing near the cross were Jesus; mother, Mary, and her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, along with Mary Magdalene. In His final moments, Jesus looks down at His mother and, filled with compassion, entrusts her care to John. On the cross, we know of seven statements Jesus made which were all critically important. In the midst of Christ’s suffering, He faithfully keeps the 5th commandment as He makes sure to honor His mother. This is truth we must not overlook; a lesson we must learn; and an example we must follow.

God is powerfully working…RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, giving us the RIGHT HOPE, because He is the RIGHT SOURCE, with the RIGHT PLAN providing the RIGHT AMOUNT shifting us to the RIGHT FOCUS while helping us to live the RIGHT kind of LIFE.

God is powerfully working…RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, giving us the RIGHT HOPE, because He is the RIGHT SOURCE, with the RIGHT PLAN providing the RIGHT AMOUNT shifting us to the RIGHT FOCUS while helping us to live the RIGHT kind of LIFE. God has called us to trust Him and take His word seriously. When He speaks, do we immediately believe or do we doubt Him? This leader exhibits the kind of faith that we must strive to build even in the most extreme circumstances. A sick child leaves one feeling helpless, hopeless and broken. Here, this leader learns the promises of Christ are trustworthy. As a result, his entire family comes to believe in Jesus. Do you believe in Jesus?

What are you looking for?

There’s a simple truth that’s easy to forget. Generally, people find what they’re looking for. Where you expect to find kindness, kindness is often found. Where you look for disappointment, disappointment is easy to see. When you don’t like what you see, look a little deeper. Shift your focus. God is working powerfully right here, right now, giving us the right hope because He is the right source with the right plan, providing the right amount to move us to the right focus to help us live the right kind of life.

The answers you seek are right in front of you. Right now. As you learn to live all of life, all for Jesus.

The woman at the well is a fascinating reminder for us to see the world like Jesus. The disciples are busy making preparation for ministry all the while missing the real ministry right in front of them. Jesus engages this woman who was broken, lost, but still deeply loved by God. In this passage, you see the urgency of Christ to bring salvation to the entire world. We are called to notice the harvest right in front of us. Jesus came bringing salvation to the world. His plan to deliver that message is by the Holy Spirit through witnesses. We are the witnesses called to notice people and share the message of salvation to others.

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. It is revolutionary. It transforms our perspective and defines our mission. It brings a radical shift in the life of every person who comes to faith in the power of this good news. What is your mission? How has the empty tomb influenced you?

In this passage, John highlights four direct messianic prophecies that took place on the
cross completely outside of the prophets control. Christ completed the work of
redemption on the cross. In verse 30, Jesus says, “It is finished” or “It has been
accomplished”. On the cross, the penalty of sin has been completely served. The price
of redemption is completely paid. The justice of God is completely satisfied. The
deliverance of sinners is completely secured. You can be confident in who Jesus is. You
can be confident in what He has done. You can be confident in what He is doing. It is
passion week – who will you point to Jesus this week?

The suffering Jesus reveals several important truths we must not miss. It reveals the wickedness of our sin. It speaks to our inability to stand rightly before God in our own power. The mistreatment of Jesus reveals the graciousness of God as He was willing to take on Himself the punishment we deserve. In this passage, you also see an important human tendency shared by all people: this natural tendency to reject God and His plan for us. Our human nature is inherently sinful and because of this sin, we want to live in control of our own lives and our own destiny. In all honesty, the greatest threat and most significant problem for every person born into this world is lostness. The cruelty of the cross offers a vivid picture of the nastiness and devastation of sin. Every person born desperately needs to be changed from the outside in. This is a work of God, not a work of man which has been proclaimed to the world, even from the mouths of fools.

When you learn about big events in world history, no one can deny how the crucifixion of Christ stands as the key focal point for humanity. Before the Cross of Christ, humanity was obligated to sacrifice their best for their worst. But through the Cross, God demonstrated that it was not about our best, but HIS BEST! Let the journey to the Cross begin.

One question at a time – Lostness is the greatest human problem while faith in Christ
alone remains the only means to cure that problem. Coming to grips with salvation by
faith is a core biblical teaching. Many today still follow the idea that one can earn their
own way to eternity. Nicodemus was baffled by this news that even he needed to be
saved from his sin. Salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone. Whoever comes will be
born again. After that new birth takes place, the Holy Spirit starts to produce
supernatural works producing radical change.

Salvation comes when a person is “Born again”. The principles in this conversation with Nicodemus are clear. Religious credentials are not sufficient to save a person from the wrath of God. New Birth is the only way a person can experience the hope of eternal life. Still to this day, many are confused about the path to eternal life. Many still try to do more good than bad trying to somehow earn their way to heaven. Nicodemus came to realize that even his religious fervor could not transform him from the inside out. His religious effort could not bridge the gap to God. He needed Jesus. He needed to be born again. Do you know that you are going to heaven? Are you born again?

Many of our thoughts and ideas of who Jesus was/is have been shaped by our culture and our desires of who we want Him to be. Often, when we create our own ideas of who Jesus is, we reduce Him to a very passive individual stripped of many of His divine attributes. John 2:13-25 gives us a prominent picture of the power that Jesus possesses and the zeal He has for true worship. A. W. Tozer once said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." John writes this Gospel so we will believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. To believe, we must accept the truth about who He truly is. We must have a proper understanding of who Christ was. Who do you believe Jesus is? Do you believe He is truly the only begotten Son of God?

Jesus and his disciples have been invited to a wedding. Jesus’ mother seems to be
involved, so it may be a wedding of a family member or friend. As they arrive, the host
faces a terribly embarrassing moment, he runs out of wine. In this first century culture,
this is a really big deal. To run out of wine is an insult to everyone attending. Jesus
loves his mom and she knows he has the power to fix this problem and in this situation,
he chose this situation to offer his first earthly miracle revealing His glory and helping
the disciples believe. Do you see His Glory in the ability to transform this world? Do you
believe in Jesus?

God is faithful to prepare every heart for His Spirit to work. The work of God is not up to
us, hence, it is the work of God. At the same time, God invites us to join in with Him like
Phillip and Nathanael. The Lord is clearly calling us to “follow Him” living as faithful
ambassadors for Christ. We can be confident in this call because God is faithful to work
before us, through us, and after us. Philip was faithful to witness to Nathanael. In a
similar way, you have been chosen to follow Jesus. You are being transformed by
Jesus, and you are called to call others to Jesus. Are you growing as a faithful and bold
witness with the gospel? Your walk with God is a remarkable example to the remarkable
work of God. Don’t miss it!!!

Andrew was the first disciple to turn to Jesus. He was quick to tell those closest to him what he had seen and heard. After meeting Jesus, Andrew's eyes were opened to who Jesus really was. Jesus was the living Son of God. His life was so transformed, he immediately brought his brother to meet Jesus. Here is an interesting fact about Andrew: Whenever you find Andrew referenced in John’s gospel, he is bringing someone to Jesus. He brings his brother in this passage. He brings the lad with the loaves and fishes in John 6:8. He brings the Greeks who wanted to see Jesus in John 12. When it comes to Andrew, we have no record of him preaching sermons, but we do see him living his life and sharing his testimony one-on-one. Andrew is the best “MY ONE” seeker we see in Scripture. Every follower of Christ is called to notice people and live as a passionate witness for Christ. Our witness should be most effective among the people we know the most. Do you have a “My ONE”? How are you engaging them? Is there anything hindering your witness for Christ? What barriers do you need to overcome?

John the Baptist was the physical forerunner of the Messiah. In response to this curiosity, the religious leaders sent out a group of priests fishing for information on the unique work unfolding before their eyes. John’s life was changed and his message can be summarized in this remarkable statement: “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Jesus is the Lamb of God who became the worthy sacrifice for your sin and mine. Our guilt no longer remains which enables us to live free from the power and penalty of sin. The Holy Spirit rests on us because the moment you trusted Christ He rests on you and in you. Let’s learn from John’s life and John’s message.

In fact, Jesus is God’s last Word to mankind (Hebrews 1:1-3). According to John, Jesus is the eternal Word. He is the creative Word, and he is the incarnate Word. As the living Word, Jesus entered the world as God in the flesh. He lived an incomparable life resulting in his death and resurrection, proving He was divine. This incarnate revelation of God is an important theme in this gospel pointing to the fullness of grace and the availability of salvation to everyone who would come to the point of repentance.

Have you noticed that the most convincing followers of Jesus are those who are most convinced about Jesus? The gospel of John was written by John the Apostle. He was a man who was convinced about Jesus which led to a convincing life and ministry. John was one of the Sons of Thunder. That could have been a description of John’s personal passion or a description of two boys with a passionate mother. We know that John and his mom were present with Jesus all the way through the crucifixion. It is noteworthy that John walked closely with Jesus before and after His resurrection. As we begin our study of the book of John, let’s rub shoulders with this man who was both convinced and convincing about Christ.

Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit,was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.

The Definition of ad·vent [ad-vent] noun
1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season.
2. the coming of Christ into the world.
3. the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in
commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.
4. Second Coming.

Advent during Christmas reveals the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love
for you and for me. When Christ entered the world, the love of God came to dwell
among us ultimately indwelling us. The prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3 is uniquely
beautiful enabling the love of God that surpasses knowledge to become actually
knowable. We often hear the words: Jesus Loves Me. This Christmas, I pray you come to
know the Love of Christ in a personal way.

The Definition of ad·vent [ad-vent] noun
1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season.
2. the coming of Christ into the world.
3. the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in
commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.
4. Second Coming.

The Christmas season shows us how God is present with us bringing lasting PEACE
through thick and thin, highs and lows, good times and bad. When Christ entered the
world, He brought a personal and lasting peace to every believer walking them through
every circumstance. Romans 5:1-11 reveals the incredible benefit that came to us
because Christ entered the world offering the gift of lasting PEACE.

The Definition of ad·vent [ad-vent] noun
1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season.
2. the coming of Christ into the world.
3. the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration
of the coming of Christ into the world.
4. Second Coming.
The Christmas season shows us how God is present with us bringing lasting HOPE
through His people.

It is the unity of the church that helps the world recognize Christ is Lord
(John 17). It is the gathered church where the only hope for the nations is found
(Matthew 28). It is the gathered church the gates of hell will not defeat (Matthew 16).
It is the church where Jesus builds a living body put into action impacting society (1 Corinthians 12).

One of the core values of our church articulates our call by God to be His Ambassadors. God has called us to this place at this time in redemption history. The greatest problem for every human being is lostness and God has entrusted to us this ministry of reconciliation that has radically transformed our lives. We are called to push one another to be faithful ambassadors for Christ communicating through our lives and our mouths the only hope of salvation – a reconciled life through Christ. Are you the right kind of Ambassador for Christ? What is getting in the way?

Some people are thinkers. They make plans. Ask them to go with the flow, they’ll ask what time the flow starts. Other people are feelers. They follow their gut. They may not go where they’re expected, but they frequently end up where they’re needed. Thinker or feeler, everyone makes the best decision they can based on the information available at the time. But what happens when what we know turns out to be wrong? What do you do when your experience fails to meet your expectations? Whose word will you trust?

For those who are being saved, the foundation of every experience, the basis for timeless truth, is found in the most seemingly foolish thing of all…the word of the cross.

One of the core values of our church is that we worship Christ Alone. Our focus in this community is not to communicate our brand, our social media platform, or our pastoral personalities. Our goal is to exalt the name of Christ and point the world to the real hope of salvation available to all who would come to Him.

Most people would say prayer is an important activity. But, let’s be honest, do you really think God hears your prayers and responds to the things you bring to Him? What about those times when you pray and the answer that comes is unexpected? Is that normal? How do you process it? How can you understand God’s will versus your will? Here are two truths revealed in the Word of God: God sees every trial you go through. He hears and responds to every prayer you pray. You simply need the church to help you work through it.

A core value of our church is to embrace the calling to be Ambassadors for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us that God is powerfully making an appeal to salvation through our lives. These days are challenging and now more than ever, people around us need to hear the call to salvation through believers experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you living with power? It is available to you right now.

As a disciple following Jesus, there are many reasons to grow a genuine trust in Christ regardless of the circumstances. Is worry paralyzing your life and your walk with God? Seeking the Lord in a vibrant and growing walk with God is your greatest resource for the elimination of worry. As a church growing to be everyday disciples, today we are going to learn how to eliminate worry.

God never intended for us to immerse ourselves in prophecy as an end to itself. It was intended to change us. If you don't become a practical, down-to-earth, daily Christian after studying prophecy, you've missed the whole purpose of it.

Would you rather be judged by the worst thing you did on the worst day of your life or the best thing you did on the best day of your life? Is it ever possible to really measure up?

It’s true for everyone. When I’m wrong, I want mercy. When you’re wrong, I want justice. There is a Righteous Judge. He delivers grace, satisfies justice, and makes all things new. Judgment is coming. For Believers, every wrong will be redeemed, and every right will be rewarded. For those who reject the Redeemer, every wrong will be revealed, and every wrong-doer will receive their just reward.

Are you ready? Justice will be satisfied in you or at the foot of the cross.

All believers are called to be faithful gospel witnesses to the places we live, work and play. We can’t leave it to the “professionals.” There aren’t enough of us. [Do some math for them, as in you are one pastor in a town of 50,000—how is one person going to reach 50,000 people or you are 10 pastors in a city of 1 million. How are 10 pastors going to reach 1 million people—that’s one person reaching 100,000 people. We need everyone in the game. We need 10,000 believers reaching five people each or 100,000 believers reaching 10 people each.] The Bible says God used “uneducated, common men” (Acts 4:13) like the disciples to launch His mission of taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. God placed each of us in this place for this time to be His outposts.

The Bible is clear that the King will return. The Scriptures reveal that there will be a generation called to physically witness the return of Christ. Regardless if our generation has that calling or we are called to join the Lord prior to His return, Heaven is the place being prepared as our eternal home. God is faithful to open the window of Heaven allowing us to peak inside. Revelation 4 is one of those places. This is one of those passages that gives us confidence in the Lord and real hope for the experience of eternity with the Lord. May we all be ready for the Experience of Heaven!!!

For many believers and non-believers alike, the mere mention of the 2nd coming of Christ strikes paralyzing fear. It is a fact, God is leading the world to its proper end. It is also a fact that the situations and circumstances surrounding the 2nd Coming of Jesus come with revealed and certain challenges. At the same time, those entrusted to serve the Lord during those days have the great blessing and privileges of abiding in Christ every step of the way.

God in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.

When it comes to the human story of salvation, Jesus is the real hero. Salvation begins, sustains, and ends with God Himself. This is the reason the important doctrine known as the perseverance of the Saints will definitely come to pass. Because of the cross, all those who are truly born again will be kept by God’s power and will persevere as Christians until the end of their lives. Every person who is born once, will die twice. Every person who is born twice, will only die once.

Did you hear? With this new exercise program, you’ll lose weight and look better! This new vitamin will make you feel young again. This new side hustle will give you more money and more time for more things. This will solve all of your problems. Follow my new program and upgrade to YOU 2.0.

You’ve heard the sales pitch. You’ve tried everything under the sun. Yet the upgrade to the life you were promised never leads to lasting results.

In a private conversation with Jesus, a Jewish religious leader sought answers to questions just like yours. Jesus' response was unexpected. You can’t build a better you. Leave behind what you think you know. The solution you seek will only be found in a transformation so radical that you are born again.

No one likes to wait. We want what we want when we want it, and we want what we want right now! Yet Scripture reminds us that there's strength in waiting. In the waiting, old wounds are healed. In the waiting, new ideas inspire fresh focus. In the waiting, the plans of heaven come alive in the heart of humanity. God moves while we wait.

This world is full of trouble. Family is complicated. The nation’s misguided. Even in success, anxiety is high. When people stand against you, and everything’s uncertain. Where is the hope? These must have been the thoughts of Hezekiah, King of Judah. By the Assyrian army’s brutal hands, Hezekiah witnessed the destruction of Israel. Judah would soon be next. Sennacherib, the Assyrian King, defied God and threatened conquest.

An overwhelming army. Insurmountable odds. The last tribe of Israel. Where does a king turn? Hezekiah remembers. He walks in the way of his forefather, David.

Some trust in horses. Some in chariots. But we will trust in the name of the Lord our God.

This challenge in Hebrews 12 is a perfect follow-up to critical warnings from the Minor Prophets. Our Old Testament readings reveal consistent calls for faithfulness in the face of faithlessness. God’s people have a calling to integrity, unity, and sacrificial service for the lost to encounter the saving work of Christ. For God’s people to fully embrace this calling, we just throw off everything that hinders us from living a life worthy of this Ambassador calling. As a child of God, we can each do three things in this race of life:
1. It can be wasted and there are many doing it.
2. It can be spent half-heartedly, and there are certainly distractions all around.
3. Or you can invest your life where God is working all around you. To invest your life means to use it in a way that extends into eternity.
You can run the race God has called you to run. The Bible is very clear that we were created to live out a gospel adventure. We were not put on this earth just to be a consumer. We were put on this earth to be a contributor. This gospel adventure available to you is found in the race God has in front of you. This race is called Kingdom advancement. The truth is, we are all called into the gospel ministry. To be effective in this, we overcome the onslaught of temptation coming our way. Dealing effectively with temptation sets you up to live a life of value making a real eternal difference.

