First Baptist Church of Lindale, GA

We can never give love until we receive love first. (1 John 4:19)When grace is experienced, gratitude follows and love flows to God and others without limits. (Luke 7:36-38)When grace is only examined, all that is left is the emptiness of religion and the frustration of not enjoying the ability to love God and others. (Luke 7:39-43)The contrast of a relationship with God and a religion about God is obvious. (Luke 6:44-50)Have you received the love, grace, and forgiveness that Jesus offers?

I have a choice. I can focus on what's been done to me or on what I've done to God and the fact that He's forgiven me.Justice & Revenge (Romans 12:19, 2 Thess. 1:6)Why Forgive? (Col. 3:13b, Matt. 6:14-15)Practical Considerations:Forgiving someone doesn't mean you condone their actiions.Forgiving is about YOUR relationship with God.Forgiving frees you from a life of bitterness and hardness of heart.You may have to forgive over and over, not just once.We forgive because we've received God's forgiveness.Forgiving is trusting God to take care of the situation. It doesn't mean the person got away with it.Forgiving is not the same as reconciling. Reconciliation requires genuine repentance on the part of the person who was wrong.Difficulty in forgiving (Psalm 103:12, 130:3-4a)"Losing" by Tenth Avenue North from the ablum The StruggleEven though it may feel like losing, will you forgive?

Stories of faith can form the future of your children.A mother's story of grace is contagious. (2 Tim. 1:5)A mother's stories of faith provides courage and comfort. (2 Tim. 1:5,7-8a "so never be ashamed to tell others about our Lord." NLT)

This week, Eric shares how the choices of Jesus differ from the choices of the world. We love winners. Jesus is for losers. Jesus is for us.

The world can be a dangerous place to live, but it is also a perfect place to exercise faith and express hope.Conflicts come. Don't pretend nothing is wrong and don't minimize the pain. (Psalm 3:1-2)Confidence in God grows as we look to Him for protection. (Psalm 3:3-6)Celebration flows when we anticipate rescue and victory. (Psalm 3:7-8)As we bless His name, blessings will flow.

The curse affects the course of life with family, friends, and God.The curse women carry: Motherhood is painful and submission is a struggle. (Genesis 3:16)The curse men bear: Leadership will be a challenge, life will not be fair, and death is a reality for all humankind. (Genesis 3:17-19)Jesus became the curse so that men and women can be set free to live a meaningful and victorious life. (Galatians 3:13)

Christ is risen! Hope & grace are alive!Words of hope for the fearful: Christ has conquered death. (Mark 16:5-6)Words of grace for the failure: Christ offers a second chance. (Mark 16:7)The empty tomb is an open invitation to life with God.

John 19:30 NLTThe greatest single word ever spoken, "te tel as tai", says it all.Jesus finished His mission completely, doing all God required, to forever reveal His love and give hope to the world. (Gen. 3:15, John 17:4-23, Matt. 26:39)Jesus finished His purpose perfectly doing all we need to have a relationship with God and a meaningful life here and hereafter. (Hebrews 10:10-14)Have you experienced the finished work of Christ?

There is something unthinkable about the cross.A prophecy come true according to God's purpose and plan for our salvation. (Psalm 22:14-18 NLT)So close to the cross, yet so far from Christ. (John 19:23-24 NLT)

The Cross matters.There is something undeniable about the cross.The Power of the cross brings comfort to a condemed criminal (Luke 23:39-43)The power of the cross convinces a callous soldier of the truth (Mark 15:39)The power of the cross gives clarity to a confused Pharisee. (John 19:38-39)HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED THE UNDENIABLE POWER OF THE CROSS?

There is something unbearable about the cross.Jesus despaired in the darkness of loneliness when He became our substitute. (Matt 27:46, Gal. 3:13)Jesus agonized from the distance of loneliness when He became the scapegoat for our sin. (Matt. 27:46, 2 Cor. 5:21)Jesus took rejection so we could have acceptance with God.

There is something unexplainable about the cross.1 Cor. 15:3Luke 23:32-38Jesus offers grace, not retaliation. (1 Peter 2:23)Jesus offers forgiveness, not revenge. (Luke 23:34a)The cross of Christ is the substance and symbol of hope for a lost and hurting people.

Community is a sense of belonging.Relationships are the building blocks of the kingdom. (Romans 12:5)Building community is learning to lean on each other.1. Radical community operates in humility toward each other. (Eph. 4:2, Phil. 2:3-4)2. Radical community is supportive in times of need. (Gal. 6:2)3. Radical community acts with courtesy and respect. (Rom. 14:1)4. Radical community speaks the truth in love. (Prov. 28:23)You can lean on me.

The story of Cain in Genesis 4 could easily be mistaken as a story about God's wrath and judgment, but it's actually filled with grace and mercy. This morning, Eric shows us the danger of missing the grace of God that is right in front of us.

