First Baptist Church of Lindale, GA

1 & 2 Corinthians; LukeDeath is a date you can't break.Death is a process for personal transformation. (1 Cor. 15:53; Luke 16:19-22)It is the separation of body & soul. (2 Cor. 5:8)It is immediate. (1 Cor. 15:52)Death is the doorway into everyone's eternal destiny. (Luke 16:23-31)It can be a joyful destiny forever with the Lord in heaven.It can be a painful destiny forever seperated from the Lord in Hell.You may not know when death comes, but you can know where you are going when death comes.

(Please forgive us for some periods of static in this week's recording)Mark 16:1-7The sun came out, the son came out, hope is alive, and we can be all in!Hope - death is defeated and our debt is satisfied. (Mark 16:1-6)Hope - God gives second chances! (Mark 16:7)Is your hope alive?

When we come to realize we have nothing to offer God, that is when we can receive everything God offers us.The cross is God's exclamation of human value. (Luke 23:39-41) Even a thief can go to heaven!The cross is God's expression of unconditional love. (Luke 23:42-43) Jesus wants to spend forever with us.No one would have given the thief a prayer, but in the cross, that is all he had and in the end that is all it took.

The untouchable is not reachableJesus touched the untouchables of the world and they were never the same. (Matthew 8:14)Jesus still touches through those He has touched. (Colossians 3:12)Jesus touched the untouchables of the world. Will you do the same?

John 3:1-11, 14-16; 19:38All spiritual journeys start in the dark, but some will finish in the light.The collision between religion about God and a relationship with God is the first step to a new beginning from God. (John 3:1-11)Religion says you do the work. Jesus says God does the work.Religion says it is a person's job to earn it. Jesus says it's a person's responsibility to recieve it.It doesn't matter what all you do if you miss what only God can do!The only way you can go to heaven is to believe God has done everything you need to go to heaven. (John 3:14-16)The one without sin must die for everyone who has sinned.The one who is eternal is the only one who can give eternal life.Joseph came and took the body of Jesus away. (John 19:38) With him came Nicodemus, the man who had come to Jesus at night (v. 39)nicodemus finally got it! Have you?

A moment can matter for an eternity.Desperate moments move us toward Jesus (Mark 5:24-26) How many people live in quiet desperation?Divine moments bring Jesus toward us. (Mark 5:27)A defining moment is a demonstartion of faith that will change your life. (Mark 5:28-32) God will not reject a genuine gesture of faith!This is your moment!

John 8:1-12Failure and Grace...Shame and Forgiveness...Contrasts that boggle the mind, but bless the heart.Throwing stones is easy when you don't look in a mirror.Jesus did not come to throw stones at sinners. He came to die for the shattered, the shameful, and the sinful.You don't have to be a casuality of the darkness!

Mark 2:5-11Love bursts happen. They are spontaneous moments of affection, graciousness, devotion, kindness, and love.They are moments that create memories that last a lifetime!Jesus has them all the time!Jesus is so touched by what He sees, that He gives us what we need and not just what we ask for.The hardest thing Jesus ever did was not healing His body, it was forgiving His sin.One required a simple command. Forgiveness required a cross.One needed merely a word from Jesus. Forgiveness needed the blood of Jesus.The only words that matter thoughout eternity are "your sins are forgiven."

Luke 6:38What we keep for ourselves is all we have. What we give God multiplies! It is important that we think right about giving.We reap what we sow. (Galatians 6:7)We reap more than we sow. (2 Corinthians 9:6)Giving is a matter of the heart. (2 Corinthians 9:7)We can't out give God. (2 Corinthians 9:8)When we give, gratitude flows toward God and blessings multiply. (2 Corinthians 9:11)

Luke 19:1-9There is no greater time to share the message of forgiveness and fulfillment that comes from Jesus, than now! There is no better time for ministry to those who need encouragement and support than now!Let's Multiply!Opportunities develop when we rub shoulders with people. (Walk slowly through the crowd)Be open to divine interruptions.Obviously love people - be available & approachable

Exodus 13:1-3, 12-14God has set an order for our lives that honors His power and grace and puts us in position for blessing.God is the first to give and should be the first to receive.1. Because He is gloriously pre-eminent. He is above all, before all, greater than all and first of all. God is always to be first.2. Because He is a gracious provider. (Matt. 6:33 NLT)First things God expects before He will work abundantly in our lives...1. Our life - Come just as you are (2 Cor. 8:5)2. The tithe - 10% (Leviticus 27:30; Proverbs 3:9-10; Matthew 23:23)

John 11When God doesn't follow our timeline and calendar, we often assume He is late.God responds deliberately to increase faith.God reveals His glory in His time...the right time.When it feels like God is absent, look outside your circumstances.When it seems like God isn't listening, lean into His grace.When it looks like God is late, loof for His glory.