Hosea is a vivid and graphic picture of the disobedience of God’s people. We experience salvation by grace that is completely undeserved. This grace moves us to obedience rather than rebellion. An overview of Hosea will be a powerful message to our church. The message comes from the prophet’s heart and his experience and centers on divine love for a people who prostituted themselves after other gods. God continues to speak clearly through His Spirit in concert with His word. He does not call us to distant ritual but to a vibrant relationship with Him. In Hosea, there were unfaithful religious leaders guilty of teaching His people incorrectly. God calls us to faithful love and a personal relationship of knowing him rather than religious activity. Let's learn to grow in the way we serve the Lord. Improve your Serve.

We live in a generation of prosperity. Yet anxiety surrounds us on every side. Social media makes it easy for people to look good without doing good. We can feel generous without being generous. Our world pursues spiritual truth but redefines any reality that doesn’t serve our misty notions. Amos wasn’t a professional preacher, but he followed God in his generation. You can too. His warning addresses every anxiety…repent; justice is coming.

Getting everyone in the family on the same financial page, isn’t always easy. With all the pressure there is today about finances, we can’t afford to not understand how to make the most of the money God has given us. We all need some common sense help if we are going to keep from wasting our money. There are so many people who are completely collapsing financially, not because they don’t make enough to live, but because they don’t spend what they get wisely. That’s what this incredible lesson from 2 Kings 4 helps us process. Sure, this is about Elisha and replenishing oil in a jar, but the lesson helps us understand how to get a handle on our money, by learning to give to the Lord.

Elijah and Obadiah had a front row seat to one of the most powerful spiritual showdowns in the history of the world. 850 pagan prophets showed up to face off with Elijah on Mt. Carmel. Both Elijah and Obadiah played important roles as God showed up in a big way. This Old Testament showdown has a lot to teach us as we live out a gospel adventure as Ambassadors for Christ.

Our world is filled with wonders. Nothing is more wondrous than finding that person who seems made for you. Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is the unyielding story of intentional grace. The most difficult, most significant thing you’ll ever do is learn to have a healthy relationship with another person. Whether you’re waiting, looking, dating, or married, the wisdom of Solomon reveals the beauty and passion of love pursued.

Pushing one another to be faithful Ambassadors for Christ is a core value of our church. God has called us to this place, at this time and brought us together. Serving the Lord together is a calling. In this pursuit, Proverbs 22:1-6 highlights some key considerations in our Ambassador calling. This day enables us to hear the wisdom of the particular proverbs which will push us not only in our personal walks, but set a vision for generations. Consider the meaning of your name. Come to a right relationship with the Maker of life. Pay attention to the warning signs from Scripture. Consider the value of genuine humility. Embrace the gravity of sin. And, seriously evaluate what you are teaching your children from your life. This passage has real wisdom for all of us.

The stories we tell matter. Some people only focus on the positive parts of their story. They see the world through rose-colored glasses and think they do not need God. Other people only see the broken parts of our world. "If God exists," they think, "He must not care." Yet the story of God is so much richer and deeper than anything we can imagine! In every victory, with every failure, by the redemption of Christ and the gift of the Spirit, your life is so much more. Open the book and discover. Scripture tells the divine story of God's relentless affection for you.

So much of the Biblical camera is on the life of David. We even have a record of his dying words to his son Solomon. In this incredible message to Solomon, God's word imparts incredible wisdom for us as we face the future.

The Resurrection of Christ is without a doubt the focal point of human history. That moment in time changed everything. In that moment, God defeated sin and death. And, he also proved to be Lord of All. Jesus had completely captivated the attention of the Disciples and now they were ready to hear His Great Commission. It was time for the entire world to hear the Good News of Jesus. The Savior had come and His plan was to pass on the news one life at a time. Jesus directed His disciples to a mountain in Galilee and called them to “Go”. Today, that call remains. Just like the disciples listening to this Great Commission for the first time, The Holy Spirit is still speaking to all who have come to know Christ: “You Gotta Go too”. Are you ready?

Acts 13:22 says...22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’

This passage seems like a mistake because the Biblical camera reveals so many of David's mistakes. However, it is through the responses to his mistakes that reveals the heart God desires for every believer. Even though this Psalm highlights one of David's most glaring failures, it also shows us what it looks like to genuinely repent and get right with God.

When you look in the mirror or search the depths of your heart, what do you find? You might love it. You might hate it. but here is the truth. We tend to view ourselves through other people’s eyes. How would your perspective change if you saw yourself through Gods eyes? This Psalm gives Gods’ perspective of you.

We've all experienced them. Some moments set the direction and course of our lives forever. Sometimes we recognize them as they come. But most frequently, we only see them clearly long after the decisions are made. When bad things happen to us; when good things are showered on us; in the heat of the moment, we make our choices from the character of who we are. While God works out His promises, we work in His character. Our lives are lived...in the waiting.

We live in a sin-impacted world and the repercussions are causing tensions to rise. Cold wars are beginning to heat up. Climate questions are building. Economic pressures are multiplying. Power appears to be shifting. And, conflicts both internally and externally are increasing. As a follower of Christ, it is easy to get discouraged and deflated by all we see. We must never forget that no matter how much evil we see around us, God is powerfully working to bring everything in this world to a proper end. Psalm 9 clearly reveals that every government, every part of the natural world, every provision, and every tension, remains in the sight and will of the Master of this place. Trust the Lord to work out His masterful plan for both you and the world.

It is Easter Sunday - The day that people all over the world celebrate the fact that Christ has indeed risen from the grave. Jesus Christ is Risen, He is risen indeed.

There were 153 fish!!! Jesus calls us to follow him. In your journey through life, you and I can either chart our own course or run the race God has marked out for us. Jesus is the promised Savior who calls us out of a death path and to eternal life. Will you follow Jesus or go your own way? Don't miss the adventure the Gospel brings to your life. There were 153 fish and Jesus saw every one of them.

Everyone experiences doubts. What if I told you that your doubts don't bother or intimidate God? Institutions may fail. People may disappoint. Depression may distract. But Jesus brings peace. He gives purpose. He answers every question with irrepressible proof. Bring your doubts to the cross and find faith that leads to life.

Throughout history, there have been “big moments”, but there is not a more important moment in human history bigger than the resurrection of Christ. Nothing brought more extreme change to humanity than the day when Christ conquered the grave. It not only stands as the most radical event in history, it remains the focal point of human history. Literally days after that event, Jesus physically appeared to men and women completely convincing them of His power over life, death and the availability of forgiveness. From the very beginning, there was no doubt Jesus was and is the Messiah. We, like these early disciples are convinced of His resurrection power and we join with them in passionately, faithfully, and sacrificially passing on this good news of forgiveness available to all who would simply believe.

Jesus Christ is coming again. Like the old song says: "It may be morning, it may be noon. It may be evening but it's surely soon." Of course, no one knows the day or the hour but as we read our Bibles, it sure looks like the season. As we consider this imminent truth, let's not forget that Jesus did not just tell us He was coming, but He also prepared us for His coming. Mark 13 is one of those moments in Scripture. Are you ready for Christ to come again?

We all have friends. We support and encourage one another. We enjoy the same things. Yet sometimes, our friends face bigger problems than any of us can handle. Imagine what could happen if we introduced the friends we love to the God we love. In his presence, our ordinary friendships become extraordinary opportunities for all the promises of God.

One of the biggest acts of God is the powerful message of salvation coming to the world through our every day lives. The power evident in Acts continues today through our very lives.

Most people look at their own lives and long for a powerful testimony like Paul. In Acts 22, Paul powerfully shared his testimony and it caused a response from those listening. Not everyone responded positively to his story but no one doubted the change in his life. A credible testimony of a changed life offers clear evidence to the power of God. Everyone who knows Jesus has a powerful testimony. Learn to share it clearly and naturally with people you encounter. This is a skill God is moving us to develop today.

We are a church “Called out” by God to serve Him both privately and publicly. The call to serve the Lord is the call to prepare to stand even when pressure comes. Are you ready?

God offers the incredible gift of salvation to all who would come to Him. Then, He invites us into the gospel adventure of joining in where He is working. Living in the middle of that work is not just an incredible opportunity, it brings us the greatest joy in life. God’s plan will never fail, but it is possible to miss the invitation and join in the Work. Salvation paves the way to a private obedience leading to a gospel work that genuinely impacts both this world and the next.

