Wilkesboro Baptist Church Podcasts: Recent Episodes
Wilkesboro Baptist Church
Wilkesboro Baptist Church exists to lead our neighbors and the nations to follow Jesus. We accomplish this through worship, learning, serving, and replicating disciples in Wilkesboro and throughout the world.
Title: The King’s Commission
Text: Matthew 28:16-20; Acts 1:1-10
Chris Hefner
Three Demands of the Gospel of the Kingdom on our Lives
The gospel of the kingdom must reorient our allegiances
The gospel of the kingdom must recalibrate our concerns
The gospel of the kingdom must reset our priorities, purposes, and practices
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Title: The King’s Judgement
Text: Matthew 25:31-46
Chris Hefner
Two Responses to Jesus as King
Look to the King on his throne
Listen to the King as he judges
To the righteous: inherit the kingdom
To the unrighteous: depart into judgment
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Practical Sanctification in Christ
Chris Hefner
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Title: The Gospel of the Kingdom and the End of the Age
Text: Matthew 24
Chris Hefner
Three Ways We can be Ready for the End of the Age
We are to cultivate our love for God and for others
We are to persevere in the faith
We are to preach the gospel of the kingdom
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Devoted Solution: Col 2:16-23
Chris Hefner
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Title: A Warning to the Kingdom’s Gatekeepers
Text: Matthew 23
Chris Hefner
Warnings that We Not Miss Jesus:
When we care more about people seeing our religious piety than about serving them, we are in danger of missing Jesus
When we care more about making people like us than leading them to be like Jesus, we are in danger of missing Jesus
When we care more about religious minutia than the Holy One who makes our religious practices meaningful, we are in danger of missing Jesus
When we care more about being seen as religious than being seen by God as holy, we are in danger of missing Jesus
When we care more about religious traditions than the Word of God, we are in danger of missing Jesus
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Title: The Greatest in the Kingdom
Text: Matthew 18:1-4; 19:13-15
Chris Hefner
Three Principles for Thinking about the Kingdom and our Families
The Kingdom belongs to those who enter by faith
The Kingdom grows when parents bring their children to Jesus
The Kingdom is missed when the gospel is misunderstood
Four Applications
Participate in the local church community
Practice family worship
Pray to the Good Shepherd
Pray to receive Christ
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Title: The Glorified King
Text: Matthew 17:1-9
Chris Hefner
Responses to the Glorified King
Follow Jesus. When we follow Jesus in the intimacy of prayer and worship, we will experience the privileges of Jesus’ presence
See Jesus. When we see Jesus in his passion and his glory, we will never be the same again
Hear Jesus. When we hear Jesus in his comforts and commands, we will experience grace and mission
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Title: The Keys of the Kingdom and the Powers of the World
Text: Matthew 16:13-24
Chris Hefner
Four Intersections between the Kingdom and Discipleship
Confession—Jesus is Messiah. We must confess Jesus as Messiah and King
Conflict—Pan vs. Jesus. We must be aware of the truly significant (spiritual) conflicts between the kingdoms in our world
Community—church. We must be a part of the community that submits to the rule and reign of King Jesus
Call—cross. We must deny self, bear our cross, and follow King Jesus
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Title: The Stories of the Kingdom
Text: Matthew 13
Chris Hefner
Two Interpretive Principles for Understanding Jesus’ Parables
First, we need to read Jesus’ parables in their context.
Second, we need to hear Jesus’ own answer for why he spoke in parables.
One Question that is the Point of Jesus’ Parables
Do you have ears to hear?
Two Indicators that One Has Ears to Hear
Pay Attention: those truly in the kingdom will bear fruit.
Give All: the treasure of the kingdom is worth more than anything you give up.
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Title: The Kingdom Misunderstood and Explained
Text: Matthew 11:1-15
Chris Hefner
Demonstrations of the Gospel of the Kingdom
John demonstrates the tendency see the gospel of the kingdom through our sufferings and circumstances.
Herod demonstrates the tendency to see the gospel of the kingdom through politics and power.
Jesus demonstrates the accessibility the gospel of the kingdom through his words and works.
The crowds demonstrate the invitation of the gospel of the kingdom to meet Jesus.
John’s messengers demonstrate the message of the gospel of the kingdom to report what we see and hear about Jesus.
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Title: The King’s Tomb
Text: Matthew 27:57-28:20
Chris Hefner
Three Realities of the King’s Tomb
The King’s Tomb was Borrowed
The King’s Tomb was Secured
The King’s Tomb was Vacated
Three Responses to the King’s Tomb
We can respond with Skepticism
We can respond with Fear
We can respond with Faith
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Title: The King’s Cross
Text: Matthew 27:11-14, 27-30, 41-54
Chris Hefner
Evidences of the King’s Cross
We see the King’s Cross in the irony and mockery from the human participants
We see the King’s cross by what Jesus said and by what he didn’t say
We see the King’s cross by Jesus’ suffering
We see the King’s Cross by how Jesus surrendered his spirit
We see the King’s Cross in the supernatural affirmations at the cross
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An Introduction to Colossians
Chris Hefner
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Title: The King’s Temple
Text: Matthew 21:1-17
Chris Hefner
Responses to the King’s Announcements at the Temple
Receive the King’s peace
Regard the King’s judgments
Call for the King’s salvation
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Identity in Christ
David Easler
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Title: Applied Fruitfulness in the Kingdom
Text: Matthew 7:13-8:1
Chris Hefner
Sermon Theme: Jesus offers us four warnings: 1) the path we are on, 2) the people we listen to, 3) the profession we make, and 4) the payoff of our choices
Make sure to take the Jesus way
Discern the truth that bears good fruit
Profess with your life, not merely your lips
Hear and heed the words of Jesus
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The God of Restoration
Vince Adams
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Title: Applied Relationships in the Kingdom
Text: Matthew 7:1-12
Chris Hefner
In relationship with those around us: Be discerning, not judgmental
In relationship with God: Be prayerful
In relationship with everyone: Be loving
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Josh Geisinger from La Red Ministries shares info about their ministry, and how the partnership with WBC has helped them.
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Title: Applied Pursuit in the Kingdom
Text: Matthew 6:19-34
Chris Hefner
Seek first God’s rule and righteousness
Seek first God’s rule and righteousness because it is too easy to be sidetracked by temporary treasures
Seek first God’s rule and righteousness because it is too common to be paralyzed by all-consuming anxieties
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The Doctrine of Eschatology: Matthew 24
Chris Hefner
Three Reasons to be Encouraged by Mt. 24
- First, be encouraged that Jesus prepared his followers for what was to come.
- Second, be encouraged that much of what Jesus said would happen has indeed happened.
- Third, be encouraged by the already, not yet tension of Matthew 24.
Matthew 24 Highlights:·
- 24:1-3—Note who brought up the topic.
- 24:4-14—Note the intertextual Jewish apocalyptic imagery; negative signs and positive sign.
- 24:15-20—The abomination of desolation
- 24:21-28—More apocalyptic imagery; fulfilled in the past or yet to be
- 24:29-31—The Second Coming
- 24:32-35—Read the fig tree; this generation; the permanent assurance of God’s Word
- 24:36—Jesus’ self-imposed limitation
- 24:37-39—As in the days of Noah
- 24:40-42—Taken and left; be ready
- 24:43-44—As a thief in the night; be ready
- 24:45-51—The faithful and wise servant will be found serving
Theological Takeaway: Reading Matthew 24 in light of the rest of Matthew (especially the theme of the kingdom) reminds us that the King came and is coming again.
Worship Takeaway: We must worship the King whose prophecies came true meaning that his future promises will come true as well.
Evangelistic Takeaway: It is our job to warn our neighbors and the nations to be ready for the return of Christ.
Relational Takeaway: Let us be the faithful and wise servants who are ready for the Master’s return.
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Title: Applied Worship in the Kingdom
Text: Matthew 6:1-18
Chris Hefner
Our practices in the kingdom are for the glory of the Father, not the praise of people
Our practices in the kingdom are significant because they are relational, not because they are religious
Our practices (prayers) in the kingdom should follow the pattern taught by Jesus
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The Doctrine of Eschatology - The Return of Christ
Chris Hefner
Futurism (associated with premillennialism): views the majority of eschatological references to be fulfilled in and around the second coming of Christ.
Preterism or realized eschatology is the opposite of futurism and sees almost all eschatology as fulfilled in the past, primarily with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
Inaugurated eschatology is best described by the phrase “already and not yet.”
Three Encouraging Truths about Christ’s Return
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Jesus’ return is promised (Acts 1:6-11)
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Jesus’ return is political. (Revelation 11:15-19)
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Jesus’ return is powerful. (Mark 14:61-62; Dan. 7:13-14)
Four main views on the rapture:
· Pre-tribulation rapture. Two returns (one secret, the rapture) separated by a tribulation period with the return of Christ.
· Mid-tribulation rapture. Locates rapture at the mid-point of the tribulation prior to God’s primary judgments on the earth.
· Pre-wrath rapture. Rapture occurs toward the end of the tribulation prior to God’s wrath at the bowl judgments.
· Post-tribulation rapture. Rapture and return of Christ are simultaneous at the end of the tribulation.
Key Texts:
Matthew 24; 1 Corinthians 15:52; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18; Revelation 20:5-6; Daniel 9:24-27.
Theological Takeaway: Eschatology is the most diverse theological doctrine that retains a high view of Scripture across hermeneutical perspectives.
Worship Takeaway: The kingdoms of the world will become the kingdom of our Lord Christ resulting in WORSHIP.
Evangelistic Takeaway: The return of Christ motivates believers to share the gospel of the kingdom and remain assured that the King will be victorious.
Relational Takeaway: We should encourage one another to endure the dissolving morality in culture and the possible coming persecution that we may endure to the end.
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Title: Applied Conduct in the Kingdom
Text: Matthew 5:21-48
Chris Hefner
One Practice: Be perfect as your Father is perfect
One Principle: Jesus’ deepening of the Law in the Sermon on the Mount was not given as the means of entering the kingdom, but to distinguish citizens of his kingdom from the world
Six Pictures:
Anger
Lust
Divorce
Honesty
RetaliationEnemies
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Building and Encouraging
Steve Robinson
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Title: Applied Character in the Kingdom
Text: Matthew 5:1-20
Chris Hefner
Kingdom citizens are blessed
Kingdom citizens are displayed
Kingdom citizens are transformed
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The Doctrine of Eschatology: Millennial Views
Chris Hefner
Key Text: Revelation 20:1-10
Major Millennial Views:
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Premillennialism: Christ returns before the millennial reign.
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Classic Dispensationalism: Schofield reference Bible; view is nearly heretical with God bringing about salvation in different ways in the OT as compared to the NT; very distinct views between promises to Israel and the church.
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Progressive Dispensationalism: adopts much from inaugurated eschatology and the already/not yet tension; shaped by the Israel/church formulation from Covenant Theology. (In both forms of dispensationalism, God’s theological/historical interventions with regard to salvation and redemption are shaped by the dispensation [that is OT or NT] in which persons find themselves.
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Historic Premillennialism: shares some similarities with the eschatological framework of progressive dispensationalism but is an altogether different system due to rejection of a dispensational understanding of redemption history.
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Postmillennialism: Jesus’ return is ushered in by the spread of the gospel and the victory of the kingdom of God through his people.
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Liberal Postmillennialism: the social gospel, the kingdom of God, and scientific advancements progress the world to an almost utopia before the return of Christ.
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Theonomic Postmillennialism: the business of the church is to work toward a theocracy by integrating OT Law system with NT theology.
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Dominion Postmillennialism: Charismatic in influence where the people of God gain “dominion” over wealth, prosperity, and the enemy to usher in the kingdom.
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Reformed Postmillennialism: the millennial age commences at some point during the present age through the preaching of the gospel in which the kingdom of God triumphs over the kingdoms of this world.
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Amillennialism: the millennium refers to the entire period of time between Christ’s two advents; thus the millennium in Rev. 20 is symbolic.
Theological Takeaway: No matter the eschatological millennial position you prefer, let the Bible interpret your position, not your position dictate the Bible.
Worship Takeaway: That Jesus is the Coming King means that we can worship him as the King today.
Evangelistic Takeaway: Our responsibility today as part of Christ’s here and now kingdom is to spread the gospel and make disciples.
Relational Takeaway: We should interact with patience and grace toward fellow believers who hold different views than we do.
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Title: The Kingdom Inaugurated
Text: Matthew 4:17-25
Chris Hefner
Don’t miss the astounding significance of Jesus’ announcement
Don’t mistake being present for repentance and following the King
Don’t let your circumstances paralyze you, bring them to Jesus whose kingdom has invaded the here and now
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The Doctrine of Eschatology: Heaven
Chris Hefner
Use of “Heaven” in Scripture.
Perspectival Influences to our perception of Heaven:
- Progressive utopia. This is the liberal vision that became the social gospel which emphasized social and not gospel to the neglect of the future Kingdom ramifications of God’s final victory.
- Body/Soul dualism. This is the Platonic vision which influenced the early Gnostics who claim that the body (matter) is evil and that the ideas (soul/spirit) are good and what will last forever.
- Pop culture Christianity. Christian hymnody, liturgy, and terminology that emphasizes “going to heaven when we die.”
Biblical observations:
- Biblically, we should think of heaven through the lens of Creation and Renewal. Gen. 1-2; Romans 8; Revelation 21-21.
- Biblically, our view of heaven (now and later) must be interpreted through Jesus’ resurrection and ascension.
- Biblically, the terminology surrounding heaven (now) is about being with God in respite, waiting for the ultimate purpose of God for his creatures. “Remember me when you come into your kingdom.” “Today, you will be with me in Paradise.”
- Biblically, heaven is about reward, rest, relationship.
Theological Takeaway: What remains (soul) after the Christian (body) dies, enters the presence of God awaiting resurrection and embodied responsibility to rest, serve, worship, and reign.
Worship Takeaway: While worship is the central picture of the believer’s existence in heaven, we must be careful that our image of worship is not constrained by soulless and emotionless church experiences or negligent of the other pictures of serving, reigning, and eating in the future/final state.
