First Baptist Church of Lindale, GA

Acts 1:8You tell His story and then tell your story!We are to be empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the message of forgiveness and hope.We are to embrace our mission to be His witnesses locally, nationally, and globally.You can only share what you have!

Luke 24:1-71 Peter 1:3Easter Sunday is about the celebration of life; the resurrected life of Jesus and the resurrection life for you!The great exclamation, "He isn't here! He is risen from the dead!", is the personal testimony of all who follow Christ.The glorious expectation is the living hope of life with Jesus here and forever!

Luke 22:66-23:56Everybody got what they wanted, but nothing was what it appeared to be.The trial was meant to discredit His character, but actually testified to the integrity of His character.The crucifixion was designed to extinguish life brutally, but actually was the execution of the divine plan to give life eternally.The time of darkness seemed to be a natural event, but was a holy visitation of wrath and judgment on the sins of the world and on Jesus.The thieves demonstrated human responsibility to reject or receive Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Luke 22:19Remember to celebrate the moments of God's grace in your life.Remember Jesus' passionate desire to have a relationship with you.Remember the personal decision to receive Jesus' invitation to life.

Luke 20:1-2It is under the authority of Jesus we find all that is needed for a fruitful and fulfilling life here and hereafter.The most obvious dispaly of personal sin is the rebellion and the rejection of divine authority.

Luke 19:28-46The last week in the life of Jesus reveals Him in His greatest moments of purpose and passion! He was on a mission and every actionhad purpose.Sunday - Celecrating the King in a crowd of fans, followers, and foesMonday - Cleaning our the clutter and confusion

1 Peter 3:1-7"A wedding is one thing; a marriage is something completely different." - Chuck SwindollWives, respond to your husbands with respect and a gracious spirit. It gives God room to work.Husbands, treat your wife with value and honor. It will imporve your walk with God.

Submission is a conscious, willing subjection to another person's authority.Submission is essential for spiritual success and everyday effectiveness for the Kingdom.The example of Christ provides unshakeable hope during discouraging and devastation seasons.

Matthew 13:18-23The kingdom of God is all about the heart! A heart to receive the message of grace and a heart to share the message of grace.The urgency for grace is obvious in the conditions of the heart.The resistant heartThe deceived heartThe reluctant heartthe receptive heartThe evidence of grace is a changed heart.

1 Peter 2:9-10Followers of Jesus Christ are different from everyone else!We have an eternal and spritual identity that seperates us from all others.We have the unique mission of reflecting God's Grace to everyone

1 Peter 2:4-5Jesus is the rock we run to.God builds His spiritual house on Jesus for everyone to see.People can reject Jesus and experience indescribable ruin OR people can run to Jesus and enjoy incredible blessings.

1 Peter 1:13-25Followers of Christ can be spiritually and morally different in a decaying world.HOLY means to be set apart or seperated for a special or unique purpose.We can be dynamically different because of our relationship with God, not keeping the rules of religion and tradition.We can be distinctively different in how we respond to others.

1 Peter 1:1"Hope is not merely wishful thinking, it is confident expectation that is focused on the person and promises of Jesus Christ."There are some principle we can learn from the ups and downs of Peter's life.Failure in our past does no always dismiss purpose in our future.A broken heart is great preparation for helping broken lives.Any expression of hope gives more encouragement than countless thoughts never expressed.

Luke 2:7It is so easy to do everything at Christmas that we miss the main thing about Christmas - Jesus!We get distracted by other things.We get disturbed at what we might lose.Many people want a God who is on call but not a God who is in control.We get deceived by believing intellectual knowledge is enough.

John 1:14-17

Luke 2:8-20Why were the shepherds the ones God chose to be the first to hear the announcment that His Son had been born? What hope does the story of the shepherds bring to us? This week, Eric explains what God is saying to us this Christmas through the story of the shepherds.

John 1:14Christmas is the expression of God's love for everyone.Christmas is the celebration of a life that changes life.

Luke 2:14We live in a time when there is unparallel unrest in the Middle East, a time when people suffer from broken homes and broken lives, a time of unprecedented debt, a time of moral decline and spiritual depravity. In the midst of national uncertainty and personal turmoil, can there ever be peace?We can experience peace through gracious forgiveness of sin.We can have peace through God's faithfulness to us.We can enjoy peace because of a glorious future with God.

Philippians 1:3-7Take time to be specifically thankful to the people in your life.2 things we can be thankful for:Involvement that produces a service of communityEncouragement that builds affection

Philippians 1:3-7Take time to be specifically thankful to the poeple in your life.Two things we can be thankful for:Involvement that produces a service of communityEncouragement that builds affection

Luke 17:12-19Gratitude is the response for grace received.Thankfulness is both intentional and visible.