Running from the temptations in this world on the surface may seem to be radical, but it is always wise to flee from sin. Practicing the presence of God on a daily basis while keeping God’s word in view will never lead to disappointment. Always choose to take God at His word.

God is not some historical figure we read about but a living Father we get to interact with on a daily basis. This week, God's word is showing us what it looks like to have a vibrant prayer life. It is radical to consider that time is our most valuable asset. Spending on-on-one time with God is a radical step of obedience most people overlook.

Radical Obedience is a call God gives to every believer. As we learn to give, God moves, provides, and works in ways you simply do not want to miss. Learn to be a radically obedient giver in 2023. You will never be the same.

The ending of the Sermon on the Mount issues a call to hear the Word and put it into practice. When God’s word is discovered, understood, and practiced, stability and endurance is the result. This passage will be both a great launching point and ending point for 2023.

I am on the journey when I actively worship with this local body, when I connect the spiritual truths of God’s word to my daily life, when I am involved in genuine Biblical community and when I am engaged with others as an ambassador for Christ.

As King, Jesus rules in such a way as not to allow sin to reign over us any longer. In the Old Testament, the monarchy was established for the peace, prosperity, and welfare of the nation. The prototype king was David. No king was ever as beloved as he was. He was God's ruling representative among the people. With David on the throne, the nation of Israel could say, "All is well." Few things comfort a nation more than having a ruler of righteousness and strength sitting on the throne of power. It was said of David that he "reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people" (2 Sam. 8:15). However, we have a King greater than David. Christ came in the line of David as David's son and yet also as David's Lord (Matt. 22:42–45). He is "the ruler of kings on earth" (Rev. 1:5) and "King of kings and Lord of lords" (19:16), including David. He rules with perfect justice and equity. As our King, He has fought our battles and now rules in such a way that sin never can reign over us (Rom. 6:7–14).

As the Priest, Jesus offered Himself as the only unblemished sacrifice worthy to pay the price for ALL sin. From the beginning time, priests stood as mediators between Holy God and sinful people. On the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:34), the High Priest would enter into the Holy Place offering right sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. The blood of the sacrifice would be sprinkled on the mercy seat. Divine Holiness exposes all uncleanness and every transgression. When Christ entered the world, lived a sinless life, then died on the cross as our Mediator and High Priest, once and for all the wrath of God was satisfied and sinful people were forgiven. Jesus remains the only worthy sacrifice for sin and death. The high priest of the Old Testament would enter the temple and offer the sacrifice. Jesus entered the world and offered Himself as the sacrifice. Once and for all, His blood brought us mercy and hope in both this life, and the life to come.

As Prophet, Jesus pronounced an end to all our sin. All through history, the prophet stood as the mouthpiece for God clearly and boldly proclaiming His word to humanity. The prophet brought both messages of indictment for sin calling people to repentance and opportunities for repentance revealing the path to restoration. Jesus, as the final and sufficient Prophet entered human history bringing both warnings of judgment and the path to forgiveness. All the prophets point to Jesus as the Prophet, Priest, and King for all the world. Are you willing to submit to the prophetic voice of God?

Baptist Faith and Message 2000 – The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.

Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolic of the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus.

“God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.” Article 10 – Baptist Faith and Message 2000

God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.

A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.

The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.

All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death.

“God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. A biblical family is brought together by marriage, blood, or adoption.”

In this series “Asking for a Friend” I hear many friends asking questions around the idea of humanity, marriage, gender, and family.

Of course, none of us have to look real hard to see how our culture is redefining family and gender roles.

At our church, we embrace the authority of Scripture. Around here we want God’s word to stand. In fact, God’s word is so significant, it shapes our beliefs and our practices.

I say this all the time, whenever I find a practice in my life that goes against Scripture, I am compelled to adjust my life to the word of God. Whenever I discover a belief that goes against the Bible, I am compelled to adjust my mind to what the Bible says.

Many of our friends are questioning what a family should be? We need to be prepared not only to answer them, but we need to honor God even while living in a modern world with changing definitions.

So, with this in mind, the question of the day is this: Is the family relationship established by God or is it a societal creation of man?

All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth."

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of a man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

Are we in danger? When a Christian tells us that we need to be saved, we ask “saved from what?”. In this message we will be answering that very question because it is the most important question to answer what we need saving from and why.

Stewardship. God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.

In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God.

How do you know when to trust someone or something? You might feel this too, but I always feel like I am questioning everyone’s motives. I don’t want to, but I can’t help it. In church, leads me to ask, “can I actually trust that the Bible is true?” and how do we KNOW KNOW that what it says is something that I should let affect my life? So many questions that cannot be answered in 30 minutes, but my prayer is that this is a start.

It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all results thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.

We are living and serving the Lord in a pluralistic society that loves spirituality and spiritual conversations. Thankfully, this fascination with spirituality provides incredible opportunities to engage our friends in spiritual conversations. Each conversation is a divine appointment with people in our lives who are not far from the Kingdom of God. Jesus had an encounter with one of these spiritually curious friends. In the conversation, Jesus helped bring clarity to the very important idea that pluralism misses the truth. As followers of Christ, we stand on the truth that Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven and salvation is found in Christ alone.

Great stories come out of great struggles. Scripture reminds us that God set our boundaries in pleasant places. Yet every day we face the pressure that comes from desires that tempt us to play outside the lines, people that push us to move the line, and an adversary that seeks to destroy us anywhere the line may fall. The pressure you experience today prepares you for the battle you face tomorrow. With firm resolve in the One who fights (and wins) every battle, you can stand.

In times of persecution and trial, the local church is one of your greatest divine gifts of help, blessing and relationships. God calls us together and intentionally puts leaders in your life to walk with you through every circumstance. When it comes to the leadership structure of churches, most people don’t really look deeply into what the Bible says about church leadership. Most people simply accept what they see without really looking deeply into scripture. God used Peter to help us understand the value of church leadership as a source of strength in difficult times.

From the very beginning time, God has pointed His people to live each day with heaven in mind. Serving the Lord naturally moves us as a church to walk together. In this walk together, we should expect persecution to come. But remember, when it comes, we are not alone nor are we without resources. In fact, it is in our persecution that a lost world is able to recognize the incredible mercy of God.

From the very beginning time, God has pointed His people to live each day with heaven in mind. Serving the Lord naturally moves us as a church to walk together. In this walk together, we should expect persecution to come. But remember, when it comes, we are not alone nor are we without resources. In fact, it is in our persecution that a lost world is able to recognize the incredible mercy of God.

From the very beginning time, God has pointed His people to live each day with heaven in mind. Serving the Lord naturally moves us as a church to walk together. This passage reminds of the power available when we walk with the Lord and walk together.

Everyone draws the line somewhere.
Draw behind the crowd, you’re ridiculed.
Draw with the crowd, you’re celebrated.
Draw ahead of the crowd, you might be considered a criminal.
Scripture reminds us that God set our boundaries in pleasant places. The best lines aren’t ours to draw. Whatever the crowd may say, wherever the crowd may go, within the borders of His grace, discover the strength to stand.

A meme is a picture, video, or piece of text shared over and over again that communicates an idea or feeling that people have together. Memes illustrate moments for people when words just aren’t enough. They can be funny, serious, or pointed. In Scripture, some principles are so rich in meaning that God paints multiple pictures to help us understand the significance of His desire for us. Submissiveness is a quality of character that God celebrates and invites every believer to practice. Through a series of pictures in Scripture, God helps us understand the strength and confidence that comes when we submit to Him. Is it possible that submission helps marriage last a lifetime as we magnify the gospel story together?

A meme is a picture, video, or piece of text shared over and over again that communicates an idea or feeling that people have together. Memes illustrate moments for people when words just aren’t enough. They can be funny, serious, or pointed. In Scripture, some principles are so rich in meaning that God paints multiple pictures to help us understand the significance of His desire for us. Submissiveness is a quality of character that God celebrates and invites every believer to practice. Through a series of pictures in Scripture, God helps us understand the strength and confidence that comes when we submit to Him. Is it possible that submission helps marriage last a lifetime as we magnify the gospel story together?

A meme is a picture, video, or piece of text shared over and over again that communicates an idea or feeling that people have together. Memes illustrate moments for people when words just aren’t enough. They can be funny, serious, or pointed. In Scripture, some principles are so rich in meaning that God paints multiple pictures to help us understand the significance of His desire for us. Submissiveness is a quality of character that God celebrates and invites every believer to practice. Through a series of pictures in Scripture, God helps us understand the strength and confidence that comes when we submit to Him. Is it possible that submission helps marriage last a lifetime as we magnify the gospel story together?