Evangelistic Takeaway: The gospel and offer of salvation are just as much about following Jesus because we are now alive than it is about securing eternal life in heaven for when we die.
Relational Takeaway: Those who die as believers enter God’s presence.
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The Doctrine of Eschatology: Judgment and Hell
Chris Hefner
Three Overarching Principles:
- The Hebrew linear view of history means that the world is advancing toward a telos or end.
- We need to enlarge our perspective on the subject of what is to come because of the vastness of what has been.
- We would be wise to hold our eschatological perspectives a little less tightly than the other main doctrines of the Bible.
General Order of Eschatological Events:
Jesus’ Return (Parousia)Þ ResurrectionÞ Final Judgment Þ Hell/Lake of Fire
Clarifying Passages:
- Matthew 25:31-46—the eternal nature of blessing and judgment
- 1 Corinthians 3:10-15—the nature of the believer’s judgment
- Revelation 20:4-15—the final judgment (Great White Throne)
Theological Considerations:
- Who receives judgment and reward? Universalism, Pluralism, Inclusivism, Exclusivism.
- The questions of compatibility: Is everlasting judgment compatible with God’s justice; with his love; with his victory; with his grace?
- Annihilationism—those who remain reprobate (in unbelief) are eventually annihilated utterly and do not live in judgment forever.
- Conditional Immortality—only those who believe are granted eternal life.
Theological Takeaway: To ignore the biblical doctrine of hell is to misunderstand the holiness of God and/or to minimize the depth of human sin.
Worship Takeaway: The doctrine of hell depicts the holy wrath of the one true God. It invites (demands) reverential fear.
Evangelistic Takeaway: If we take the Bible to be true and authoritative, then we must pray and share the gospel that those who do not believe may come to Christ.
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Title: The Lord Reigns
Text: Isaiah 52
Chris Hefner
Perspectives from God’s Reign
Look back and witness God’s redemptive reign in the past
Look around and experience God’s redemptive reign in the present
Look forward and anticipate God’s redemptive reign in the future
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Title: Identity Acceptance
Text: Numbers 20:1-12, Deuteronomy 34
Tad Craig
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The Doctrine of Eschatology - Last Things
Chris Hefner
Three Overarching Principles:
-
The Hebrew linear view of history means that the world is advancing toward a telos or end.
-
We need to enlarge our perspective on the subject of what is to come because of the vastness of what has been.
-
We would be wise to hold our eschatological perspectives a little less tightly than the other main doctrines of the Bible.
Three Overarching Eschatological Perspectives:
-
Futurism (associated with premillennialism): views the majority of eschatological references to be fulfilled in and around the second coming of Christ.
-
Preterism or realized eschatology is the opposite of futurism and sees almost all eschatology as fulfilled in the past, primarily with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70.
-
Inaugurated eschatology is best described by the phrase “already and not yet.” While the OT perspective (prophecy) has been realized in Jesus (inaugurated), the consummation of the kingdom has not finally occurred.
Views on the Intermediate State:
Immortality of the soul—based on Platonic anthropology that the soul has always been and always will be.
Purgatory —those in a state of grace, but not spiritually perfect go into purgatory.
Soul sleep —soul reposes in a place of unconsciousness, until the resurrection.
Enter into God’s presence or into judgment.
Theological Takeaway: God gives to his people the doctrine of eschatology to encourage, to bring hope, and to alleviate, not create fear.
Worship Takeaway: The doctrine of eschatology is shaped by the King and his kingdom which points us to the God who is worthy of being worshiped.
Evangelistic Takeaway: Our hope in the King today means that we operate under his authority for his purposes —that is to proclaim the good news of the King’s salvation to sinners.
Relational Takeaway: A We can find encouragement together in the hope for God’s people—the hope of resurrection, the hope of eternity with Christ, the hope of the gathered worship of God by his people.
Title: Identity Reassurance
Text: Exodus 33:12-34:9
Tad Craig
Creating Reassurance with God
Have an intentional place to meet with God
Communicate with God regularly
Study God’s Word
Worship Authentically
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Title: Identity Crisis
Text: Exodus 3:7-12
Tad Craig
Moses’ Identity Questions
Who am I? (Exodus 3:11): Stop chasing labels and enter into God’s holy ground
What is the name of the God who you encountered? (Exodus 3:13): Religious answers will not fix your brokenness
Why would anyone believe me? (Exodus 4:1): True credibility comes from a relationship with God
What skills do I have? (Exodus 4:10): Skills don’t grant you salvation, only God’s grace can save you
Can someone else do it? (Exodus 4:13): God puts you in an encouraging community that will complete His will
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Title: The Blessing of Announcement
Text: Luke 2:1-14
Chris Hefner
“A Tale of Two Announcements”
Contrast of authority—who authorized the announcement
Contrast of audience—who heard the announcement
Contrast of content—what the announcement said
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Title: The Blessing of Salvation
Text: Luke 2:22-35
Chris Hefner
The nature of salvation blessing is personal
The extent of salvation blessing is universal
The content of salvation blessing is revelation
The value of salvation blessing is glory
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Title: The Blessing of Worship
Text: Luke 1:46-56
Chris Hefner
Two Truths about Worship as Blessing
Worship is learning to see, say, and sing what is true about God our Savior
When we see the truth and worth of God our Savior, we learn to see ourselves truly
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Ecclesiology: Church Mission
Chris Hefner
Church Mission
How are we doing at church? Are we doing church well?
Jesus gave the church her mission because Jesus is the Founder, Leader, and Lord of the church. See Matthew 28:18-20
Our mission at WBC is to lead our neighbors and the nations to follow Jesus
To follow Jesus according to Mt. 28:18-20 includes:
Submitting to his authority
Obeying his commands
Relying on his presence
How do we fulfill Jesus’ mission here at WBC? Here are four steps.
Worship
Learn
Serve
Replicate
Theological Takeaway: While Christians and church members have obligations in the church, only our Lord and Savior has the right to direct and govern the church. So, the church’s life and mission must come from the Lord, not us
Worship Takeaway: God’s people have always been marked by their worship (see Israel in OT and the church in the NT). Christian mission begins and ends with worship
Evangelistic Takeaway: It is the responsibility of the church to communicate the gospel which is the power of God unto salvation, but making disciples, not merely converts must be the focus of the church. Effective, church-focused evangelism has making disciples as its goal
Relational Takeaway: For the church to fulfill Christ’s mandated mission, it must be “our” mission, not merely “mine” or “yours.” We worship together, learn together, serve together, and replicate together
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Title: Blessing of Prophetic Fulfillment
Text: Luke 1:57-80
Chris Hefner
Three Prayers of Blessing from Zechariah’s Prophetic Hymn
A prayer of blessing for each person: May God give us a voice that we may bless him
A prayer of blessing for each family: May God fill our families with his Spirit
A prayer of blessing for our community: May God spread his salvation through us to our neighbors and the nations
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Ecclesiology: Church Leaders and Offices
Chris Hefner
Two Offices:
Pastor/Elder/Overseer
Deacon
What does the Bible say about these offices?
1 Timothy 3:1-13
What to look for in Pastors/Elders/Overseers?
Calling
Character
Competency
Chemistry
What to look for in Deacons?
Character
Conscience
Competency
Confidence
What to pursue in church leadership and what to notice in selecting, electing, and establishing leaders?
Servant-leaders should be Christ-like; that is humble and growing to look and act more like Jesus
Servant-leaders should be other-oriented rather than self-oriented
Servant-leaders should already be doing the ministry even without the title
Theological Takeaway: Church leaders are responsible for guiding church polity in order to shepherd members effectively leading believers to follow Jesus in character and practice
Worship Takeaway: Churches worship best when leaders model worship attendance and participation in worship
Evangelistic Takeaway: Churches with Christ-like, servant leaders are more apt to be healthy in function and disciple-making in mission leading to more consistent and effective evangelism
Relational Takeaway: Church leaders should be among and know the members
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Title: Blessing of Presence
Text: Luke 1:39-45
Chris Hefner
Sermon Theme: To experience the blessing of God’s presence, we must believe that God wants to be with us
Three Reasons to Believe God Wants to be with Us
The blessing of his presence is good to us
The blessing of his presence is grace for us
The blessing of his presence is glory through us
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Ecclesiology: Church Discipline
Chris Hefner
What does the Bible say about the church discipline?
Matthew 18:15-17—Jesus defined the process of going to a brother/sister
1 Corinthians 5:4-5—Paul’s explanation regarding excommunication
Hebrews 10:19-25; 13:17—Expectations of church members
The Connection between Membership and Discipline
Discipline was understood throughout much of church history to be dismissal from the Lord’s Supper table
Discipline biblically is about removal from membership for the goal of repentance and restoration
Discipline is necessary because membership is to be the local church’s affirmation of one’s salvation experience
Theological Takeaway: Because church membership is to be the local church’s affirmation of conversion, holding church membership accountable serves as a valuable witness of Christ’s saving work
Worship Takeaway: Reconciliation and repentance are to be regular aspects of worship preparation (see Matthew 5:23-24)
Evangelistic Takeaway: A church with many disconnected, non-attending members does not witness to the efficacy of the gospel well
Relational Takeaway: It is our obligation as the family of God, brothers and sisters in Christ, to take responsibility for offenses and being offended in the pursuit of reconciliation, repentance, and forgiveness
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Title: Good News: The Lion is also the Lamb
Text: Revelation 5
Chris Hefner
5 Reasons We Can Follow our Shepherd in Spite of the Surrounding Chaos
Because he is the Lion and the Lamb, we can trust his redemptive rule
Because he is between God and his people, we can experience his presence
Because he is God, we can worship him
Because he is Sovereign, we can pray to him
Because he was slain, we can participate in his redemptive mission
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Ecclesiology: Ordinance of the Lord’s Supper
Chris Hefner
What does the Bible say about the Lord’s Supper?
The Lord’s Supper took place during the Passover Celebration (Luke 22:15).
The Lord’s Supper introduces the New Covenant (Luke 22:20).
The Lord’s Supper is for the family of God (1 Cor. 11:17-34).
Views about the Lord’s Supper
Transubstantiation: The bread and wine are transformed into Christ’s body and blood. Roman Catholic.
Consubstantiation: The molecules are not changed into the blood and body of Christ, but are present “with, in, and under” the bread and wine. Lutheran.
Reformed: Christ is present spiritually and dynamically in the bread and wine. Calvinism.
Commemoration/Ordinance: The value of the bread and wine (juice) is receiving by faith the benefits of Christ’s death; emphasis is on what the table pictures; proclamation. Zwinglian.
Theological Takeaway: The observance of the Lord’s Supper reminds us of our sin, our Savior, and the New Covenant God made with us through Christ.
Worship Takeaway: The observance of the Supper through bread and juice (wine) reflect God making himself accessible to his people.
Evangelistic Takeaway: When we observe the Lord’s Supper, we proclaim the Lord’s death—it is evangelistic.
Relational Takeaway: We are invited at the Lord’s Supper to pursue unity, seek out reconciliation, and realize that this is a family meal.
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Title: Good News: The Shepherd Seeks the Lost
Text: Luke 15:1-10
Chris Hefner
Four Interactions between Jesus’ Parable and Ourselves
Observe the diligence of our God who seeks the lost
Acknowledge the nature of lostness
Rejoice with friends and family when the lost are found
Repent and receive the rescue of our Lord
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Ecclesiology: Ordinance of Baptism
Chris Hefner
What is the proper mode of baptism and when should someone be baptized?
Greek word for baptism is baptizo which means “to immerse”
Baptism is for believers
What about infant baptism (pedobaptism)?
There is not a specific example of pedobaptism in the Bible
Baptism is not in itself salvific
The intersection of baptism as a sacrament and pedobaptism can
lead someone to assume falsely that they are saved
Why does baptism matter?
Jesus modeled baptism (see the gospel accounts)
Jesus commanded baptism (Mt. 28:18-20)
Baptism is our public profession of our personal experience of salvation
Theological Takeaway: Baptism pictures the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus and serves as the outward picture of the believer’s identity with Jesus
Worship Takeaway: Baptism is an ordinance of the church for the purpose of retelling the gospel and thus should be a part of regular worship
Evangelistic Takeaway: While baptism itself doesn’t save, the regular practice in the church with the newly baptized believer is a consistent and important evangelistic message
Relational Takeaway: Baptism marks believers as family members and should connect them with a local church family to whom they belong
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Title: Good News: The Shepherd Became the Lamb
Text: Isaiah 53:6-7
Chris Hefner
Like sheep, we’ve gone astray
Like a lamb, Jesus took our place
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Title: Good News for All Our Days
Text: Psalm 23:6
Chris Hefner
Two Responses to this Good News
Be encouraged by the Lord’s pursuits
Be present in the Lord’s dwelling place
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Special Topic: Israel/Hamas and the Last Days
Chris Hefner
Theological Perspectives:
Dispensationalism
Covenant Theology
We should recognize the inordinate influence of Israel as a people upon the world and culture.
Because of God’s promises to Israel and protection of Israel, the enemies of God and of his people have targeted and attacked Israel over and over again.
For a proper NT understanding of Israel, we need to remember the purpose for which God chose Israel—to represent him to the world.
Theological Takeaway: Don’t interpret Scripture through your theological lens, let Scripture interpret your theology.
Political Takeaway: As God’s people today, we ought to care for the devastated regardless of nationality/creed. We need not feel bound to approve of Israel, nationally/politically in all her endeavors to have a proper perspective historically/nationally/theologically of Israel as God’s people.