Ephesians 4:1-3What are the keys that bring unique personalities, diverse opinions, and different prefences together in harmony?Humility - recognizes the value in othersGentleness - responds with power and strength under God's controlPatience - Waiting on God's timetable without complaining.Acceptance - Putting up with one another in love

This name is in the first four books of the New Testament over 500 times. It means "The Lord of Salvation" or "Jehovah saves". There is someting eternally significant about the name of "Jesus"!It's an easy name to say.It's an enduring name throughout history, regardless of rejections & criticisms for over 2,000 years.It's an exalted name with undisputed honor.It's an exclusive name, bringing rescue from sin.

Nehemiah 2When the hand of God joins with the willing hearts of His people, great things will happen!Every great work begins with God.Everyone has a place to fill in a great workExpect resistence from satanic forces.

Jesus demonstrates how to take a simple encounter and move it to a life changing experience.Love has no boundaries. It reaches all people.Love always focuses on a person's point of need.1. We all need security - That is being valuable to someone.2. We all need significance - That is doing something meaningful.

Hebrews 11:4This is an agricultural fact. This is also a spiritual principle that answers the questions, "How can I be right with God?" and "How can I have peace and power for everyday life?" The answer is revealed in the comparison of Cain and Abel.Cain's sacrifice is one of impressive self-effort.Conceived in human imaginationCultivated through human exhaustionCherished by human evaluationConfident with human expectationContemptible before GodAbel's sacrifce is excellent for it is the reflection of the Savior.Excellent in formExcellent in faithEnjoying forgiveness

Hebrews 12:2-3Jesus is the only cure for our sinful condition.Jesus is the constant companion in our sorrows and successes.Jesus is the undisputed champion of our salvation.

James 3:1-12The power of communication is one of the greatest gifts God has entrusted to us. It can accomplish good or evil!What we say has power to direct actions and attitudes. (v. 1-4)What we say has power to destory life purpose and potential (v.5-8)What we say has the power to dispense affirmation and motivation (v.9-12)

Acts 16:23-24Life should be more than just a mere existence.Take honest inventory of life without and within.Ask the right question about life with God.Accept the gracious invitation to life that only Jesus can give.Are you merely existing?

Stories and the art of storytelling hold a huge place in our lives and culture. This week, Eric reminds us of the responsibility God has placed on families to be tellers of the stories of God to their children.

Romans 5:1-11Today we will take a look at a few of the benefits of salvation. There are many more.Peace - v.1Access - v.2Hope - v.2Triumph in troubles - v.3-4Love of God - v. 5The Holy Spirit - v. 6-8Deliverance from wrath - v. 9-10Joy - v. 11

God will use everyday, ordinary people for extraordinary ministry. God knows our potential and what we can become. Our part in experiencing effective ministry is commitment.The place of commitment is the heart. 1. It is where life's heaviest battles are fought 2. It is where winners and seperated from whiners 3. It is where God reveals himself to be enoughThe process of commitment begins with a challenge, followed by change, and finally making a choice.

The church is to be one in identity united in the person of Christ. We are to be one in heart united in purpose.Jesus taught the ultimate purpose and philosophy that can bring us together as one.Follow the great commandment by exalting God, engaging with others and embracing who you are. "Too many Christians just sit, soak, and sour."Fulfill the great commission by sharing Jesus with all people, by baptizing those who respond in faith and by strengthening believers.

James 2:14-261. Faith without works is dead.2. it is foolish to think faith alone has value3. Actions perfect or complete faith

Psalm 27:1-14Hope without a point of reference is just a wish!Hope has confidence in the Lord (v.1-3) 1. He is my light, giving direction. 2. He is my salvation, providing deliverence. 3. He is my stronghold, offering defense.Hope grows from closeness to the Lord as we experience His presence and enjoy his beauty. (v.4-6)Hope cries out before the Lord for audience, acceptance, and affirmation. (v.7-12)Hope receives counsel from the Lord. (v.13-14)God invites us to put our hope in Him.

Ephesians 4:11-12Paul teaches that pastors and people connect together to form a ministry team that can impact and influence the church and community for God's glory and purpose."It is important that the people believe in their leader, BUT it is MORE important that the leader believe in the people." - John MaxwellJesus models how a winning connection develops:Focus on the potential, not just the present & past. 1. The look inward 2. The look forward Jesus sees not only our actualities, but He sees our potential through the power of the Holy Spirit.Develop relationships by investing time & treasures in people. Relationships are the building blocks of the kingdom!Pray for one another's needs.Never give up on believing in what God can do with us.When God looks at you through the cross of Jesus, you are a TEN!