A meme is a picture, video, or piece of text shared over and over again that communicates an idea or feeling that people have together. Memes illustrate moments for people when words just aren’t enough. They can be funny, serious, or pointed. In Scripture, some principles are so rich in meaning that God paints multiple pictures to help us understand the significance of His desire for us. Submissiveness is a quality of character that God celebrates and invites every believer to practice. Through a series of pictures in Scripture, God helps us understand the strength and confidence that comes when we submit to Him. Is it possible that submission helps marriage last a lifetime as we magnify the gospel story together?

Submission to Christ naturally moves us to submit to one another. This goes against our natural human nature. However, following Christ moves us to surrender our will to God’s will. This is especially important as we serve the Lord in the workplace. It makes sense that God’s word speaks to our work life because according to Google: the average American spends 1/3 of their life working. Serving the Lord at work is our calling, this passage helps us understand how to bring glory to God in the workplace.

A meme is a picture, video, or piece of text shared over and over again that communicates an idea or feeling that people have together. Memes illustrate moments for people when words just aren’t enough. They can be funny, serious, or pointed. In Scripture, some principles are so rich in meaning that God paints multiple pictures to help us understand the significance of His desire for us. Submissiveness is a quality of character that God celebrates and invites every believer to practice. Through a series of pictures in Scripture, God helps us understand the strength and confidence that comes when we submit to Him. Is it possible to honor God by submitting to human authority? You can live your faith and live faithfully within the current system of government.    

When we you were born the first time, you were helpless, completely dependent, and vulnerable. The moment you are born again a spiritual battle kicks off. Amazingly, God prepares us for the battle. He equips us for the struggle. Spiritual birth is the greatest gift a person can receive producing the greatest adventure a person can live. Don’t miss the gift of new birth and the new life extended to you right now. Have you been BORN AGAIN? If so, Let’s get to work.

When something is being Forged, the impurities are being removed and the object is being molded into something new. In this process, you will never see someone throw impurities back into the object because it would ruin or poison the material. So here is the question… Do you seek to be strengthened by God, or are you poisoning yourself?

God has called us to these days and to this place. Over the past 75 years, God has moved. We are continuing to learn God can be trusted and He is faithful to use His word as a light and a lamp. Our call is to keep walking with Him and trusting Him until He returns. Let's never forget our work for the Lord continues. Let's get to work.

These ladies went to the tomb expecting to complete the grim task of preparing the mutilated body of Jesus for a proper burial. Approaching the tomb, shock and amazement took over as they discovered Jesus was no longer in the grave. He is Alive. This morning, let's walk into this first resurrection moment working to experience the risen Lord who continues to move powerfully in the lives of all who believe in Him.

The death and resurrection of Christ was bigger than just physically coming back to life. When Jesus rose from the dead and conquered the grave, He was revealing a new kind of human life available to all who would trust Him. He pointed to a life where the experience would shift from the shackles of weakness, aging and death to a new life capable of living eternally in the presence of God. The Resurrection produces a life you don’t want to miss.

People have always longed to see divine signs that offer hope in both this life and the next. Amazingly, God has provided so much evidence of His presence and His love for humanity. Though Creation clearly points to His existence, the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ is the greatest sign revealed to the world. The cross is the sign bringing hope to this life and the next. Let’s point the world to the cross by living daily walking with the Lord.

“What more do you want?” This is a valid question to ask after you have done everything possible to “prove” your point or “prove” your love to someone, yet they still don’t believe you. In this message, we see how people with unrepented hearts, wanted Jesus to “really” prove who he was even though he had already done all the signs to proclaim exactly who he was.

One historic mark of a follower of Christ is showing love for one another. When we put God’s word into practice, it looks like patience, kindness, selflessness, and forgiveness. God brings His body together so the entire world will hear His voice and experience real hope in life. 

It doesn’t seem fair. The food that tastes the best is bad for us. The things we want to buy are more than we can afford. The life we’ve always wanted seems just outside our reach. Yet God reminds us. There’s more to this life than this moment. Every minor decision paves the way to monumental mistakes or builds memories that tell a story you can’t wait to read again. By the grace of God, your life has been transformed. You don’t have to live by the world’s rules anymore. You’ve received a noble name and with it come all the promises of God.

God is faithful to prepare us for tough times and challenging circumstances. Faith in Christ comes with a call to the frontlines of the spiritual battle. One of the reasons we don’t go to heaven right after coming to faith in Christ is that we have work to do. Thriving in #themissionlife is impossible without the pursuit of holiness. Today, lean into how the Holy Spirit helps you live a holy life.

Salvation is so magnificent. It has been passed from generation to generation. We have a responsibility to do the same. In fact, our responsibility is so very important, the angels in heaven are actually envious of us. How cool is that?

When Christ saves us and then grows us, so many blessings come our way. We have a hope that is living. We have strength and purpose through trials. And, there is no more fear in death. For every believer, our last day on the earth will be the day we receive the goal of our faith. That will be the day we cross the finish line experiencing seeing all that salvation means in real-time. The challenge is to live today with the end in mind. When we live this way, we make the days of our lives really count. Make it count...

The Bible is clear; Jesus does not keep us from tough times or difficult circumstances. God is big enough and always faithful to walk us through every chaotic situation we will face. From 1 Peter, discover proven ways God has given us to navigate the complexities of our world. God is faithful. His promises are always true. Because of His grace, your life is TRANSFORMED.

God has called and mobilized us to engage together as Ambassadors for Christ. Like 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “it is as though God were making His appeal through us.” God has been faithful to make Himself known to the world, but His most effective and intentional plan for sharing the news of salvation to the lost is through the lives of every believer and every church. Let’s engage with one another living every day as Ambassadors for Christ.

First Baptist Owasso is a church committed to community. We are living life together walking through the ups and downs of life. As we build a church living in AUTHENTIC BIBLICAL COMMUNITY, we get close enough to one another to confront, serve, and face adversity side by side. Sardis was a church that was on the verge of death because they failed to live together authentically. Let's learn from this dying church.

Our church works diligently to understand and live by the Word of God in every area of our lives. Following Jesus is not just a part of our lives. Faith drives everything we do. The church at Thyatira wanted to love everyone but made the mistake of drifting away from truth. To avoid that trap, one of our core values is connecting God's truth to our daily lives. God is faithful to use His word to help us navigate every challenge in every environment. 

Our church has been planted in Owasso and Tulsa to "Love All people to Christ, equipping them on their journey with God and one another." As we begin 2022, we are going to take a look at four churches in Revelation processing the Core Values of our church. Ephesus had the right doctrine, but left their love of Christ. Doctrine is important but right doctrine must be grounded in a growing love for God and one another. We will be a church that lives out a Great Commission Purpose.

#theMissionLife - Unless God stops me, I will be involved in church every Sunday this year.

The birth of Jesus was real. God became flesh, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. The precious gift of this child, celebrated by kings and angels, grew to become a man on mission. He came to save His people from their sin. Every gift has a price. This one cost Him everything.

The third message in this series will focus on the simultaneously call to a small group of wise men. This group had studied ancient revelations and natural processes that revealed the arrival of the Savior. These men were so certain of God’s plan, they traveled to Bethlehem bringing gifts for the purpose of bowing in worship to the King in a manger. This humble response of stately figures reminds us of His Lordship. Their posture of humility exhibits the only appropriate response to this King in a manger. 

The Christmas Promise is about God’s perfect timing to bring exactly what humanity needed, exactly when they needed it. God could have given us an inside look to Joseph or Mary’s reaction to Jesus’ birth. Instead, He gave us an inside look of how the promise was revealed to shepherds who were unaware of what was
happening. Their response to the news discloses how they revered God’s promise and
His timing of it all.

All through history, followers of Christ have experienced the consistent temptation to drift from the Lord. Every time this drift begins, God is faithful to get in our way. Over and over again, we are learning to respond quickly and gratefully to confrontation. It is best to respond with humility and repentance when God uses His
word or a brother/sister to confront us. We are also learning to boldly confront others, allowing God to use our lives to push one another to live faithfully. Our human story shows us confrontation will always be necessary. For believers in Jesus who have been born again, confrontations should result in humble repentance, sincere apologies, and strengthened relationships. Nehemiah 13 helps us see how to avoid drifting away from
the Lord.

God is at work in our church and in our world right now. As God works, He fully intends to accomplish His work through normal people like you and me. It is surprising, but God chose to start the process of working in the world through building churches. Ever church that God starts is made up of seemingly insignificant people who have normal lives and normal problems. Despite all that, God promised the gates of hell would not prevail against His church and it will stand faithfully to the very end. In Nehemiah 11-12, the celebration in the city clearly points to the call we have in our church. Let's live this out.