Prayer Takeaway: Pray for peace (the shalom of God) for all the peoples of the world. See Psalm 122:6
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Title: Good News from the Good Host
Text: Psalm 23:5
Chris Hefner
3 Invitations
Experience the provision God has spread before us
Enjoy the abundance God has made possible for us
Exult in the life to which God has invited us
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Elder Candidate Steve Robinson
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Title: Good News in Death’s Valley
Text: Psalm 23:4
Chris Hefner
Practices for the Pathway
Walk in the presence of the Shepherd
Fear not through the protection of the Shepherd
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Doctrine and Devotion - Dr. Kevin Purcell - Director of Missions for the Brushy Mountain Baptist Association
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Title: Good News for the Good Name
Text: Psalm 23:3
Chris Hefner
Activities of the Good Shepherd
The Good Shepherd receives and restores so we should return to him
The Good Shepherd leads and guides so we should follow him
Reasons the Shepherd Acts for the Sake of His Name
The Shepherd’s reputation is on the line
The Shepherd’s greatness is on display
The Shepherd’s name can be known
The Shepherd’s goodness and mercy is revealed
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Ecclesiology: Church Membership
Chris Hefner
What is a Biblical Church Member?
Biblical church members believe the right things about the Bible, Christ, church, etc.
Church Doctrine
Church Ordinancesthat picture the gospel.
Theological Triage
Biblical church members belong to God as Father, Christ as brother, and others as brothers and sisters.
God is our “Father_.” Mt. 6:9
Christ is our “Brother_.”
Fellow believers are “brothers and sisters.”
Church family becomes the most lasting relationshipsbelievers will have.
Biblical church members are to behave in ways that edify, glorify, and testify.
We edifywhen we build up one another toward Christian maturity, care for one another, and encourage one another to love and good works.
We glorifyChrist together when we meet for worship, let God’s Word dwell in us richly in Scripture, sermon, and song, and prepare for eternity.
We testifytogether when we live as the body of Christ showing Christ’s love with our lives and sharing the gospel of the kingdom with our lips.
Theological Takeaway: As our membership with one another is intricately connected with our union with Christ, local church members have an obligationto reflect Christ in our vertical and horizontal relationships.
Worship Takeaway: The most significant expression of our belonging together is in our worshipof Christ.
Evangelistic Takeaway: Members are to be on mission leading others follow Jesus by declaring the gospel of the kingdomand inviting our neighbors and the nations into the family.
Relational Takeaway: As members, our individual Christian experiences multiply exponentiallyalongside our brothers and sisters in local church ministry.
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Title: Good News from Green Pastures
Text: Psalm 23:2
Chris Hefner
Two Affirmations
The Shepherd provides for his sheep because he knows the needs of his sheep
The Shepherd leads his sheep because he knows what is best for his sheep
Three Applications
We should be humbled by his provisions
We should be encouraged that he knows us
We should follow his lead and listen to his voice
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Elder Panel at Wilkesboro Baptist Church
With Chris Hefner, Tad Craig, Marsh Lyall, Steve Melton, and Vince Adams
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Title: Good News about the Good Shepherd
Text: Psalm 23:1
Chris Hefner
That the LORD is my Shepherd means he can be known
That the LORD is my Shepherd means I can live without lack
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Ecclesiology: Church Polity
Chris Hefner
Forms of Polity/Church Government
Hierarchical: Top-down structure, in the Roman Catholic church, government modeled after the Roman Empire
Presbyterian: Group of leaders make essentially all the church decisions. Elder rule
Congregational: Final decisions rest with the congregation
What does the Bible teach? It appears to me that churches should have a church government that is congregational led by a plurality of elders. Elder-led congregationalism
Four Things Polity Establishes (Jonathan Leeman):
Establishes who possesses authority over the processes of membership and discipline and what role baptism and the Lord’s Supper play in the life of the church
Creates leadership offices in the church their roles, responsibilities, who can serve, and how they are selected
Guides/leads how significant decisions are made.
Delineates the nature of the relationship between a church and other churches
Theological Takeaway: It is in and through our church polity, that we protect our doctrine and devotion.
Worship Takeaway: Biblical leadership operating under the authority of the Chief Shepherd enhances Christian worship and blesses God’s people.
Evangelistic Takeaway: Under shepherds are responsible to follow the example of the Chief Shepherd who cares for his sheep and seeks the straying and lost sheep.
Relational Takeaway: A polity of plural-elder church leadership helps members know and be known
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Title: Spiritual Warfare and a Christian Worldview
Text: Ephesians 6:10-20
Chris Hefner
Two Worldview Truths:
We are at war
We live in a world of supernatural enemies
Three Imperatives for Spiritual Victory:
Be strong in the Lord
Put on the whole armor of God
Stand firm in the armor, on the Word, by prayer
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The Doctrine of Ecclesiology—What is the Church?
Chris Hefner
From the Greek ecclesia which means “called out ones.”
The church is universal and local
The church is a people not a steeple
The church is both an organism and an organization
Images in Scripture:
Body of Christ 1 Cor. 12:13).
People of God (2 Cor. 6:16).
God’s building (1 Cor 3:9)
These images can be considered in 5 “clusters”:
Corporal – The Church as Body
Architectural –The Church as Building/Temple
Agricultural – The Church as Plant/Field/Vineyard/Vine
Martial – The Church as Army
Familial and Marital – The Church as Family/Bride
Theological Takeaway: It is in/through the church where the gospel is told and retold, practiced, and imaged.
Worship Takeaway: It is with the church where the worship of Christ is purposed to take place.
Evangelistic Takeaway: It is from the church where the gospel is spread to accomplish God’s mission of redemption to our neighbors and the nations.
Relational Takeaway: It is among the church that the gospel of Christ rescues sinners and privileges us to interact with one another lovingly and hospitably
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Title: Rooted and Fruitful
Text: Isaiah 37:30-32
Chris Hefner
Key Truths:
Our trust in God roots us in relationship with him and with each other
Our trust in God makes us fruitful as we rely on God to work in and through us
Key Application:
To be rooted and fruitful is to be biblical, prayerful, and communal
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Doctrine and Devotion - Chris Siemers | 06.30.23
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Title: Christian Worldview (Worship) and Mission
Text: Psalm 67
Chris Hefner
Two Discoveries
We discover the purpose of God’s blessings to his people—the salvation of the nations
We discover the purpose of God’s saving work among the nations—his glory revealed in the joy and worship of the nations
Worship and Mission Practices
Praise with joy and gladness
Pray for the nations
Serve a local mission partner
Go on a mission trip
Give to missions
Share the gospel
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Doctrine and Devotion - Landon House | 06.23.23
Title: Elijah: a model for being used by God
Text: 1 Kings 17
God uses ordinary people for His extraordinary purposes
God provides in unlikely circumstances according to His plan but desires our obedience and prayer
God uses seasons of trouble and waiting to increase our dependence on Him and prepare us for what’s next
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Title: The Gospel and a Pluralistic Culture
Text: Acts 17:16-34
Chris Hefner
We need the light of the gospel to expose the idols in our hearts.
We need the insights of the gospel to address the ignorance of our minds.
We need the power of the gospel to give life to the deadness of our souls.
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Doctrine and Devotion - Randy Whittington
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Sermon: Practices for Counter-Formational Christian Living
Text: Philippians 4:4-9
Chris Hefner
Rejoice in the Lord
Let your gentleness be known
Make your requests known to God
Think on the good things
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Doctrine and Devotion - Dustin Deal
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Title: Caves Create Change - Mercy and Grace Creates True Change
Text: 1 Samuel 24:1-22, Psalm 142
Tad Craig
Our true refuge needs to be in Jesus
True character comes from our relationship with Jesus
Showing mercy echos godly character
Mercy and grace creates true change in people
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Doctrine and Devotion - Peter Schmitz
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Title: Vanity and the Best a Man Can Do
Text: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
Chris Hefner
Practices for Addressing our Vanities
Identify the formational liturgies behind our vain pursuits
Pursue God who alone can reform us through the gospel
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Title: A Biblical Worldview in a Culture of Pagan Sexuality
Text: Leviticus 18
Chris Hefner
One Principle:
Relationship precedes rules because rules without relationship result in legalism and relationship without rules result in license
Three Arguments
To experience the grace of the gospel, God’s holiness must be established in his demands
As God’s people seeking to receive God’s protections, we need to adhere to his ethical standards
Only in the sexual ethics derived from the biblical worldview do we discover the rare and priceless nature of human sexuality
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Title: Technology, Eschatology, and the Christian Worldview
Text: Daniel 12
Chris Hefner
Two Observations:
We will find peace, not in the potential promises of future progress (i.e. technology and AI), but from God’s fulfilled promises
We need to pursue formation in relationship with God to counteract the passive formation of our technologies
Four Applications:
Don’t be discouraged about what you don’t understand
Build habits of seeking biblical understanding
Be wise, shine, and share the gospel
Be ready for eternity
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Title: A Kingdom Mindset: Kingdom Principles for Christ-Followers
Text: Daniel 2
Chris Hefner
The principle of Kingdom purpose—the God of the Heavens is revealed as the God of the nations
The principle of Kingdom prayer—Christ-followers pray as if God is the only possible solution in impossible situations
The principle of Kingdom perspective—Christ followers know that only God has the answers
The principle of Kingdom pursuit—Christ-followers pursue the King and His Kingdom
The principle of Kingdom proclamation—Christ-followers proclaim the good news of the Kingdom
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Title: Listen and Lead
Text James 1:19-27
Josh Pinkerton
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Title: Being a Christian in a Spiritually Hostile Culture
Text: Daniel 1
Chris Hefner
We must remember who we are and whose we are
We must resolve to obey God
We must relive our worship and worldview in practices and habits
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Southern Baptist Convention Annual Meeting Report
Chris Hefner
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Title: The Gospel Preached To You
Text: 1 Corinthians 15:1-6
Gary Buffalo
We Never Outgrow The Gospel
We See The Gospel Throughout Scriptures
We Must Guard Against Counterfeit "Gospels"
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Title: Characteristics of a Persevering People
Text: Hebrews 13:17-25
Chris Hefner
To persevere we need to be a:
Faithful people
Prayerful people
Blessed people
Grace-filled people
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Who does God want us to be as a church?
Chris Hefner
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Title: Christian Duty in Relationships--Love
Text: Hebrews 13:1-6
Chris Hefner
Our primary Christian duty as the kingdom of God on earth, God’s family, and the community of the people of God IS TO CONTINUE IN BROTHERLY LOVE
Four Duties that Apply Love
Duty #1--Show hospitality
Duty #2--Remember those in prison
Duty #3--Honor marriage and be pure
Duty #4--Be content and trust God
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Integrating Doctrines With Scripture
Chris Hefner
Key Scriptural Affirmations from 2 Peter:
Scripture is more foundational than experience
The Holy Spirit authored Scripture
Scripture and the Holy Spirit provide the guardrails against doctrinal heresy, immorality, and eternal judgment
How do we practice these affirmations?
We don’t decide what God means with Scripture, we discover what God means
We must see that false theology and immorality flow out of both intentional and unintentional misinterpretations of Scripture
We need the Holy Spirit to help us understand and apply Scripture
We need to submit to the authority of Scripture for cognitive understanding as well as formative application
What happens without a proper view of Scripture?
Without a proper view Scripture, God becomes just another deity or one of a multitude of ways to get to heaven
Without a proper view of Scripture, man is an animal, machine, or completely free to choose his/her own morality and identity
Without a proper view of Scripture, Christ is merely a man or is a lunatic without any intrinsic worth or ability to save
Without a proper view of Scripture, salvation is a made-up endpoint without genuine atonement or ultimate expression
Theological Takeaway: The doctrines of God, man, Christ, and salvation find their root and intersection in the doctrine of Scripture
Worship Takeaway: With Scripture as the foundational liturgical element in Christian experience, we can know God, worship God, and grow to become like Christ from Scripture’s truth and practice
Evangelistic Takeaway: In Scripture, we have the story of the gospel as well as the statements about God, Christ, man, and faith that we need in order to experience conversion
Relational Takeaway: We remain firm and stable in our faith in our liturgical (formative) community where (together) we deepen our understanding, belief in, and application of God’s Word in our lives
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Title: Consuming Fire and an Unshakeable Kingdom
Text: Hebrews 12:18-29
Chris Hefner
Explanations about God and His Kingdom
-We need to see God for who he is
-We need to experience God through Christ
Applications from God and His Kingdom
-Hear the God who speaks
-Be grateful for God’s unshakeable kingdom
-Worship God in reverence and awe
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The Doctrine of Salvation--Issues in Salvation
Chris Hefner
“Once saved, always saved.”
There is a difference between perseverance and assurance. See John 10:27-30; 1 John 5:13
For assurance, focus on the glory of God, the grace of Jesus, and the promises of God, not on feelings
It is the responsibility of the church to practice regenerate church membership through administering baptism and conferring church membership
“Age of Accountability.”
The Bible does note address this issue with the clarity we might like. See 2 Samuel 12:15-23; Numbers 14:20-35
We must affirm what the Bible affirms: the total depravity of man and salvation only through Jesus Christ
“The Sinner’s Prayer.”
“We are saved by God through faith, not by our words (works) or through a formula.”
God is not a genie in a bottle who serves our wishes, nor is he a deity to be controlled by our means. God is free, sovereign, and personal
Theological Takeaway: These issues in salvation find resolution in God’s sovereignty, not our intelligence, comprehension, or clarity
Worship Takeaway: God’s greatness is most personally revealed in our salvation which should lead us to humbly worship God through Christ
Evangelistic Takeaway: It is the power of God through his gospel that saves, so we must willingly, regularly, and faithfully share the gospel and trust God to do the rest
Relational Takeaway: Since God has been sovereign in my salvation, I (we) can trust him to be sovereign in the salvation of others
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Title: Heavenly and Earthly Discipline--Analogy of Discipline
Text: Hebrews 12:4-17
Chris Hefner
The Aims of Discipline
Discipline is for relationship
Discipline is for instruction, correction, and protection
Discipline is for endurance, life, good, holiness, righteousness
The Applications of Discipline
Don’t be a stranger, become part of the family
Don’t let disagreements lead to bitterness; pursue peace
Don’t miss out on grace; repent today
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The Doctrine of Salvation—Sanctification: Controversies and Partnership
Chris Hefner
The Reformed/Baptist view – one event with a process of growth following.
Wesleyan view – a two stage view, crisis is necessary for sanctification. Some hold that perfection is possible.
Pentecostal view – roots in the Wesleyan tradition. Three common positions:
- The Classical Holiness stream: baptism in the Spirit as Wesley’s entire sanctification (perfection).