Nehemiah 2:11-20"One person with passion is more effective than ninety-nine who may have an interest." - John MaxwellPassion: recognizing what truly matters and making a total commitment to it.Passion's process - God puts it in, we live it out, others build it up.Passions power - moves us to attempt the impossible, advance through adversity, and acheive desired results.Passion's protection is intentional.

Acts 17:22-32In a very religious environment it is easy to miss the obvious. The truth about God becomes unknown to our culture.Recognize God's greatness as the creator of the universe.Realize the glory of God as the coordinator of life.Receive the grace of God as the only Savior for sin.

1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Resolute: unwavering firmness and determination.Boldly presenting Jesus Christ beyond cultural boundaries.Continually extending grace by building bridges and not walls."If Christians cannot extend grace through faithful presence within the body of believers, they will not be able to extend grace to those outside." - James Davidson Hunter

Deut. 31:6-8, 31Be strong and courageousDo not be afraid or discouraged.Joshua 1The Lord your God is with you wherever you go.1 Chronicles 28:20The Lord won't leave you or forsake youBe strong and courageous, and do the work.Psalm 27:14Wait for the Lord.Psalm 31:24Put your hope in the LordProverbs 4:23Guard your heartIt's not easy, but with God's help I can be the dad God wants me to be!

Philippians 1:1-8Gratitude and encouragement should be given sincerely, specifically, personally, publicly, and frequently. We all are on a journey together that includes joys and sorrows, challenges and crises, gains and losses.Grateful for the relationship we experience in Christ.Grateful for the partnership we have in sharing Christ.I am grateful for the cross of Christ that brings us together!

Matthew 28:19-20Our purpose, as a body of believers at FBC Lindale, is to develop healthy followers of Christ. It is the Great Commission that requires our total commitment!We are to GO because of the indescribable reality of lostness, darkness, emptiness, and hopelessness.We are to INVEST in others because of the immediate responsibility of equipping for spiritual growth and encouraging for ministry growth.The result of God's purpose for us is fruitful multiplication and fulfilling ministry.

Romans 12:1The American Heritage Dictionary defines sacrifice as:a. The forfeiture of somthing highly valued for the sake of one considered to have greater value or claim.b. Something so forfeited.Memorial Day is the time we remember and honor those who sacrificed life for God, country, and freedom.Every Sunday, followers of Christ come together to honor Jesus, who sacrificed His life for God the Father, for the Kingdom, and for freedom from sin.Sacrifice provides freedom for others to sacrifice.Sacrifice was made for us.Sacrifice is asked of us.Sacrifice ensures greater blessing.

Proverbs 4:23The heart referred to here is not the physical organ that pumps blood through the body. The heart is the text identifies the center of human will and emotions. The heart is the source for decisiions, big & small, good & bad. The heart is the center of affections and moral consciousness.In a world that will break your heart, what can you do to guard your heart?Develop standards to guide your heart with biblical principles and moral standards.Decide on strategies to protect your heart from the corruption and consequences of sin.Discover spiritual disciplines to strengthen and encourage your heart.

Ephesians 6:1-3A chef, an administrator, an accountant, a counselor, a janitor, a negotiator, a fashion expert, a teacher, a theologian, a philosopher, and a friend. We call her Mom. Moms are a valuable gift from God.How do we value mothers?Receive here as a perfect gift from God providing love and leadership in life.Respect her as a valuable gift in attitudes and actions.

Ephesians 6:4As parents, we can give our children somthing that will make a difference in their life. You can give them an atmosphere of grace.What makes up an atmosphere of grace?Grace provides love that offers acceptance and attention.Grace builds self-esteem with encouragement and compliments.Grace offers instruction and correction to allow for fulfillment in purpose.

Matthew 7:13-14Everyone chooses a way to travel through life and ultimately into eternity. Jesus speaks of just 2 ways.One is the road most travelled being convenient but costly.The other is the road less traveled with personal confrontation, individual commitment and eternal celebration.Don't miss your opportunity to get on the right road!

As we observe the Lord's Supper, Pastor Tim shares the importance of remembering the cross and what was done through Christ's sacrifice to free us. We can't forget.

Acts 1:8Easter was not an event that is just to be celebrated annually. Easter is an experience that can be celebrated daily.What happened after the resurrection of Jesus?Followers of Christ walked in a new strength - the power of the Holy Spirit.The Holy Spirit provides instruction and direction for everyday life.The Holy Spirit produces courage and community.Followers of Christ witnessed with a new story - the story of complete forgiveness and new identity.The story of the crossThe status of the saints