First Baptist Owasso: Recent Episodes
First Baptist Church Owasso
We exist to love all people to Christ and equip them on their journey with God and one another. We believe Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world. Every week, from the First Baptist Owasso, we explore the Word of God to strengthen our faith, draw near to Him, and deepen our love for one another.
Chris Wall • John 13:31-35
The glory of God is revealed in our love for one another. Christ glorified God with his sacrificial death. God glorified Christ in his miraculous resurrection. The glory of God in his disciples is best seen in our love for one another. The love of Christ is God-centered and God-defined (It’s not a temporary, human kind of love). The love of Christ is self-sacrificing. The love of Christ moves us to love one another. Who do you need to forgive? Who do you struggle to love? What will you do to forgive and love that person this week?
Chris Wall • John 13:21-30
The story of Judas is arguably the most shocking account of betrayal in history. His betrayal shows the ultimate end of misguided belief. Judas heard all the teaching. He went to all the places. He experienced all the wonders and even ate the bread and fish Jesus miraculously made. Yet his heart remained stubbornly stuck in unbelief. What is even more striking is that his unbelief was hidden from everyone but Jesus. When hearing of a betrayal in the group, the other 11 accused themselves without even considering Judas as the culprit. Though Judas’s story was prophetically predicted, surely there are lessons to learn from his historic downfall. Surely there are safeguards to establish so you can avoid the Judas path to misguided belief.
Chris Wall • John 13:1-3
Jesus moves into the Upper Room discourse with a dramatic call to servanthood. This was an unexpected and humble act of service that symbolized the washing of regeneration (forgiveness) given to all who believe. John 13:14-17 moves from what Jesus did to what we should do for one another. “If you know these things, happy are you if you do them.” The gospel continues to radically impact our lives one person at a time. Nothing earns the credibility to share the gospel like humbling serving people expecting nothing in return. God is calling our church to a unified heart so that we can more effectively serve one another.
Chris Wall • John 12:35-36
Do you believe in Jesus? What does that even mean? Obedience to God is the way you can show that you believe. Trust in the redemptive power of the cross. Pay attention to the clear messages in God’s word. Rest in the eternal life and promises God makes and keeps. The light of Christ is shining a little while longer. God has prepared you to believe so that you will faithfully point people around you to the amazing gift of salvation that came to you. Share your faith with someone this week.
Brayden Peckham • John 12:12-26
Jesus marched into Jerusalem in the manner of a king seated on a donkey. The Pharisees scoffed at Him and tried to end His work. Later, they thought they had succeeded. But, Jesus sacrificed everything and calls us to do the same. How are you going to surrender Jesus?
Smokey Hurst • John 12:1-8
What does a passionate personal response to Jesus actually look like? What does a passionate personal response to reject Jesus look like? The gospel of John was written for us to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God and yet we often struggle with what we are to do with these realities in our lives. John 12 is the hinge from Jesus' public ministry to His private ministry before the cross. John 12 through the end of the gospel of John is about Passion Week and the resurrection. Within the first few verses of John 12 we get to peek inside the hearts of Mary and Judas who both make very passionate personal responses to who they believe Jesus to be. What is your response?
Joe McKeen
There are two reactions to Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead- Belief and Unbelief.
Chris Wall • John 10:1-6
Jesus uses the powerful imagery of a shepherd and his sheep to convey deep spiritual truths. He declares Himself as the Good Shepherd, the One who intimately knows and cares for His sheep, willing to lay down His life for their protection. Not only does he defend the sheep, but He knows the sheep and the sheep know his
voice. There is complete certainty in Christ. You can live with an unshakable trust that transcends the challenges and uncertainties of life. It is a confidence that our salvation is secure, firmly held in the hands of the One who laid down His life for us. Put yourself in the best position to hear God's voice. One day, we will not just hear the voice of the Good Shepherd, but we will see him face to face.
Chris Wall • John 9:1-5
The bad news is that every person is born spiritually blind. However, the good news is that Jesus came as the light of the world offering healing from spiritual blindness. Just as Jesus gave physical sight to the blind man, He offers the gift of spiritual vision to all who have faith in Him. Communicating this powerful message of salvation is the primary work Jesus came to do. Today, you are called to join Him in this very work: You are sent to WORK the WORK of God.
Chris Wall • John 8:10-12
A Divine plan was implemented in Jesus being sent to the world revealing the light of salvation. John 8 describes a transformative confrontation with the scribes and Pharisees as they come to grips with their need for salvation. God issues a call to genuine repentance, resulting in a turning away from sin, leading to the internal light of life. Is that light of life in you? Jesus shared this light with the world. Our church is SENT to do the same. Today, look deeply in your heart for the Light of Life.
Chris Wall • John 7:37-53
The scene continues at the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. On the last day, Jesus stands and proclaims that whoever is thirsty should come to Him and drink, promising that rivers of living water will flow from within them. “Every believer is SENT by God to share the LOVE of Jesus so the WORLD will KNOW and BELIEVE that He is God.” “The One SENT to save the worlds sends you.” On this Father’s Day, we pray that our men become channels of living water that changes the world.
Chad Balthrop • John 7:1-9
If you have a brother, you know. “You think you’re something special!? Prove it!” Let’s be honest: even beyond sibling rivalry, we don’t like being told what to do. Sure, give me advice. Help me achieve my goals. But insert the word “should,” tell me I have to? It’s the quickest way to get me to go the other way.
In the days before Jesus was crucified, he encountered people who couldn’t get past their doubt, dissatisfaction, defeats, disagreements, or denial—even his brothers. Yet Jesus kept confidently living a God-given plan. He kept moving toward His redemptive purpose. He met people where they were and challenged them to take their next step of faith.
And now, the One sent to save the world sends you.
Chad Balthrop • John 6:22-24
Our appetites can fuel our strengths or feed our vices. On the day after He fed the 5000, the morning after He walked on water, the crowd came, seeking Jesus. After hearing His words, their day ended, leaving Jesus. The appetites that drove them to Him became the obstacles that kept them from believing in Him. Jesus said, “I am the bread of life.” Enjoy a meal you’ll always remember with a man you’ll never forget. Trust every appetite to the One who satisfies every need.
He has the Words of Life.
Chris Wall • John 6:15-21
Jesus brings the calm. When life's storms rage around us, our instinct is often to focus on the tempest itself, but Jesus calls us to a different response. He invites us to sit with Him, to rest in His unwavering presence, and to find calm amid the turbulence. This passage reminds us that no matter how tumultuous our circumstances, Jesus brings the calm over the tumultuous waves of life. Sit with the Lord. Instead of sitting with your problems, sit with the Lord. Instead of meditating on your problems, meditate on His promises.
Chris Wall • John 6:1-14
God is more than able and provides physically and spiritually. According to His purpose and will, Gods blessings often exceed our expectations and needs, revealing His overflowing grace. This miraculous meal serves as a powerful reminder to give thanks for Gods provision in our lives, knowing that He is able to provide more than we could ever imagine, both physically and spiritually. Gratitude. When was the last time you genuinely thanked the Lord?
Chris Wall • John 19:25-27
We witness a poignant scene at the foot of the cross where Jesus is being crucified. Standing near the cross were Jesus; mother, Mary, and her sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, along with Mary Magdalene. In His final moments, Jesus looks down at His mother and, filled with compassion, entrusts her care to John. On the cross, we know of seven statements Jesus made which were all critically important. In the midst of Christ’s suffering, He faithfully keeps the 5th commandment as He makes sure to honor His mother. This is truth we must not overlook; a lesson we must learn; and an example we must follow.
Chris Wall • John 5:1-18
God is powerfully working…RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, giving us the RIGHT HOPE, because He is the RIGHT SOURCE, with the RIGHT PLAN providing the RIGHT AMOUNT shifting us to the RIGHT FOCUS while helping us to live the RIGHT kind of LIFE.
Chris Wall • John 4:46-54
God is powerfully working…RIGHT HERE, RIGHT NOW, giving us the RIGHT HOPE, because He is the RIGHT SOURCE, with the RIGHT PLAN providing the RIGHT AMOUNT shifting us to the RIGHT FOCUS while helping us to live the RIGHT kind of LIFE. God has called us to trust Him and take His word seriously. When He speaks, do we immediately believe or do we doubt Him? This leader exhibits the kind of faith that we must strive to build even in the most extreme circumstances. A sick child leaves one feeling helpless, hopeless and broken. Here, this leader learns the promises of Christ are trustworthy. As a result, his entire family comes to believe in Jesus. Do you believe in Jesus?
Chald Balthrop • John 4:21:39
What are you looking for?
There’s a simple truth that’s easy to forget. Generally, people find what they’re looking for. Where you expect to find kindness, kindness is often found. Where you look for disappointment, disappointment is easy to see. When you don’t like what you see, look a little deeper. Shift your focus. God is working powerfully right here, right now, giving us the right hope because He is the right source with the right plan, providing the right amount to move us to the right focus to help us live the right kind of life.
The answers you seek are right in front of you. Right now. As you learn to live all of life, all for Jesus.
Chris Wall • John 4:1-6
The woman at the well is a fascinating reminder for us to see the world like Jesus. The disciples are busy making preparation for ministry all the while missing the real ministry right in front of them. Jesus engages this woman who was broken, lost, but still deeply loved by God. In this passage, you see the urgency of Christ to bring salvation to the entire world. We are called to notice the harvest right in front of us. Jesus came bringing salvation to the world. His plan to deliver that message is by the Holy Spirit through witnesses. We are the witnesses called to notice people and share the message of salvation to others.
Chris Wall • John 20:11-16
The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. It is revolutionary. It transforms our perspective and defines our mission. It brings a radical shift in the life of every person who comes to faith in the power of this good news. What is your mission? How has the empty tomb influenced you?
Chris Wall • John 19:16-37
In this passage, John highlights four direct messianic prophecies that took place on the
cross completely outside of the prophets control. Christ completed the work of
redemption on the cross. In verse 30, Jesus says, “It is finished” or “It has been
accomplished”. On the cross, the penalty of sin has been completely served. The price
of redemption is completely paid. The justice of God is completely satisfied. The
deliverance of sinners is completely secured. You can be confident in who Jesus is. You
can be confident in what He has done. You can be confident in what He is doing. It is
passion week – who will you point to Jesus this week?
Chris Wall • John 18-28:40
The suffering Jesus reveals several important truths we must not miss. It reveals the wickedness of our sin. It speaks to our inability to stand rightly before God in our own power. The mistreatment of Jesus reveals the graciousness of God as He was willing to take on Himself the punishment we deserve. In this passage, you also see an important human tendency shared by all people: this natural tendency to reject God and His plan for us. Our human nature is inherently sinful and because of this sin, we want to live in control of our own lives and our own destiny. In all honesty, the greatest threat and most significant problem for every person born into this world is lostness. The cruelty of the cross offers a vivid picture of the nastiness and devastation of sin. Every person born desperately needs to be changed from the outside in. This is a work of God, not a work of man which has been proclaimed to the world, even from the mouths of fools.
Misael Gonzalez • John 18:1-14
When you learn about big events in world history, no one can deny how the crucifixion of Christ stands as the key focal point for humanity. Before the Cross of Christ, humanity was obligated to sacrifice their best for their worst. But through the Cross, God demonstrated that it was not about our best, but HIS BEST! Let the journey to the Cross begin.
Chris Wall • John 3:14-36
One question at a time – Lostness is the greatest human problem while faith in Christ
alone remains the only means to cure that problem. Coming to grips with salvation by
faith is a core biblical teaching. Many today still follow the idea that one can earn their
own way to eternity. Nicodemus was baffled by this news that even he needed to be
saved from his sin. Salvation is by faith alone in Christ alone. Whoever comes will be
born again. After that new birth takes place, the Holy Spirit starts to produce
supernatural works producing radical change.
Chris Wall • John 3:1-13
Salvation comes when a person is “Born again”. The principles in this conversation with Nicodemus are clear. Religious credentials are not sufficient to save a person from the wrath of God. New Birth is the only way a person can experience the hope of eternal life. Still to this day, many are confused about the path to eternal life. Many still try to do more good than bad trying to somehow earn their way to heaven. Nicodemus came to realize that even his religious fervor could not transform him from the inside out. His religious effort could not bridge the gap to God. He needed Jesus. He needed to be born again. Do you know that you are going to heaven? Are you born again?
Stoney Hurst • John 2:13-22
Many of our thoughts and ideas of who Jesus was/is have been shaped by our culture and our desires of who we want Him to be. Often, when we create our own ideas of who Jesus is, we reduce Him to a very passive individual stripped of many of His divine attributes. John 2:13-25 gives us a prominent picture of the power that Jesus possesses and the zeal He has for true worship. A. W. Tozer once said, "What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us." John writes this Gospel so we will believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God. To believe, we must accept the truth about who He truly is. We must have a proper understanding of who Christ was. Who do you believe Jesus is? Do you believe He is truly the only begotten Son of God?
Chris Wall • John 2:1-11
Jesus and his disciples have been invited to a wedding. Jesus’ mother seems to be
involved, so it may be a wedding of a family member or friend. As they arrive, the host
faces a terribly embarrassing moment, he runs out of wine. In this first century culture,
this is a really big deal. To run out of wine is an insult to everyone attending. Jesus
loves his mom and she knows he has the power to fix this problem and in this situation,
he chose this situation to offer his first earthly miracle revealing His glory and helping
the disciples believe. Do you see His Glory in the ability to transform this world? Do you
believe in Jesus?
Chris Wall • John 1:43-51
God is faithful to prepare every heart for His Spirit to work. The work of God is not up to
us, hence, it is the work of God. At the same time, God invites us to join in with Him like
Phillip and Nathanael. The Lord is clearly calling us to “follow Him” living as faithful
ambassadors for Christ. We can be confident in this call because God is faithful to work
before us, through us, and after us. Philip was faithful to witness to Nathanael. In a
similar way, you have been chosen to follow Jesus. You are being transformed by
Jesus, and you are called to call others to Jesus. Are you growing as a faithful and bold
witness with the gospel? Your walk with God is a remarkable example to the remarkable
work of God. Don’t miss it!!!