Community can make a difference.Community must care. (Luke 5:17-19)C = Concern - for a person's spiritual conditionA = Available - willing to be an instrument of graceR = Resourceful - what one can't do, many can! Be creative.E = Enthusiastic - excited about what Jesus can do.Community enjoys the difference. (Luke 5:20-26)

Community is a sense of belonging.Relationships are the building blocks for the Kindom of God. (Romans 12:5)1. Radical community requires fequency. (Heb. 10:25)2. Radical community takes authenticity. (Romans 12:9)3. Radical community builds on mutuality. (Romans 1:12)Be benneficial to each other. (1 Thess. 5:14b)Who is better because of you?

If the world is willing to go all in on a gamble, believers should be willing to go all in on God.Invest beyond life here and you will never outlive what you give.Make it a priority to invest in God's kingdom causes. (Matthew 6:33, 20-21)1. Make the most of time.2. Give out of grace.Make it a purpose to invest in people for God's Glory. (Matthew 5:16)1. Motivate with your spiritual gift. (Romans 12:6-8)2. Give love and grace. (Romans 12:10)For the believer, it is all in or nothing!

If the world is willing to go all in on a gamble, believers should be willing to go all in on God.We need to be willing to rub shoulders with people.We are ambassadors of God's grace, offering a place in God's Kingdom. (2 Cor. 5:20; 1 Tim. 1:15-16)We are messengers of hope, sharing a message of love and forgiveness. (2 Cor. 5:21)1. Family2. Friends3. Co-Workers4. Neighbors5. Sports BuddiesIdentify and interact.

If the world is willing to go all in on a gamble, believers should be willing to go all in on God.All believers intercede together to the all powerful, all knowing God. (Acts 4:24-28) "Prayer is the primary resource for changed lives and a growing faith."All believers intentionally asked for power to accomplish God's purpose. (Acts 29-31) 1. Pray for our staff once a week.2. Pray for our Bible study teachers and church leaders once a week.3. Pray for opportunities to reach the unchurched.4. Pray for worship services on Saturday."Be intentional in our prayers for those in the faith and those outside the faith."Prayer is making ourselves available to do His will.Are you all in?

Guest speaker, Dean Kershner, shares a dramatic story-telling of a Russian soldier converted and dedicated to faith in Jesus Christ.Dean has lived over 5 years in the former Soviet Union winning souls to the glory of Jesus Christ by passing out Bibles, working in orphanages, teaching for the Moscow Department of Education, and making the gospel known. Today, he lives in Wax, GA with his Russian wife, Olya, and their 5 sons and 1 daughter.

Words are the expression of the heart."Choose your words carefully. You may have to eat them."Words can build up others and bless God and people. (Luke 6:45a)"Let all your words be kind and you will hear kind echoes."1. Words that offer praise & thanks. (Eph. 1:6, Phil. 4:6)2. Words that provide encouragement and love. (1 Thess. 5:11, Eph. 4:15-16)"Never part without loving words. They might be your last."Words can build the mind and break the heart. (Luke 6:45b)1. The misery of complaining. (Phil. 2:14)2. The pain of slander & gossip. (Gal. 5:14-15)"Words can make a deeper scar than silence can ever heal."

We have hope when we realize the mystery and majesty of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-21)1. God can do things beyond human reason.2. God can do things beyond human ability.Jesus walked out of heaven and entered earth through the vigin birth with Mary. Now that is a mystery.We have hope because we see Jesus in the moments and events of everyday life. (Matthew 1:22-23)He is here...In times of laughter,In times of tears, In times of fears, In times of failure or success, and in times of loss.

A Merry Christmas makes for a happy holiday.The Christmas season is about God reaching out to us. (John 1:1-10)1. Christ's birth was miraculous and mysterious. (John 1:14)2. Christ's birth is majestic. (Luke 2:11)The joy of Christmas is receiving God's gift from heaven for our life. (John 1:12-13)Has Christmas come to your life?

At the conclusion of our Joyful Hearts Choir presentation of their musical called "All Is Well", Pastor Tim shares a short message about the source of real peace in the midst of a stressful, demanding, and sometimes painful holiday season.