2 Corinthians 12:7-10When God is saying no, He is till responding to you for your good and His glory."No" from God is an expression of love and an experience in sustaining grace.God may choose to display His power on the stage of our weakness and failure.

Matthew 11:2-6My faith is always challenged when God seems to be ignoring my happiness but not yours! It is easy to assume, then God is silent, He is absent.Then we hear the voices...you need to pray harder, have more faith, do more!Let's get real!A negative change in personal circumstances can cause a crisis of faith.Negative personal circumstances do not necessarily coincide with how God feels about you.When God is silent...1. Look back and remember His presence.2. Look outside your circumstance and reflect on his activity.Remain faithful!

If the world is willing to go all in on a gamble, believers should be willing to go all in on God.All believers interceded together to the all pwerful, all knowing God. (Acts 4:24-28)"Prayer is the primary resource for changed lives and a growing faith."All the believers intentionally asked for power to accomplish God's purpose. (Acts 29-31 NLT)1. Pray for our staff once a week.2. Pray for our Bible study teachers & 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?

Philippians 3:12-14Letting it go is a deliberate choice we make - not because it's easy, but because it's necessary. It is part of a divine sequence that impacts us emotionally, physically, mentally, & spiritually.Let go of the baggage of the past - it will bring freedom to your life.Look forward to the blessings ahead - it will allow for fulfillment in your life

Isaiah 9:6What a difference a moment can make! It can change the course of time, the direction of life and the eternal destiny of the soul. The birth of Jesus is such a moment!It was an unnoticed moment comeing in the midst of busyness, political conflict, economic challenge, and spiritual drought. God had arrived.It was an uncommon moment when God became human, being welcomed by shepherds and worshiped by stargazers. (John 1:14)It will be an unexpected moment coming in the midst of busyness, colitical conflict, economic challenge, and spiritual decline. The ultimate transformation will happen. (1 Cor. 15:51-52)It only takes a moment for God to change your life!

We will celebrate Thanksgiving with turkey, ham, pies and cakes, parades, football, and Black Friday. The true value of Thanksgiving is in honoring the Creator of the universe and the Savior of the world.Be glad! We have a personal relationship with our Lord.Be grateful! God's love never fails and He is forever faithful.Being glad and grateful is our personal gift and offering to God!

Philippians 1:6; Hebrews 6:4-6Is "once saved, always saved" a biblical truth or just a baptist teaching?Grace provides irrevocable security for every believer that they can be sure of their salvation.Grace proclaims indispensable warnings for all unbelievers who have a false hope.

Matthew 4:17 & Luke 15:10"We don't come to Him as bad people trying to be good people. We come as rebels to lay down our arms." - C.S. LewisRepent means "a change of mind and attitude."This seems so simple, yet can be so misunderstood.Repentance is NOT:Repeating a formulaExperiencing remorseExpressing emotionBecoming religious or perfectRepentance IS:Surrender to the authority of JesusStaring to follow HimIt is a changing of sides, allediance, and loyalty.

Judges 16This week, through the story of Samson, Tim shows us how our choices effect the legacy we leave behind and the grace God provides for second chances.

Believing that results in saving faith is more than a ceremony, more than a formula, and more than a ritual.Believing is receiving God's judgement about you and His testimony about Jesus.All have failed God's standard of righteousness and are condemned.Jesus took your place and satisfied God's requirements for righteousness.Believing is restiing your faith in the death of Jesus.It is a personal decision.It is a defining moment.Faith that looks to anyone or anywhere other than Jesus Christ will never experience forgiveness from sin and peace with God!

John 14:1-6The message is clear - God wants you to be certain about your salvation!We have assurance because of belief in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.We have assurance because of Jesus' commitment to us.Assurance provides confidence, security, and peace.

John 13:5-15The opportunity to serve others is a priviledge and responsibility.Jesus is the ultimate example of serving and sacrifice, modeling humility & love.The expectations in serving can be fruitful and painful when working with people.The experience from serving is the forming and building of relationships.

Matthew 14:27-31The possibility of accomplishing things greater than our ability does not depend on the amount of fatih, but on faith in the ability of God.The expression of faith must have an object greater than the obstacles to the impossible.The experience of grace from a loving Savior is the power we need to accomplish the impossible.

2 Kings 5:1-19aToday we will take a look at a servant girl and a famous general. The servant girl is a person of faith whis is used by God in dire circumstances. The general is a person whose unbeetable problem leads him to become a person of faith.SERVANT GIRLYour circumstances don't have to define you.Here are 3 lessons we can learn from the servant girl...Keep your faith.Remember, God goes with you through these circumstances.You can make a difference to those around you.NAAMANNaaman was strong, powerful and successful. A national hero. It was not enough.He had to admit he could not fix his own problem.He had to humble himself at Elisha's house.He had to humble himself at the Jordan River.He received grace.