Chris Wall • John 1:35-42
Andrew was the first disciple to turn to Jesus. He was quick to tell those closest to him what he had seen and heard. After meeting Jesus, Andrew's eyes were opened to who Jesus really was. Jesus was the living Son of God. His life was so transformed, he immediately brought his brother to meet Jesus. Here is an interesting fact about Andrew: Whenever you find Andrew referenced in John’s gospel, he is bringing someone to Jesus. He brings his brother in this passage. He brings the lad with the loaves and fishes in John 6:8. He brings the Greeks who wanted to see Jesus in John 12. When it comes to Andrew, we have no record of him preaching sermons, but we do see him living his life and sharing his testimony one-on-one. Andrew is the best “MY ONE” seeker we see in Scripture. Every follower of Christ is called to notice people and live as a passionate witness for Christ. Our witness should be most effective among the people we know the most. Do you have a “My ONE”? How are you engaging them? Is there anything hindering your witness for Christ? What barriers do you need to overcome?
Chris Wall • John 1:19-34
John the Baptist was the physical forerunner of the Messiah. In response to this curiosity, the religious leaders sent out a group of priests fishing for information on the unique work unfolding before their eyes. John’s life was changed and his message can be summarized in this remarkable statement: “Here is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! Jesus is the Lamb of God who became the worthy sacrifice for your sin and mine. Our guilt no longer remains which enables us to live free from the power and penalty of sin. The Holy Spirit rests on us because the moment you trusted Christ He rests on you and in you. Let’s learn from John’s life and John’s message.
Chris Wall • John 1:1-18
In fact, Jesus is God’s last Word to mankind (Hebrews 1:1-3). According to John, Jesus is the eternal Word. He is the creative Word, and he is the incarnate Word. As the living Word, Jesus entered the world as God in the flesh. He lived an incomparable life resulting in his death and resurrection, proving He was divine. This incarnate revelation of God is an important theme in this gospel pointing to the fullness of grace and the availability of salvation to everyone who would come to the point of repentance.
Chris Wall • John 20:30-31
Have you noticed that the most convincing followers of Jesus are those who are most convinced about Jesus? The gospel of John was written by John the Apostle. He was a man who was convinced about Jesus which led to a convincing life and ministry. John was one of the Sons of Thunder. That could have been a description of John’s personal passion or a description of two boys with a passionate mother. We know that John and his mom were present with Jesus all the way through the crucifixion. It is noteworthy that John walked closely with Jesus before and after His resurrection. As we begin our study of the book of John, let’s rub shoulders with this man who was both convinced and convincing about Christ.
Chris Wall • 1 Timothy 3:16
Beyond all question, the mystery from which true godliness springs is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit,was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory.
Chris Wall • Ephesians 3:14-21
The Definition of ad·vent [ad-vent] noun
1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season.
2. the coming of Christ into the world.
3. the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in
commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.
4. Second Coming.
Advent during Christmas reveals the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love
for you and for me. When Christ entered the world, the love of God came to dwell
among us ultimately indwelling us. The prayer of Paul in Ephesians 3 is uniquely
beautiful enabling the love of God that surpasses knowledge to become actually
knowable. We often hear the words: Jesus Loves Me. This Christmas, I pray you come to
know the Love of Christ in a personal way.
Chris Wall • Romans 5:1-11
The Definition of ad·vent [ad-vent] noun
1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season.
2. the coming of Christ into the world.
3. the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in
commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.
4. Second Coming.
The Christmas season shows us how God is present with us bringing lasting PEACE
through thick and thin, highs and lows, good times and bad. When Christ entered the
world, He brought a personal and lasting peace to every believer walking them through
every circumstance. Romans 5:1-11 reveals the incredible benefit that came to us
because Christ entered the world offering the gift of lasting PEACE.
Chris Wall • Romans 1:8-17
The Definition of ad·vent [ad-vent] noun
1. a coming into place, view, or being; arrival: the advent of the holiday season.
2. the coming of Christ into the world.
3. the period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration
of the coming of Christ into the world.
4. Second Coming.
The Christmas season shows us how God is present with us bringing lasting HOPE
through His people.
Chris Wall • Matthew 16:13-20
It is the unity of the church that helps the world recognize Christ is Lord
(John 17). It is the gathered church where the only hope for the nations is found
(Matthew 28). It is the gathered church the gates of hell will not defeat (Matthew 16).
It is the church where Jesus builds a living body put into action impacting society (1 Corinthians 12).
Chris Wall • 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
One of the core values of our church articulates our call by God to be His Ambassadors. God has called us to this place at this time in redemption history. The greatest problem for every human being is lostness and God has entrusted to us this ministry of reconciliation that has radically transformed our lives. We are called to push one another to be faithful ambassadors for Christ communicating through our lives and our mouths the only hope of salvation – a reconciled life through Christ. Are you the right kind of Ambassador for Christ? What is getting in the way?
Chad Balthrop • 1 Corinthians 1:18-31
Some people are thinkers. They make plans. Ask them to go with the flow, they’ll ask what time the flow starts. Other people are feelers. They follow their gut. They may not go where they’re expected, but they frequently end up where they’re needed. Thinker or feeler, everyone makes the best decision they can based on the information available at the time. But what happens when what we know turns out to be wrong? What do you do when your experience fails to meet your expectations? Whose word will you trust?
For those who are being saved, the foundation of every experience, the basis for timeless truth, is found in the most seemingly foolish thing of all…the word of the cross.
Chris Wall • Mark 10:32-45
One of the core values of our church is that we worship Christ Alone. Our focus in this community is not to communicate our brand, our social media platform, or our pastoral personalities. Our goal is to exalt the name of Christ and point the world to the real hope of salvation available to all who would come to Him.
Chris Wall • Acts 12:1-19
Most people would say prayer is an important activity. But, let’s be honest, do you really think God hears your prayers and responds to the things you bring to Him? What about those times when you pray and the answer that comes is unexpected? Is that normal? How do you process it? How can you understand God’s will versus your will? Here are two truths revealed in the Word of God: God sees every trial you go through. He hears and responds to every prayer you pray. You simply need the church to help you work through it.
Chris Wall • Luke 24:48-49
A core value of our church is to embrace the calling to be Ambassadors for Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:20 tells us that God is powerfully making an appeal to salvation through our lives. These days are challenging and now more than ever, people around us need to hear the call to salvation through believers experiencing the power of the Holy Spirit. Are you living with power? It is available to you right now.
Chris Wall • Luke 12:22-34
As a disciple following Jesus, there are many reasons to grow a genuine trust in Christ regardless of the circumstances. Is worry paralyzing your life and your walk with God? Seeking the Lord in a vibrant and growing walk with God is your greatest resource for the elimination of worry. As a church growing to be everyday disciples, today we are going to learn how to eliminate worry.
Chris Wall • Daniel 8:15-19
God never intended for us to immerse ourselves in prophecy as an end to itself. It was intended to change us. If you don't become a practical, down-to-earth, daily Christian after studying prophecy, you've missed the whole purpose of it.
Chad Balthrop • Revelation 20:11-15
Would you rather be judged by the worst thing you did on the worst day of your life or the best thing you did on the best day of your life? Is it ever possible to really measure up?
It’s true for everyone. When I’m wrong, I want mercy. When you’re wrong, I want justice. There is a Righteous Judge. He delivers grace, satisfies justice, and makes all things new. Judgment is coming. For Believers, every wrong will be redeemed, and every right will be rewarded. For those who reject the Redeemer, every wrong will be revealed, and every wrong-doer will receive their just reward.
Are you ready? Justice will be satisfied in you or at the foot of the cross.
Chris Wall • Ezekiel 33:1-33
All believers are called to be faithful gospel witnesses to the places we live, work and play. We can’t leave it to the “professionals.” There aren’t enough of us. [Do some math for them, as in you are one pastor in a town of 50,000—how is one person going to reach 50,000 people or you are 10 pastors in a city of 1 million. How are 10 pastors going to reach 1 million people—that’s one person reaching 100,000 people. We need everyone in the game. We need 10,000 believers reaching five people each or 100,000 believers reaching 10 people each.] The Bible says God used “uneducated, common men” (Acts 4:13) like the disciples to launch His mission of taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. God placed each of us in this place for this time to be His outposts.
Chris Wall • Revelation 4:1-11
The Bible is clear that the King will return. The Scriptures reveal that there will be a generation called to physically witness the return of Christ. Regardless if our generation has that calling or we are called to join the Lord prior to His return, Heaven is the place being prepared as our eternal home. God is faithful to open the window of Heaven allowing us to peak inside. Revelation 4 is one of those places. This is one of those passages that gives us confidence in the Lord and real hope for the experience of eternity with the Lord. May we all be ready for the Experience of Heaven!!!
Chris Wall • John 2:18-27
For many believers and non-believers alike, the mere mention of the 2nd coming of Christ strikes paralyzing fear. It is a fact, God is leading the world to its proper end. It is also a fact that the situations and circumstances surrounding the 2nd Coming of Jesus come with revealed and certain challenges. At the same time, those entrusted to serve the Lord during those days have the great blessing and privileges of abiding in Christ every step of the way.
Chris Wall • John 21:20-25
God in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.
Chris Wall • John 10:1-6
When it comes to the human story of salvation, Jesus is the real hero. Salvation begins, sustains, and ends with God Himself. This is the reason the important doctrine known as the perseverance of the Saints will definitely come to pass. Because of the cross, all those who are truly born again will be kept by God’s power and will persevere as Christians until the end of their lives. Every person who is born once, will die twice. Every person who is born twice, will only die once.
Chad Balthrop • John 3:1-21
Did you hear? With this new exercise program, you’ll lose weight and look better! This new vitamin will make you feel young again. This new side hustle will give you more money and more time for more things. This will solve all of your problems. Follow my new program and upgrade to YOU 2.0.
You’ve heard the sales pitch. You’ve tried everything under the sun. Yet the upgrade to the life you were promised never leads to lasting results.
In a private conversation with Jesus, a Jewish religious leader sought answers to questions just like yours. Jesus' response was unexpected. You can’t build a better you. Leave behind what you think you know. The solution you seek will only be found in a transformation so radical that you are born again.
Smokey Hurst
No one likes to wait. We want what we want when we want it, and we want what we want right now! Yet Scripture reminds us that there's strength in waiting. In the waiting, old wounds are healed. In the waiting, new ideas inspire fresh focus. In the waiting, the plans of heaven come alive in the heart of humanity. God moves while we wait.
Chad Balthrop • Isaiah 37:5-7
This world is full of trouble. Family is complicated. The nation’s misguided. Even in success, anxiety is high. When people stand against you, and everything’s uncertain. Where is the hope? These must have been the thoughts of Hezekiah, King of Judah. By the Assyrian army’s brutal hands, Hezekiah witnessed the destruction of Israel. Judah would soon be next. Sennacherib, the Assyrian King, defied God and threatened conquest.
An overwhelming army. Insurmountable odds. The last tribe of Israel. Where does a king turn? Hezekiah remembers. He walks in the way of his forefather, David.
Some trust in horses. Some in chariots. But we will trust in the name of the Lord our God.
Chris Wall • Hebrews 12:1-4
This challenge in Hebrews 12 is a perfect follow-up to critical warnings from the Minor Prophets. Our Old Testament readings reveal consistent calls for faithfulness in the face of faithlessness. God’s people have a calling to integrity, unity, and sacrificial service for the lost to encounter the saving work of Christ. For God’s people to fully embrace this calling, we just throw off everything that hinders us from living a life worthy of this Ambassador calling. As a child of God, we can each do three things in this race of life:
1. It can be wasted and there are many doing it.
2. It can be spent half-heartedly, and there are certainly distractions all around.
3. Or you can invest your life where God is working all around you. To invest your life means to use it in a way that extends into eternity.
You can run the race God has called you to run. The Bible is very clear that we were created to live out a gospel adventure. We were not put on this earth just to be a consumer. We were put on this earth to be a contributor. This gospel adventure available to you is found in the race God has in front of you. This race is called Kingdom advancement. The truth is, we are all called into the gospel ministry. To be effective in this, we overcome the onslaught of temptation coming our way. Dealing effectively with temptation sets you up to live a life of value making a real eternal difference.
Chris Wall • Hosea 14:9
Hosea is a vivid and graphic picture of the disobedience of God’s people. We experience salvation by grace that is completely undeserved. This grace moves us to obedience rather than rebellion. An overview of Hosea will be a powerful message to our church. The message comes from the prophet’s heart and his experience and centers on divine love for a people who prostituted themselves after other gods. God continues to speak clearly through His Spirit in concert with His word. He does not call us to distant ritual but to a vibrant relationship with Him. In Hosea, there were unfaithful religious leaders guilty of teaching His people incorrectly. God calls us to faithful love and a personal relationship of knowing him rather than religious activity. Let's learn to grow in the way we serve the Lord. Improve your Serve.
Chad Balthrop • Amos 5:18-24
We live in a generation of prosperity. Yet anxiety surrounds us on every side. Social media makes it easy for people to look good without doing good. We can feel generous without being generous. Our world pursues spiritual truth but redefines any reality that doesn’t serve our misty notions. Amos wasn’t a professional preacher, but he followed God in his generation. You can too. His warning addresses every anxiety…repent; justice is coming.
Chris Wall • 2 Kings 4:1-7
Getting everyone in the family on the same financial page, isn’t always easy. With all the pressure there is today about finances, we can’t afford to not understand how to make the most of the money God has given us. We all need some common sense help if we are going to keep from wasting our money. There are so many people who are completely collapsing financially, not because they don’t make enough to live, but because they don’t spend what they get wisely. That’s what this incredible lesson from 2 Kings 4 helps us process. Sure, this is about Elisha and replenishing oil in a jar, but the lesson helps us understand how to get a handle on our money, by learning to give to the Lord.