- The Holiness-Pentecostal Movement: sanctification as a second work of the Spirit preparing the Christian for the third work of Spirit baptism.
- Pentecostalism: tied sanctification to salvation followed by baptism in the Spirit as a necessity.
Keswick view – two stages, crisis likely but the crisis is for empowerment.
Biblical Observations:
Sanctification is a Person: Jesus. (Matt. 5-7; Heb. 12:2).
Sanctification as a Position: “Such were some of you” (1 Cor. 6:9-11).
Sanctification as Partnership: Sanctification is something only God can do, and it is something we must participate in. (Eph. 2:10; Phil. 2:12-13).
Sanctification as a Process (journey): The goal of sanctification is to make us like Christ (Rom. 8:29). This is an infinite journey (Lev. 19:2; 1 Peter 2:14-16).
Sanctification as a Place (heaven) (Is. 6; Rev. 4-5; 1 John 3:2).
Theological Takeaway: We must partner with God in the process of sanctification because Jesus is the goal, and God has made us holy.
Worship Takeaway: Through corporate and private worship we participate in our sanctification.
Evangelistic Takeaway: Our mission is to make disciples, not merely converts —following Jesus is partnering with God in sanctification.
Relational Takeaway: We need each other in this process.
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Title: Run the Race
Text: Hebrews 12:1-3
Chris Hefner
To run the race, we need to lay aside some things
To run the race, we need to endure some things
To run the race, we need to look to Someone
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Doctrine of Salvation: Evangelism and Sanctification
Chris Hefner
Three primary truths about sanctification and sharing the gospel:
- When we share the gospel, we are participating in our sanctification
- Sharing the gospel requires faith in God to save, the power of God’s Word and the empowerment of the Holy Spirit
- Faithfulness in sharing the gospel is obedience
Practical Steps in Obedient Evangelism
Obedient evangelism requires intentionality: in prayer, opportunities, conversations, and relationships.
Remember the three t’s: Text, testimony, and tools.
Memorize the texts of Scripture that communicate the gospel: Romans 3:23; 5:8; 6:23; 10:9-10; 10:13; 2 Cor. 5:21; Matthew 28:18-20; 1 Peter 2:24; Gospel story.
Write down and share your own testimony.
Learn an evangelism tool.
Transitions: How to Turn Everyday Conversations Toward the Gospel
Ask questions. “Be interested, not interesting.”
Ask probing (spiritual and meaningful) questions.
Connect the questions and conversation to Scripture.
Theological Takeaway: Because it is God who saves by the power of the gospel, we only need be messengers.
Worship Takeaway: Our mission of leading our neighbors and the nations begins with worship because that is the ultimate purpose of following Jesus.
Evangelistic Takeaway: Be intentional. Practice. Share.
Relational Takeaway: Make sharing the gospel relational. Invite someone to join you as you share.
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Title: Faith Commended
Text: Hebrews 11:32-40
Chris Hefner
Faith can lead us to experience God’s might during difficult situations
Faith can lead us to experience God’s miraculous interventions during overwhelming situations
Faith can lead us to experience God’s presence during situations of mistreatment and suffering
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Doctrine of Salvation: Sanctification and Biblical Knowledge
Chris Hefner
Read daily
HEAR. Highlight. Explain. Apply. Respond.
Study Diligently
Observation: What does the text say?
Interpretation: What does the text mean?
Application: How do I apply the text?
Ask questions of the verse, paragraph, section
Discover the context
Interpret Scripture with Scripture
Memorize regularly
Meditate prayerfully
Apply obediently
Theological Takeaway: Knowing God begins with knowing about God through what he has written to us
Worship Takeaway: Humility and obedience to God’s Word is the proper attitude of the worshiper
Evangelistic Takeaway: Memorize verses that will help you share the gospel
Relational Takeaway: We grow in holiness better when we learn and study alongside one another
https://www.logos.com/grow/how-to-inductive-bible-study/
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Title: Faith Illustrated
Text: Hebrews 11:17-31
Chris Hefner
Illustrated theme #1—Resurrection—by faith we can anticipate future blessings.
Illustrated theme # 2—Repentance—by faith we can receive the gospel.
Illustrated theme #3—Rescue—by faith we can experience rescue.
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Doctrine of Salvation
Extent of Atonement: What about those who have never heard the gospel?
Chris Hefner
Four Answers to this Question
Universalism: no human being will be forever lost.Pluralism: all sincere followers of their religious will be saved
Inclusivism: all sincere followers of their religious will be saved because Jesus’ sacrifice is behind the religions of the world
Exclusivism: Jesus is the only way of salvation and explicit faith in Christ alone is necessary for salvation
Theological Takeaway: Salvation from sin can only be experienced exclusively through the substitutionary work of Jesus Christ. The God of the Bible is not the same as the gods of other faiths
Worship Takeaway: Because there is only one God, he is worthy of all our worship and attention. “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.“—John Piper
Evangelistic Takeaway: Because the only way to salvation is through Christ, we must spread the gospel through worship, witness, and works as often as we are able
Relational Takeaway: It is the mission of our church to lead our neighbors and the nations to follow Jesus by worshiping, learning, serving, and replicating. We fulfill this mission better together, in community, and ongoing partnership with one another
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Title: Faith Defined
Text: Hebrews 11:1-16
Chris Hefner
Objectively—faith is the gift of God concerning the truth about Christ
Subjectively—faith is the confidence in God through relationship with Christ
How can we express faith?
We accept that what God says is true
We admit our need
We ask Christ to rescue us
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Wilkesboro Baptist Church Easter Service at the Wilkesboro Commons
Jesus Saves Today and Forever
Chris Hefner
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Doctrine of Atonement
Chris Hefner
Penal means that we are sinful, and that our sins deserve punishment
Substitutionary means that Jesus took our place when he atoned for our sins by taking the punishment we deserve
Why is the doctrine of the atonement necessary?
God is more holy than we imagine
We are more sinful than we think
Jesus loves us more deeply than we deserve
Theological Takeaway: Our salvation is only possible with a substitute
Worship Takeaway: A proper view of the doctrine of the atonement enlarges our view of God and enhances our view of his love
Evangelistic Takeaway: The atonement’s recognition of God’s holiness and wrath in contrast to human sin is the central evangelistic truth of the gospel and what must be shared
Relational Takeaway: Communion, or the fellowship meal with other believers, is a visible symbol of the atonement for us as believers together. It connects us to Christ (union with Christ) and with other believers in the communal aspect of the table. Not only are my sins atoned for, but ours are
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Title: Judgment, Grace, and the Cross of Christ
Text: Hebrews 10:26-39
Chris Hefner
To the drifting: Hear the warning
To the unbelieving: Fear judgment
To the struggling: Remember what God has brought you through
To the faithful: Endure to the end
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Calvinism and Arminianism
Chris Hefner
Pelagianism: humans begin their lives in a state of moral uprightness and could merit salvation unaided by grace.
Semi-pelagianism: humans descended from Adam inherit the consequent corruption (but not necessarily the guilt). This corruption does not extend to the whole man.
ARMINIANISM:
Free will or human ability—man is a sinner, but with free will and has the ability to cooperate with God’s Spirit and be regenerated or resist and be damned.
Conditional Election—God’s election is based on his foreknowledge of who God knows will choose him freely.
Unlimited Atonement—Christ’s atoning sacrifice was for everyone. He paid a price for all but guaranteed it for none.
Resistible Grace—God won’t overrule man’s free will; and saving grace can be resisted. Man is regenerated when he believes.
Falling from Grace—Those who are saved can fall from grace and lose their salvation.
CALVINISM:
Total Depravity—Man is totally depraved and spiritually blind, unable to repent and believe. God must initiate repentance.
Unconditional Election—Election based on Divine sovereignty. Election is God’s own decision, and not based upon human choices in the future.
Limited Atonement—Christ’s atoning work was only for the elect.
Irresistible Grace (Effectual Calling)—God’s grace is only offered to the elect and his internal call will effectively result in conversion.
Perseverance of the Saints—God preserves the elect and keeps them to the end. No one chosen by God will ever be lost.
Theological Takeaway: Only if God is sovereign can we trust him.
Worship Takeaway: The Bible does not present sovereign people and a responding God, but rather an All-powerful, sovereign God with responding people.
Evangelistic Takeaway: We must plead with the sovereign God for the salvation of sinners, share the gospel, and trust the results to God. For it is He who saves.
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Title: Jesus Inspires His Church to Love and Good Works
Text: Hebrews 10:19-26
Chris Hefner
Theme: Because Jesus is our Access and Advocate, we must obey these exhortations
Let us draw near to God
Let us hold fast our confession
Let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works
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The Doctrine of Salvation—Divine Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
Chris Hefner
According to the Lexham Bible Dictionary, election is “God’s choice of a person or people group for a specific purpose, mission, or salvation.”
What do we mean by God’s sovereignty in salvation?
Unconditional election (not based on goodness, virtue, or condition).
Predestination based on foreknowledge (not a foreknowledge of who will choose him, but an unconditional relational foreknowledge based on his divine purposes).
Regeneration is entirely an act of God through grace. Being made alive (Eph. 2 and John 3:3) is not a work that man can bring about.
Philosophical Takeaway: God created time. He is outside of time.
Theological Takeaway: We must believe what God says especially when we don’t fully understand it.
Relational Takeaway: While this topic is beyond us, God has made himself known to us.
Worship Takeaway: Romans 11:33-36.
Evangelistic Takeaway: Pray for those who don’t know Christ. Trust that the gospel is the power of God unto salvation
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Title: Jesus and a Greater Sacrifice
Text: Hebrews 9:11-10:18
Chris Hefner
Three Truths about Jesus’ Once for All Sacrifice
Jesus entered once for all time the heavenly temple (9:11-22)
Where we could not go, Jesus went
He went once, so we could go forever
Jesus atoned once for all time (9:23-28)
What we could not become Jesus became
He became once, so we would not have to face the judgment
Jesus offered himself as a sacrifice once for all time (10:1-18).
What we could not offer, Jesus offered on our behalf
He offered once so we wouldn’t have to offer sacrifices over and over again
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Doctrine of Salvation--Aspects and Order
Chris Hefner
Justification is the aspect of salvation where we are declared righteous by God—Romans 3:20-26
Sanctification is the aspect of salvation where we are set apart for God and are being made holy by God.—Is. 6:8; Rev. 4:8; 1 Peter 1:16
Glorification is that aspect of salvation where God makes us like himself—Rom. 8:30; 1 John 3:2
Election is that aspect of salvation that describes God as the initiator of covenant with his people; salvation is based on his unconditional choice—Deut. 7:7-8; Romans 9:16
Predestination is that aspect of salvation that emphasizes God’s sovereignty, foreknowledge, and choice in his saving work—Romans 8:28-30
Regeneration is that aspect of salvation where God grants life to the dead sinner—John 3:3; Eph. 2:1-10
Redemption is that aspect of salvation whereby God buys/purchases us for salvation—1 Peter 1:13-19; Eph. 1; Rom. 3:21-26
Reconciliation is that aspect of salvation where enemies of God are given peace with God—2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Union with Christ is that aspect of salvation where we are brought into relationship with Christ—John 14:18-20; 17:22-23
Adoption is that aspect of salvation where God makes us a part of his family—Romans 8:14-17
Perseverance is that aspect of salvation whereby God keeps us saved—John 10:27-30
Theological Takeaway: Study and Learn
Relational Takeaway: Abide and Meditate
Worship Takeaway: Celebrate and Worship
Evangelistic Takeaway: Consider and Share
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Title: Jesus and a Greater Covenant
Text: Hebrews 8:1-9:10
Chris Hefner
Three Reasons the New Covenant is Greater
The New Covenant is better because Jesus has a better ministry
The New Covenant is better because Jesus gives better promises
The New Covenant is better because Jesus leads better worship
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Cautions in our Interpretation of SalvationChris Hefner
We must avoid the danger of treating conversion as a formula or a work.
We must avoid the tendency to define salvation by only one or the other of its aspects.
We must avoid the possibility of seeing salvation only through the eyes of an insider.
Doctrinal Principle: A proper and biblical view of conversion (the moment of salvation in the life of a sinner) is the healthiest way to help sinners become followers and believers become disciples
Justification is the aspect of salvation where we are declared righteous by God.—Romans 3:20-26
Sanctification is the aspect of salvation where we are set apart for God and are being made holy by God.—Is. 6:8; Rev. 4:8; 1 Peter 1:16.
Two aspects of sanctification: positional and progressive—1 Cor. 6:11; Gal. 5:16-24
Glorification is that aspect of salvation where God makes us like himself.—Rom. 8:30; 1 John 3:2
Theological Takeaway: Because salvation is multifaceted, we must explore the various lenses, angles, and pictures of salvation in the Bible to better grasp what God has done for us in Christ
Relational Takeaway: Because salvation is an invitation to relationship, being saved means knowing God
Worship Takeaway: Because salvation is detailed in the storyline of Scripture and accomplished by the Trinity, salvation invites us to worship the God who saves.
Evangelistic Takeaway: Because salvation is God’s gift and invitation for all who would repent and believe, we must tell what we know and have experienced to those who don’t and haven’t
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Title: Inheriting the Kingdom
Text: 1 Corinthians 6:9-11
Vince Adams
Rejection: Our sin separates us from the kingdom of God
Redemption: God has His plan in place for reconciliation
Reward: All who embrace this plan will be rewarded
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How do we discover our gifts?Chris Hefner
Prayer and discernment
Ask others
Take a spiritual gift inventory
Serve
The life of Christ in the Christian is the Spirit-led life
Note the contrast between “works of the flesh” and “walking in the Spirit.”
Observe that this list is the fruit not fruits
This fruit is evidenced and applied relationally.Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control
Takeaways:Celebrate the ministry of the Holy Spirit throughout our Christian journey.
Be filled with the Spirit and walk in the Spirit by obeying Christ, reading the Word, praying regularly, and worshiping God through Christ. Being filled with the Spirit is a lot like revival: we long for the supernatural evidence of the experience, but we must not neglect the ordinary means of walking in the Spirit and seeking the presence of God.