Table Grace is more than a prayer.Table grace is the demonstration of the King's kindness. (2 Sam. 9:1-6)Table grace replaces fear with hope for the future. (2 Sam 9:7)Table grace provides a seat at the King's table. (2 Sam. 9:8-11)Grace is a matter of love, attracted by nothing praiseworthy of it's object. (Titus 3:4-7)

To be glad is an inner heartfelt joy caused by the presence of hope that something good is going to happen.G - Grace giving you what is not deserved. (Ps. 32:11)L - Love that never diminishes (Ps. 32:10)A - Appearing of Christ (1 Thess. 4:16-18)D - Destination heaven. (1 Thess. 7:17)

Jesus being God, becoming human is the great mystery that is unexplainable, yet undeniable!Jesus emptied his hands letting go of the appearance and advantage of being God. (Philippians 2:6)Jesus embraced His humiliation by becoming a submissive slave and a suffering substitute. (Philippians 2:7-8)God exalted Jesus to receive ultimate adoration and unamimous confession. (Philippians 2:9-11)

A spiritual story is simply what you believe about how you and God connected. A spiritual sotry must be based on truth to be effective in your life and the lives of others.Believe in the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ (1 Cor. 15:3-4)1. In the resurrection, God reveals His power.2. Because of the resurrection, you ecperience the presence of God in everyday life.Believe in the reach of rescue provided by the death of Jesus Christ. 1. In the crucifixion, the penalty of sin is satisfied forever.2. In the crucifixion, the power of God is demonstrated over the darkness and deceptions of this world. (1 Cor. 1:18)Believe you have a responsibility to share your story of God's love, grace, and forgiveness. (1 Cor. 15:3)Do you have a story to tell?

God loves you so much there is nothing you can do to make God love you less.Malachi 1:2God loves you faithfully in His mercy and care in every area of your life. (Hebrews 2:17)God loves you extravagantly with all that He has. (Romans 8:32)God loves you personally throughout this life and for all eternity. (Romans 8:35-39)You have never been unloved!

Romans 10:3, 2 Corinthians 5Talk to God about people before you talk to people about God.1. Pray with passion and purpose persistently. (Rom. 10:1)2. Pray with pointed perspective. (Rom. 10:2-4)Pray for understanding God's standard of righteousness. (Rom. 3:20)Pray for realization of what Christ did on the cross. (2 Cor. 5:21)Pray for the willingness to surrender to God in faith. (Rom. 3:22)

Luke 19What would move Jesus to such agony of soul that He would cry uncontrollably?Jesus cries because people are lost to a relationship with Him. (19:42a)Jesus cries because time is runnning out. (19:42b)Jesus cries because of the consequence of rejection. (19:43-44)"The Son of God in tearsThe wondering angels seeBe astonished oh my soulHe shed those tears for me."

Psalm 27 NLTHope without a point of reference is just a wish.Hope floats on top of the troubles and trials of life if we have the right source.1. Our confidence should be in the Lord. (v.1-3)His liight gives direction for every step in life.His salvation provides deliverance from or through life.His stronghold is my defense.2. Stay close to the Lord to exerience His presence and enjoy His beauty. (v.4-6)3. We can call to the Lord with hope and find audience, acceptance, and affirmation. (v.7-12)Our confidence remains in the Lord. (v.13-14)We can give up or look up. God invites us to put our hope in Him.

1 Peter 2:1-6, 21; 3:18This week, Adam shares the hope that comes from the Gospel and importance of the daily intake of God's Word that is required to fully embrace the hope of the Gospel.

Colossians 4:5-6 Our conversation of faith is not about winning an argument.It is about winning a heart.Our converstion should be saturated with grace, reflecting kindness and patience. "The grace in our lives should be spoken in the lives of others." "Generate light, not heat."Our converstion should be seasoned with salt, being tasteful and respectful.Rely on the Holy Spirit to speak through you!

Acts 5True expression can change a life forever.True expression has the right subject: Jesus, the only hope for life and forgiveness. (Acts 5:41-42)True expression has an effective strategy that gets the word out. (Acts 5:42)Sharing Christ is never limited to the church gathering.Sharing Christ is always initiated by the follower of ChristSharing Christ is often connected to another unrelated event or experienceWill you choose to express yourself today?

True Religion is more than a pair of jeans.True religion is havng a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. (John 1:12-13)True religion starts where you are at your point of emptiness, your place of lonliness, your pain of failure. (Luke 19:10)True religion is the defining moment of believing and accepting Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. (Romans 10:9-10)

Romans 12:1-2, Amos 5:21-24Worship is a hot topic of discussion in the church and has been throughout the church's history. What style of worship is best? What kind of worship does GOD like most? This week, Eric challenges our thinking of what real worship is and is not.

The purpose we know will detemine the path we go.The church is not incidental. She is essential when she lives out her purpose.Why does the church exist?The primary purpose we exist is to glorify God. (Eph. 3:20-21)Glorify - to magnify, to elevate, to shed splendor on another.God is to be elevated above all other relationshipsGod is to be magnified in every part of our lifeThe practical process in glorifying God is accomplished through announcing His grace and greatness at work in our lives. (Romans 15:5-6)Recognize His greatness in our lives.Reflect His grace to others.