Chris Wall • I Kings 18:16-46
Elijah and Obadiah had a front row seat to one of the most powerful spiritual showdowns in the history of the world. 850 pagan prophets showed up to face off with Elijah on Mt. Carmel. Both Elijah and Obadiah played important roles as God showed up in a big way. This Old Testament showdown has a lot to teach us as we live out a gospel adventure as Ambassadors for Christ.
Chad Balthrop · Song of Solomon 8:5-14
Our world is filled with wonders. Nothing is more wondrous than finding that person who seems made for you. Falling in love is easy. Staying in love is the unyielding story of intentional grace. The most difficult, most significant thing you’ll ever do is learn to have a healthy relationship with another person. Whether you’re waiting, looking, dating, or married, the wisdom of Solomon reveals the beauty and passion of love pursued.
Stoney Hurst • Proverbs 22:1-6
Pushing one another to be faithful Ambassadors for Christ is a core value of our church. God has called us to this place, at this time and brought us together. Serving the Lord together is a calling. In this pursuit, Proverbs 22:1-6 highlights some key considerations in our Ambassador calling. This day enables us to hear the wisdom of the particular proverbs which will push us not only in our personal walks, but set a vision for generations. Consider the meaning of your name. Come to a right relationship with the Maker of life. Pay attention to the warning signs from Scripture. Consider the value of genuine humility. Embrace the gravity of sin. And, seriously evaluate what you are teaching your children from your life. This passage has real wisdom for all of us.
Chad Balthrop • Romans 8:1-39
The stories we tell matter. Some people only focus on the positive parts of their story. They see the world through rose-colored glasses and think they do not need God. Other people only see the broken parts of our world. "If God exists," they think, "He must not care." Yet the story of God is so much richer and deeper than anything we can imagine! In every victory, with every failure, by the redemption of Christ and the gift of the Spirit, your life is so much more. Open the book and discover. Scripture tells the divine story of God's relentless affection for you.
Chris Wall • 1 Kings 2:1-12
So much of the Biblical camera is on the life of David. We even have a record of his dying words to his son Solomon. In this incredible message to Solomon, God's word imparts incredible wisdom for us as we face the future.
Chris Wall • Matthew 28:16-22
The Resurrection of Christ is without a doubt the focal point of human history. That moment in time changed everything. In that moment, God defeated sin and death. And, he also proved to be Lord of All. Jesus had completely captivated the attention of the Disciples and now they were ready to hear His Great Commission. It was time for the entire world to hear the Good News of Jesus. The Savior had come and His plan was to pass on the news one life at a time. Jesus directed His disciples to a mountain in Galilee and called them to “Go”. Today, that call remains. Just like the disciples listening to this Great Commission for the first time, The Holy Spirit is still speaking to all who have come to know Christ: “You Gotta Go too”. Are you ready?
Chris Wall • Psalms 51:1-19
Acts 13:22 says...22 After removing Saul, he made David their king. God testified concerning him: ‘I have found David son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will do everything I want him to do.’
This passage seems like a mistake because the Biblical camera reveals so many of David's mistakes. However, it is through the responses to his mistakes that reveals the heart God desires for every believer. Even though this Psalm highlights one of David's most glaring failures, it also shows us what it looks like to genuinely repent and get right with God.
Misael Gonzalez • Psalm 139
When you look in the mirror or search the depths of your heart, what do you find? You might love it. You might hate it. but here is the truth. We tend to view ourselves through other people’s eyes. How would your perspective change if you saw yourself through Gods eyes? This Psalm gives Gods’ perspective of you.
Chad Balthrop • 1 Samuel 24:1-7
We've all experienced them. Some moments set the direction and course of our lives forever. Sometimes we recognize them as they come. But most frequently, we only see them clearly long after the decisions are made. When bad things happen to us; when good things are showered on us; in the heat of the moment, we make our choices from the character of who we are. While God works out His promises, we work in His character. Our lives are lived...in the waiting.
Chris Wall • Psalms 9:1-10
We live in a sin-impacted world and the repercussions are causing tensions to rise. Cold wars are beginning to heat up. Climate questions are building. Economic pressures are multiplying. Power appears to be shifting. And, conflicts both internally and externally are increasing. As a follower of Christ, it is easy to get discouraged and deflated by all we see. We must never forget that no matter how much evil we see around us, God is powerfully working to bring everything in this world to a proper end. Psalm 9 clearly reveals that every government, every part of the natural world, every provision, and every tension, remains in the sight and will of the Master of this place. Trust the Lord to work out His masterful plan for both you and the world.
Chris Wall • Acts 1:1-11
It is Easter Sunday - The day that people all over the world celebrate the fact that Christ has indeed risen from the grave. Jesus Christ is Risen, He is risen indeed.
Chris Wall • John 21:1-14
There were 153 fish!!! Jesus calls us to follow him. In your journey through life, you and I can either chart our own course or run the race God has marked out for us. Jesus is the promised Savior who calls us out of a death path and to eternal life. Will you follow Jesus or go your own way? Don't miss the adventure the Gospel brings to your life. There were 153 fish and Jesus saw every one of them.
Chad Balthrop • John 20:19-28
Everyone experiences doubts. What if I told you that your doubts don't bother or intimidate God? Institutions may fail. People may disappoint. Depression may distract. But Jesus brings peace. He gives purpose. He answers every question with irrepressible proof. Bring your doubts to the cross and find faith that leads to life.
Chris Wall • John 20:11-18
Throughout history, there have been “big moments”, but there is not a more important moment in human history bigger than the resurrection of Christ. Nothing brought more extreme change to humanity than the day when Christ conquered the grave. It not only stands as the most radical event in history, it remains the focal point of human history. Literally days after that event, Jesus physically appeared to men and women completely convincing them of His power over life, death and the availability of forgiveness. From the very beginning, there was no doubt Jesus was and is the Messiah. We, like these early disciples are convinced of His resurrection power and we join with them in passionately, faithfully, and sacrificially passing on this good news of forgiveness available to all who would simply believe.
Chris Wall • Mark 13:1-13
Jesus Christ is coming again. Like the old song says: "It may be morning, it may be noon. It may be evening but it's surely soon." Of course, no one knows the day or the hour but as we read our Bibles, it sure looks like the season. As we consider this imminent truth, let's not forget that Jesus did not just tell us He was coming, but He also prepared us for His coming. Mark 13 is one of those moments in Scripture. Are you ready for Christ to come again?
Chad Balthrop • Mark 8:22-26
We all have friends. We support and encourage one another. We enjoy the same things. Yet sometimes, our friends face bigger problems than any of us can handle. Imagine what could happen if we introduced the friends we love to the God we love. In his presence, our ordinary friendships become extraordinary opportunities for all the promises of God.
Chris Wall • Acts 28:28-30
One of the biggest acts of God is the powerful message of salvation coming to the world through our every day lives. The power evident in Acts continues today through our very lives.
Chris Wall • Acts 22:3-5
Most people look at their own lives and long for a powerful testimony like Paul. In Acts 22, Paul powerfully shared his testimony and it caused a response from those listening. Not everyone responded positively to his story but no one doubted the change in his life. A credible testimony of a changed life offers clear evidence to the power of God. Everyone who knows Jesus has a powerful testimony. Learn to share it clearly and naturally with people you encounter. This is a skill God is moving us to develop today.
Chris Wall • Acts 7:51-60
We are a church “Called out” by God to serve Him both privately and publicly. The call to serve the Lord is the call to prepare to stand even when pressure comes. Are you ready?
Chris Wall • Exodus 4:21-26
God offers the incredible gift of salvation to all who would come to Him. Then, He invites us into the gospel adventure of joining in where He is working. Living in the middle of that work is not just an incredible opportunity, it brings us the greatest joy in life. God’s plan will never fail, but it is possible to miss the invitation and join in the Work. Salvation paves the way to a private obedience leading to a gospel work that genuinely impacts both this world and the next.
Chris Wall • Genesis 39:7-20
Running from the temptations in this world on the surface may seem to be radical, but it is always wise to flee from sin. Practicing the presence of God on a daily basis while keeping God’s word in view will never lead to disappointment. Always choose to take God at His word.
Chris Wall • Genesis 24:1-27
God is not some historical figure we read about but a living Father we get to interact with on a daily basis. This week, God's word is showing us what it looks like to have a vibrant prayer life. It is radical to consider that time is our most valuable asset. Spending on-on-one time with God is a radical step of obedience most people overlook.
Chris Wall • Genesis 4:1-12
Radical Obedience is a call God gives to every believer. As we learn to give, God moves, provides, and works in ways you simply do not want to miss. Learn to be a radically obedient giver in 2023. You will never be the same.
Chris Wall • Matthew 7-24-29
The ending of the Sermon on the Mount issues a call to hear the Word and put it into practice. When God’s word is discovered, understood, and practiced, stability and endurance is the result. This passage will be both a great launching point and ending point for 2023.
Chris Wall
I am on the journey when I actively worship with this local body, when I connect the spiritual truths of God’s word to my daily life, when I am involved in genuine Biblical community and when I am engaged with others as an ambassador for Christ.
Chris Wall • Hebrews 1:5-14
As King, Jesus rules in such a way as not to allow sin to reign over us any longer. In the Old Testament, the monarchy was established for the peace, prosperity, and welfare of the nation. The prototype king was David. No king was ever as beloved as he was. He was God's ruling representative among the people. With David on the throne, the nation of Israel could say, "All is well." Few things comfort a nation more than having a ruler of righteousness and strength sitting on the throne of power. It was said of David that he "reigned over all Israel. And David administered justice and equity to all his people" (2 Sam. 8:15). However, we have a King greater than David. Christ came in the line of David as David's son and yet also as David's Lord (Matt. 22:42–45). He is "the ruler of kings on earth" (Rev. 1:5) and "King of kings and Lord of lords" (19:16), including David. He rules with perfect justice and equity. As our King, He has fought our battles and now rules in such a way that sin never can reign over us (Rom. 6:7–14).
Chris Wall • Hebrews 9:11-15 ESV
As the Priest, Jesus offered Himself as the only unblemished sacrifice worthy to pay the price for ALL sin. From the beginning time, priests stood as mediators between Holy God and sinful people. On the Day of Atonement (Lev. 16:34), the High Priest would enter into the Holy Place offering right sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. The blood of the sacrifice would be sprinkled on the mercy seat. Divine Holiness exposes all uncleanness and every transgression. When Christ entered the world, lived a sinless life, then died on the cross as our Mediator and High Priest, once and for all the wrath of God was satisfied and sinful people were forgiven. Jesus remains the only worthy sacrifice for sin and death. The high priest of the Old Testament would enter the temple and offer the sacrifice. Jesus entered the world and offered Himself as the sacrifice. Once and for all, His blood brought us mercy and hope in both this life, and the life to come.
Chris Wall • Hebrews 1:1-4 ESV
As Prophet, Jesus pronounced an end to all our sin. All through history, the prophet stood as the mouthpiece for God clearly and boldly proclaiming His word to humanity. The prophet brought both messages of indictment for sin calling people to repentance and opportunities for repentance revealing the path to restoration. Jesus, as the final and sufficient Prophet entered human history bringing both warnings of judgment and the path to forgiveness. All the prophets point to Jesus as the Prophet, Priest, and King for all the world. Are you willing to submit to the prophetic voice of God?
Chris Wall • 2 Corinthians 5:17-19 NIV
Baptist Faith and Message 2000 – The Lord’s Supper is a symbolic act of obedience whereby members of the church, through partaking of the bread and fruit of the vine, memorialize the death of the Redeemer and anticipate His second coming.
Christian baptism is the immersion of a believer in water in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. It is an act of obedience symbolic of the believer’s faith in a crucified, buried, and risen Savior, the believer’s death to sin, the burial of the old life, and the resurrection to walk in newness of life in Christ Jesus.
Chris Wall • Matthew 24:3-8 ESV
“God, in His own time and in His own way, will bring the world to its appropriate end. According to His promise, Jesus Christ will return personally and visibly in glory to the earth; the dead will be raised; and Christ will judge all men in righteousness. The unrighteous will be consigned to Hell, the place of everlasting punishment. The righteous in their resurrected and glorified bodies will receive their reward and will dwell forever in Heaven with the Lord.” Article 10 – Baptist Faith and Message 2000
Chad Balthrop • 1 Timothy 2:1-4
God alone is Lord of the conscience, and He has left it free from the doctrines and commandments of men which are contrary to His Word or not contained in it. Church and state should be separate. The state owes to every church protection and full freedom in the pursuit of its spiritual ends. In providing for such freedom no ecclesiastical group or denomination should be favored by the state more than others. Civil government being ordained of God, it is the duty of Christians to render loyal obedience thereto in all things not contrary to the revealed will of God. The church should not resort to the civil power to carry on its work. The gospel of Christ contemplates spiritual means alone for the pursuit of its ends. The state has no right to impose penalties for religious opinions of any kind. The state has no right to impose taxes for the support of any form of religion. A free church in a free state is the Christian ideal, and this implies the right of free and unhindered access to God on the part of all men, and the right to form and propagate opinions in the sphere of religion without interference by the civil power.
Chris Wall • Jude 1:1-4 NIV
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the two ordinances of Christ, governed by His laws, exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by His Word, and seeking to extend the gospel to the ends of the earth. Each congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through democratic processes. In such a congregation each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Its scriptural officers are pastors and deacons. While both men and women are gifted for service in the church, the office of pastor is limited to men as qualified by Scripture.
The New Testament speaks also of the church as the Body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all the ages, believers from every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation.
Chris Wall • Genesis 38:1-6 NIV
All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death.
Chris Wall • Genesis 2:18-24 NIV
“God has ordained the family as the foundational institution of human society. A biblical family is brought together by marriage, blood, or adoption.”
In this series “Asking for a Friend” I hear many friends asking questions around the idea of humanity, marriage, gender, and family.