Worship God in the Spirit.
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Title: Jesus is a Greater Intercessor
Text: Hebrews 7:20-28
Chris Hefner
Jesus is Greater because he is a better guarantee of a better covenant
Jesus is Greater because he is the only Savior able to completely save people everywhere/anywhere
Jesus is Greater because he is perfect Priest and forever Intercessor
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Six Principles for Interpreting the Holy Spirit and His Spiritual Gifts for the Church 1 Corinthians 12-14Chris Hefner
Spiritual gifts should be interpreted in light of cultural (Corinth) and theological context—Jesus is LORD (12:1-3)
Spiritual gifts come from God, for the good of the church, and to the glory of Christ (12:4-13)
Spiritual gifts spread out the work, ministry, and service of the body of Christ (12:14-31)
Spiritual gifts matter but are less important than love (12:31-13:13)
Spiritual gifts (including the sign gifts) are for the building up of the church (14:1-25)
Spiritual gifts will cease when no longer necessary (13:8-13)
Takeaways:
We must recognize that the work of the Holy Spirit in the life of the church is to point to Christ, glorify Christ, and accomplish redemption
We should be biblical in interpretation and balanced in theological approach (avoiding the extremes)
As a church, we are obligated to practice order, clarity, and structure in our church services
We should seek out the normative and biblical work of the Holy Spirit in our lives: empowerment for witness and fruit-filled sanctification
Because every believer is gifted, every believer should be serving to edify the body of Christ
We should seek Jesus, seek to glorify Jesus, and seek to adhere to biblical truth as opposed to seeking experiences as an end in themselves
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Sermon: God’s Everlasting Covenant
Text: Genesis 9:8-17
Tad Craig
Reveal the Purpose of the Covenant
Accept the Terms of the Covenant
Remember the Covenant
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Seven Views on Spirit BaptismChris Hefner
Pentecostal: subsequent to salvation; fundamental sign of Spirit baptism is speaking in tongues
Charismatic (Neo-Pentecostalism): subsequent to salvation; sign could be tongues or other sign gifts
Keswick: second experience after salvation; “Let go and let God"
Reformed Sealers: subsequent to salvation and is that event where the believer is sealed by the Spirit
Holiness: different ideas of perfection; conversion is one experience and Spirit baptism is for sanctification
Roman Catholic, Anglican, Orthodox: Spirit baptism occurs at confirmation
Reformed: Spirit baptism comes at conversion
What does the Bible teach about this doctrine?
Acts 1:8 serves as an outline for the book of Acts and when combined with Jesus’ statement about Peter having the keys of the kingdom, the other speaking in tongues passages make sense
Interpretive Keys to Tongues and the Sign Gifts:
Remember that the book of Acts is primarily descriptive not prescriptive
The challenge of biblical interpretation and gift application require encourage us to look at the text, not our predisposed experiences or doctrinal lenses to make sense of the Spirit’s sign gifts
Takeaways:
We should seek out the normative and biblical work of the Holy Spirit in our lives: empowerment for witness and fruit-filled sanctification
Because every believer is gifted, every believer should be serving to edify the body of Christ
We should seek Jesus, seek to glorify Jesus, and seek to adhere to biblical truth as opposed to seeking experiences as an end in themselves
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Title: Jesus is a Better Priest
Text: Hebrews 7:1-19
Chris Hefner
Three Arguments for Jesus Being Better
Jesus has a better type than Aaron—Melchizedek
Jesus is a better priest than the Levitical Priesthood
Jesus is a better hope than the Old Testament
Three Applications
We can be certain, so trust Christ
We can be forgiven, so ask God to forgive and cleanse
We can be near God, so come to God through Christ today
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Josh Geisinger from La Red Ministries shares info about their ministry, and how the partnership with WBC has helped them.
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Title: Jesus the Greater Promise
Text: Hebrews 6:9-20
Chris Hefner
Four Encouragements from Jesus, the Greater Promise
We can be encouraged because of God’s faithfulness working through us
We can have assurance by imitating those with patient faith
We can hold fast because of God’s promises to us
We can be anchored in hope because Jesus is the greater promise
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Doctrine of The Holy SpiritChris Hefner
Jesus describes the Spirit’s work in detail and expectation in John 14-16
Jesus describes the Holy Spirit in the following ways: Helper (Comforter) and Spirit of truth (14:15-18; 23-28)
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity who indwells believers and has been sent by the Father (26)
The Holy Spirit (Helper: Paraclete) will bear witness about Jesus and is sent by Jesus (15:26-27)
The Holy Spirit convicts of sin (16:7-10)
As the Son is the embodiment of truth, so the Spirit will guide Jesus’ disciples into all truth (16:12-13)
The Spirit will continually glorify Jesus (16:14)
The Spirit’s Work in the Christian
The Spirit regenerates (John 3:3, 6:63; Tit 3:5)
The Spirit baptizes (1 Cor 12:13)
The Spirit indwells (Rom 8:9)
The Spirit sanctifies (2 Thess 2:13)
The Spirit fills (Eph 5:18)
The Spirit empowers (Acts 1:8)
The Spirit bears fruit (Gal. 5:22-23)
Takeaways:
The Holy Spirit is the Person of the Trinity whose work is most intimate and necessary in our lives as Christ followers
We need the Spirit’s guidance to understand and apply the truth taught in Scripture
One of the primary responsibilities of the Holy Spirit is to point us to Christ whose work was to bring about salvation
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Title: Be Warned, Don’t Fall Away
Text: Hebrews 5:11-6:8
Chris Hefner
Cultivate spiritual maturity by growing in Christ
Hold fast to what is plain about Christ; trust God for what is not
Take heed and be converted to Christ
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The Deity of the Holy SpiritChris Hefner
- The Spirit is identified as God (Acts 5:1-10, esp. vv. 3-4).
- The Spirit knows God and gives what the Father gives (1 Cor. 2:11-12)
- The three persons of the Trinity referenced together (1 Cor. 12:4-6; Eph. 4:4-6)
- “Grace of Jesus, love of God, fellowship of the Spirit” (2 Cor. 13:14)
- Baptized in the name (singular) of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (Mt. 28:19-20)
- Father, Son, and Spirit interwoven as Savior (Eph. 1:3-14)
The Personality of the Holy Spirit
- He knows and thinks (1 Cor. 2:10-11)
- He teaches (John 14:26; 1 Cor. 2:13)
- He witnesses (John 15:26).
- He convicts (John 16:7-8).
- He regenerates (John 3:5-7).
- He directs and commands (Acts 8:29).
- He performs miracles (Acts 8:39).
- He calls and sends forth to service (Acts 13:2, 4).
- He intercedes (Romans 8:26).
- He guides (Romans 8:14).
- He can be grieved (Eph. 4:30)
- He loves (Rom. 15:30)
- He distributes gifts (1 Cor. 12:11)
- He forbids (Acts 16:6-11)
- He can be obeyed (Acts 10:19-21)
- He can be lied to (Acts 5:3-4)
- He can blasphemed (Matt. 12:31)
- He can be resisted (Acts 7:51)
- He can be insulted (Hebrews 10:29)
Takeaways:
- Without the person and work of the Holy Spirit, our salvation would not be possible
- Through the person and work of the Holy Spirit, we can know God
- Because the person and work of the Holy Spirit is divinely mysterious, we must allow God’s Word, not experiences to guide our understanding
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Title: Jesus a Greater High Priest
Text: Hebrews 5:1-10
Chris Hefner
Thesis: Our Greater High Priest is the source of eternal salvation and possesses the qualities we need in order to be eternally saved
We need someone like us
We need someone greater than us
We need someone better than us
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The Doctrine of the Resurrection
Chris Hefner
Theological Implications of the Resurrection
- Jesus was “raised for our justification.” Romans 4:23-25
- Confession of faith in the risen Christ is necessary for salvation. Romans 10:9-10
- Church confession/hymn regarding the death and resurrection of Christ. 1 Cor. 15:3-9
- Death is swallowed in the victory of Christ’s resurrection. 1 Corinthians 15:54-58
- God’s resurrection power raised Christ from the dead, seated him above the powers, and is at work in us. Ephesians 1:19-23
Six Reasons We Can Believe in the Resurrection
- The resurrection best accounts for the empty tomb (Matt. 28:13)
- The body of Jesus has never been accounted for
- If the disciples took the body of Jesus, then they died for a hoax
- The first witnesses to the resurrection were not legally able to testify in court
- The drastic change in the disciples validates the resurrection story
- The rise of Christianity and advance of the church today is a powerful witness to the resurrection
Takeaways:
The resurrection changes everything
The resurrection gives help and hope to hurting people and the suffering church
The resurrection motivates us to help others find life before permanent death overtakes them
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Title: Hold to Christ through Word and Prayer
Text: Hebrews 4:12-16
Chris Hefner
Read humbly because God’s Word reads us
Pray boldly because Christ paid for the sins the Word reveals
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Title: Rest and Rebellion
Text: Hebrews 3:7-4:11
Chris Hefner
Rest is defined as both a place and a state of being
Christ is greater because the place of rest he offers is greater than the place of rest in the OT
Exhort one another about our share in Christ
Believe in Christ’s finished work
Strive to enter Christ’s promised rest
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Jesus as Prophet, Priest, and King
Chris Hefner
Jesus is Prophet. Jesus spoke for God, taught, and preached with authority and declared God’s Word to his hearers
Jesus is Priest. Jesus as Priest means that he represents us to God
Jesus is King. Jesus as King means that he is sovereign and in control
Takeaways:
That Jesus is Prophet means that we can trust what Jesus says
That Jesus is Priest means that we can trust that Jesus knows
That Jesus is King means that we can trust that Jesus reigns
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Title: Kill the Old Man
Text: Romans 6:5-11
Josh Pinkerton
Sometimes becoming new requires destruction of the old
Becoming new means not being enslaved to the old
Becoming new requires accepting Jesus's salvation of the old
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Title: God Gives Rest through Christmas
Text: Hebrews 1:3; 2:17; 4-15
Chris Hefner
Jesus completed his work so we could rest from futile work
Jesus continues to work so we can have the benefit of rest and relationship
Believe so you can experience God’s gift of rest through Christ
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Title: God Builds a Household at Christmas
Text: Hebrews 3:1-6
Chris Hefner
Jesus came on a Christmas mission to build a family
Jesus came at Christmas to show us that he is greater than our heroes and the shameful things in our lives
Jesus came at Christmas to invite you into a family
Believe in Jesus Christ
Consider Jesus Christ
Hold Fast to Jesus Christ
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Commissioning service for new Elders Steve Melton, Vince Adams, and Marsh Lyall.
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Title: God Meets us at Christmas
Text: Hebrews 2
Chris Hefner
Jesus meets us with a message of salvation
Jesus meets us where we are
Jesus meets us to rescue us from our enemies
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Doctrine of Christ Humanity and Deity
Chris Hefner
Jesus became hungry and needed food (Mt 4:2).
Jesus became weary and thirsty (John 4:6-7).
Jesus became sleepy and needed to rest (Mt 8:23-27).
Jesus periodically retreated to rest from his ministry to the crowds (Mt 14:22-23).
Jesus engaged in personal prayer (Lk 6:12), and He worshiped at the local synagogue (Lk 4:16).
Jesus developed close friendships with Peter, James, and John (Mt 17:1-9; Mk 14:32-42), the twelve (Mt 10:2-4), and others (Lk 8:1-2, John 11:5).
Jesus was moved with compassion for others (Mk 1:30-42, Mt 20:29-34, Lk 7:11-15, and Mt 11:19).
Jesus was tempted (Mt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; Heb. 2:18; 4:15).
Jesus’ humanity was necessary to represent us (Rom. 5:18-19), to be our substitute (Heb. 2:18-19), to be the one Mediator between God and man (1 Tim. 2:5), to be our example (1 John 2:6), to be the pattern for our redeemed bodies (1 Cor 15:23; Col1:18; Phil 3:18-21), to sympathize with us as High Priest, and to enable us to live victoriously (Heb. 2:16-18).
Explicit affirmations of Jesus’ deity:
“My Lord and my God” (John 20:28), Great God and Savior Jesus Christ (Titus 2:13), “Of the Son he says, ‘Thy throne O God is forever’” (Heb. 1:8), “the Word was God” (John 1:1), and “No one has seen God… (but Jesus) has made Him known” (John 1:18).
Implicit affirmations of Jesus’ deity:
Baptism (Mt. 3:15), proclaiming good news and healing diseases (Matt 4:23; see 9:35), miracles (Luke 7:22–23; see Isa 29:18–19; 35:5–6; 61:1), forgiveness of sins (Mk. 2:1-12), received praise and worship (Matt 14:33; 21:15–16; 28:9, 17; John 20:28).
Takeaways:
That Jesus is fully human means that he can be our substitute.
That Jesus is fully God means that his death is sufficient to cover all our sin.
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Title: God Speaks through Christmas
Text: Hebrews 1:1-14
Chris Hefner
Christ is greater than the prophets who foretold him
Christ is greater than creation that adores him
Christ is greater than the angels who announced him
Without Christmas, we would not be able to know God
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Christological Heresies
Chris Hefner
Docetism: Jesus only appeared to be a man
Ebionism: denied the Incarnation: only a man in whom God worked mightily
Arianism: God is unique; Jesus cannot be God; this heresy brought about the council of Nicea in 325
Appollinarianism: the Word became united with only a human body; restricted view of human nature
Nestorianism: Jesus Christ is made up of two distinct persons
Eutychianism: Jesus possessed only one nature; the human and divine existed before Incarnation but not after
Answer: Chalcedonian Creed Christ is “two natures, one person”
Schleiermacher: Jesus is a human with “god-consciousness”
Martin Kähler: dichotomy between the historical Jesus of Nazareth and the Christ of Scripture
Albert Schweitzer: Jesus was fueled by eschatalogical expectations and died unsuccessfully
Rudolph Bultmann: dichotomy between the historical Jesus of Nazareth and the “kerygmatic” Christ of faith
Walter Rauschenbusch: Jesus was a revolutionary leader of a social movement
John Hick: “that the historical Jesus of Nazareth was also God is as devoid of meaning as to say that this circle drawn with a pencil on paper is also a square.”