In a worl where change is inevitable, God's love for us will never change.God's love will get us to the finish line because of the ultimate price, for our new life. (Romans 8:31-32)God's love has forever stablished our status because of the passion, power, and position of Christ. (Romans 8:33-34)God's love gives victory because His hand will never let go of us and His heart will never turn from us. (Romans 8:35-36)You can't lose if you have received God's love revealed in Christ!

1 Corinthians 1:10Followers of Christ should reflect harmony in grace, truth, and love.We should be in harmony with the pre-eminence of Jesus Christ because of he rank, resurrection, and return. (Col. 1:18)Jesus stands in line behind no one.We should be in harmony over the purpose of the church to reach people. (Matthew 28:19-20)God's purpose is greater than our preferences.We should be in harmony in the priority to love God and others. (Matt. 22:37-39)Love is the greatest of all.We should be in harmony for the power of the to draw people to God and to deliver people from sin. (1 Cor. 1:17)Freedom and forgiveness waits for you at the cross.

You can fight in such a way that everybody wins!Everyone has conflict. How we handle the conflicts will produce intimacy or alienation, healing or hurt.Keep it clean - be honoest and respectful (Eph. 4:25)No foreign objects - Control your anger (Eph. 4:26)At the sound of the bell - The right time to fight. (Eph. 4:26-27)Swing at the right target (Eph. 4:28)No hitting below the belt - Watch what you say and how you say it. (Eph. 4:29)No fighting outside the ring - Don't swing in public (Eph. 4:31)When it is over, hug. (Eph. 4:32)When unsure, remember the cross!Best way to stop a fight - when you are beaten, surrender!

Feeling guiltyConviction from the Holy SpiritMade to feel guilty - Self & OthersFalse guilt over sins that were forgiven by GodFalse guilt can cause problemsFeel badYou may have shameFeelings of condemnationDefeatFeeling hopelessSometimes you should feel guilty.Psalm 32:1-11Deal with your sin and guiltHoly Spirit convicts of sinConfess the sinRepentReceive forgivenessReceive restored relationshipChoose to be free today!

Don't forget to remember. (Matthew 26:26-29)The Lord's supper reminds us of what really matters.This supper is about the passion and price of Jesus that gives eternal life.The passion of unconditional love (Romans 5:8)The price of scandalous grace (Ephesians 2:8)This supper is about the promise of Jesus that keeps hope alive. (Matthew 26:29)We are just passing through this world on the way home.We have a reservation at the Lord's table in His kingdom. (John 14:1-6)When we take time to remember the Lord's Supper, it really is unforgettable.

One day we will be gone for good!When you have the right visioin for the future you will have hope for today.Our hope and comfort is based on God's faithfulness.God will call the universal assembly of all followers of Christ. (1 Thess. 4:16)God will supernaturally transform our bodies for good. (1 Thess. 4:17-18)1. The rapture is the moment of glorious redemption.2. The rapture is the moment of total rescue. (2 Thess. 2:7)3. The rapture is the moment of the ultimate reunion.When the trumpet sounds will you enjoy the journey into heaven or will you be left behind to experience the tribulation?

Ephesians 6:1-3The gift of respect is priceless to a dad.Respect is an attitude that will carry you far in life.Listen to dad, he is your life coach.Love your dad, he loves you like no one else.Receive dad as a gift from God.Be thankful.Be a blessing.To respect your dad is to respect God!

This is a recording of Pastor Tim as he reviews the content of the sermon he shared on Sunday, June 8, 2014. The sermon notes from the service are provided below.Traditions should be validated by truth! 2 Tim. 2:151 Timothy 3:12 = "a one woman man"Aner = man, husband, fellow or sirMia = oneGyne - woman or wifeThis in context is a trait, tendency, or inclination, not a fixed status.Can a divorced man ever serve in the role of deacon?1. The experience of grace is essential for one to serve. (2 Cor. 5:17) The new person in Christ has no history. (Psalm 103:12)2. Tradition and truth (Matthew 19:2-9)Adultery allows for remarriage.Departure of an unbeliever allows for remarriage. (1 Cor. 7:15).Christ is exalted and God is glorified when the church operates in grace and truth.

John 15:13Sacrifice always sets the value of relationships.The ultimate sacrifice is an intentional action.The ultimate sacrifice is an investment forward.

Live life in your skin.1 Corinthains 7:7Living life in your passion and giftedness brings fulfillment and purpose to your life.Giftedness is always affirmed by passion and production."Success is not what you've done compared to what others have done. Success is what you have done compared to what you are supposed to do." - Tony Evans

Give them roots and wings!Psalm 127:3-4The arrow can go where the archer can't.Give them a life rooted in faith. (Eph. 6:4b)Our unconditional love provides security and intimacy.Constructive discipline builds respect and brings peace.Be a model of grace and hope.Give them wings for freadom and to soar. (Eph. 6:4a)Give space for mutual respect to unique personality and idividual passionsGive permission to go beyond tradition, but always follow truth.