Of course, none of us have to look real hard to see how our culture is redefining family and gender roles.
At our church, we embrace the authority of Scripture. Around here we want God’s word to stand. In fact, God’s word is so significant, it shapes our beliefs and our practices.
I say this all the time, whenever I find a practice in my life that goes against Scripture, I am compelled to adjust my life to the word of God. Whenever I discover a belief that goes against the Bible, I am compelled to adjust my mind to what the Bible says.
Many of our friends are questioning what a family should be? We need to be prepared not only to answer them, but we need to honor God even while living in a modern world with changing definitions.
So, with this in mind, the question of the day is this: Is the family relationship established by God or is it a societal creation of man?
Chad Balthrop • Matthew 5:14-16
All Christians are under obligation to seek to make the will of Christ supreme in our own lives and in human society. Means and methods used for the improvement of society and the establishment of righteousness among men can be truly and permanently helpful only when they are rooted in the regeneration of the individual by the saving grace of God in Jesus Christ. In the spirit of Christ, Christians should oppose racism, every form of greed, selfishness, and vice, and all forms of sexual immorality, including adultery, homosexuality, and pornography. We should work to provide for the orphaned, the needy, the abused, the aged, the helpless, and the sick. We should speak on behalf of the unborn and contend for the sanctity of all human life from conception to natural death. Every Christian should seek to bring industry, government, and society as a whole under the sway of the principles of righteousness, truth, and brotherly love. In order to promote these ends Christians should be ready to work with all men of good will in any good cause, always being careful to act in the spirit of love without compromising their loyalty to Christ and His truth."
Chris Wall
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of a man’s spirit by God’s Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all rests thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle, and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Misael Gonzalez • John 3:16-17 NIV
Are we in danger? When a Christian tells us that we need to be saved, we ask “saved from what?”. In this message we will be answering that very question because it is the most important question to answer what we need saving from and why.
Misael Gonzalez • John 3:16-17 NIV
Are we in danger? When a Christian tells us that we need to be saved, we ask “saved from what?”. In this message we will be answering that very question because it is the most important question to answer what we need saving from and why.
Chris Wall • 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 NIV
Stewardship. God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.
Chris Wall • 1 Corinthians 16:1-4 NIV
Stewardship. God is the source of all blessings, temporal and spiritual; all that we have and are we owe to Him. Christians have a spiritual debtorship to the whole world, a holy trusteeship in the gospel, and a binding stewardship in their possessions. They are therefore under obligation to serve Him with their time, talents, and material possessions; and should recognize all these as entrusted to them to use for the glory of God and for helping others. According to the Scriptures, Christians should contribute of their means cheerfully, regularly, systematically, proportionately, and liberally for the advancement of the Redeemer’s cause on earth.
Chris Wall • Luke 13:1-5 ESV
In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God.
Chris Wall • Luke 13:1-5 ESV
In the beginning man was innocent of sin and was endowed by his Creator with freedom of choice. By his free choice man sinned against God and brought sin into the human race. Through the temptation of Satan man transgressed the command of God and fell from his original innocence whereby his posterity inherit a nature and an environment inclined toward sin. Therefore, as soon as they are capable of moral action, they become transgressors and are under condemnation. Only the grace of God can bring man into His holy fellowship and enable man to fulfill the creative purpose of God.
Misael Gonzalez • 2 Timonthy 3:16-17 NIV
How do you know when to trust someone or something? You might feel this too, but I always feel like I am questioning everyone’s motives. I don’t want to, but I can’t help it. In church, leads me to ask, “can I actually trust that the Bible is true?” and how do we KNOW KNOW that what it says is something that I should let affect my life? So many questions that cannot be answered in 30 minutes, but my prayer is that this is a start.
Misael Gonzalez • 2 Timonthy 3:16-17 NIV
How do you know when to trust someone or something? You might feel this too, but I always feel like I am questioning everyone’s motives. I don’t want to, but I can’t help it. In church, leads me to ask, “can I actually trust that the Bible is true?” and how do we KNOW KNOW that what it says is something that I should let affect my life? So many questions that cannot be answered in 30 minutes, but my prayer is that this is a start.
Chris Wall • Matthew 9:35-38
It is the duty and privilege of every follower of Christ and of every church of the Lord Jesus Christ to endeavor to make disciples of all nations. The new birth of man's spirit by God's Holy Spirit means the birth of love for others. Missionary effort on the part of all results thus upon a spiritual necessity of the regenerate life, and is expressly and repeatedly commanded in the teachings of Christ. The Lord Jesus Christ has commanded the preaching of the gospel to all nations. It is the duty of every child of God to seek constantly to win the lost to Christ by verbal witness undergirded by a Christian lifestyle and by other methods in harmony with the gospel of Christ.
Chris Wall • Mark 12:28-34
We are living and serving the Lord in a pluralistic society that loves spirituality and spiritual conversations. Thankfully, this fascination with spirituality provides incredible opportunities to engage our friends in spiritual conversations. Each conversation is a divine appointment with people in our lives who are not far from the Kingdom of God. Jesus had an encounter with one of these spiritually curious friends. In the conversation, Jesus helped bring clarity to the very important idea that pluralism misses the truth. As followers of Christ, we stand on the truth that Jesus is the ONLY way to heaven and salvation is found in Christ alone.
Chad Balthrop • 1 Peter 5:6-14
Great stories come out of great struggles. Scripture reminds us that God set our boundaries in pleasant places. Yet every day we face the pressure that comes from desires that tempt us to play outside the lines, people that push us to move the line, and an adversary that seeks to destroy us anywhere the line may fall. The pressure you experience today prepares you for the battle you face tomorrow. With firm resolve in the One who fights (and wins) every battle, you can stand.
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 5:1-7 NIV
In times of persecution and trial, the local church is one of your greatest divine gifts of help, blessing and relationships. God calls us together and intentionally puts leaders in your life to walk with you through every circumstance. When it comes to the leadership structure of churches, most people don’t really look deeply into what the Bible says about church leadership. Most people simply accept what they see without really looking deeply into scripture. God used Peter to help us understand the value of church leadership as a source of strength in difficult times.
Misael Gonzalez • 1 Peter 5:1-4 ESV
From the very beginning time, God has pointed His people to live each day with heaven in mind. Serving the Lord naturally moves us as a church to walk together. In this walk together, we should expect persecution to come. But remember, when it comes, we are not alone nor are we without resources. In fact, it is in our persecution that a lost world is able to recognize the incredible mercy of God.
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 4:12-19 NIV
From the very beginning time, God has pointed His people to live each day with heaven in mind. Serving the Lord naturally moves us as a church to walk together. In this walk together, we should expect persecution to come. But remember, when it comes, we are not alone nor are we without resources. In fact, it is in our persecution that a lost world is able to recognize the incredible mercy of God.
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 4:7-11 NIV
From the very beginning time, God has pointed His people to live each day with heaven in mind. Serving the Lord naturally moves us as a church to walk together. This passage reminds of the power available when we walk with the Lord and walk together.
Chad Balthrop • 1 Peter 4:1-6 NKJ
Everyone draws the line somewhere.
Draw behind the crowd, you’re ridiculed.
Draw with the crowd, you’re celebrated.
Draw ahead of the crowd, you might be considered a criminal.
Scripture reminds us that God set our boundaries in pleasant places. The best lines aren’t ours to draw. Whatever the crowd may say, wherever the crowd may go, within the borders of His grace, discover the strength to stand.
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 3:13-22 NIV
A meme is a picture, video, or piece of text shared over and over again that communicates an idea or feeling that people have together. Memes illustrate moments for people when words just aren’t enough. They can be funny, serious, or pointed. In Scripture, some principles are so rich in meaning that God paints multiple pictures to help us understand the significance of His desire for us. Submissiveness is a quality of character that God celebrates and invites every believer to practice. Through a series of pictures in Scripture, God helps us understand the strength and confidence that comes when we submit to Him. Is it possible that submission helps marriage last a lifetime as we magnify the gospel story together?
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 3:8-12 ESV
A meme is a picture, video, or piece of text shared over and over again that communicates an idea or feeling that people have together. Memes illustrate moments for people when words just aren’t enough. They can be funny, serious, or pointed. In Scripture, some principles are so rich in meaning that God paints multiple pictures to help us understand the significance of His desire for us. Submissiveness is a quality of character that God celebrates and invites every believer to practice. Through a series of pictures in Scripture, God helps us understand the strength and confidence that comes when we submit to Him. Is it possible that submission helps marriage last a lifetime as we magnify the gospel story together?
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 3:1-7 ESV
A meme is a picture, video, or piece of text shared over and over again that communicates an idea or feeling that people have together. Memes illustrate moments for people when words just aren’t enough. They can be funny, serious, or pointed. In Scripture, some principles are so rich in meaning that God paints multiple pictures to help us understand the significance of His desire for us. Submissiveness is a quality of character that God celebrates and invites every believer to practice. Through a series of pictures in Scripture, God helps us understand the strength and confidence that comes when we submit to Him. Is it possible that submission helps marriage last a lifetime as we magnify the gospel story together?
Chad Balthrop • 1 Peter 3:17 ESV
A meme is a picture, video, or piece of text shared over and over again that communicates an idea or feeling that people have together. Memes illustrate moments for people when words just aren’t enough. They can be funny, serious, or pointed. In Scripture, some principles are so rich in meaning that God paints multiple pictures to help us understand the significance of His desire for us. Submissiveness is a quality of character that God celebrates and invites every believer to practice. Through a series of pictures in Scripture, God helps us understand the strength and confidence that comes when we submit to Him. Is it possible that submission helps marriage last a lifetime as we magnify the gospel story together?
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 2:18-25 ESV
Submission to Christ naturally moves us to submit to one another. This goes against our natural human nature. However, following Christ moves us to surrender our will to God’s will. This is especially important as we serve the Lord in the workplace. It makes sense that God’s word speaks to our work life because according to Google: the average American spends 1/3 of their life working. Serving the Lord at work is our calling, this passage helps us understand how to bring glory to God in the workplace.
Chad Balthrop • 1 Peter 2:13-17 NKJV
A meme is a picture, video, or piece of text shared over and over again that communicates an idea or feeling that people have together. Memes illustrate moments for people when words just aren’t enough. They can be funny, serious, or pointed. In Scripture, some principles are so rich in meaning that God paints multiple pictures to help us understand the significance of His desire for us. Submissiveness is a quality of character that God celebrates and invites every believer to practice. Through a series of pictures in Scripture, God helps us understand the strength and confidence that comes when we submit to Him. Is it possible to honor God by submitting to human authority? You can live your faith and live faithfully within the current system of government.
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 2:1-12 NIV
When we you were born the first time, you were helpless, completely dependent, and vulnerable. The moment you are born again a spiritual battle kicks off. Amazingly, God prepares us for the battle. He equips us for the struggle. Spiritual birth is the greatest gift a person can receive producing the greatest adventure a person can live. Don’t miss the gift of new birth and the new life extended to you right now. Have you been BORN AGAIN? If so, Let’s get to work.
Misael Gonzalez • 1 Peter 2:1-8 NIV
When something is being Forged, the impurities are being removed and the object is being molded into something new. In this process, you will never see someone throw impurities back into the object because it would ruin or poison the material. So here is the question… Do you seek to be strengthened by God, or are you poisoning yourself?
Chris Wall • Ephesians 3:14-21 ESV
God has called us to these days and to this place. Over the past 75 years, God has moved. We are continuing to learn God can be trusted and He is faithful to use His word as a light and a lamp. Our call is to keep walking with Him and trusting Him until He returns. Let's never forget our work for the Lord continues. Let's get to work.
Chris Wall • Luke 24:1-8 ESV
These ladies went to the tomb expecting to complete the grim task of preparing the mutilated body of Jesus for a proper burial. Approaching the tomb, shock and amazement took over as they discovered Jesus was no longer in the grave. He is Alive. This morning, let's walk into this first resurrection moment working to experience the risen Lord who continues to move powerfully in the lives of all who believe in Him.
Chris Wall • Luke 18:31-34 ESV
The death and resurrection of Christ was bigger than just physically coming back to life. When Jesus rose from the dead and conquered the grave, He was revealing a new kind of human life available to all who would trust Him. He pointed to a life where the experience would shift from the shackles of weakness, aging and death to a new life capable of living eternally in the presence of God. The Resurrection produces a life you don’t want to miss.
Chris Wall • Luke 9:18-27 ESV
People have always longed to see divine signs that offer hope in both this life and the next. Amazingly, God has provided so much evidence of His presence and His love for humanity. Though Creation clearly points to His existence, the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ is the greatest sign revealed to the world. The cross is the sign bringing hope to this life and the next. Let’s point the world to the cross by living daily walking with the Lord.
Misael Gonzalez • Matthew 12:38-42 NIV
“What more do you want?” This is a valid question to ask after you have done everything possible to “prove” your point or “prove” your love to someone, yet they still don’t believe you. In this message, we see how people with unrepented hearts, wanted Jesus to “really” prove who he was even though he had already done all the signs to proclaim exactly who he was.
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 1:22-25 NIV
One historic mark of a follower of Christ is showing love for one another. When we put God’s word into practice, it looks like patience, kindness, selflessness, and forgiveness. God brings His body together so the entire world will hear His voice and experience real hope in life.
Chad Balthrop • 1 Peter 1:17-25 NKJV
It doesn’t seem fair. The food that tastes the best is bad for us. The things we want to buy are more than we can afford. The life we’ve always wanted seems just outside our reach. Yet God reminds us. There’s more to this life than this moment. Every minor decision paves the way to monumental mistakes or builds memories that tell a story you can’t wait to read again. By the grace of God, your life has been transformed. You don’t have to live by the world’s rules anymore. You’ve received a noble name and with it come all the promises of God.
