First Baptist Church of Lindale, GA

Psalm 56:3; 2 Timothy 1:7Some chains are so strong, they restrict any movement toward our destiny. These chains bind us tightly from experiencing emotion, spiritual, and physical development, leaving behind a joyless existence of what might have been.Fear is a chain that holds back the sense of adventure and advancement in every area of life!Fear is the result of unpredictable relationships, unfavorable circumstances, undesireable events, and the uncertainty of the future.Courage is the reality of faith in God that produces inner strength, a genuine significance and a peace of mind that takes us beyond the crises, challenges, and circumstances of everyday life.

Proverbs 6:34Some chains sqeeze our emotions so tightly that there is no room left for love, only fury!Jealousy is one such choin with a twin sister, envy.Jealousy is the pain of losing what one has to someone else and being left with inner rage.Envy hurts for what one doesn't have and someone else, leaving only suspicion and negativity.The more blessing God gives, the more those twin sisters surface causing destruction. The hope for breaking these chains is only by the grace of Jesus Christ.

(Due to a unintentional sound adjustment, you will experience some excess noise in today's recording. We apologize for the inconvenience.)Ephesians 4:30-32There are chains that hold our heart captive preventing us from living out our God given purpose and potential.Bitterness is one of those chains.Bitterness is the result of an unforgiving spirit that holds you captive.Forgiveness through faith is the only way to break the chains of bitterness and bring freedom to live a powerful, fulfilling life.

Luke 15:11-24We all travel the path of our choosing. The question that must be answered is, is the path we choose taking us into a wasted life or a fulfilling life.The life that needs to be abandoned is one of being self-absorbed, short sighted, and self-relient.The love worth finding is receptive and restoring, resulting in rejoicing.

John 14:1-2This week, we have heard statements like "a world-wide storm", "rage and revolution", and "times of uncertainty". All these phrases can greatly disturb us.Our time of trouble is only temporary - a better world is coming.Our triumphant transition is certain - Jesus is coming again.

Matthew 26:26-29The purpose and power of Christ is symbolized in two elements.The significance of the body of ChristThe sufficiency of the blood of Christ

Hebrews 2:1Some drift away from the responsibility of so great a salvation.Some drift by the opportunity for so great a salvation.

John 4:28-30, 39-42She was disappointed with her life.She was discouraged with her failures.She was disillusioned with religion.She discovered the Savior of the world.You will never know what can happen until you share your story about Jesus with someone.

1 Corinthians 3:6-9We all hope and anticipate the harvest of apples, oranges, tangerines, corn, okra, and green beans each year. The Bible teaches about another kind of harvest that is just as real - a spiritual harvest of souls.The spiritual harvest is a process involving many people with one purpose.The spiritual harvest is a promise based on the power of God.

Ephesians 4:11-13God's grace draws us together, develops us spiritually and directs us effectively. The result is multiplication and maturity in our church community.1. God's grace provides spiritual representatives and specific roles in our church community2. God's grace is evident in the process of training for ministry in our church community3. God's grace is effective for the purpose of maturing our faith, knowledge and fellowship in Christ.

Matthew 2:1-2How does the kind of worship God desires happen?Worship fit for the King begins at God's invitationAn invitation to sing as an expression of joyAn invitation to share as an experience of hopeAn invitation to give as an exhibit of loveAn invitation to come and find forgiveness

Matthew 2:1-2; John 4:23-24Worship is foundational to everything else for spiritual growth in the Christian Life. Could it be that many people come to church because it's Sunday, rather than coming on Sunday to worship the King?Worship for the King is a priority, privately and publiclyWorship for the King has a specific perspective and significant purpose.

This week, Pastor Tim explains the importance of the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering and our part in impacting the entire world for Christ.

Colossians 3:15-17There are no sermon notes today for a reason. Listen and find out why.

"RE:connect Sunday" was a special day of worship dedicated to the relationships between parents and their children & teens. We were honored to have Dr. Richard Ross, student ministry professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, as our special guest to minister to our families.In his sermon, Dr. Ross reminds us of who Jesus really is and how our lives and families reflect our perception of who Christ is. Is Christ your mascot or your monarch?

Malachi 3:6-10Failure to upgrade stewardship will lead to a downsizing of resources.God deserves our tithes and offerings because of who He is and what He was done.God determines the percentage and place of giving.When we upgrade how we give, we enlarge our faith and we express our gratitude for grace.

Acts 2:44-46Life changing connections require periodical upgrade.Together we need to open our door of hospitality.Together we need to open our heart to the hurtiing.In everything we offer to others, don't forget to offer hope!

John 15:1-8God is always the same!The rest of us should be progressively changing!God wants to upgrade our production:Experiencing the process of spiritual growthGod wants to upgrade our position:Receiving the transforming power of graceGod loves us too much to leave us where we are.

Hebrews 10:24-25God has a stimulus package for our community. Not our geographical community, but our spiritual community. Our church is "community"; that is a group of people who belong to Christ and committed to each other. God's stimulus works in the worst of times, even to the end time!Stimulate one another with a love for God and love for each other.Stimulate one another to do good works.Our church needs to be a place offering loving arms, not a cold shoulder.