Jesus Seminar: “Eighty-two percent of the words ascribed to Jesus in the gospels were not actually spoken by him, according to the Jesus Seminar.”
Takeaways:
Christology is the preeminent doctrine because Christ is the preeminent figure of the Bible.
Christology is vital because knowing Christ truthfully (doctrinally) makes it possible to know Christ personally (relationally).
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Title: Revelation and Response in Heaven-Oriented Worship
Text: Revelation 4-5
Chris Hefner
Revelation: Heaven-oriented worship centers on the Triune God
Response: We seek to experience God through Christ by the Spirit
Revelation: Heaven-oriented worship remains framed by the biblical storyline
Response: We must adapt our beliefs and behaviors to the truths taught in Scripture
Revelation: Heaven-oriented worship encompasses creation and redemption
Response: We must join with creation and the redeemed in heaven’s gathering of praise
Revelation: Heaven-oriented worship reveals Christ as Lion and Lamb
Response: We must share Christ’s redemption story with our neighbors and the nations
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Title: Worship in Thanksgiving
Text: Psalm 100
Chris Hefner
God is great, God is good, let us thank him for his good
God is great enough to be our Shepherd
God is good enough to be our Shepherd
Response to God’s Greatness and Goodness
Rejoice, Serve, Sing, Know, Praise, Thank
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Marsh Lyall Testimony and Question/Answer
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Title: Worship in Fear and Celebration
Text: 2 Samuel 6
Chris Hefner
Worship Experiences
Blessing
Irreverence
Fear
Availability
Obedience
Celebration
Resentment
Service
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Vince Adams Testimony and Question/Answer
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Worship as Doxology and Theology
Romans 12:1-2
Chris Hefner
Aspects of Christian Worship
The expectation of Christian worship: present your bodies as living sacrifices
The appeal to Christian worship: by the mercies of God
The challenge of Christian worship: do not be conformed to this world
The purpose of Christian worship: be transformed to Christ-likeness
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Introduction to Christology
Chris Hefner
A General Outline of Christology
Person of Christ
Humanity
Deity
Key Doctrine: Incarnation
Work of Christ
Prophet
Priest
King
Key Events: Crucifixion and Resurrection
Apostle’s Creed: “I believe in … Jesus Christ, his only Son, our Lord, conceived of the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.”
Nicene Creed: “one Lord Jesus Christ… …incarnate by the Holy Spirit of the Virgin Mary, and was made man”
Athanasian Creed: “that we believe and confess that our Lord Jesus Christ, God’s Son, is both God and man, equally. He is God from the essence of the Father, begotten before time; and he is man from the essence of his mother, born in time, equally God, completely man, with a rational soul and human flesh;”
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Steve Melton Testimony and Question/Answer
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Title: Worship the Triune God
Text: John 4:16-26
Chris Hefner
If we’re not careful, we’ll use worship tensions as an excuse for not confessing our own sins
We need to remember that worship is not primarily about geography, form, or style, but relationship
God pursues true worshipers who worship in spirit and in truth
True worship always leads to Christ
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Church's Responsibility
Chris Hefner
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Title: Worship in Prayer
Text: Matthew 6:5-15
Tad Craig
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Sin and the Problem of Evil and Suffering
Chris Hefner
Philosophical Options
There is no god who is all powerful
There is no god who is completely good. Good and evil are in tension
Evil is an illusion
The Bible is a theology book with theological propositions that do tangentially address philosophical questions like the problem of evilThe Bible teaches that the fall of man explains evil and suffering in all forms and regarding all relationships (Genesis 3; Romans 8)
The Bible teaches that God was not surprised by our sin and is still sovereign over sin (Genesis 50; Job)
The Bible teaches that while sin and suffering are very real, they are not permanent nor ultimate (Romans 8)
Takeaways:
Reflect on the importance of a biblical worldview that explains suffering and evil resulting from the fall
If the reality of sin and suffering provide a philosophical argument against Christianity, then good and morality provide a philosophical argument for Christianity
Meaning can only come from a sovereign God who is the solution to evil and suffering
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Title: Worship the God who Sings
Zephaniah 3:17; Hebrews 2:10-12
Chris Hefner
The LORD delights in his people
The LORD quiets his people
The LORD exults over his people in song
Remember, our song is a response to the God who sings
Rejoice in the God who quiets and sings over us
Receive Jesus as Savior and Brother
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Doctrine of Original Sin
Chris Hefner
What is sin?
Missing the mark (Rom. 5:12-6:1, 15)
Trespass (Rom. 2:23; Gal. 3:19)
Deviation from truth (Rom. 5:15, 17-18)
Unwillingness to listen to truth (Rom. 5:19; 2 Cor. 10:6)
Unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18; Col. 3:25)
Ungodliness (Rom. 1:18; Titus 2:12)
Lawlessness (2 Thess. 2:3; Titus 2:14)
Ignorance (Eph. 4:18)
Grievous wickedness (Rom. 1:29-31; 1 Cor. 5:8)
Consequences of Sin
In relation to God: Divine disfavor, guilt, Punishment, death (physical, spiritual, eternal)
In relation to self and others: Slavery to sin (bondage of the will), denial of sin, self-deceit, Insensitivity, Self-centeredness, Restlessness, Competition, Inability to empathize, rejection of authority, inability to love.
Pelagius: human effort and ability to act righteous
Arminius: corrupt nature with physical and intellectual inability, but not volitional
Calvin: sin, guilt, and corruption transferred to the entire human race
Takeaways:
The gospel only makes sense in light of the true condition of the human heart: total depravity.
The universal condition of original sin and gospel solution should drive us to see our fellow man through the lenses of grace, prayer, and gospel witness.
Total depravity results in significant questions about guilt from birth.
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Title: Worship the God of Salvation through Celebration
Text: Exodus 15
Tad Craig
God is victorious
God is our strength
God is personal and never ending
God is our song
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Doctrine of Sin
Chris Hefner
Genesis 3 teaches that sin undermines God’s Word.
When we undermine God’s Word, we are deceived.
When deceived, we are tempted to pursue pleasure and fulfillment on our own, outside of God’s parameters.
When we are deceived into sin, our sin results in us blaming others for our own flaws.
Takeaways:
Sin in the garden had immediate, catastrophic, cosmic, and eternal consequences.
The incipient sins of not trusting God’s Word and idolatry are intricately connected. See Romans 1:18 ff.
The irony of idolatry is that men worship what they make “with their hands.” The solution to sin/idolatry is to recognize we have been made in God’s image by his hands in order to worship him. See Isaiah 45:5-12
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Title: Worship in Holy Splendor
Text: Isaiah 6
Chris Hefner
God is more Holy than we imagine
We are more sinful than we know
Atonement is more costly than we admit
Idolatry is more prevalent than we think
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Personhood & Identity
Chris Hefner
Because God created man in his own image, the biblical view of man is distinct and unique.Implications of Two Story Truth
With personhood detached from biology, when a person “becomes human” matters more than when life is conceived
When personhood is detached from biology, sex becomes an act without emotion or intimacy
When personhood is detached from biology, what one thinks about self becomes authoritative, not gender, biology, or DNA
Four Options Regarding the Human PersonTrichotomism: body, soul, and spirit
Dichotomism: body and soul
Monism: human persons are only embodied; no life after physical death.
Conditional Unity: humans are complex beings, but also whole
Takeaways:
Humans may be more than their bodies,but are certainly not less than their bodies
That we are whole persons means that we are to love the Lord with “all” of us
Personhood and identity are the worldview notions that will increasingly distinguish a biblical worldview from the contemporary views
Because our “whole” person is body and soul, we can anticipate a future embodied state
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Title: Worship through Jesus our High Priest
Text: Hebrews 9
Chris Hefner
We need Christ because our worship is imperfect apart from him
We need Christ because our worship is only possible through him
We need Christ because only his act of worship can rescue us from judgment
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Doctrine of Man
Chris Hefner
What is lost if man has not been made in God’s image?
Inherent dignity
Inherent morality
Cultural security
What does it mean to be created in God’s image?
Capacity for Rational Thought
Capacity for Moral Choice
Capacity for Artistic Creativity
Capacity for Social Relationships
Capacity for Humble Relationships
God created man in his image for relationship and for rule
Implications from man in Relationship and Rule
Philosophically, we are not co-equal with creation as an evolved species within it
We are not subordinate to creation as if Mother Earth, or Gaia, is somehow superior to us
We are not lords of creation as if all of creation answers to our beck and call
Rather, we are to be stewards of creation managing it well and in care in which God gave us responsibility
Takeaways:
Recognize that God’s gender design reveals our need for interdependence and respect for others
We must see ourselves with equal parts wonder and humility
We must be willing to be the vocal minority living and communicating the biblical design regardless of the shifting culture
We must take our responsibility to rule creation seriously and carefully
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Title: Worship Through Gospel Pictures
Texts: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34; 12:12-15
Chris Hefner
We observe the ordinances to reflect the gospel
We observe the ordinances in obedience to Christ
We observe the ordinances to express our commitment to the New Covenant community
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Theology Doctrine of God: Providence and Sovereignty
Chris Hefner
“Providence refers to God’s preservation and government of creation“—Robert Letham, Systematic Theology
God preserves creation through his providential rule
God rules over all things and nations by his providence
1). Providence and theological/philosophical understandings
Providence is not deism and not open theism
2). Providence and free will, sovereignty, sin
3). Providence, sovereignty, and God’s relation to time/space
“If God were small enough to be understood, he would not be great enough to worship"
That God rules over all through his providential sovereignty means we can trust him
That God is providentially sovereign means we can be assured of our salvation
That God is providentially sovereign means that our prayers and our praises mean something
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Title: Worship Under Covenant Promise
Text: Genesis 15
Chris Hefner
Main Idea: The glory of God is revealed by Him initiating our redemption under his covenant promises that lead us to worship
Implications for Worship
The LORD initiates worship by his Word
It is often our need that precipitates God’s intervention
The LORD makes promises that only he can keep
Our primary obligation to the LORD is to believe
The LORD’s revelation and promises extend beyond our lives and generation
Our ritual obligation in worship is to prepare and sacrifice
The LORD binds himself by covenant
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God as Creator—Questions and Considerations
1). Why the doctrine of creation? Every worldview must answer the question of origin.
Francis Schaeffer’s Four Options:
“Once there was absolutely nothing and now there is something.”
“Everything began with an impersonal something.”
“Everything began with a personal something.”
“There is and always has been a dualism.”
2). Why the biblical creation account when there are other creation narratives? The biblical account is unique in history.
3). Does it matter what we believe about creation? Yes, it matters because where we begin the story shapes how the story can finish.
4). Is the creation account material or functional in emphasis? Given the cultural, worldview implications of the ancient world, acknowledging the creation account as both functional and material helps us make sense of the text.
5). Are the days of creation literal or figurative? The language and nature of the narrative suggest that the days of creation are literal.
6). Were Adam and Eve real and the first two people on planet earth? Rejecting a literal Adam and Eve necessitates a rejection of the biblical storyline.
7). Are there two different creation accounts in Genesis 1 and 2? Chapter 2 is an expansion and more full explanation of chapter 1.
Takeaways:
What we believe about origin and creation shapes our worldview and our values.
The revelation of God as Creator highlights God’s sovereignty and morality both materially and functionally in the world.
We must humbly adore our Creator God in praise worship, and thanksgiving.
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Title: Jesus Encounters Children
Text: Mark 10:13-16
Chris Hefner
Main Idea: Jesus always welcomes those who come to him in need
Never stop realizing that you are spiritually helpless
Get your children (and others) to Jesus
Don’t stand in anyone’s way of meeting Jesus
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Title: Jesus Encounters the Thief on the Cross
Text: Luke 23:32-43
Chris Hefner
Aspects of Conversion
To be converted is to fear God
To be converted is to confess sinfulness
To be converted is to testify truthfully about Christ
To be converted is to trust God and ask for salvation
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Title: Jesus Encounters a Storm
Text: Matthew 14:1-35
Chris Hefner
Marks of Jesus’ Identity
Filled with grief, Jesus gave grace
Bombarded by need, Jesus fed the multitudes
Compelled by mission, Jesus walked through the storm
Applications
Before you come apart, get alone with God
To see the redemptive connections, read the Bible carefully
When drowning in life’s storms and sins, cry to Jesus in faith
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Title: Jesus Encounters a Man in a Tree
Text: Luke 19:1-10
Tad Craig
Zacchaeus
Chief tax collector of Jericho (major trade city, desirable to live)
Physically unimpressive; short stature
Eagerness to see Jesus. Why?
Overcame many obstacles to discover this man who he heard about?
Risked safety, ridicule, and reputation my climbing a tree
The Crowd
Religious background, religious leaders
They saw him as a “agent of tyranny”
Didn’t understand Jesus
Encountered with Jesus
Jesus sees the hidden.
Jesus frees from the social pressures
Jesus brings recognition to the crowd that he is a person just like them
Jesus comes to seek and save the lost of the world. Fulfilled Ezekiel 34
What does this encounter teach us?