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 1:13-16 ESV
God is faithful to prepare us for tough times and challenging circumstances. Faith in Christ comes with a call to the frontlines of the spiritual battle. One of the reasons we don’t go to heaven right after coming to faith in Christ is that we have work to do. Thriving in #themissionlife is impossible without the pursuit of holiness. Today, lean into how the Holy Spirit helps you live a holy life.
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 1:10-12 ESV
Salvation is so magnificent. It has been passed from generation to generation. We have a responsibility to do the same. In fact, our responsibility is so very important, the angels in heaven are actually envious of us. How cool is that?
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 1:3-9 ESV
When Christ saves us and then grows us, so many blessings come our way. We have a hope that is living. We have strength and purpose through trials. And, there is no more fear in death. For every believer, our last day on the earth will be the day we receive the goal of our faith. That will be the day we cross the finish line experiencing seeing all that salvation means in real-time. The challenge is to live today with the end in mind. When we live this way, we make the days of our lives really count. Make it count...
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 1:1-2 ESV
The Bible is clear; Jesus does not keep us from tough times or difficult circumstances. God is big enough and always faithful to walk us through every chaotic situation we will face. From 1 Peter, discover proven ways God has given us to navigate the complexities of our world. God is faithful. His promises are always true. Because of His grace, your life is TRANSFORMED.
Chris Wall • Revelation 3:14-22 ESV
God has called and mobilized us to engage together as Ambassadors for Christ. Like 2 Corinthians 5:20 says, “it is as though God were making His appeal through us.” God has been faithful to make Himself known to the world, but His most effective and intentional plan for sharing the news of salvation to the lost is through the lives of every believer and every church. Let’s engage with one another living every day as Ambassadors for Christ.
Chris Wall • Revelation 3:1-6 ESV
First Baptist Owasso is a church committed to community. We are living life together walking through the ups and downs of life. As we build a church living in AUTHENTIC BIBLICAL COMMUNITY, we get close enough to one another to confront, serve, and face adversity side by side. Sardis was a church that was on the verge of death because they failed to live together authentically. Let's learn from this dying church.
Chris Wall • Revelation 2:18-29 ESV
Our church works diligently to understand and live by the Word of God in every area of our lives. Following Jesus is not just a part of our lives. Faith drives everything we do. The church at Thyatira wanted to love everyone but made the mistake of drifting away from truth. To avoid that trap, one of our core values is connecting God's truth to our daily lives. God is faithful to use His word to help us navigate every challenge in every environment.
Chris Wall • Revelation 2:1-7 ESV
Our church has been planted in Owasso and Tulsa to "Love All people to Christ, equipping them on their journey with God and one another." As we begin 2022, we are going to take a look at four churches in Revelation processing the Core Values of our church. Ephesus had the right doctrine, but left their love of Christ. Doctrine is important but right doctrine must be grounded in a growing love for God and one another. We will be a church that lives out a Great Commission Purpose.
Keith Davis • Acts 1:6-8 ESV
theMissionLife - Unless God stops me, I will be involved in church every Sunday this year.
Chad Balthrop • Luke 23:33-43 ESV
The birth of Jesus was real. God became flesh, wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid in a manger. The precious gift of this child, celebrated by kings and angels, grew to become a man on mission. He came to save His people from their sin. Every gift has a price. This one cost Him everything.
Chris Wall • Matthew 2:1-12 ESV
The third message in this series will focus on the simultaneously call to a small group of wise men. This group had studied ancient revelations and natural processes that revealed the arrival of the Savior. These men were so certain of God’s plan, they traveled to Bethlehem bringing gifts for the purpose of bowing in worship to the King in a manger. This humble response of stately figures reminds us of His Lordship. Their posture of humility exhibits the only appropriate response to this King in a manger.
Misael Gonzalez • Luke 2:8-20 NIV
The Christmas Promise is about God’s perfect timing to bring exactly what humanity needed, exactly when they needed it. God could have given us an inside look to Joseph or Mary’s reaction to Jesus’ birth. Instead, He gave us an inside look of how the promise was revealed to shepherds who were unaware of what was
happening. Their response to the news discloses how they revered God’s promise and
His timing of it all.
Chris Wall • Isaiah 9:6-7 ESV
Our church and community are still in the throes of navigating unusual tensions and growing uncertainty. With this in mind, the simple prayer – “Lord Remind Me” of Christmas is incredibly powerful. We are living through a time when people are searching for lasting hope. The message of Christmas is the exact opposite of a hopeless message. It is a devastating thing to be hopeless. As human beings, we are wired to be forward looking. This is a natural thing for all human beings. God reveals to us in Ecclesiastes 3:11 that God has woven a sense of eternity into the heart of all people. Lasting hope is discovered through the story of Christmas. It is this reason; God is using His word to “Remind Us” of both the meaning and the call of Christmas. The miracle of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Christ remains the focal point of human history. It is also the most significant expected surprise for humanity. God came in the flesh humbling Himself providing salvation to people from every tribe and tongue. Jesus came at Christmas to seek and save the lost. Salvation is every person’s greatest need. Jesus entered the world to save ALL who would come to Him. This Christmas, I am praying: “Lord Remind Me” of the reason you came into this world.
Chris Wall • Nehemiah 13 ESV
All through history, followers of Christ have experienced the consistent temptation to drift from the Lord. Every time this drift begins, God is faithful to get in our way. Over and over again, we are learning to respond quickly and gratefully to confrontation. It is best to respond with humility and repentance when God uses His
word or a brother/sister to confront us. We are also learning to boldly confront others, allowing God to use our lives to push one another to live faithfully. Our human story shows us confrontation will always be necessary. For believers in Jesus who have been born again, confrontations should result in humble repentance, sincere apologies, and strengthened relationships. Nehemiah 13 helps us see how to avoid drifting away from
the Lord.
Chris Wall • Nehemiah 11-12 ESV
God is at work in our church and in our world right now. As God works, He fully intends to accomplish His work through normal people like you and me. It is surprising, but God chose to start the process of working in the world through building churches. Ever church that God starts is made up of seemingly insignificant people who have normal lives and normal problems. Despite all that, God promised the gates of hell would not prevail against His church and it will stand faithfully to the very end. In Nehemiah 11-12, the celebration in the city clearly points to the call we have in our church. Let's live this out.
Chris Wall • Nehemiah 10
All through history, God has established, maintained, and sustained a Covenant with His people. A covenant is a divinely imposed legal agreement between
God and man that stipulates the conditions of the relationship. In the Old Testament, people kept the laws of Moses in order to stay in a right relationship with God. After Jesus came, the Old Testament became obsolete because God's people were made right by the blood of Christ. (Hebrews 8:13) Even though we are right with God through Christ, the Holy Spirit calls us to a life that follows the Lord. Nehemiah 10 gives us a great picture of how the Holy Spirit helps us stay close to the Lord after we come to know Christ as Savior.
Chris Wall • Nehemiah 9 ESV
The posture of repentance in Chapter 9 of Nehemiah is a big shift from the celebration that took place in the feast of Booths. It was right to celebrate
forgiveness and deliverance, now it is important to continue to stay close to the Lord moving forward. Nehemiah 9 helps us see the real anatomy of repentance. Repentance is both a one-time calling and a continuous call. When the Holy Spirit draws us, He keeps moving us and molding us into God's image towards a lifetime of continual repentance. Nehemiah 9 breaks this down and helps us see how to faithfully come to the Lord in repentance enabling us to remain close to the Lord day by day.
Chris Wall • Nehemiah 8 ESV
During the time of Nehemiah, God's people CAME TOGETHER to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days. In just over two months, this group accomplished more than many communities of faith accomplish in a lifetime. How did they do it? The answer is found in the historic call of God's people: They CAME TOGETHER.
This “next to me” mindset repurposed their relationships and ultimately changed the world. Through these relationships they restored the city from rubble to repaired. These relationships provided security and safety against opposition as families became protectors of their community. These relationships gave tithes and forgave debts. These relationships provided the context for spiritual growth and commitment to the Lord.
When you step back and look at Nehemiah 8, this is the type of community you and I need in our lives. We need to be a part of a fully devoted, ever-committed group of people who are sold out to God's word and God’s purposes. God provides key people to play key roles in life to ensure spiritual growth. God is using His Word and the gift of our church family to help us live today as the people of God.
Chris Wall • Nehemiah 6-7
In our personal lives and our church, we need to recognize that we will never "Arrive". On this side of eternity, there will be more to learn about the Lord. There will be more prayers to pray. There will be more people to reach, more work to do, needs to meet, and individuals to love. We see in Nehemiah 6–7 that though they finished the wall, there was more work to do. As we embrace the call to be God's people, recognizing the clear tactics of the enemy while leaning into the life of Nehemiah will help us take our "Next Steps" as the people of God planted here in Owasso, Tulsa, and beyond.
Chris Wall • Nehemiah 5 ESV
Nehemiah Chapter 5 is quite surprising when you put this passage into
context. God's people had just banded together to rebuild the Walls of Jerusalem in under two months cooperating in masterful ways. Next, a new threat arises coming against the people of God and it comes from within. We see up close and personal there is a bad way to use wealth and resources provided by the Lord. When we disregard others to gain more for ourselves, we miss the entire point of God's blessing in our lives. Nehemiah helps us see there is a good way to steward resources while being generous to others advancing the Kingdom of God. God's people tripped financially in Chapter 5 providing an incredible lesson for us as we live life together during difficult times.
Chris Wall • Nehemiah 1-2 ESV
God is faithful to advance His Kingdom in the world and invites us to join Him in the process. It is important to pay close attention to the pattern we see in both Ezra and Nehemiah. Ezra began with the re-building of the temple and Nehemiah describes the rebuilding of the city. This makes sense because getting right with the Lord always comes before greater impact. We need to remember that all through history, God's people have been called to point the world to the Messiah (Exodus 19:6, 1 Peter 2:9-10). Nehemiah begins with God's call on this cupbearer to rebuild the city and advance the Kingdom. There is a lot to learn from as we see him lean into the Lord through spiritual disciplines and step out in faith.
Chris Wall • Ezra 9-10
Repentance must become our loudest praise. Ezra 9-10 is a difficult passage that must not just be casually read with a 2021 mentality. The ending of Ezra paints one of the most beautiful pictures of repentance. The sad truth is that every one of God's people will rebel against the Lord at some point. When rebellion takes place, repentance is the call. Ezra 9-10 shows us what that looks like.
Chris Wall • Ezra 8
Seeking the Lord helps us recognize how God’s hand moves for our good. When God’s people repent, it is remarkable to see how God brings His blessing. In this passage, you see God’s people coming with a heart to seek the Lord. There is fasting. There is focus. This is an example for us regarding how to live. Living our lives focused on seeking the Lord produces a tremendous amount of fruit in our lives. Let’s lean into the example of seeking the Lord. At every point in our lives, it is critical for us to seek the Lord. As the people of Owasso’s First Baptist Church, turning our face to the next seventy-five years will require us to seek the Lord today so we can be ready for all that lies ahead tomorrow.
Chris Wall • Ezra 7
This passage points to the revival of God’s promises. Boy, do we need a revival regarding the promises of God. Coming back to the Scriptures and standing on them with passion, purpose, grace, love, and faithfulness is a key as we move into a changing culture. Many in our church have a strong desire to impact this world for Christ. When it comes to changing the world: “the most effective thing that you can do to change the world is to study the Bible, do the Bible, and teach the Bible. [1] The best thing we can do as followers of Christ in this world is to know the Word and live it out on a
daily basis. This is one of the key lessons in Ezra 7.
Chris Wall • Ezra 5-6 ESV
Have you ever had a setback in life? This is exactly what Israel experienced between chapters 4-5 in Ezra. In the moments of setback, God is working to empower his people to put into action who they are in Him and what they know they should do for Him.
Steve Dighton • Ezra 4:1-6 ESV
It was James who reminded us to count it joy when tough times come. JOY??? It is true that the most difficult circumstances produce some of the greatest and most memorable moments with the Lord. It is right to stay close to the Lord even when circumstances seem to be falling apart. God had moved so powerfully and had orchestrated incredible circumstances, but now there is intense opposition. Powerful leaders are now opposing what God is doing and God’s people are again powerless to stop it. But God works in and through His people.
Chris Wall • Ezra 1-2 ESV
As followers of Christ, we do not need to be too worried about the political developments unfolding in front of our eyes. We are not saying voting is
pointless. We are saying that Proverbs 21:1 has real merit. “A king’s heart is like streams of water in the Lord’s hand: He directs it wherever He chooses.” Of course, we pray for leaders. We work to influence our governmental system. But God’s word constantly reminds us of the providential hand of God in the midst of all earthly authority. Ezra pays close attention to the words of Jeremiah. This is a pattern we should follow closely. We must be a church paying close attention to what God’s word says. God will keep His word. We are not a people swayed by shifts in authority or culture. God is at work, and we trust Him and follow His word. We must be firm in our passion for the Word of God and working to understand all God has said.
Misael Gonzalez • 1 Corinthians 13:7-13 NIV
Everything in this world has an ending. But God, the complete embodiment of love, is forever. Though our physical and mental states wither away, God’s nature and character will never change. The extravagant love of God challenges us because it gives us more than we deserve, and it takes us further than we want to go.
Chris Wall • 1 Corinthians 13:1-6 ESV
All of us want to have integrity. We struggle with ourselves when we don't show it. Unfortunately, too many times there is a gap between what we want to do and what we actually do. In this message, let’s zero in on 1 Corinthians 13:6. It says, "Love does not rejoice in evil but rejoices with the truth". Shine a light on the word “rejoices.” The word means that love desires truth, it wants it, it needs it. Love needs you and me to be honest and to be a person whose word can be trusted.