Revelation 3:20Many people hear Jesus knock, but will not open the door.People believe the myth over the truth.The good life is enough.Religion fulfills my obligationFeelings do not lieI know all about God and Jesus"Myths never open the door"The truth will change your life - FAITH opens the door.You enjoy God's forgiveness and love.You experience God's life of power and purpose.Jesus wants to fill the emptiness and uncertainty in your life. Open the door!

Galatians 6:9This week, Tim helps us deal with the feeling of defeat that we often feel. It makes us want to quit...but you don't because you don't have to!

Colossians 4:2This week, Pastor Tim shares some practical instructions about habits that make a major impact in the life of a believer.

Psalm 46We pleased to have Dr. Steve Echols bringing us God's Word today while our pastor is away on vacation. Dr. Echols is the current President of Tennessee Temple University and has a long history of pastoral ministry as well as leadership in ministry academics.This morning, Dr. Echols uses Psalm 46 to remind us of who God is. It's never something we don't need to remember!

John 10:10All people need can be found in Jesus. People need to break free from their past and experience a fulfillinf life now and forever.There are people who need Jesus but don't know it.There are people who need Jesus and know it, but don't know what to do.There are people who need Jesus and know what to do, but have not acted on it.

Matthew 5:20Deception always distorts the truth, creating illusions of life and eternity. The master deceiver has creatively called sin "a simple mistake" resulting in a false security.Sin is a condition that is evident in actions and attitudes.Sin requires a Savior, the one and only Jesus.

1 Corinthians 6:18-20Every carefully crafted deception comes with undisclosed danger and destruction. Satan has taken the God-given gift of intimacy and fulfillment and reduced it to a mere physical activity.SEX...it is just physical...or is it?Sex outside of marriage robs you of true intimacy in all your relationships.Sex outside of marriage leaves you with a bruised heart.God sets baundaries for your protection and for His purpose.

Luke 14:15-24Satan’s deception: There is plenty of time to reach people and there is plenty of time to receive the kingdom invitation.The invitation to come to Christ should be INTENTIONAL with URGENCY.The invitation to come to Christ should be INCLUSIVE to all PEOPLEThe invitation to come to Christ REJECTED results in OPPORTUNITY forever LOST

Romans 8:18-30Satan has done an incredible job of deception in laying the cause for pain and suffering on GOD.Pain and suffering is a PRODUCT from the PAST that can be taken back to the GARDENPain and suffering is a problem in the present for EVERYONEPain and suffering has a PROMISED expiration date in the FUTURE for all BELIEVERS

Romans 13:1-5The "twisted truth" about authority is, it is more about WHAT than WHO!Authority reveals God's hand at work in us and for His kingdom.Authority received reflects our heart and attitude toward God's purpose and power

John 8:42-45Jesus identifies the existence of an iinvisible world with a literal leader with personality and power to influence and impact our beliefs, our relationships, our morality and our perspectives. The master mind behind our twisted world is the devil.The devil is the master deceiver in every area of life.The devil is the master destroyer of people and purpose.

John 5:1-9It's easy to forget who Jesus is. This is a reminder. If we forget who Jesus is, we forget the place in our lives that his identity demands. Have you placed Jesus on the bench of your life as a third-stringer?

2 Timothy 4:9-18Our journey of faith has a final destination. How we travel this journey determines if we finish well.Companionship is essential. Our journey was never intended to be traveled alone.Conflict is a reality. Don't be surprised and don't get sidetracked.Confidence and courage are found in the Lord for every part of the journey

Ephesians 6:1-3The gift of respect is priceless to a dad.

Matthew 18:21-35Forgive from your heart.Forgiven people forgive.

Acts 3:1-10

1 Peter 4:7-11NEARPRAYLOVESERVEIt's one thing to believe. It's another thing to believe in such a way that it changes the way you live.

Proverbs 2:1-6There's a difference between knowledge and wisdom. As Christ-followers, wisdom is essential, yet often times hard to grasp. So, how do we find and take hold of true, Godly wisdom?

Ephesians 6:1-3How you respond to your mother directly influences you quality of life.Respect her God-given position in authority and you will have favor with God and others.Receive her gracious counsel in correction and direction and it will help you reach your God-given potential.

Matthew 6:25,32-34Everyone battles with worry!Worry divides our mind, diminishes our faith, and destroys our potential.Worry is defeated by identifying God's priorities for each day and incorporating God's grace everyday.

Nehemiah 6:9Discouragement drains courage and disheartens our journey in life. Discouragement can touch our life physically, emotionally, financially, and spiritually. The spirit of discouragement is one of the devil's most effective tools used to rob us of joy, power, and fulfillment.Prayer is our first responce.Perseverance in the work God has called you to doPursue God's promisesPurpose to minister to others

As parents, we try to give our children what they want. It is more important to give them what they need.Give them roots to live confidentlyGive them wings to live courageously

John 3