We need to be seeking Jesus
We will need to be concerned with our heart instead of the perception of others
We need to remember that Jesus is seeking us
We have to change our behaviors to reflect the gospel change in our lives
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Title: Jesus Encounters the Wealthy
Text: Mark 10:17-31
Chris Hefner
When Jesus spoke to the rich young ruler about the law, he identified the self-righteousness that was keeping the ruler from eternal life
When Jesus spoke to the disciples about wealth and the kingdom, he identified the idolatry of money that keeps many from eternal life
When Jesus spoke about “following him,” he invites us to reject our self-righteousness and idolatry to receive salvation and eternal life
Give generously to examine your heart for the idol of money
Evaluate your life according to the law so the gospel will make sense
Because Jesus knows you and loves you, you can follow him
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Title: Jesus Encounters the Desperate
Text: Mark 5:25-34
Josh Pinkerton
Without Jesus, there is no hope
Jesus provides hope
Jesus purifies
Jesus gives us opportunities to witness
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Title: Jesus Encounters a Grieving Widow
Text: Luke 7:11-17
Chris Hefner
Three Angles from which to View this Encounter
An Isolated Encounter
We learn of Jesus’ compassion
We learn of Jesus’ action
We learn of Jesus’ deity
An Interconnected Encounter
We learn what Jesus thinks of death
We learn what Jesus thinks of doubt
An Impactful Encounter
We learn that Jesus’ works and words bring us life and assurance
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Title: Jesus Encounters Faith: Characters in the Drama of Faith
Text: Luke 7:1-10
Chris Hefner
The dying servant needed Jesus
The centurion modeled faith in Jesus
The messenger testified about and to Jesus
Intercede to Jesus about someone
Tell someone about Jesus
Give thanks for the one(s) who brought you to Jesus
Bring what faith you have to Jesus today
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Title: Jesus Encounters a Seeker (Religious Insider)
Text: John 3:1-21
Chris Hefner
Three Reasons We Must Be Born Again
We must be born again because we are dead in our sins
We must be born again because we cannot save ourselves
We must be born again because we love the wrong things
Application: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and be born again
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Title: Jesus Encounters a Faithless Father: The Shortfalls of Unbelief
Text: Mark 9;14-29
Chris Hefner
Unbelief settles for people when only the Master can help.
Unbelief focuses on the situation instead of the Savior.
Unbelief seeks healing instead of seeking the Healer.
3 Applications:
Fathers, whatever else you do in life, get your children to Jesus.
Christians, you can best express your faith through prayer.
Sinner, come to Jesus in faith, and he will rescue you.
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Title: Jesus Encounters The Hopeless
Text: John 5:1-30
Gary Buffaloe
Hope transcends earthly circumstances
Hope transcends sin and death
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God's Goodness Attributes
Chris Hefner
God is 3x holy Isaiah 6:3
God is righteous Romans 3:21
God is just Romans 3:21-26
God is truth John 14:6
God is faithful 1 Thessalonians 5:24
God is merciful Isaiah 30:18
God is grace Ephesians 2:8-9
God is love 1 John 4:7
Takeaways
Consider God’s goodness and fear the LORD.
Reflect on God’s goodness and thank the LORD.
Remember that it is God’s Goodness which allows you to relate to Him.
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Title: Jesus Encounters the Broken
Text: Matthew 12:1-21
Chris Hefner
Jesus does not abide by our rules
Hear what Jesus says and follow Him
Jesus does not operate according to our limitations
Watch what Jesus does and believe Him
Jesus does not pursue our ambitions
Know who Jesus is and love Him
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God's Greatness Attributes
Chris Hefner
Greatness Attributes
God is. “I AM Who I AM” Ex. 3:14
God is Spirit. John 4:24
God is Life. Jer. 10:10; 1 Thess. 1:9
God is Personal. Ex. 3:14; Gen. 1:27
God is Eternal. Ps. 90:2
God is Omnipresent. Acts 17:24-25
God is Omniscient. Ps. 147:5; Rom. 11:33
God is Omnipotent. Jer. 32:17
God is Immutable. Ps. 102:26-27; James 1:17; Hebrews 13:8
God is Incomprehensible. 1 Kings 8:27; Is. 55:8-9
Takeaways:
Contemplate God’s greatness and be humble.
Declare God’s greatness and worship.
Remember God’s greatness and trust.
Consider God’s greatness and pray.
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Title: The King and His Gospel of Grace
Text: 1 Timothy 6:11-21
Chris Hefner
The King commands our conduct
The King reveals himself to us
The King reminds us to avoid distractions
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The Doctrine of the Trinity
Chris Hefner
In the OT, the doctrine of the Trinity is latent (not fully manifest), and in the NT it is implicit.
Truths about Trinity Affirmed in the Bible
God is One Deuteronomy 6:4
The Father is God. Matthew 6:9
The Son is God. John 20:28
The Holy Spirit is God. Acts 5:3-4
God is One yet in three persons Matthew 3:13-17
Trinitarian Heresies
Modalism: God acts in different forms
Subordinationism: God is hierarchical; the Father bestowed deity on the Son and Spirit
Arianism: Jesus and the Father are not of the same essence
Takeaways:
The doctrine of the Trinity declares the infinite-personal nature of God in a way that demands our worship.
The doctrine of the Trinity is absolutely necessary for our salvation (Eph. 1:3-14)
The doctrine Trinity gives our prayers meaning and effect.
The doctrine of the Trinity is necessary for God’s self-definition of love to be reality.
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Title: 3 Areas of Life We Can't Afford to Get Wrong
Text: 1 Timothy 6:1-10
Chris Hefner
We can't afford to get our work wrong
We can't afford to get out faith wrong
We can't afford to get out money wrong
3 Applications
Labor tomorrow as if God is your Supervisor
Pursue contentment and godliness by feeding your faith
Discipline your heart by making your money a servant, not a master; a tool, not an idol
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Transcendence and ImmanenceChris Hefner
“What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us.”
― A.W. Tozer
Misconceptions:
God is too small.
God is too old.
God is too violent.
God is nice now.
God is creation.
Transcendence: God is other, infinite, holy, omniscient, omnipotent.
Immanence: God is present in and connected to His creation. He is near us and relates to us.
Takeaways:
God’s transcendence and immanence should humble us and lead us to regular worship.
God’s transcendence and immanence mean that he is both infinite and personal.
The biblical affirmation of God’s transcendence and immanence make Christianity unique.
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Title: Principles for the Church and Her Ministers
Text: 1 Timothy 5:17-25
Chris Hefner
The Compensation Principle: It is the church's responsibility to the elder(s) to compensate them adequately
The Character Principle: It is the elder's responsibility to one another to provide accountability
The Conduct Principle: It is the elder's responsibility to the church to conduct himself as an example to the body
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God’s Names and Self-Disclosure
Chris Hefner
A proper perspective on God is the only way we can accurately view ourselves and our world.
Names of God
Elohim: general title for God, plural, Gen. 1:1
El: general title for God, singular, often used with a verb
El Shaddai: “God Almighty” Genesis 17:1
El Roi: “God who sees” Genesis 16:13
Adonai: Lord God, means “Lord;” substituted for the Name; Psalm 2:4
Yahweh: “I AM That I Am” Personal name for God, Exodus 3; God can be known in history
Theos: General Greek title for God, John 1:1
Kurios: General Greek title for Lord
Takeaways:
The LORD, as he reveals himself in his titles and names, is the primary focus of theological revelation.
The LORD, as he reveals himself to be sovereign is worthy of fear and trust.
The LORD, as he reveals himself to be personal, invites us to know him.
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Instructions for Church Ministry
Text: 1 Timothy 5:1-16
Chris Hefner
A word to the minister: treat others respectfully
A word to widows and women: embody characteristics of honorable Christianity
A word to family: care for your loved ones
A word to the church: care for those who are in need
A word to all: refuse to be idle
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Introduction to the Doctrine of God: Intersection between Philosophy and Theology
Philosophy: literally the “love of wisdom”
Theology: the study of God
Philosophical Questions
Metaphysical Question: existence
Why do things exist?
Ontological Question: reality
What is ultimate reality?
Axiological Question: value
What has value?
Epistemological Question: knowledge
How do we know?
Epistemological Categories
Rationalism: mathematics/2+2=4
Empiricism: scientific observation
Dogmatism: I just know
Revelation: God speaks to us
Ultimately, the Bible is a book of theology, not philosophy. God does not explain or defend his existence in the Bible, he announces it.
What is the chief end of man? The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.
Takeaways:
We should not be afraid of the intersection between philosophy and theology. While they ask and answer different questions, they are not in meaningful discord with regard to what we know and how we know it.
To speak in philosophical terms, the God of the Bible is Ultimate Reality.
To speak in theological terms, the God of the Bible is knowable.
Our approach to knowing God by his revelation must include humility, faith, curiosity, and gratitude.
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Title: The Doctrine and Conduct of Christ's Servants
Texts: 1 Timothy 4:6-16
Chris Hefner
One Calling: Serve Christ
Two Motivations for the Servant of Christ:
Personal Motivation: Be a good servant of Christ
Eternal Motivation: Salvation of Others
Six Practices of the Servant of Christ:
Teach Sound Doctrine
Avoid Myths and Controversies
Toil and Strive for Godliness
Set an Example in Conduct
Be Devoted to Calling
Be Attentive to Character and Creed
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Parable of the Sower
Texts: Mark 4:1-9; 13-20
Tad Craig
The Seed is the Word of God
The Sower is the proclaimer of the Word of God
Hard Path is the hearer with a closed mind
Rocky Ground is the hearer with an emotional mind
Among the Thorns is a hearer with a wandering mind
Good Soil is the hearer with a prepared mind
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Three verses we don’t take out of context
Job 25:6
how much less man, who is a maggot, and the son of man, who is a worm! (ESV)
Ecclesiastes 10:19
A feast is made for laughter, wine makes life merry, and money is the answer for everything. (NIV)
Hosea 3:1
And the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is loved by another man and is an adulteress, even as the Lord loves the children of Israel, though they turn to other gods and love cakes of raisins.” (ESV)
Three verses we do take out of context
Jeremiah 29:11
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." (NIV)
But what's the context?
10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (ESV)
But what's the context?
“If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses. 17 If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church. And if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector. 18 Truly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them.” (ESV)
Philippians 4:13
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. (NKJV)
But what's the context?
I rejoiced in the Lord greatly that now at length you have revived your concern for me. You were indeed concerned for me, but you had no opportunity. 11 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. 12 I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
Three verses we should take out of context
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. (ESV)
John 14:16
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, (ESV)
Mark 10:27
Jesus looked at them and said, “With man it is impossible, but not with God. For all things are possible with God.” (ESV)
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A Resurrection Day Prayer
Text: Ephesians 1:15-23
Chris Hefner
Because Jesus rose, you can know God.
Because Jesus rose, you can have life.
Because Jesus rose, you can have peace.
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The Bible as Authority
Isaiah 66:1-2
Middle Ages and Reformation
Sola Scriptura
Challenge of Rationalism (over and above Revelation)
David Hume
Jean Jacque Rousseau
Immanuel Kant
John Locke
Scientism
Modernism
Postmodernism
Emphasis on personal truth and individual reader interpretation.
values/revelation/faith/personal/truth
Facts/Reason/Science/Public/Truth
Takeaways:
Because the Bible is authoritative, we are obligated to submit to all of its teaching.
We have to guard against the interpretive dissonance between reason and revelation imbedded in culture shaping or affecting our understanding of Scripture.
We must hold fast to a presupposition of the Bible as inerrant and authoritative as our framework for interpreting and applying Scripture.
Read the Bible today and trust that God is speaking.
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Enemies of the Gospel
Texts: 1 Timothy 4:1-5
Chris Hefner
We need to realize we are in a spiritual war over the gospel
We need to identify the tactics the enemy is using to keep people from the gospel
Lies
Legalism
Liberalism
We need to abide in the goodness of God through the Gospel
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Three Challenges to Sufficiency
Mysticism charismatic and new revelation
Traditionalism Roman Catholicism
Woke Theology CRT and Intersectionality
Scripture is clear with relation to the message of salvation. Term is perspicuity.
Three Hermeneutic Strategies
Typological
Allegorical
Literal
5 Hermeneutical Principles
Interpret Scripture with Scripture.
Interpret in light of the literary genre.
Right interpretation derives from a recognition of biblical authority.
Remember the two guardrails for correct interpretation: the Holy Spirit and the church.
Accurate interpretation of meaning influences the significance and application Scripture and as such must be taken seriously.
Four Takeaways:
The doctrines of sufficiency and clarity mean that the Bible is our guidebook to salvation and following Christ.
Remember first to look for the clear and obvious when reading Scripture.
Enter the reading of Scripture with a spirit of submission to whatever God means to say in the text.
Wrestle with the more difficult passages in light of the interpretive principles above.
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Title: The Church as a Pillar of Truth
Texts: 1 Timothy 3:14-16
Chris Hefner
In the gospel, we discover the truth about who we are. This truth guides our conduct
We are the “household” family of God
We are the church of the living God
We are the pillar and the buttress of truth
In the gospel, we discover the truth about who we believe. This truth is the content of our creed
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The Character of Deacons
Texts: 1 Timothy 3:8-13
Chris Hefner
We are to look for those who carry themselves with dignity
We are to look for those who walk with integrity
We are to look for those who hold a faithful theology
We are to look for those who already have a ministry
We are to look for those that are respectable in their domesticity
These kinds of servants can expect confidence in eternity
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Jesus came to fulfill Scripture
Jesus taught the saving and sanctifying purposes of Scripture
Jesus held the inviolability of Scripture
Jesus understood himself to be the centerpiece of Scripture
3 Takeaways
If Jesus is God, then the doctrine of Revelation and the Doctrine of God are inextricably linked.
Jesus’ view of Scripture means that God’s Word is powerful to save and to sanctify.
Jesus’ view of Scripture invites us to believe in order that we may understand.
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Title: Why Polity Matters
Chris Hefner
Biblical Warrant
WBC History
Church Health
Weight of Elder Responsibilities
Elder Accountability
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What is Inspiration?
2 Timothy 3:16—“All Scripture is inspired”
Luke 24:25-27; 44-45—Moses and the prophets; Moses, Prophets Psalms
John 10:35—Jesus “said in your Law” and quotes Ps. 82:6
2 Peter 1:19-21—Prophecy of Scripture comes from the Holy Spirit
2 Peter 3:16—Peter affirms Paul’s writings with other Scriptures
1 Timothy 5:18—Paul quotes OT and NT as Scripture (Luke 10:7; Deut. 25:4)
Theories of Inspiration
Intuition—came from a high degree of insight
Illumination—Holy Spirit heightened the authors experiences/insights; different only in degree and not in kind from the Holy Spirit’s work in all believers
Dynamic—combined divine and human elements in the Scripture
Verbal—Holy Spirit guided the thoughts of the writers and specific words (not dictation)
Dictation—God dictated the passages of Scripture
pasa all
graphe Scripture
theopneustos God-breathed
According to 2 Timothy 3:16, the doctrine of inspiration is verbal and plenary.