Chris Wall • 1 Corinthians 13:1-6 ESV
It's a fact of life that people hurt each other. Either intentionally or unintentionally we hurt each other. You're going to hurt people; they're going to hurt you. How we handle that hurt will is going to determine some of our health and happiness in life. If we don't respond correctly to hurt, it turns into resentment. If we hold on to a hurt, it becomes hate. I have had people tell me, “I don't love my husband anymore.... I don't have any feelings for my wife; it’s dead inside. What's wrong with me?” Usually what turns out to be wrong is the accumulation of resentment and bitterness. Bitterness has the ability to so eat away at the relationship that eventually they are emotionally empty. That is true about marriage, but it is also true about any relationship in our lives. The good news is that we can recover from the resentment and hurts in our life.
Chris Wall • 1 Corinthians 13:1-5 ESV
This message keys in on a part of this passage, 1 Corinthians 13:5, which says "Love is not easily angered." Let’s pay attention to the fact that it doesn't say 'love never gets angry' because there are sometimes that love does get angry. Sometimes the loving thing to do is to get angry. It says that "Love is not easilybangered". Anger comes in many ways. Sometimes anger expresses itself in explosions but sometimes it just simmers below the surface until some choice moment. Sometimes it ignores. Sometimes it complains and gripes. Sometimes it withdraws into bitterness. No matter how you express your anger, so many relationships go down the tubes because one or both didn’t control it. Learning how to control our anger may be one of the most important things we can do in improving our love for others.
Misael Gonzalez • 1 Corinthians 13:4
Have you ever tried to love someone by being jealous of them? When is the last time you felt loved by someone because they never stopped talking about their muscles, trophies, or super car? You see, we must remember Who love is in a world that has distorted what love is. Love is not an attribute of who God is, God Himself is the perfect embodiment of love. God clearly defines what love IS and what it IS NOT in one little verse.
Chris Wall • 1 Corinthians 13:1-4a ESV
Have you ever met someone who naturally assumes the worst? That person will usually see other people negatively. That person will usually be quick tempered because they assume the worse. That person will usually be basically a judgmental person and will often fall short on both patience and kindness. The truth is, we have a choice of how we will view each other. We can choose to let our natural inclination be negative or positive. We can choose patience. We can choose kindness. Agape love is the act of living out the character qualities of God in how we approach God and others. There is nothing easy about this, but it is a level God has called us to.
It is the entire point of 1 Corinthians 13. Patience is possible when we remember how patient God has been with us. Kindness is a reaction when God’s kindness is recognized. None of us will be more patient or kind than God has already been with each one of us. If we are going to develop patience and kindness, we've got to learn to listen. Patience and kindness treat others the way we want to be treated. When a person is patience and kind, that person is acting like a child of God.
Chris Wall • 1 Corinthians 13:1-8
This first message sets the stage for the entire series. From the very beginning, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Love isn’t a feeling. Love is a decision to
do something that reflects the character of God toward someone else even when they don’t deserve it. It is a decision to reflect the character toward God toward someone else even when you don’t feel it. Love is a decision to take an action that reflects what God would do, not what you would do, not what public opinion says to do – what God would do.
Chris Wall • 1 Corinthians 15:42-58
It is good for us to take the time to process how mankind was created in the image of God. This realization produces in us a profound sense of dignity in life. Even though the image of God is currently distorted because of sin, the journey of being transformed into God’s image moves us to respect the image bearer. God decided to offer the gift of salvation to His image bearers because He loved us so deeply. His work of salvation includes men and women from every tribe, race, language, and people group (Revelation 5:9). God always completes what He starts. His work of redemption will not be completed until our entire being is set free from the effects of the fall and brought to that state of perfection God intended for us. The day we are glorified will be an incredible day for all of us because, on that day our last enemy, death itself
will be destroyed and the follower of Christ will be completely restored to God’s image. (1 Corinthians 15:25-26)
Chris Wall • Colossians 3:9-11
When redemption takes place in the life of a believer, God begins the life-long process of progressively recovering more of His image. The amazing promise of the New Testament is the shift of moving from being like Adam to becoming more like Christ. The full measure of our creation in the image of God is not complete all at once. But God is progressively creating His image in us as we grow up in our faith. Jesus is the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15), and in Jesus, we are being conformed into His likeness. (Romans 8:29; 1 Corinthians 15:49)
Chris Wall • Chris Wall • James 2:1-13
Though there are many relevant examples to use when articulating the impact of the fall, the sin of partiality is a pertinent focus for today. Of course, it is normal to question whether man can be like God after the fall, but Scripture confirms that even though man is sinful, there is still enough likeness to God that we are naturally moved to honor every life. In fact, the New Testament confirms this in James 3:9 where it says that men generally, not just believers are made in the likeness of God. However, since man sinned, moral purity has been lost and sinful character remains a struggle. Man struggles to reflect God’s holiness and begins to allow corruption to run rampant. Sin corrupts intellect, speech, worldview and relationships. Sin causes selfishness to replace love, pride to reject humility, and partiality to diminish generosity. Sin causes the Imago Dei in humanity to become distorted. When God created man, His creation was very good (Genesis 1:31). However, the fall distorted the true nature of man causing a battle with partiality. Thankfully, the fall was transformed by Christ but still James 2 reveals continuous battles with our old nature and our tendency to look down on one
another ignoring the “royal law” of God.
Chris Wall • Genesis 1:26-28
Man, out of all the creatures God made, can claim to be made in God’s image. As stated earlier, the fact that man is in the image of God means that man is like God and represents God. Of course, the Hebrew of Genesis 1:26-27 refers to something that is similar and not identical. Man in many ways represents God. The Scriptures tell us three things about human creatures: (1) Humanity is made in the image of God; (2) Humanity is intended to rule over other earthly creatures; (3) humanity is made male and female. In fact, every human person’s identity is determined by the reality described in Genesis 1:26-28. As a follower of Christ, our fundamental orientation is established in the fact we are made by God to represent God in the world.
Misael Gonzalez • Colossians 3:22-4:1
Do you think that God only works from 8am to 5pm? Maybe you think He only works on the weekends? In reality, God is always at work in us, through us, and beyond us no matter where we find ourselves. When we understand more of who God is and how He made us to worship Him, we will know that even our jobs can be leveraged to proclaim His name. Why? Because we must live all of life – all for Jesus.
Chris Wall • Colossians 3:18-21
Faith in Christ does not only change individual lives; it changes entire families. We now live in a day when the homes of our church members really do not look much differently than the homes of the lost. In this message, we need to paint a biblical picture of the home. God intended the Christian home to be a shelter from the storm. The godly family is the learning center of life. It is in the family where it is normal to experience that habitat for happiness, contentment, and wisdom. This is the reality when Christ is at the core of the family. Family is the place where integrity and godly character are built.
Chris Wall • Colossians 3:12-17
The people of God ought to be a clearly recognizable group in the world. We are not recognized as God’s people because of our political party, doctrinal stances, or our social media posts. The evidence we are the people of God is in our lifestyle. In the last message, we saw what should be put off in our lives and in this message, we see how our lives should look as the body of Christ.
Chris Wall • Colossians 3:1-11
The final two chapters of Colossians, Paul gets really practical in applying the doctrine of the preeminence of Christ. As Christians, it is important not to just know the truth, but to actually live the truth. In fact, I would argue if there is not an inward heart change and desire to live out faith in Christ, close examination of knowing Christ would be wise.
This passage begins with the practices Christians should “take off” because Christ has “put on” a new self in the believer. He then goes on to explain what these desires produce in the believer and unbeliever alike. The grip of sin produces anger, wrath, malice, slander, obscene talk and lying. Because of what Christ has done from the inside out, it is now possible for these things to be put off and we are able to live in this new self that is being renewed in the
knowledge after the image of our Creator. Though this is only possible because of the heart surgery that has supernaturally taken place, the actions of a believer still matter.
Chris Wall • Acts 1:4-11
The resurrection of Christ changed the world. The resurrection of Christ changed our world. However, when you think about those historical events that took place in the First Century, it is puzzling that God's plan from the beginning was for Jesus to bodily leave the earth. At first glance, it seems like a strange plan. In all reality, the ascension of Christ is a key hinge moment in the plan of God. It is the fact that the ascension took place that helps us understand the totality of the work of Christ.
This Easter, we are going to celebrate one of the greatest resurrection encounters in Scripture. It is an encounter that is not only fascinating to consider on an Easter Sunday, it is an encounter that helps us get ready for that critical meeting on the calendar of every person to have ever been born. This message will help us all get ready to see God face to face.
Chris Wall • John 21:1-19
Peter and the disciples had encountered the resurrection of Christ. We
know that they had gone to the Sea of Galilee because Jesus told them he would meet them there. We don’t know why Peter decided to go fishing. Some claim he was just passing the time. Some claim he was just trying to earn a little cash. But most believe that Peter was contemplating going back to his old way of life. The sad reality about this choice for Peter is that when he went fishing, six other disciples went with him. Peter had already denied Christ and now Jesus finds him leading others down the wrong path.
It is not uncommon for a failure to lead to progressively failing. However, Peter’s resurrection encounter changed his trajectory. Resurrection encounters change your path. It changes your destiny. Perhaps it was Peter’s impulsiveness that was showing up again. Maybe it was shame for failing Christ. Maybe it was just a longing for an easier path, but would walking away from the Lord be easier? I think not. One thing that we notice in this passage is that Jesus was not recognized at first. Does rebellion cause us not to see clearly? Does failure cause us to disbelieve the grace of God? Regardless, what Peter and the disciples find is Jesus preparing breakfast on the beach.
Misael Gonzalez • Acts 9:1-19
Have you ever been so mad that you acted out of hate? Saul, the man in this portion of Scripture, was blinded by HATE towards God, yet encountered the LOVE of God. This murderer found real forgiveness and was transformed into a missionary by the grace and power of Jesus Christ Himself. If anything, Saul teaches us that when we have an unmistaken encounter with Jesus, it will produce an undeniable authentic change in our lives.
Chris Wall • Matthew 27:62 - 28:15
Seconds after Jesus proclaimed from the cross, “It is Finished”, remarkable
things took place. Immediately there was an earthquake. The sky grew dark. In the temple, the curtain was torn from top to bottom. Dead people came out of their tombs and went to see their friends. This was not a normal day. It was not a normal crucifixion. It was supernatural. In fact, it was so remarkable, Matthew reminds us of one of the guards who said, “Surely this was the Son of God.” (Matthew 27:54). Things were so crazy, the Chief Priests decided to post some guards at the tomb but they did not just guard it, they sealed it as well. Then it happened. It was a full blown resurrection encounter right in front of their face. Matthew tells us there was another violent earthquake but this one was followed by an unsealed tomb, some women who came to tend to Jesus’ body, an announcement from the angel of the Lord and some completely freaked out soldiers. They encountered the resurrection which moved the ladies to joyfully tell the disciples while moving the soldiers to run to the wrong leaders. The disciples eventually embraced the resurrection and were changed by it. The soldiers listened to the leaders who missed the miracle of the resurrection. Today, there are many who encounter the resurrection and experience life change. Simultaneously, there are others who try to silence
the news. Where are you? Do you accept or reject the resurrection? The question of eternal life really is that simple.
Chris Wall • Mark 10:32-45
In Mark 10, Jesus is boldly and bravely on His way to Calvary. Think of the weight of the moment. Jesus is confronting the reality of becoming sin for all humanity. Holy God, becoming sin. It is a statement that comes off of our lips but the magnitude of it is difficult to comprehend. In all honesty, as human beings, there is no real frame of reference to understand COMPLETE HOLINESS. One day we will see it. Jesus with intensity and intentionality revealed in this moment that he was headed to the cross. He told them in advance but for some reason when it actually happened, the disciples were completely surprised by it. This lack of expectation is curious especially when you read Mark 10:32-45. Jesus flat out told them as they were walking to Jerusalem, “I am going to die, be buried for three days and then I will rise from the dead”. He just said it, in plain English. Ok, He said it in Greek. But still, it was a clear resurrection encounter. Sadly, those closest to Jesus completely missed it. They missed the moment because their mind, focus and hearts were on self rather than on the Savior.
Imagine the frustration as Jesus revealed such an important truth that was about to take place only to hear the disciples start to fight about who could sit at the right and the left of Christ. They completely missed this resurrection encounter. How often have we missed God’s resurrection encounter because our focus was elsewhere? Jesus told His disciples the truth but they were in no place to hear it. Right now, we should ask ourselves, are we paying attention to the resurrection encounter that is right in front of us right now?
Chris Wall •. Matthew 12:38-42
People often want to see signs from God. The request for signs give evidence to unbelief. In Matthew 12, the teachers of the Law came to Jesus, hoping he would show them a few tricks. They wanted Him to prove that He was the Messiah. Seriously, what more proof did they need? If they were real students of the Bible, they would have read about Him and noticed the prophets spoke of Him. If they would have looked deeply at His life, it would have been clear He was God in the flesh. But, these men came to Jesus to see a show. They came wondering if he could be impressive. Jesus chose not to cater to their unbelief by performing a miracle to please them. Instead, He offered a resurrection encounter through lesson from Jonah and a Queen. Jesus always had the ability to reveal hearts. Jesus revealed how the religious leaders rejected the wisdom of Christ standing right in front of them. The main lesson behind these history lessons is the tragic reality that people can be familiar with the resurrection of Christ and still completely miss it. To miss Christ is to miss God. In this passage, the heart of these religious leaders was revealed and their hearts were unwilling to yield. These leaders had a resurrection encounter and rejected it. When the resurrection is encountered, how foolish it is to turn it away.
Chad Balthrop • Colossians 2:18-23
We live in a generation "that can't even." We're told to "live our truth." Whatever choice you make, your next judgmental critic is only one click away. With relentless individualism, we let no one tell us how to live. Yet so many people feel empty. Lost. Alone. All too often, the desire to "let no one" influence our thinking becomes a trigger that gives everyone a piece of who we are. These voices become obstacles that limit our faith. What excuse prevents you from fully trusting Christ? What explanation gives you a reason to move further from God and those who love you most? What if you could recondition your thinking and recondition your habits? Scripture tells the story of the One whose grace defines...and redefines us all.
