First Baptist Church of Lindale, GA

Being thankful for the people around us creates an atmosphere of encouragement!Be thankful, both specifically and personally, to those around you. (1 Cor. 1:4 NLT)Speak encouragement, both publicly and frequently, ito the lives of those who add value to life. (1 Thess. 1:2-3, 2 Thess. 1:3-4 NLT)The enemies of of being thankful always are busyness and discouragement.

Our Lord reigns no matter who lives in the White House!Our Lord, the Creator, rules this world with perfect wisdom, eternal purpose, and sovereign power. (Proverbs 8:14-16, 21:1)Our Lord, the Champion of Salvation, reigns by divine appointment regardless of human acceptance. (Philippians 2:8-11)We you bow before Jesus as your Savior or Judge?

Hope in Jesus Christ gives confidence to face the craziness and crises of life!Jesus is my light that is sufficient in the dark. (Psalm 27:1)Jesus is my salvation that secures my deliverance. (Psalm 27:1)Jesus is my fortress that stands in my defense. (Psalm 27:2-3)Jesus invites you to put your hope in Him!

Respect in the family is an expression of receiving each other as a gift from God!Receiving one another is imperative to respecting each other. (Eph. 5:21 NLT)Receiving is an act of faith by the power of the Holy Spirit that empowers respect, love, and order in family life. (Eph. 5:18b, 22, 25; 6:1-2, 4)

Respect is necessary to express love in the body of Christ.Romans 12:10b NLT "take delight in honoring each other"Honor = to respect, to value, to appreciateRespect shows appreciation for the grace and gifts in others. (Philippians 2:3 NLT)Respect gives consideration to the opinions and feelings of others. (Philippians 2:4 NLT)When respect matters in the body of Christ, then our message will have respect to those outside the body of Christ!

Respect is the key for order in every area of life. Disrespect produces chaos in all areas of life!Respect for God's institutional servants is essential for order and peace in society. If reflects honor for God! (Romans 13:1-5)Respect for God's spiritual servants is essential for a peaceful and productive relationship with God. It reveals reverence for God! (2 Kings 2:23-24)Disrespect is an epidemic of self-destruction beyond words!

1 Peter 3:13-18This week, Eric walks us through this encouragement from Peter regarding how to deal with the reality of undeserved circumstances and persecution in the Christian life. Sometimes the unfair makes life hard. Other times, the unfair makes life wonderful.

Faithful Faith: When we get beyond belief.Hebrews 10:19-25 NLT1. GET CLOSE - Hebrews 10:19-22, James 4:82. HOLD TIGHT - Hebrews 10:23, John 8:30-31, John 2:23-25, John 12:42-43.3. PLUG IN - Hebrews 10:24-25

The guilty can find grace!God builds His case: Rebellion! The evidence is undeniable. (Isaiah 1:2-4)God explains the consequences: The results of rebellion are unavoidable. (Isaiah 1:5-9)God offers a choice: An invitation no one should refuse. (Isaiah 1:18-20)

There has never been or ever will be anyone like Jesus!Jesus is the sure for what is wrong with us. (Hebrews 12:2, John 3:14)Jesus is the companion that never leaves us. (Matthew 28:19-20)Jesus is the champion always for us. (Hebrews 12:2b-3; Hebrews 12:1)Trust Jesus for salvation.Trust Jesus for strength.Share Jesus. There is no one like Him!

Life has meaning when there is a mission in life!Invest in people! The return is priceless. (Ecclesiates 11:1 MSG)Bless someone with generosity today! (Ecclesiastes 11:2 MSG)Be on mission now, even when circumstances may not be favorable. (Ecclesiastes 11:3-5 MSG)Share Jesus faithfully and serve others lovingly, trusting God with the results here and hereafter. (Ecclesiastes 11:6 MSG)

The race to judgment has an exit ramp called grace!The rebellious and the religious have the same problem...sin. (Romans 3:19-20, 23; Romans 6:23a)God's grace provides the only rescue from the penalty of sin. (Romans 3:24-25; Romans 6:23; Romans 3:22)Salvation is the result of grace made possible through the finished work of the cross.