All through history, God has established, maintained, and sustained a Covenant with His people. A covenant is a divinely imposed legal agreement between
God and man that stipulates the conditions of the relationship. In the Old Testament, people kept the laws of Moses in order to stay in a right relationship with God. After Jesus came, the Old Testament became obsolete because God's people were made right by the blood of Christ. (Hebrews 8:13) Even though we are right with God through Christ, the Holy Spirit calls us to a life that follows the Lord. Nehemiah 10 gives us a great picture of how the Holy Spirit helps us stay close to the Lord after we come to know Christ as Savior.

The posture of repentance in Chapter 9 of Nehemiah is a big shift from the celebration that took place in the feast of Booths. It was right to celebrate
forgiveness and deliverance, now it is important to continue to stay close to the Lord moving forward. Nehemiah 9 helps us see the real anatomy of repentance. Repentance is both a one-time calling and a continuous call. When the Holy Spirit draws us, He keeps moving us and molding us into God's image towards a lifetime of continual repentance. Nehemiah 9 breaks this down and helps us see how to faithfully come to the Lord in repentance enabling us to remain close to the Lord day by day.

In our personal lives and our church, we need to recognize that we will never "Arrive". On this side of eternity, there will be more to learn about the Lord. There will be more prayers to pray. There will be more people to reach, more work to do, needs to meet, and individuals to love. We see in Nehemiah 6–7 that though they finished the wall, there was more work to do. As we embrace the call to be God's people, recognizing the clear tactics of the enemy while leaning into the life of Nehemiah will help us take our "Next Steps" as the people of God planted here in Owasso, Tulsa, and beyond.

Nehemiah Chapter 5 is quite surprising when you put this passage into
context. God's people had just banded together to rebuild the Walls of Jerusalem in under two months cooperating in masterful ways. Next, a new threat arises coming against the people of God and it comes from within. We see up close and personal there is a bad way to use wealth and resources provided by the Lord. When we disregard others to gain more for ourselves, we miss the entire point of God's blessing in our lives. Nehemiah helps us see there is a good way to steward resources while being generous to others advancing the Kingdom of God. God's people tripped financially in Chapter 5 providing an incredible lesson for us as we live life together during difficult times.

Repentance must become our loudest praise. Ezra 9-10 is a difficult passage that must not just be casually read with a 2021 mentality. The ending of Ezra paints one of the most beautiful pictures of repentance. The sad truth is that every one of God's people will rebel against the Lord at some point. When rebellion takes place, repentance is the call. Ezra 9-10 shows us what that looks like.

Seeking the Lord helps us recognize how God’s hand moves for our good. When God’s people repent, it is remarkable to see how God brings His blessing. In this passage, you see God’s people coming with a heart to seek the Lord. There is fasting. There is focus. This is an example for us regarding how to live. Living our lives focused on seeking the Lord produces a tremendous amount of fruit in our lives. Let’s lean into the example of seeking the Lord. At every point in our lives, it is critical for us to seek the Lord. As the people of Owasso’s First Baptist Church, turning our face to the next seventy-five years will require us to seek the Lord today so we can be ready for all that lies ahead tomorrow.

Have you ever had a setback in life? This is exactly what Israel experienced between chapters 4-5 in Ezra. In the moments of setback, God is working to empower his people to put into action who they are in Him and what they know they should do for Him.

It was James who reminded us to count it joy when tough times come. JOY??? It is true that the most difficult circumstances produce some of the greatest and most memorable moments with the Lord. It is right to stay close to the Lord even when circumstances seem to be falling apart. God had moved so powerfully and had orchestrated incredible circumstances, but now there is intense opposition. Powerful leaders are now opposing what God is doing and God’s people are again powerless to stop it. But God works in and through His people.

As followers of Christ, we do not need to be too worried about the political developments unfolding in front of our eyes. We are not saying voting is
pointless. We are saying that Proverbs 21:1 has real merit. “A king’s heart is like streams of water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever He chooses.” Of course, we pray for leaders. We work to influence our governmental system. But God’s word constantly reminds us of the providential hand of God in the midst of all earthly authority. Ezra pays close attention to the words of Jeremiah. This is a pattern we should follow closely. We must be a church paying close attention to what God’s word says. God will keep His word. We are not a people swayed by shifts in authority or culture. God is at work, and we trust Him and follow His word. We must be firm in our passion for the Word of God and working to understand all God has said.

Everything in this world has an ending. But God, the complete embodiment of love, is forever. Though our physical and mental states wither away, God’s nature and character will never change. The extravagant love of God challenges us because it gives us more than we deserve, and it takes us further than we want to go.

All of us want to have integrity. We struggle with ourselves when we don't show it. Unfortunately, too many times there is a gap between what we want to do and what we actually do. In this message, let’s zero in on 1 Corinthians 13:6. It says, "Love does not rejoice in evil but rejoices with the truth". Shine a light on the word “rejoices.”  The word means that love desires truth, it wants it, it needs it. Love needs you and me to be honest and to be a person whose word can be trusted.

It's a fact of life that people hurt each other. Either intentionally or unintentionally we hurt each other. You're going to hurt people; they're going to hurt you. How we handle that hurt will is going to determine some of our health and happiness in life. If we don't respond correctly to hurt, it turns into resentment. If we hold on to a hurt, it becomes hate. I have had people tell me, “I don't love my husband anymore....  I don't have any feelings for my wife; it’s dead inside. What's wrong with me?” Usually what turns out to be wrong is the accumulation of resentment and bitterness. Bitterness has the ability to so eat away at the relationship that eventually they are emotionally empty. That is true about marriage, but it is also true about any relationship in our lives. The good news is that we can recover from the resentment and hurts in our life.

Have you ever tried to love someone by being jealous of them? When is the last time you felt loved by someone because they never stopped talking about their muscles, trophies, or super car? You see, we must remember Who love is in a world that has distorted what love is. Love is not an attribute of who God is, God Himself is the perfect embodiment of love. God clearly defines what love IS and what it IS NOT in one little verse.

Have you ever met someone who naturally assumes the worst? That person will usually see other people negatively. That person will usually be quick tempered because they assume the worse. That person will usually be basically a judgmental person and will often fall short on both patience and kindness. The truth is, we have a choice of how we will view each other. We can choose to let our natural inclination be negative or positive. We can choose patience. We can choose kindness. Agape love is the act of living out the character qualities of God in how we approach God and others. There is nothing easy about this, but it is a level God has called us to.

It is the entire point of 1 Corinthians 13. Patience is possible when we remember how patient God has been with us. Kindness is a reaction when God’s kindness is recognized. None of us will be more patient or kind than God has already been with each one of us. If we are going to develop patience and kindness, we've got to learn to listen. Patience and kindness treat others the way we want to be treated. When a person is patience and kind, that person is acting like a child of God.

This first message sets the stage for the entire series. From the very beginning, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Love isn’t a feeling. Love is a decision to
do something that reflects the character of God toward someone else even when they don’t deserve it. It is a decision to reflect the character toward God toward someone else even when you don’t feel it. Love is a decision to take an action that reflects what God would do, not what you would do, not what public opinion says to do – what God would do.

Do you think that God only works from 8am to 5pm? Maybe you think He only works on the weekends? In reality, God is always at work in us, through us, and beyond us no matter where we find ourselves. When we understand more of who God is and how He made us to worship Him, we will know that even our jobs can be leveraged to proclaim His name. Why? Because we must live all of life – all for Jesus.

Faith in Christ does not only change individual lives; it changes entire families. We now live in a day when the homes of our church members really do not look much differently than the homes of the lost. In this message, we need to paint a biblical picture of the home. God intended the Christian home to be a shelter from the storm. The godly family is the learning center of life. It is in the family where it is normal to experience that habitat for happiness, contentment, and wisdom. This is the reality when Christ is at the core of the family. Family is the place where integrity and godly character are built.

The people of God ought to be a clearly recognizable group in the world. We are not recognized as God’s people because of our political party, doctrinal stances, or our social media posts. The evidence we are the people of God is in our lifestyle. In the last message, we saw what should be put off in our lives and in this message, we see how our lives should look as the body of Christ.

The final two chapters of Colossians, Paul gets really practical in applying the doctrine of the preeminence of Christ. As Christians, it is important not to just know the truth, but to actually live the truth. In fact, I would argue if there is not an inward heart change and desire to live out faith in Christ, close examination of knowing Christ would be wise.
This passage begins with the practices Christians should “take off” because Christ has “put on” a new self in the believer. He then goes on to explain what these desires produce in the believer and unbeliever alike. The grip of sin produces anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk and lying. Because of what Christ has done from the inside out, it is now possible for these things to be put off and we are able to live in this new self that is being renewed in the
knowledge after the image of our Creator. Though this is only possible because of the heart surgery that has supernaturally taken place, the actions of a believer still matter.