Chris Wall • Colossians 2:11-17
The church at Colossae was dealing with false teaching coming from multiple fronts. There was the challenge of oriental mysticism, astrology, philosophy, and in this passage, it confronts the Jewish legalism. These Jewish Gnostics were pushing the church to submit to the Old Testament laws and customs. The message of the gospel brought about a rapid shift in traditions. You think we have traditions, imagine traditions that could be traced back to Moses. That is a long time. This gnostic legalism believed keeping the Jewish law would help believers be more spiritual. If they were circumcised, kept the dietary laws, observed the holy days, then God would be more pleased and they could be among the spiritual elite. Paul made it clear that the Christian is not bound by any of those requirements. Keeping these laws really do not do any good when it comes to your walk with the Lord. Jesus Christ alone is sufficient for every spiritual need. In Christ alone, our lives are complete. Our identity is found in our relationship with Christ, not in the rules we keep.
Pastor Chris Wall • Colossians 2:1-10
Paul was a good shepherd of God’s people. Every shepherd will be required to fight off some wolves that come in for an attack. Over the next three weeks we must take some time and fight off some wolves attacking our flock. In the Christian life, we never stand still. We are either moving forward in spiritual growth or slipping backwards into spiritual apathy. Every believer is an open target for the enemy to attack but those believers who are slipping into apathy will find themselves exposed to the enemy. One of the ways to prepare is to know the word. The greatest offense is a formidable defense. In Ephesians, God gives us armor to protect ourselves while providing only one offensive weapon; the sword of the Spirit. The first part of this passage moves us to a powerful foundation of God’s word as preparation for the spiritual attacks. We cannot miss this as we prepare for the warning to the church at Colossae.
Chris Wall • Colossians 1:24-29
We live in a world that does not understand the value of suffering. I
realize that in the midst of suffering, it is often hard to recognize value, but Paul often reminded us of the value by rejoicing in difficult times. Paul’s enemies likely made a big deal of the fact that this great leader was writing from a prison cell. But Paul turned this weapon around and used it to help the church recognize the power of God in the midst of his suffering. Amazingly, we can rejoice in suffering because Christ provides strength in the midst of afflictions and in the midst of ministry. The road of ministry is not an easy
road. Every believer is a minister of the gospel. However, the miracle of following Christ is not that He keeps us from tough assignments, but that He walks with us through every tough assignment. God did not call us to easy, He called us to ministry. Let’s fulfill that call at ALL TIMES, in ALL CIRCUMSTANCES, ALL OUR LIVES.
Pastor Chris Wall • Colossians 1:18-23
Last year, we took fourteen weeks taking a long doctrinal look at the church. One of the biggest lessons we learned was that the mission and message given to the church is the only hope for humanity. Not only is the church commissioned to spread the gospel, but the church is commissioned to equip the body to serve the Lord. In this passage, we get a glimpse of what an effective church looks like. Even though the challenges in 2021, we still have everything we need to be an effective church.
Misael Gonzalez • Colossians 1:15-17
Worshiping God becomes much more profound when we know the magnitude of who Jesus is as the Author, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe; He is the glue holding our us together. Have you ever had a moment in life where you realized the universe was much larger you could have ever imagined? The passage of this sermon does that very same thing. It focuses on the reality that our worship of God is inspired by what we know of God.
Chris Wall • Colossians 1:3-14
Worshiping God becomes much more profound when we know the magnitude of who Jesus is as the Author, Creator, and Sustainer of the universe; He is the glue holding our us together. Have you ever had a moment in life where you realized the universe was much larger you could have ever imagined? The passage of this sermon does that very same thing. It focuses on the reality that our worship of God is inspired by what we know of God.
Chris Wall • Colossians 1:1-8
The core of Christianity is the gospel. The heart of every gospel centered Christian is urgency and clarity with the gospel message. This year, the leadership of First Baptist is asking you to join us to recommit to sharing the gospel where we live.
Our 2021Gospeladventure is to build a missionary mindset in our lives. Every believer is called to be on mission (Matthew 28:16-20)
The people of First Baptist have an expanding mission in Spanish and English. We have an expanding mission from the inner city of Tulsa to the expanding suburbs and surrounding towns.
The question before us is whether or not we will accept it. God wants to involve us in His mission. And as our loving Heavenly Father, He has given us everything we need to accomplish it.
Epaphras sets an example for us as he was given strength in every situation, power by the Holy Spirit, while being faithfully surrounded with passionate, committed, and capable Believers who stood ready to fulfill this mission with him.
Chris Wall • 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Ending 2020 with a call to remain alert seems to be an appropriate ending to an unforgettable year. This passage in I Thessalonians 5 has been written as an encouragement to the church to live in the light. In all honesty, light has been a constant theme throughout the entire Christmas season. This passage first of all points to the reality of the second coming of Christ and the inevitable end of days of grace on the earth. The world is groaning like the pains of childbirth speaking to the inevitable Day of the Lord inescapable for everyone. With this reality in view, God’s people have a clear responsibility to wake up, think, and be alert all the way to the moment of His return.
Chris Wall • 1 John 1:1-4
How many Christmas stories have you heard? There is Scrooge, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Elf, Diehard, and don’t even try to walk through the Hallmark Channel lineup. Christmas time is chalked full of incredibly creative made-up stories. However, we recognize that real life is better than fiction. So, when it comes to the real life version of Christmas, the details are more remarkable than any of the made up tales. However, when it comes to the uniqueness of the Christmas story, it is not fiction. Jesus actually entered human history in real time occupying real space. The Christmas message is not just a bunch of nice stories or an interesting legend; it is actually true. Because it is true, fellowship with God is possible.
Chris Wall • Luke 2:22-35
Christmas is a joyful time of the year. But before the joy of Christmas can truly be realized, one has to confront the warning of Christmas. Christmas brings hope, joy and salvation causing people to know lasting peace and strength. The Christmas message leads to stability in this world resulting in a literally rising to heaven on the last day. But this same Christmas message causes others to a literal fall in this life ultimately leading to their spiritual death due to rejection of the Savior. The real truth question that this sermon will allow us to confront is whether or not Jesus will be YOUR rise or YOUR fall. I pray this is a day when someone comes to know Christ as their Savior. At the same time this will be an evangelistic message, it also provides an opportunity to reveal the dangerous call God’s people have received. The Christmas message is not safe. It is not comfortable. The call before us results in a gospel adventure causing opposition at every turn. The Christmas message is effective but remains an offense to the world. We have to lead our people not to be offensive, but, prepare for a world to oppose Christ every step of the way.
Chris Wall • Isaiah 9:1-7
The prophet Isaiah in both Chapter 8 and 9 discusses the reality of the human condition. The message of Christianity and the Bible communicates how things really are worse than they appear. People really are desperate for meaning and direction. The human situation really is hopeless, It really is darker than we care to admit. This is the honest truth and everyone really gets it when they think about it. However, in spite of this inescapable dark reality, the message of Christmas is that LIGHT has come from outside this world exposing the seriousness of the human condition while revealing the path to hope, peace, comfort and complete salvation. Light came into the world.
Chad Balthrop • Hebrews 9:11-22
Fingerprints, facial recognition, and DNA - each provides a unique identifier that is built into your God-given design. Scripture shows us that the blood of Jesus is a unique identifier. By His blood, He enters the Holy of Holies. By His blood, He makes right what once went wrong. Through the Lord’s Supper, a group of Believers remembers His body and blood, broken and shed for His people. The Lord’s Supper becomes a unique identifier that draws His people together and reminds us of His forgiveness and grace. With this mark we remember - Only Jesus.
Chris Wall • Galatians 5:16-26
The gathered church is the God-ordained environment where the fruit of the Spirit is cultivated and the fruit of the flesh is defeated. For fruit to grow, the environment matters. Just as fruit cannot grow in every climate. The fruit of the Spirit is meant to grow in a specific setting. In the gathered church, there is a safety net of relationships, accountability, and resources. It is in the gathered church where we learn to overcome that internal battle of the flesh resulting in a life that walks by the Spirit.
Misael Gonzalez • 2 Timothy 2:14-26
The things you say, do, or use are a window into the beliefs you hold about the world and the one who created it. What you truly believe influences what you truly practice. As children of God, we truly believe that He establishes a people to be set apart for a purpose that is much greater than our own. This challenges us to live in a manner worthy of the high calling of Jesus Christ. If we truly believe God is everything he says he is, it transforms everything we do with and for Him.
Chad Balthrop • Matthew 6:19-21
Who do you trust with your heart? We have a choice. You can invest your life in something that is temporary where time deteriorates and hurtful people take - OR - You can entrust your heart to something that is timeless. You can give yourself into the hands of the only one able to protect your heart from the ravages of time and the hurts of people. The position of your possessions becomes the condition of your heart.
Chris Wall • 1 Corinthians 12:12-27
When Jesus established the church, he was not launching a building campaign. He was not describing an organization. He was not starting a business. He was describing an unstoppable force that he would personally build until the end of humanity. The gathered church is the body of Christ and this body fleshes itself out in a local context. Our congregation operates under the Lordship of Christ through an established process of self-governance. In our congregation, each member is responsible and accountable to Christ as Lord. Our scriptural officers are elders and deacons. In this passage, the church is identified as the body of Christ which includes all of the redeemed of all ages.
Chris Wall • 1 Peter 2:9-12
Discover the influence of the local church in the world through this new community established by Christ. The church is a distinct people with a distinct calling. God equips followers of Christ to fulfill that call as we live together, not in isolation. Life together takes work, intentionality, and effort. We have this hope in Christ through His church.
Chris Wall • John 17:20-26
From the prayer of Jesus, we discover that God's desire for His people to walk in unity, to share the gospel by sharing His love, and to be ready, willing, and able to go wherever God sends.
Chad Balthrop • Acts 8:26-40
Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world.
We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds.
Together, our unity shines;
Our purpose, defined;
Our love, refined;
And the world will never be the same.
History has it's eye...on the Church.
To Gather in a Changing World.
Anthony Scott • John 17:13-21
Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world.
We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds.
Together, our unity shines;
Our purpose, defined;
Our love, refined;
And the world will never be the same.
History has it's eye...on the Church.
To Gather in a Changing World.
Chris Wall • Matthew 28:16-20
Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world.
We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds.
Together, our unity shines;
Our purpose, defined;
Our love, refined;
And the world will never be the same.
History has it's eye...on the Church.
To Gather in a Changing World.
Chris Wall • Ephesians 5:21-33
Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world.
We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds.
Together, our unity shines;
Our purpose, defined;
Our love, refined;
And the world will never be the same.
History has it's eye...on the Church.
To Gather in a Changing World.
Chris Wall • 1 Timothy 3:1-16
Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the Church is His plan for sharing that hope with the world.
We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds.
Together, our unity shines;
Our purpose, defined;
Our love, refined;
And the world will never be the same.
History has it's eye...on the Church.
To Gather in a Changing World.
Chris Wall • Matthew 16:13-20 Jesus Christ is the hope of the world and the* Church is *His plan for sharing that hope with the world. We gather as the Church to spur one another to love and good deeds. Together, our unity shines; Our purpose, defined; Our love, refined; And the world will never be the same. History has it's eye...on the Church. To Gather in a Changing World.
Misael Gonzalez • John 4:1-26
At every time in the history of the world, in every country around the globe, the Kingdom of God continues to advance. Though we have an updated, technical and modern society, God is still transforming lives through the gospel. From a human standpoint, we are facing certain uncertainty.
But in the midst of global instability, the Holy Spirit is moving and the gospel message continues to make a difference.
Chris Wall • John 7:1-5, James 1:1
At every time in the history of the world, in every country around the globe, the Kingdom of God continues to advance. Though we have an updated, technical and modern society, God is still transforming lives through the gospel. From a human standpoint, we are facing certain uncertainty.
But in the midst of global instability, the Holy Spirit is moving and the gospel message continues to make a difference.
Chris Wall • John 19:38-42
At every time in the history of the world, in every country around the globe, the Kingdom of God continues to advance. Though we have an updated, technical and modern society, God is still transforming lives through the gospel. From a human standpoint, we are facing certain uncertainty.
But in the midst of global instability, the Holy Spirit is moving and the gospel message continues to make a difference.
Chad Balthrop • Matthew 9:35-38; Luke 18:35-43
At every time in the history of the world, in every country around the globe, the Kingdom of God continues to advance. Though we have an updated, technical and modern society, God is still transforming lives through the gospel. From a human standpoint, we are facing certain uncertainty.
But in the midst of global instability, the Holy Spirit is moving and the gospel message continues to make a difference.
Chris Wall • 2 Samuel 24
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Chad Balthrop • 2 Samuel 22:1-7; 47-51
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Chris Wall • 2 Samuel 19-21
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Chris Wall • 2 Samuel 16-18
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Chris Wall • 2 Samuel 15
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Chad Balthrop • 2 Samuel 13:1-33; James 4:1-10
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Chris Wall • 2 Samuel 10-12
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Chris Wall • Proverbs 31
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Chris Wall • 2 Samuel 8-9
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Chris Wall • 2 Samuel 7
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Chris Wall • 2 Samauel 2-6
A man of victory;
A man of courage;
A man of scandal;
A man after God's own heart.
To win this crown...surrender.
Bigger than your biggest. Deeper than your darkest. Greater than your grandest. One week defines them all. You might describe what's happening in our world today as monumental. You would be right. Yet it's still not as world-defining or life-changing as what happened that one week in a small Roman province thousands of years ago. — with Chad Balthrop, Brad Aylor, Chris Wall and Keith E. Davis at First Baptist Owasso.
Bigger than your biggest. Deeper than your darkest. Greater than your grandest. One week defines them all. You might describe what's happening in our world today as monumental. You would be right. Yet it's still not as world-defining or life-changing as what happened that one week in a small Roman province thousands of years ago. — with Chad Balthrop, Brad Aylor, Chris Wall and Keith E. Davis at First Baptist Owasso.