Denying the existence of God does not give exemption from His judgment nor exhaust his patience for salvation!Willful abandonment of God leads to judicial abandonment from God.1. Adandoned to follow morally contaminated desires. (Romans 1:24-25 NLT)2. Adandoned to pursue dishonorable passions. (Romans 1:26-27)3. Abandoned to seperate from God character becoming as far from God as possible. (Romans 1:28-31)4. Abandoned to engage in and encourage rebellion against God's authority. (Romans 1:32)Abandonment can be a progression to death or a process form deliverance! The choice is yours.

Denying the existence of God is the surest way to offend the God who really exists!Rejecting God because of human reasoning, human experience, and or human appetite does not allow exemption from the anger of God. (Romans 1:18-19)Resisting God for who He is leads to a life of emptiness and darkness; leaving people to gods of their imagination. (Romans 1:21-23)"Our desire for God is one of the most convincing evidences for the existence of God." - C.S. Lewis

God of revelation or God of imagination? What is the answer?The crisis of doubt is a doorway to dicovering God!You can believe in a God you can't see, because you can see what He has made. You don't have to prove the obvious. (Romans 1:19-20)The evidence speaks for the existence of God in the complexity of design. (Psalm 139:14)How great is our God!

In the midst of the chaos and confusion of life, Jesus offers absolute clarity!Conflict of voices: The theif lies, leading to deception and death. The Good Shepherd speaks truth, bringing life, fulfillment, and freedom. (John 10:6-10a)Contrast in Character: The thief steals life from you. The Good Shepherd sacrifices His life for you. (John 10:10-11)Jesus is clearly the best choice. Put your faith and hope in Him!

Life's purpose is the result of God's orchestrated process!2 Samuel 7:8-10 NLTIt is the size of the heart that matters. (1 Samuel 16:7, 11-13)Instruction leads to direction. (1 Samuel 17:20 NLT)God in your past will be God in your future. Before there was a giant, there was a lion and a bear. (1 Samuel 17:31-37)

As parents, we try to give our children what they want. It is more important to give our children what they need!Proverbs 22:6Give them roots to live confidently.Give them wings to live courageously.

Mother's are a treasure to be treasured. This week, Tim refects on the significant impact of moms in the Kingdom of God!

For reference, listen to the song entitled "What If?" written and performed by Nichole Nordemanhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PM0OTKBx9ikEternity is too long to be wrong!1. A sincere commitment to the wrong belief system will not end right. (John 3:1-3) What if everything the Bible says about Jesus is true? Then, you have everything to lose. (Revelation 20:11-15)2. A surrendered commitment to Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross is the right beginning to the perfect ending. (John 3:16; Coloccians 1:15-20)There is no substitute for the cross."They say the truth will only make a fool of you." -Prince"They say the cross will only make a fool of you." -Nichole NordemanJesus is enough. Nothing else counts!

Matthew 16This week, our guest Phil Blanton shares principles from Matthew 16 that will help us prepare for a new move of God in our life, our family, and even in our church.

There are seasons of nature and seasons of life, but there are also seasons of morality in the world. This week, Tim reflects on God's word and shares some reminders of what is important in the midst of changing moral seasons.

Hurt has a companion called hope!Hurt has a purpose for you and others. (2 Corinthians 1:3-6; 8-10)You are not alone in your hurt; the presence of God and the prayers of believers make a difference. (2 Corinthians 1:3-4, 10-11)

The greatest peace you will ever have is found in God's hands! God's hands are enough to get through this life and into eternity with Him.His hands are soft for affection (Luke 18:15-16)His hands are strong for protection (John 10:28)His hands are sovereign for direction (Psalm 31:15)His hands are scared for our salvation (Luke 24:38-40)Have you put your life in God's hands?

Happy and fortunate is the follower of Christ, not just during the good times, but even in the bad times.The world is a dangerous place for followers of Christ causing damage, doubt, and even death. (Matthew 5:10-11; Matthew 11:2)Congratulations! YOu are a part of the kingdom of God that offers acceptance, forgiveness, power, and eternal life. (Matthew 5:10, 12; 11:4-6)For those who have found Jesus as Savior and Lord have found a kingdom worth dying for!