The resurrection of Christ changed the world. The resurrection of Christ changed our world. However, when you think about those historical events that took place in the First Century, it is puzzling that God's plan from the beginning was for Jesus to bodily leave the earth. At first glance, it seems like a strange plan.  In all reality, the ascension of Christ is a key hinge moment in the plan of God. It is the fact that the ascension took place that helps us understand the totality of the work of Christ. 

This Easter, we are going to celebrate one of the greatest resurrection encounters in Scripture. It is an encounter that is not only fascinating to consider on an Easter Sunday, it is an encounter that helps us get ready for that critical meeting on the calendar of every person to have ever been born. This message will help us all get ready to see God face to face.

Peter and the disciples had encountered the resurrection of Christ. We
know that they had gone to the Sea of Galilee because Jesus told them he would meet them there. We don’t know why Peter decided to go fishing. Some claim he was just passing the time. Some claim he was just trying to earn a little cash. But most believe that Peter was contemplating going back to his old way of life. The sad reality about this choice for Peter is that when he went fishing, six other disciples went with him. Peter had already denied Christ and now Jesus finds him leading others down the wrong path.

It is not uncommon for a failure to lead to progressively failing. However, Peter’s resurrection encounter changed his trajectory. Resurrection encounters change your path. It changes your destiny. Perhaps it was Peter’s impulsiveness that was showing up again. Maybe it was shame for failing Christ. Maybe it was just a longing for an easier path, but would walking away from the Lord be easier? I think not. One thing that we notice in this passage is that Jesus was not recognized at first. Does rebellion cause us not to see clearly? Does failure cause us to disbelieve the grace of God? Regardless, what Peter and the disciples find is Jesus preparing breakfast on the beach.

Have you ever been so mad that you acted out of hate? Saul, the man in this portion of Scripture, was blinded by HATE towards God, yet encountered the LOVE of God. This murderer found real forgiveness and was transformed into a missionary by the grace and power of Jesus Christ Himself. If anything, Saul teaches us that when we have an unmistaken encounter with Jesus, it will produce an undeniable authentic change in our lives.

Seconds after Jesus proclaimed from the cross, “It is Finished”, remarkable
things took place. Immediately there was an earthquake. The sky grew dark. In the temple, the curtain was torn from top to bottom. Dead people came out of their tombs and went to see their friends. This was not a normal day. It was not a normal crucifixion. It was supernatural. In fact, it was so remarkable, Matthew reminds us of one of the guards who said, “Surely this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54). Things were so crazy, the Chief Priests decided to post some guards at the tomb but they did not just guard it, they sealed it as well. Then it happened. It was a full blown resurrection encounter right in front of their face. Matthew tells us there was another violent earthquake but this one was followed by an unsealed tomb, some women who came to tend to Jesus’ body, an announcement from the angel of the Lord and some completely freaked out soldiers. They encountered the resurrection which moved the ladies to joyfully tell the disciples while moving the soldiers to run to the wrong leaders. The disciples eventually embraced the resurrection and were changed by it. The soldiers listened to the leaders who missed the miracle of the resurrection. Today, there are many who encounter the resurrection and experience life change. Simultaneously, there are others who try to silence
the news. Where are you? Do you accept or reject the resurrection? The question of eternal life really is that simple.

In Mark 10, Jesus is boldly and bravely on His way to Calvary. Think of the weight of the moment. Jesus is confronting the reality of becoming sin for all humanity. Holy God, becoming sin. It is a statement that comes off of our lips but the magnitude of it is difficult to comprehend. In all honesty, as human beings, there is no real frame of reference to understand COMPLETE HOLINESS. One day we will see it. Jesus with intensity and intentionality revealed in this moment that he was headed to the cross. He told them in advance but for some reason when it actually happened, the disciples were completely surprised by it. This lack of expectation is curious especially when you read Mark 10:32-45. Jesus flat out told them as they were walking to Jerusalem, “I am going to die, be buried for three days and then I will rise from the dead”. He just said it, in plain English. Ok, He said it in Greek. But still, it was a clear resurrection encounter. Sadly, those closest to Jesus completely missed it. They missed the moment because their mind, focus and hearts were on self rather than on the Savior.

Imagine the frustration as Jesus revealed such an important truth that was about to take place only to hear the disciples start to fight about who could sit at the right and the left of Christ. They completely missed this resurrection encounter. How often have we missed God’s resurrection encounter because our focus was elsewhere? Jesus told His disciples the truth but they were in no place to hear it. Right now, we should ask ourselves, are we paying attention to the resurrection encounter that is right in front of us right now?

People often want to see signs from God. The request for signs give evidence to unbelief. In Matthew 12, the teachers of the Law came to Jesus, hoping he would show them a few tricks. They wanted Him to prove that He was the Messiah. Seriously, what more proof did they need? If they were real students of the Bible, they would have read about Him and noticed the prophets spoke of Him. If they would have looked deeply at His life, it would have been clear He was God in the flesh. But, these men came to Jesus to see a show. They came wondering if he could be impressive. Jesus chose not to cater to their unbelief by performing a miracle to please them. Instead, He offered a resurrection encounter through lesson from Jonah and a Queen. Jesus always had the ability to reveal hearts. Jesus revealed how the religious leaders rejected the wisdom of Christ standing right in front of them. The main lesson behind these history lessons is the tragic reality that people can be familiar with the resurrection of Christ and still completely miss it. To miss Christ is to miss God. In this passage, the heart of these religious leaders was revealed and their hearts were unwilling to yield. These leaders had a resurrection encounter and rejected it. When the resurrection is encountered, how foolish it is to turn it away.

We live in a generation "that can't even." We're told to "live our truth." Whatever choice you make, your next judgmental critic is only one click away. With relentless individualism, we let no one tell us how to live. Yet so many people feel empty. Lost. Alone. All too often, the desire to "let no one" influence our thinking becomes a trigger that gives everyone a piece of who we are. These voices become obstacles that limit our faith. What excuse prevents you from fully trusting Christ? What explanation gives you a reason to move further from God and those who love you most? What if you could recondition your thinking and recondition your habits? Scripture tells the story of the One whose grace defines...and redefines us all.

The church at Colossae was dealing with false teaching coming from multiple fronts. There was the challenge of oriental mysticism, astrology, philosophy, and in this passage, it confronts the Jewish legalism. These Jewish Gnostics were pushing the church to submit to the Old Testament laws and customs. The message of the gospel brought about a rapid shift in traditions. You think we have traditions, imagine traditions that could be traced back to Moses. That is a long time. This gnostic legalism believed keeping the Jewish law would help believers be more spiritual. If they were circumcised, kept the dietary laws, observed the holy days, then God would be more pleased and they could be among the spiritual elite. Paul made it clear that the Christian is not bound by any of those requirements. Keeping these laws really do not do any good when it comes to your walk with the Lord. Jesus Christ alone is sufficient for every spiritual need. In Christ alone, our lives are complete. Our identity is found in our relationship with Christ, not in the rules we keep.

Paul was a good shepherd of God’s people. Every shepherd will be required to fight off some wolves that come in for an attack. Over the next three weeks we must take some time and fight off some wolves attacking our flock. In the Christian life, we never stand still. We are either moving forward in spiritual growth or slipping backwards into spiritual apathy. Every believer is an open target for the enemy to attack but those believers who are slipping into apathy will find themselves exposed to the enemy. One of the ways to prepare is to know the word. The greatest offense is a formidable defense. In Ephesians, God gives us armor to protect ourselves while providing only one offensive weapon; the sword of the Spirit. The first part of this passage moves us to a powerful foundation of God’s word as preparation for the spiritual attacks. We cannot miss this as we prepare for the warning to the church at Colossae.

We live in a world that does not understand the value of suffering. I
realize that in the midst of suffering, it is often hard to recognize value, but Paul often reminded us of the value by rejoicing in difficult times. Paul’s enemies likely made a big deal of the fact that this great leader was writing from a prison cell. But Paul turned this weapon around and used it to help the church recognize the power of God in the midst of his suffering. Amazingly, we can rejoice in suffering because Christ provides strength in the midst of afflictions and in the midst of ministry. The road of ministry is not an easy
road. Every believer is a minister of the gospel. However, the miracle of following Christ is not that He keeps us from tough assignments, but that He walks with us through every tough assignment. God did not call us to easy, He called us to ministry. Let’s fulfill that call at ALL TIMES, in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, ALL OUR LIVES.