Ephesians 5:18-21Do you find yourself trying to live the Christian life by your own power? Do you feel like you're running the spiritual race on empty? These are symptoms of living by our own plan and not God's. Let's consider His plan...A command to be considered: Let you life be permeated with the Holy Spirit.A companion to be cherished: Live in dependence daily on the Holy Spirit.A Course to be completed: Fulfill God's purpose by the power of the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 4:7-16Followers of Christ are more than a crowd that gathers on Sunday mornings. We are a body of believers brought into a living union with God and fellowship with each other. We are a living organism joined to exalt our Savior and expand His kingdom.Body life has development in spirit and size.Body life has direction from the SaviorBody life has diversity for service

Ephesians 2:19Paul used a vivid metphor, "household", to illustrate the reality and significance of God's spiritual family.Followers of Christ have a favored place in God's Family - Sharing Faith1. Spiritual birth2. Spiritual familyFollowers of Christ have a purpose to fulfill - Sharing Lives1. Ministry in the family2. Motivation for the family

Haggai 1:2-8, 14-15The prophet Haggai speaks a short but strong word from the "Lord of the Angel Armies" to think seriously about the direction of their lives and to act specifically in changing their destination.The Problem of Misplaced Priorities:Seek the Kingdom of God first. (Matt. 6:33)Misplaced priorities displease the Lord, disgrace His name, and dilute the power of His people.The Picture of Displaced Passions:Our heart always follows what we treasure. (Matt 6:21)Buildings are not museums achoing the past or monuments to elevate places and people, but mission stations existing to exalt God and experience kingdom work!

Acts 2:42-47; 1 John 1:1-4The journey in becoming a mature and dynamic follower of Christ involves authentic fellowship - real relationshipsThe Greek term koinonia means to share something in common.Our fellowship begins with an expression of faith and an experience of grace in Christ Jesus.Our fellowship flows to one another in our burdens and our blessings.The local church was ordained by God to be a group of people who care for one another and love one another because of Christ.

Acts 12:1-18

John 6:22-27

Romans 5:8The Lord's Supper reminds us of the truth about us and God's love for us.We have a problem with an unbearable penalty.1. The problem is missing the mark God requires.2. The penalty is missing Heaven and a personal relationship with God.God offers a provision with an unforgettable price.1. God provides the sufficient sacrifice that solves my problem.2. God offers a pardon for sin that is sufficient for everyone, but is efficient only for those who believe.

Matthew 28:18-20Evangelism: Sharing information about the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ for sinful humantiy with the purpose of offering an invitation to respond with faith.Going into the world in the authority of Christ (Matt. 28:18-20)1. His authority is legitimate and ultimate.2. The world starts with the people closest to us and continues to those farthest from us.Someone in the shadow of your influence is waiting for you to share this life changing message.Going in the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8)1. Witnessing to Christ's story is effective only as the Holy Spirit equips us and empowers our words.2. Witnessing for Christ is not dependent on us by the power of the Spirit in us. The Holy Spirit calls people to Christ and only He can convert people to a new life in Christ.Going with the message of forgiveness1. We have the priviledge of announcing to those who will accept Christ that their sins are forgiven.2. We have the responsibility to declare to those who reject Christ there is no forgiveness for their sin.

John 13:34-35Essence is defined by The American Heritage Dictionary as, "the most important ingredient; crucial element." Jesus clearly identifies what is a crucial element in the lives of His followers.Love is the Identifying mark.Love is more than a feeling. It's a command.1. Serving others at my own expense2. Acting on God's will rather than my willLove is more than a good intention. It's a grace initiative that imitates Jesus (1 John 4:19)1. We show love as we serve others2. We show love as we share the message of salvation from sin3. We show love in our sacrifce

Luke 9:57-62Jesus wants us to know what is involved and expected if we are to effectively demonstrate spiritual power and display spiritual maturity.Three expectations expressed:I. We are to follow Christ regardless of the destination1. No guarantee on the accomodations2. Plenty of grace for the adventureII. We are to follow Christ without hesitation.1. Seize the moments opportunity2. Share the message of the kingdom with urgency.III. We are to follow Christ with no reservation.1. If you keep looking back from where you came, you will never effectively follow Christ2. Jesus expects to be the most important person in your life.Jesus wants us to follow Him because we love Him, not for what we might get from Him!

Matthew 11:28-30When we discover what is really important to Jesus, it will bring on experiences of joy, power, peace, and victory like we have never known before.The Lord's gracious invitation into a relationship1. Find relief from the weariness of religion.2. Find rest from the weight of sin.We are invited to a position of rest. It is a gift.The Lord's great expectation for discipleshipThe significance of the yolk:1. The experience of submission2. The expectation of assuming responsibility3. The enjoyment of companionshipWe are expected to engage in a process of spiritual growth that leads to rest.