Easter is the celebration of Jesus and His ultimate victory.Jesus defeated death for all who believe in Him; we experience victory over death. (1 Cor. 15:3-4, 57)Jesus disarmed the powers of darkness; we enjoy the light of truth, love, and hope. (Colossians 2:13-15)Have you stepped out of the darkness?

THE CROSS IS MORE THAN A PIECE OF JEWELRY, IT IS THE CENTERPIECE OF SAVING FAITH. (Galatians 6:14-15)THE CROSS DISPLAYS PASSION PROVIDING UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, UNDESERVED GRACE AND UNLIMITED FORGIVENESS (Romans 5:8-9)THE CROSS DEMONSTRATES POWER TO MAKE ALL WHO BELIEVE PERFECTLY RIGHTEOUS ONCE AND FOREVER GIVING ABSOLUTE SECURITY IN THE BLOOD OF JESUS (Hebrews10:2-4;10,18) "A crucified Christ has taken such possession of my entire nature, spirit,soul and body, that I am henceforth beyond the reach of opposing arguments." -Charles H. Spurgeon

Every now and then, you come across a deal that seems to good to be true. This week, Tim explains the exchange that God made at the cross that was too good for us to resist!

This morning, Tim uses the illustration of a large, black garbage back to share with us the different types of garbage that people carry with them through their lives...and how God's desire is for us to let go of all the garbage we carry!

Anybody is somebody to Jesus!The church is people reaching out to anybocy so that somebody will find forgiveness and love in Christ. (John 1:35-42)God uses His followers in different ways to intentionally reach anyone.Preaching (John 1:36-37)Relationships (John 1:41,45-46)Events (John 6:8)Divine Intersections (John 12:20-22)Who is the somebody on your list?

Love for God is evident in our loyatly to God. (Matt. 22:37)1. Loyalty is being forever faithful to God even in the face of human coercion and intimidation to worship a lesser god. (Daniel 3:1-7, 12-18)2. Loyalty to God is standing in courage and faith providing opportunity for God to be seen. (Daniel 3:19-28)"...there is no other god who can rescue like this." (v. 29c)Our God has no equal.

This week, Eric challenges us to evalute the love relationship we have with God and shows us, in scripture, how God communicates his affection for us through the illustration of marriage. Have you ever had your heart broken? So has God.

THE INVITATION TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD COMES WITH RESPONSIBILITY AND ACCOUNTABILITY LUKE 14:15-24 NLT BELIEVERS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY TO EXTEND THE INVITATION TO EVERYONE (ROMANS 1:16-17 NLT) THE INVITATION COMES WITH CONSEQUENCE AND REWARD (ROMANS 10:8-13 NLT REVELATION 19:15 NLT

Every believer has a story someone needs to hear!Life in the dark: What I used to be. (Acts 26:9-11) Paul had to lose his religion to find his salvation in Jesus.Life with Jesus: This is my story. (Acts 26:22-23)Saved to share!

We are not that good. Gos is just that great!Every believer is a miracle of grace receiving eternal life through faith. (1 Tim. 1:15)Every believer is a messenger of grace offering hope to everyone. (1 Tim. 1:16)God's grace moves us from the worst we can be to the best we can be in Jesus.

We are shaped by God's Word for success in every area of life here and hereafter.God shapes life with direction and application for the journey in life; ask for it! (Ps. 119:33-34)God shapes attitudes and appetites with the power of grace for an abundant life; apply it! (Ps. 119:35-37; John 10:10)God is shaping life everyday with new mercies and grace to finish life well; appreciate it! (Ps. 119:38-40; 2 Tim. 4:7-8)It is all in His Word!

Walking with God is a necessary exercise in faith.Walking with God requires a relationship of faith (Genesis 5:21; Hebrews 11:5-6)Walking with God is a spiritual exercise that requires you to do all the talking."It is wise to listen to God more than talk to God! He knows more than you."

This week, Eric reflects on the journey of the Magi that began after the birth of Jesus and how December 26 really isn't the end of Christmas, but can be the beginning of the journey to Jesus.