Bigger than your biggest. Deeper than your darkest. Greater than your grandest. One week defines them all. You might describe what's happening in our world today as monumental. You would be right. Yet it's still not as world-defining or life-changing as what happened that one week in a small Roman province thousands of years ago. — with Chad Balthrop, Brad Aylor, Chris Wall and Keith E. Davis at First Baptist Owasso.
A reluctant King. An underestimated boy. A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God. It’s not a fairy tale or n ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It’s the story of us. A King’s Tale – A Journey through 1st Samuel.
To obey is better than to sacrifice.
A reluctant King. An underestimated boy. A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God. It’s not a fairy tale or n ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It’s the story of us. A King’s Tale – A Journey through 1st Samuel.
To obey is better than to sacrifice.
A reluctant King.
An underestimated boy.
A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God.
It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.
A reluctant King.
An underestimated boy.
A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God.
It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.
A reluctant King.
An underestimated boy.
A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God.
It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.
A reluctant King.
An underestimated boy.
A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God.
It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.
A reluctant King.
An underestimated boy.
A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God.
It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.
A reluctant King.
An underestimated boy.
A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God.
It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.
A reluctant King.
An underestimated boy.
A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God.
It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.
A reluctant King.
An underestimated boy.
A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God.
It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.
A reluctant King.
An underestimated boy.
A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God.
It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.
A reluctant King. An underestimated boy. A nation unwilling to hear the heart of God. It's not a fairy tale or an ancient story of kingdoms long forgotten. It's the story of us.
Christmas is a season to celebrate the greatest gift ever given - a babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger. This gift of God's Son is the gift of life for all who believe. Before the time of His birth and as angels declared His glory, the coming of the newborn King inspired songs of faith and acts of remarkable courage. Find strength and experience joy in Songs of the Season.
Christmas is a season to celebrate the greatest gift ever given - a babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger. This gift of God's Son is the gift of life for all who believe. Before the time of His birth and as angels declared His glory, the coming of the newborn King inspired songs of faith and acts of remarkable courage. Find strength and experience joy in Songs of the Season.
Christmas is a season to celebrate the greatest gift ever given - a babe, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laying in a manger. This gift of God's Son is the gift of life for all who believe. Before the time of His birth and as angels declared His glory, the coming of the newborn King inspired songs of faith and acts of remarkable courage. Find strength and experience joy in Songs of the Season.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
If your life was a parable, a small story with a big meaning, what lesson would we learn? Jesus often taught in parables, simple stories that open the eyes of the foolish, profound tales that confound the wise. This fall, discover the kingdom of God. Deepen the strength of your faith. Draw close to the One who saves. PARABLES We’re all stories in the end.
What drives the decisions you make? Where is the trajectory of your life talking you? One step forward. Two steps back? Every choice draws you closer to God or sends you further down a more tragic path. Will you learn from His wisdom or suffer the mistakes and misfortunes of life on your own? Your next step can be a step toward glory. Discover how, during theWalk.
What drives the decisions you make? Where is the trajectory of your life talking you? One step forward. Two steps back? Every choice draws you closer to God or sends you further down a more tragic path. Will you learn from His wisdom or suffer the mistakes and misfortunes of life on your own? Your next step can be a step toward glory. Discover how, during theWalk.
What drives the decisions you make? Where is the trajectory of your life talking you? One step forward. Two steps back? Every choice draws you closer to God or sends you further down a more tragic path. Will you learn from His wisdom or suffer the mistakes and misfortunes of life on your own? Your next step can be a step toward glory. Discover how, during theWalk.
What drives the decisions you make? Where is the trajectory of your life talking you? One step forward. Two steps back? Every choice draws you closer to God or sends you further down a more tragic path. Will you learn from His wisdom or suffer the mistakes and misfortunes of life on your own? Your next step can be a step toward glory. Discover how, during theWalk.
What drives the decisions you make? Where is the trajectory of your life talking you? One step forward. Two steps back? Every choice draws you closer to God or sends you further down a more tragic path. Will you learn from His wisdom or suffer the mistakes and misfortunes of life on your own? Your next step can be a step toward glory. Discover how, during theWalk.
What drives the decisions you make? Where is the trajectory of your life talking you? One step forward. Two steps back? Every choice draws you closer to God or sends you further down a more tragic path. Will you learn from His wisdom or suffer the mistakes and misfortunes of life on your own? Your next step can be a step toward glory. Discover how, during theWalk.
What drives the decisions you make? Where is the trajectory of your life talking you? One step forward. Two steps back? Every choice draws you closer to God or sends you further down a more tragic path. Will you learn from His wisdom or suffer the mistakes and misfortunes of life on your own? Your next step can be a step toward glory. Discover how, during theWalk.
You’ve heard the stories. A successful business owner struggles with the depression that comes from never having enough. A prominent actor takes their own life, popularity unable to assuage the despair they feel inside. A wife in a seemingly happy marriage leaves her family in search of the satisfaction she didn’t find at home. Every day we meet people who could say, “My life is great. So why do I feel so sad?” An ancient king once explored everything that makes life meaningful. He discovered an eternal answer to an everyday question. From the day of your birth until the time of your death, what lies in-between is the life you build. How will you live The Dash?
You’ve heard the stories. A successful business owner struggles with the depression that comes from never having enough. A prominent actor takes their own life, popularity unable to assuage the despair they feel inside. A wife in a seemingly happy marriage leaves her family in search of the satisfaction she didn’t find at home. Every day we meet people who could say, “My life is great. So why do I feel so sad?” An ancient king once explored everything that makes life meaningful. He discovered an eternal answer to an everyday question. From the day of your birth until the time of your death, what lies in-between is the life you build. How will you live The Dash?
You’ve heard the stories. A successful business owner struggles with the depression that comes from never having enough. A prominent actor takes their own life, popularity unable to assuage the despair they feel inside. A wife in a seemingly happy marriage leaves her family in search of the satisfaction she didn’t find at home. Every day we meet people who could say, “My life is great. So why do I feel so sad?” An ancient king once explored everything that makes life meaningful. He discovered an eternal answer to an everyday question. From the day of your birth until the time of your death, what lies in-between is the life you build. How will you live The Dash?
You’ve heard the stories. A successful business owner struggles with the depression that comes from never having enough. A prominent actor takes their own life, popularity unable to assuage the despair they feel inside. A wife in a seemingly happy marriage leaves her family in search of the satisfaction she didn’t find at home. Every day we meet people who could say, “My life is great. So why do I feel so sad?” An ancient king once explored everything that makes life meaningful. He discovered an eternal answer to an everyday question. From the day of your birth until the time of your death, what lies in-between is the life you build. How will you live The Dash?
You’ve heard the stories. A successful business owner struggles with the depression that comes from never having enough. A prominent actor takes their own life, popularity unable to assuage the despair they feel inside. A wife in a seemingly happy marriage leaves her family in search of the satisfaction she didn’t find at home. Every day we meet people who could say, “My life is great. So why do I feel so sad?” An ancient king once explored everything that makes life meaningful. He discovered an eternal answer to an everyday question. From the day of your birth until the time of your death, what lies in-between is the life you build. How will you live The Dash?
You’ve heard the stories. A successful business owner struggles with the depression that comes from never having enough. A prominent actor takes their own life, popularity unable to assuage the despair they feel inside. A wife in a seemingly happy marriage leaves her family in search of the satisfaction she didn’t find at home. Every day we meet people who could say, “My life is great. So why do I feel so sad?” An ancient king once explored everything that makes life meaningful. He discovered an eternal answer to an everyday question. From the day of your birth until the time of your death, what lies in-between is the life you build. How will you live The Dash?
You’ve heard the stories. A successful business owner struggles with the depression that comes from never having enough. A prominent actor takes their own life, popularity unable to assuage the despair they feel inside. A wife in a seemingly happy marriage leaves her family in search of the satisfaction she didn’t find at home. Every day we meet people who could say, “My life is great. So why do I feel so sad?” An ancient king once explored everything that makes life meaningful. He discovered an eternal answer to an everyday question. From the day of your birth until the time of your death, what lies in-between is the life you build. How will you live The Dash?
You’ve heard the stories. A successful business owner struggles with the depression that comes from never having enough. A prominent actor takes their own life, popularity unable to assuage the despair they feel inside. A wife in a seemingly happy marriage leaves her family in search of the satisfaction she didn’t find at home. Every day we meet people who could say, “My life is great. So why do I feel so sad?” An ancient king once explored everything that makes life meaningful. He discovered an eternal answer to an everyday question. From the day of your birth until the time of your death, what lies in-between is the life you build. How will you live The Dash?
You’ve heard the stories. A successful business owner struggles with the depression that comes from never having enough. A prominent actor takes their own life, popularity unable to assuage the despair they feel inside. A wife in a seemingly happy marriage leaves her family in search of the satisfaction she didn’t find at home. Every day we meet people who could say, “My life is great. So why do I feel so sad?” An ancient king once explored everything that makes life meaningful. He discovered an eternal answer to an everyday question. From the day of your birth until the time of your death, what lies in-between is the life you build. How will you live The Dash?
It is the foundation of our faith, seed we pray falls on Good Soil, the source of our victory in the Good Fight. It is the Good News that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead. By His grace, we are forgiven. Our relationship with God has been restored. We have received the righteousness of God through faith. Have you heard of the Good News? Will you share the Good News with others? As we prepare our hearts during this Season of Lent, discover the Good News that Jesus Christ has come to save His people from their sin.
It is the foundation of our faith, seed we pray falls on Good Soil, the source of our victory in the Good Fight. It is the Good News that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead. By His grace, we are forgiven. Our relationship with God has been restored. We have received the righteousness of God through faith. Have you heard of the Good News? Will you share the Good News with others? As we prepare our hearts during this Season of Lent, discover the Good News that Jesus Christ has come to save His people from their sin.
It is the foundation of our faith, seed we pray falls on Good Soil, the source of our victory in the Good Fight. It is the Good News that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead. By His grace, we are forgiven. Our relationship with God has been restored. We have received the righteousness of God through faith. Have you heard of the Good News? Will you share the Good News with others? As we prepare our hearts during this Season of Lent, discover the Good News that Jesus Christ has come to save His people from their sin.
It is the foundation of our faith, seed we pray falls on Good Soil, the source of our victory in the Good Fight. It is the Good News that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead. By His grace, we are forgiven. Our relationship with God has been restored. We have received the righteousness of God through faith. Have you heard of the Good News? Will you share the Good News with others? As we prepare our hearts during this Season of Lent, discover the Good News that Jesus Christ has come to save His people from their sin.
It is the foundation of our faith, seed we pray falls on Good Soil, the source of our victory in the Good Fight. It is the Good News that Jesus Christ died on the cross and rose from the dead. By His grace, we are forgiven. Our relationship with God has been restored. We have received the righteousness of God through faith. Have you heard of the Good News? Will you share the Good News with others? As we prepare our hearts during this Season of Lent, discover the Good News that Jesus Christ has come to save His people from their sin.
A story is told of a man who was fully surrendered to God. With determined purpose, he chose a mission that would give the gospel to an empire. The cost? His life. Without regret, he followed God. He expressed his faith like this, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” For the Apostle Paul, the battle that costs everything is the victory that changes eternity. In the last few chapters of Acts, discover your mission and learn to win the Good Fight.
A story is told of a man who was fully surrendered to God. With determined purpose, he chose a mission that would give the gospel to an empire. The cost? His life. Without regret, he followed God. He expressed his faith like this, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” For the Apostle Paul, the battle that costs everything is the victory that changes eternity. In the last few chapters of Acts, discover your mission and learn to win the Good Fight.
A story is told of a man who was fully surrendered to God. With determined purpose, he chose a mission that would give the gospel to an empire. The cost? His life. Without regret, he followed God. He expressed his faith like this, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” For the Apostle Paul, the battle that costs everything is the victory that changes eternity. In the last few chapters of Acts, discover your mission and learn to win the Good Fight.
A story is told of a man who was fully surrendered to God. With determined purpose, he chose a mission that would give the gospel to an empire. The cost? His life. Without regret, he followed God. He expressed his faith like this, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” For the Apostle Paul, the battle that costs everything is the victory that changes eternity. In the last few chapters of Acts, discover your mission and learn to win the Good Fight.
What began as a small movement in a little known Roman province grew into a worldwide, history-defining, eternity-changing group of people we call the church. This happened because the Word of God fell on good soil in the hearts of people. In 2019, the Word of God can permeate your life and this community. The question is, “Will it fall on good soil?”
What began as a small movement in a little known Roman province grew into a worldwide, history-defining, eternity-changing group of people we call the church. This happened because the Word of God fell on good soil in the hearts of people. In 2019, the Word of God can permeate your life and this community. The question is, “Will it fall on good soil?”
What began as a small movement in a little known Roman province grew into a worldwide, history-defining, eternity-changing group of people we call the church. This happened because the Word of God fell on good soil in the hearts of people. In 2019, the Word of God can permeate your life and this community. The question is, “Will it fall on good soil?”
What began as a small movement in a little known Roman province grew into a worldwide, history-defining, eternity-changing group of people we call the church. This happened because the Word of God fell on good soil in the hearts of people. In 2019, the Word of God can permeate your life and this community. The question is, “Will it fall on good soil?”
What began as a small movement in a little known Roman province grew into a worldwide, history-defining, eternity-changing group of people we call the church. This happened because the Word of God fell on good soil in the hearts of people. In 2019, the Word of God can permeate your life and this community. The question is, “Will it fall on good soil?”
What began as a small movement in a little known Roman province grew into a worldwide, history-defining, eternity-changing group of people we call the church. This happened because the Word of God fell on good soil in the hearts of people. In 2019, the Word of God can permeate your life and this community. The question is, “Will it fall on good soil?”
What began as a small movement in a little known Roman province grew into a worldwide, history-defining, eternity-changing group of people we call the church. This happened because the Word of God fell on good soil in the hearts of people. In 2019, the Word of God can permeate your life and this community. The question is, “Will it fall on good soil?”