Last year, we took fourteen weeks taking a long doctrinal look at the church. One of the biggest lessons we learned was that the mission and message given to the church is the only hope for humanity. Not only is the church commissioned to spread the gospel, but the church is commissioned to equip the body to serve the Lord. In this passage, we get a glimpse of what an effective church looks like. Even though the challenges in 2021, we still have everything we need to be an effective church.

Worshiping God becomes much more profound when we know the magnitude of who Jesus is as the Author, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe; He is the glue holding our us together. Have you ever had a moment in life where you realized the universe was much larger you could have ever imagined? The passage of this sermon does that very same thing. It focuses on the reality that our worship of God is inspired by what we know of God.

  Worshiping God becomes much more profound when we know the magnitude of who Jesus is as the Author, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe; He is the glue holding our us together. Have you ever had a moment in life where you realized the universe was much larger you could have ever imagined? The passage of this sermon does that very same thing. It focuses on the reality that our worship of God is inspired by what we know of God.

The core of Christianity is the gospel. The heart of every gospel centered Christian is urgency and clarity with the gospel message. This year, the leadership of First Baptist is asking you to join us to recommit to sharing the gospel where we live. 

Our 2021Gospeladventure is to build a missionary mindset in our lives. Every believer is called to be on mission (Matthew 28:16-20) 

The people of First Baptist have an expanding mission in Spanish and English. We have an expanding mission from the inner city of Tulsa to the expanding suburbs and surrounding towns.

The question before us is whether or not we will accept it. God wants to involve us in His mission. And as our loving Heavenly Father, He has given us everything we need to accomplish it. 

Epaphras sets an example for us as he was given strength in every situation, power by the Holy Spirit, while being faithfully surrounded with passionate, committed, and capable Believers who stood ready to fulfill this mission with him.

Ending 2020 with a call to remain alert seems to be an appropriate ending to an unforgettable year. This passage in I Thessalonians 5 has been written as an encouragement to the church to live in the light. In all honesty, light has been a constant theme throughout the entire Christmas season. This passage first of all points to the reality of the second coming of Christ and the inevitable end of days of grace on the earth. The world is groaning like the pains of childbirth speaking to the inevitable Day of the Lord inescapable for everyone. With this reality in view, God’s people have a clear responsibility to wake up, think, and be alert all the way to the moment of His return. 

How many Christmas stories have you heard? There is Scrooge, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Elf, Diehard, and don’t even try to walk through the Hallmark Channel lineup. Christmas time is chalked full of incredibly creative made-up stories. However, we recognize that real life is better than fiction. So, when it comes to the real life version of Christmas, the details are more remarkable than any of the made up tales. However, when it comes to the uniqueness of the Christmas story, it is not fiction. Jesus actually entered human history in real time occupying real space. The Christmas message is not just a bunch of nice stories or an interesting legend; it is actually true. Because it is true, fellowship with God is possible. 

Christmas is a joyful time of the year. But before the joy of Christmas can truly be realized, one has to confront the warning of Christmas. Christmas brings hope, joy and salvation causing people to know lasting peace and strength. The Christmas message leads to stability in this world resulting in a literally rising to heaven on the last day. But this same Christmas message causes others to a literal fall in this life ultimately leading to their spiritual death due to rejection of the Savior. The real truth question that this sermon will allow us to confront is whether or not Jesus will be YOUR rise or YOUR fall. I pray this is a day when someone comes to know Christ as their Savior. At the same time this will be an evangelistic message, it also provides an opportunity to reveal the dangerous call God’s people have received. The Christmas message is not safe. It is not comfortable. The call before us results in a gospel adventure causing opposition at every turn. The Christmas message is effective but remains an offense to the world. We have to lead our people not to be offensive, but, prepare for a world to oppose Christ every step of the way. 

The prophet Isaiah in both Chapter 8 and 9 discusses the reality of the human condition. The message of Christianity and the Bible communicates how things really are worse than they appear. People really are desperate for meaning and direction. The human situation really is hopeless, It really is darker than we care to admit. This is the honest truth and everyone really gets it when they think about it. However, in spite of this inescapable dark reality, the message of Christmas is that LIGHT has come from outside this world exposing the seriousness of the human condition while revealing the path to hope, peace, comfort and complete salvation. Light came into the world.   

Fingerprints, facial recognition, and DNA - each provides a unique identifier that is built into your God-given design. Scripture shows us that the blood of Jesus is a unique identifier. By His blood, He enters the Holy of Holies. By His blood, He makes right what once went wrong. Through the Lord’s Supper, a group of Believers remembers His body and blood, broken and shed for His people. The Lord’s Supper becomes a unique identifier that draws His people together and reminds us of His forgiveness and grace. With this mark we remember - Only Jesus.

The gathered church is the God-ordained environment where the fruit of the Spirit is cultivated and the fruit of the flesh is defeated. For fruit to grow, the environment matters. Just as fruit cannot grow in every climate. The fruit of the Spirit is meant to grow in a specific setting. In the gathered church, there is a safety net of relationships, accountability, and resources. It is in the gathered church where we learn to overcome that internal battle of the flesh resulting in a life that walks by the Spirit.  

The things you say, do, or use are a window into the beliefs you hold about the world and the one who created it. What you truly believe influences what you truly practice. As children of God, we truly believe that He establishes a people to be set apart for a purpose that is much greater than our own. This challenges us to live in a manner worthy of the high calling of Jesus Christ. If we truly believe God is everything he says he is, it transforms everything we do with and for Him.

Who do you trust with your heart? We have a choice. You can invest your life in something that is temporary where time deteriorates and hurtful people take - OR - You can entrust your heart to something that is timeless. You can give yourself into the hands of the only one able to protect your heart from the ravages of time and the hurts of people. The position of your possessions becomes the condition of your heart. 

When Jesus established the church, he was not launching a building campaign. He was not describing an organization. He was not starting a business. He was describing an unstoppable force that he would personally build until the end of humanity. The gathered church is the body of Christ and this body fleshes itself out in a local context. Our congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through an established process of self-governance. In our congregation, each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Our scriptural officers are elders and deacons. In this passage, the church is identified as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all ages. 

Discover the influence of the local church in the world through this new community established by Christ. The church is a distinct people with a distinct calling. God equips followers of Christ to fulfill that call as we live together, not in isolation. Life together takes work, intentionality, and effort. We have this hope in Christ through His church.

From the prayer of Jesus, we discover that God's desire for His people to walk in unity, to share the gospel by sharing His love, and to be ready, willing, and able to go wherever God sends.

Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world.
We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds.

Together, our unity shines;
Our purpose, defined;
Our love, refined;
And the world will never be the same.

History has it's eye...on the Church.

To Gather in a Changing World.

Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world.
We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds.

Together, our unity shines;
Our purpose, defined;
Our love, refined;
And the world will never be the same.

History has it's eye...on the Church.

To Gather in a Changing World.

Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world.
We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds.

Together, our unity shines;
Our purpose, defined;
Our love, refined;
And the world will never be the same.

History has it's eye...on the Church.

To Gather in a Changing World.

Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world.
We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds.

Together, our unity shines;
Our purpose, defined;
Our love, refined;
And the world will never be the same.

History has it's eye...on the Church.

To Gather in a Changing World.

Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world.
We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds.

Together, our unity shines;
Our purpose, defined;
Our love, refined;
And the world will never be the same.

History has it's eye...on the Church.

To Gather in a Changing World.

At every time in the history of the world, in every country around the globe, the Kingdom of God continues to advance. Though we have an updated, technical and modern society, God is still transforming lives through the gospel. From a human standpoint, we are facing certain uncertainty.

But in the midst of global instability, the Holy Spirit is moving and the gospel message continues to make a difference.

At every time in the history of the world, in every country around the globe, the Kingdom of God continues to advance. Though we have an updated, technical and modern society, God is still transforming lives through the gospel. From a human standpoint, we are facing certain uncertainty.

But in the midst of global instability, the Holy Spirit is moving and the gospel message continues to make a difference.

At every time in the history of the world, in every country around the globe, the Kingdom of God continues to advance. Though we have an updated, technical and modern society, God is still transforming lives through the gospel. From a human standpoint, we are facing certain uncertainty.

But in the midst of global instability, the Holy Spirit is moving and the gospel message continues to make a difference.

At every time in the history of the world, in every country around the globe, the Kingdom of God continues to advance. Though we have an updated, technical and modern society, God is still transforming lives through the gospel. From a human standpoint, we are facing certain uncertainty.

But in the midst of global instability, the Holy Spirit is moving and the gospel message continues to make a difference.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.

To win this crown...surrender.

To obey is better than to sacrifice.

To obey is better than to sacrifice.

It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.

It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.

It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.

It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.

It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.

It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.

It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.