Every part of the Christmas scenery tells the story of God's love and grace.The Stable - Jesus came to live in the real world to perfectly identify with every part of human life, the good and the bad. (Luke 2:6-7; Hebrews 4:14-16)The Manger - The ordinary becomes extraordinary because of the transforming power of Christ. (Luke 2:7)The Star - God always provides light out of the darkness. You just have to follow it. (Matthew 2:2; John 1:5-9)Have you followed the light to Jesus?

Jesus is not one of the many great people in history. He is the greatest of all without rival.Jesus is supreme as Creator of this world and the revealer of God to this world. (Colossians 1:15-16)Jesus is supreme in authority over His church and over death. (Colossians 1:17-18)Jesus is supreme for making a way to be right with God. (Colossians 1:19-22)JesusHis salvation is available.His second coming is eminent.His judgement is final.His kingdom is forever.

Gladness and gratitude is the result of focusing on the glory of God.Focusing on the greatness of God makes our heart glad. (Psalm 100:1-3)Remembering the faithfulness of God makes our life grateful. (Psalm 100:4-5)Trust overcomes fear.

To be loved perfectly is the greatest gift in life.Thank you, God, for loving extrvagantly with the cross. (Romans 8:32; John 3:16)Thank you, God, for loving faithfully with your presence. (Romans 8:38-39; 1 Cor. 13:7)Thank you, God, for loving unconditionally with your grace. (Romans 5:6-8)Thank you, God, for loving me personally every day. (Ephesians 3:16-20)

Hope in Christ encourages the heart when life is so discouraging.Hope is the assurance that trouble is only temporary and that a better world is coming. (John 14:1-2)Hope is the anticipation that Jesus is coming back for His bride. (John 14:3; Revelation 19:6-7)

All questions matter, but there is one question that matters most. Who is Jesus?Jesus is the one who offers a personal relationship with God over religion. (Acts 7:58-60; 8:1-3; 9:1-2)Jesus is the one who personally pursues with love and grace. (Acts 9:3-6, 7-18)Jesus is without a doubt the Son of God, personal Savior, and undeniable Lord. (Acts 9:20; Phil. 2:6-11)Why wait?

When God becomes undeniable, the unexplainable about God does not matter as much.A personal encounter with Jesus does not require an explanation. (John 9:1-7)When reason about God is more important thatn a personal relationship with God, all that is left is a vacuum. (John 9:8-34)All the questions don't have to be answered when God's touch becomes personal. (John 9:25, 35-38)God's touch is undeniable!

God initiates a personal relationship but never negotiates for a personal relationship.God begins the conversation for a personal relationship with grace, but requires a personal act of belief. (Genesis 12:1-3; 15:5-6)The desire to believe God becomes greater than the barriers not to believe.Humility is the way of coming to God on His terms without negotiations (Matthew 18:1-4; Eph. 2:8-9)God wants to get personal.

A personal relationship with Jesus starts with the heart, not the head.You don't have to answer all the questions or solve religious systems to enter into a personal relationship with God. (John 1:43-46)Jesus knows you personally before you know Him, making love possible and personal. (John 1:47-50; 1 John 4:10)The truth about you and about God become personal.

This week, Tim shares from his heart in response to the shooting at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon.

God forbid that we would pray about everything except God's requests.Pray for the Jewish people to experience peace. (Psalm 122:6)Stand in the gap for all people because these are troubling times. (1 Tim. 2:1)Pray for those in authority so the Gospel can be shared unhindered. (1 Tim. 2:2-4)

There are some beliefs that are simply wrong. Some of those wrong beliefs have huge eternal consequences.We tend to think of Jesus as he appeeared in a scene from the Bible. (Revelation 1:12-13, 17 NLT)Some people think clicking a button equals prayer. (Philippians 4:6)Some people think that when we die and go to heaven, we become angels. (Romans 8:15-17)Some people think that when we die we'll go to heaven if we've done more good than bad. (Eph. 2:8-9)Some people think they have plenty of time. They can take care of things later. (James 4:13-14) Do it now!