Exodus 6:1-9Discouragement touches everyone. It hinders effectiveness, causes a temporary loss of perspective, and it is contagious.Two lessons we can learn while in the pit of discouragement:1. God hears us when we hurt.We may not sense God's help because of:A pain problemA timing problemAn attitude problemA faith problemWe can't seem to hear or sense God, only the noise and shadows of our troubles.2. Our problems increase our knowledge of God.God is God, but at different points and troubles in our journey, He reveals Himself to us in new ways.We offer God our problem and He offers Himself.Gaze at God and glance at the problem.Be open to what God is teaching.God is Enough!

Matthew 14:22-32

Psalm 3Dates like December 7, 1941 and September 11, 2001 remind us that the world is full of evil. However, we have a resource that is greater than the evil. We have both help and hope in the day of trouble!Conflicts come: Admit and identify trouble.Confidence grows: Affirm and increase our trust in the LordCelebration flows: Anticipate victory.The world is a dangerous place to live, but it is also a perfect place to exercise faith and express hope!

2 Kings 13:14

Isaiah 40:31Mark Twain: "When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But, when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years."Rememberances of my DadBoys and WorkPhotography MagazinesTrading CarsUnselfish ExampleAttitude of GratitudeIndependance the goal!Words of LoveDads...DON'T GIVE UP!

Matthew 25:31

Matthew 24:32-35Jesus is coming back...and it could be in our lifetime.1. Live with a sense of UrgencyThere is a work to be done and a message to share2. Act with Personal CertaintyRespond to God's holiness, love, and grace3. Stand on the message of ExclusivityJesus is the only way of spiritual rescue

This weekend calls us to remember those who willingly sacrifice their lives for the security and safety of family, friends, and country. The display of duty and love calls for a time to recognize their sacrifice with honor and gratitude. As we ponder the sacrifice of men and women of the Armed Forces this weekend, even more so, let's consider the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. His death was voluntary: His life was not taken from Him; it was given up by Him.His death was vicarious: Jesus died so we can live!His death was victorious: He resolved the debt of sin, He rresurrected from the grave and He will return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Daniel 1:4-8Distinctive - distinguishing from others; not alike; individual; marching to a different drum.Daniel illustrates the challenges and choices in living distinctively Christian lives in a new environment, different situations, and conflicting culture.The Test of Loyalty - Who Will You Serve?1. A secular culture and philosophy2. The Savior and Lord JesusThe Temptation in Lifestyle - Will You Compromise Your Convictions?1. Compromising Biblical truth2. Concealing your Christian Identity3. Compromising your Christian behaviorBe Truimphant in a Corrupt Culture1. Purpsose to make a difference in people one at a time2. Pray for power to be bold in your Christian witness and spiritual walk.3. Fellowship with others who want to be distinctive in the Christian faith.

1 Thessalonians 5:19The Holy Spirit enables followers of Christ to serve the Lord and each other. The Holy Spirit gives spiritual gifts, ministry opportunities with people, places for ministry with the purpose of glorifying God and serve both believers and unbelievers. The Holy Spirit provides power to accomplish God's purpose for our lives. The Holy Spirit is our source of spiritual fulfillment and personal enrichment.Don't stifle the fire!How can we fan the fire in our personal lives?1. Seek to be controlled by the Holy Spirit2. Serve the Lord with your spiritual gifts and in unique opportunities outside your gift3. Pursue what is good4. Rejoice in God's love and grace5. Cultivate a prayerful atmosphere6. Express gratitude for the provisions, purpose, and power of GodHow can we fan the fire in our church?1. Enjoy balanced worship2. Reach the unchurched3. Value truth over tradition

Luke 7:36-50No one is invisible to Jesus!- The extravagance of love has no limits.- The expression of devotion reveals the depth of gratitude.- The experience of grace is the strating place for extravagant love and expressed devotion.

Matthew 22:37-401. We love God with our minds by heeding the warnings about the danger of a depraved mind. (Romans 1:28-31; Titus 1:15)2. We love God with our minds by allowing our minds to be renewed. (Romans 12:1-2; Ephesians 4:23-24)3. We love God with our minds by developing the discipline of learning. (2 Tim. 2:15-16; Proverbs 15:14, 18:15, 22:17-18; 1 Corinthians 14:19)4. We love God with our minds by choosing to focus our thoughts. (Philippians 4:8-9)Conclusion: Proverbs 26:3

Matthew 22: 34-40; 24:4-14

1 Corinthians 15:17-20Christianity stands or falls on the reality of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.1. The crucifixion of Christ was factual and fatal2. The disciples of Christ believed and testified to the actual appearance of the resurrected Lord and offer eyewitness testimony3. The conversion of an enemy of the cross to a committed follower of Christ - Saul of Tarsus4. The conversion of a skeptic to a spiritual leader of the Jerusalem church - James5. The empty tomb

John 12:12-15; 19:28-30The desperate cry from the crowd reveals the need for help.The divine cry from the cross reveals the reality of hope.

To give glory to God is to recognize and respond to His majesty and magnificence with worship and service.1. Jesus provided the pattern for glorifying God. (John 17:4)2. Followers of Christ are to be like mirrors reflecting the glory of the Lord. (2 Corinthians 3:18)