3 Takeaways
If God inspired all the Scriptures, we are accountable to them.
If God inspired all the Scriptures, then we cannot pick and choose which Scriptures to believe and apply.
If God inspired all the Scriptures, then we must allow God’s Word to convict, change, and transform us.
https://www.etsjets.org/files/documents/Chicago_Statement.pdf
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Title: First Love
Texts: Revelation 2:1-7
Tad Craig
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
We desire that Bible doctrines will develop our devotion to God and form us spiritually as followers of Jesus Christ.
Scripture is “the authority of God exercised through Scripture.“—N.T. Wright.
The Bible is a collection of 66 books over 1500 years with 40 different authors.
Canon: “rule of faith”; “straight rod”, or “list.”
The Old Testament canon came down from a series of years and is generally divided into Law, Prophets, and Writings.
3 Criteria for New Testament Canon
Apostolic authority
Orthodoxy
Catholicity
Facts about Manuscripts
5756 of NT manuscripts. The NT manuscripts are significantly earlier than other ancient literature, within 35 years in at least one case and all of the NT within 200 years of the events.
A safe estimate—99% of original words in NT and 95% of original words in OT are recoverable.
3 Takeaways
If we can trust the Bible (canon, manuscripts, inspiration), then the Bible is our authority for life and practice.
We can be confident that what we have as the Bible is what was originally understood to be the Scriptures.
We don’t get to adjust the Bible; we must adjust to the Bible. (Deut. 4:2; Rev. 22:18)
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Character of the Overseer
Texts: 1 Timothy 3:1-7
Chris Hefner
Consider the office of the overseer
Consider the character and competencies of the overseer
Consider the church of the overseer
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
One Major Aim: Our study of theology will help us to know God.
Biblical theology—Investigates how each author or book of the Bible considers a particular doctrine.
Historical theology—How different doctrinal ideas arose and were developed in history (over time).
Systematic theology—Is a collection of Bible doctrines that flows out of an organized, logical framework.
Practical theology—Connects doctrines to daily living.
We need to have a faith that seeks to understand.Revelation is personal, cognitive, progressive, and not exhaustive.
Revelation can be divided into two major categories: General and Special.
General Revelation is seen in nature, history, and humanity. (Psalm 19; Romans 1:18-32)
Special Revelation precedes the Bible, is through Jesus Christ, and the Bible is the product of God’s Revelation. (Hebrews 1:1)
We can know God.
General Revelation is sufficient for judgment but not salvation.
Special Revelation is necessary for salvation.
The Bible is of primary importance for knowing and obeying God.
Men and Women in the Church
Texts: 1 Timothy 2:8-15
Chris Hefner
Interpret a text within its context
When we face a controversial or difficult text, let Scripture interpret Scripture
Since the Bible is God’s Word, the teaching of Scripture is authoritative
As a local church, we have an obligation to apply interpretations to church ministry and polity
We can and should affirm the ministry role of women in the life of the church
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Praying and Preaching the Gospel
Texts: 1 Timothy 2:1-7
Chris Hefner
We are to be a church that prays
We are to be a church that prays for our neighbors and the nations
We are to be a church that prays for our neighbors and the nations because Jesus came to save our neighbors and the nations
We are to be a church that prays because we are a church that preaches the gospel to our neighbors and the nations
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Christ Jesus, Savior and King of the Gospel-Centered Church
Texts: 1 Timothy 1:12-20
Chris Hefner
We can receive Jesus
We can remain in Jesus
We can reject Jesus
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Law and Doctrine in the Gospel-Centered Church
Texts: 1 Timothy 1:8-11
Chris Hefner
The law restrains wickedness
The law and doctrine function together to reveal holiness
The law condemns while the gospel offers forgiveness
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Aim of the Gospel-Centered Church
Texts: 1 Timothy 1:1-7
Chris Hefner
Embrace one aim: Love
Distinguish two types of teachers: false and true
Cultivate three sources of love: pure heart, good conscience, sincere faith
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Prescriptions for Anxiety
Texts: Philippians 4:2-9
Chris Hefner
Rejoice in the Lord
Pray to the Lord
Meditate on the things of the Lord
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Naps and Snacks | 01.16.22
Texts: 1 Kings 19:1-8
Tad Craig
There are evil forces working to hinder your spiritual health
Eventually you will become exhausted which affects your spiritual health
Meeting physical needs is necessary for your spiritual health
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Identity Through Doubt | 01.09.22
Texts: John 20:24-31
Tad Craig
Doubt Comes from Disappointment
Isolation fuels Doubt
Doubt Out-Loud
Doubt brings Real Identity
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Mission of Advent | 01.02.22
Texts: Matthew 4:18-22; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11; John 1:35-51
Chris Hefner
4 Invitations to Participate in Redemptive Mission
Look
Meet
Follow
Lead
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Advent from John | 12.26.21
Text: John 1:1-18
Chris Hefner
1) Jesus came as the Word so that we might know God.
2) Jesus cam in flesh so that we might relate to God.
3) Jesus came full of grace and truth to give us what we needed from God.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 12.23.21
On this very special episode of the Thursday Show, Tim joins Tad and Gary to talk at great length about church in the metaverse and what that means for us.
thursdayshow
Advent from Luke | 12.19.21
Text: Luke 1:5-2:38
Chris Hefner
1) Jesus came for the barren.
2) Jesus came for the young.
3) Jesus came for the outcast.
4) Jesus came for the aged.
5) Jesus came for the lonely.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 12.16.21
On this week's episode, Tad and Gary discuss their favorite and least favorite Christmas songs, with a live studio audience.
thursdayshow
Advent from Matthew: The King Who Saves His People | 12.12.21
Text: Matthew 1:18-23
Gary Buffaloe
1) Jesus will be the child of Mary and Joseph
2) Jesus will save his people from their sins.
3) Jesus will fulfill his mission to save his people until it’s accomplished
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 12.9.21
This week’s episode is full of hot takes and hot topics. Tad and Gary discuss cold weather, Yetis (the creatures and the tumblers), and which reindeer Santa hates the most.
ThursdayShow
Advent from Mark: The Gospel on the Move | 12.5.21
Text: Mark 1:1-15
Chris Hefner
1) We observe God’s preparation for his coming kingdom.
2) We experience the importance of Jesus’ ministry and mission.
3) We receive the invitation to the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 12.2.21
On this week’s episode, Tad and Gary discuss Jesus’ genealogy and seagulls.
ThursdayShow
HEAVEN | 11.28.21
Text: Matthew 5:3; Revelation 21:1-4; 2 Corinthians 2:9
Chris Hefner
1) Heaven is reward.
2) Heaven is rest.
3) Heaven is relationship.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 11.25.21
The Thursday Show is back from pre-Thanksgiving break with a full episode that includes an important announcement, an array of great jokes, and a conversation about yard work. You don’t want to miss this week’s Thursday Show.
ThursdayShow
HELL | 11.21.21
Text: Hebrews 9:27; Matthew 25:46
Chris Hefner
3 Objections to Hell
1) Universalism
2) Annihilationism
3) Catholicism (Purgatory)
Why believe in the doctrine of hell?
1) The Bible tells us that hell is a real place.
2) Jesus taught the doctrine of hell.
How should we respond to the doctrine of hell?
1) The doctrine of hell motivates us to share the gospel.
2) The doctrine of hell warns us to trust in Jesus alone.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
DEATH | 11.14.21
Text: Hebrews 9:27
Chris Hefner
1) Death is a curse.
2) Death is an enemy.
3) Death is a certainty.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Life, Death, Hell, & Heaven: LIFE | 11.7.21
Text: John 10:10
1) Jesus invites us to experience life to the full.
2) Jesus invites us to experience life to the full by knowing him.
3) Jesus invites us to experience life to the full by following him.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Commissioned: Leading others to Follow Jesus by Replicating | 10.31.21
Text: Exodus 18
Chris Hefner
Three Replicating Actions
1) Tell others the great things God has done.
2) Celebrate God’s great works with God’s people.
3) Equip others to share your replicating responsibilities.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Commissioned: Leading others to Follow Jesus by Serving | 10.24.21
Text: Exodus 31:1-11
Chris Hefner
Categories for Learning as a Means of Following Jesus
1) Observe the priority of the Lord’s call to serve.
2) Identify with the persons the Lord calls to serve.
3) Revel in the purpose of the Lord’s call to serve.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Commissioned: Leading Others to Follow Jesus by Learning | 10.17.21
Text: Exodus 14:30-31
Chris Hefner
Categories for Learning as a Means of Following Jesus
1) Learn from our experiences.
2) Learn through our disciplines.
3) Learn with others.
4) Learn for the next generation.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 9.30.21
On this week's episode, Tad and Gary talk about the definition of a “dumpster fire.” What is it? Do you know you’re looking at one when you see it? Are there any examples of dumpster fires in the Bible? If you need the answer to any of those questions, you don’t want to miss this week’s, Thursday Show.
ThursdayShow
Commissioned: Leading Others to Follow Jesus by Worshipping | 10.10.21
Text: Exodus 12, 15
Chris Hefner
1) Worship Reflects Redemption
2) Worship Remembers Redemption.
3) Worship Celebrates Redemption.
4) Worship Invites Redemption.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
A Model for Walking Wisely | 10.3.21
Text: Proverbs 31:10-22
Chris Hefner
1) We should admire the industry of lady wisdom.
2) We should adopt the generosity of lady wisdom.
3) We should aim for the legacy of lady wisdom.
4) We must embrace the humility of lady wisdom.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 9.30.21
On this week's episode, Tad and Gary record on location at Anchor Coffee Co for International Coffee Day. We catch up on what Gary has missed the last two weeks and discuss loving our neighbors as ourselves.
ThursdayShow
Walking Wisely in our Money | 9.26.21
Text: Proverbs 10:22
Chris Hefner
1) The Practical Principle: Money is a tool to be used not a commodity to be hoarded.
2) The Perspective Principle: Money is a blessing to steward not a right of the entitled.
3) The Purpose Principle: Money is a gift to be shared not a god to be worshiped.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Walking Wisely in our Friendships | 9.19.21
Text: Proverbs 13:20; 27:17; 18:24
Chris Hefner
1) We need friends who will not lead us astray.
2) We need friends who will tell us the truth.
3) We need friends who will be there for us.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Walking Wisely in our Choices | 9.12.21
Text: Proverbs 16:1-9
Chris Hefner
1) Hear the Philosophical Question
2) Note The Theological Solution
3) Apply the Practical Wisdom
5) Recognize the Eternal Significance
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 9.9.21
On this week’s episode, Tad and Gary continue their discussion regarding literary genres in the Bible, turning their attention to the New Testament epistles. They also discuss a new communication platform for the church – realm.
thursdayshow
Walking Wisely in our Attitude: Anger | 9.5.21
Text: Proverbs 27:17
Chris Hefner
1) Recognize your anger tendencies.
2) Identify your anger triggers.
3) Beware of your anger repercussions.
5) Receive the anger solution.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 9.2.21
On this week’s episode, Tad and Gary talk about their favorite athletes-turned-actors, favorite sports movies, and favorite literary genres of the Bible.
thursdayshow
Walking Wisely in our Words | 8.29.21
Text: Proverbs 18:21
Chris Hefner
1) We speak destruction when we: lie, gossip, speak too often.
2) We speak life when we: are silent, speak aptly, speak the gospel.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 8.19.21
On this week’s episode, Tad and Gary discuss dinosaur dad jokes and how to address our doubts while working out salvation with fear and trembling.
thursdayshow
Walking Wisely in Our Character: Pride and Humility | 8.22.21
Text: Proverbs 16:9
Chris Hefner
3 warnings About Pride
1) Beware of external pride evidenced in self promotion.
2) Beware of internal pride evidenced in other-oriented comparison.
3) Beware of spiritual pride evidenced in misplaced devotion.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 8.19.21
The intern has returned to school, so Tad and Gary must go back to carrying the Thursday Show on their shoulders. Can they create interesting content without Hudson’s help? Tune in as they answer the age-old question – does God care about football?
thursdayshow
Walking Wisely in Our Homes | 8.15.21
Text: Proverbs 22.6
Chris Hefner
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Demonstrate Parental Authority
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Exercise Loving and Diligent Discipline
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Keep the Eternal Path in View
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 8.12.21
It is Hudson’s last week as an intern, so Tad and Gary grill him about his experience. You don’t want to miss this week’s exciting show featuring a Lightning Round for the ages.
thursdayshow
Walking Wisely in Our Thinking | 8.8.21
Text: Proverbs 8
Chris Hefner
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Wisdom calls out at the crossroad of truth, inviting us to believe what is true.
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Wisdom calls out at the crossroad of morality, inviting us to love what is right.
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Wisdom calls out at the crossroad of creation, inviting us to discover the Creator of life.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Walking Wisely in the Newness of Life | 8.1.21
Text: Romans 5:18-6:11
Gary Buffaloe
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To walk wisely, we must be crucified with Christ
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To walk wisely, we must be raised to new life in Christ
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
Wisdom From Being Uncomfortable | 7.25.21
Text: Philippians 2:1-11
Tad Craig
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Remember the Blessings of Christian Community
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Adopt Christ’s Mindset for the Future
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 7.21.21
With the intern on vacation, this week's episode relies on the talents of Tad and Gary. The guys use the time to discuss Philippians 2 and how being uncomfortable impacts Christian growth.
Now available wherever podcasts are found and at: https://www.wilkesborobaptist.org/podcasts
Walk Wisely in our Work | 7.18.21
Text: Proverbs 6:6-11
Chris Hefner
Lessons From the Ant
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Go and take initiative.
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Consider the importance of community.
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Be wise and live your moments for eternity.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 7.15.21
Now available wherever podcasts are found and at: https://www.wilkesborobaptist.org/podcasts
Without a doubt, this is one of the best episodes of the Thursday Show. After breaking down what makes a dad joke good or bad, pastor Chris joins Tad, Gary, and Hudson to discuss sermon preparation, hermeneutics, and homiletics.
thursdayshow
Walking Wisely Regarding Sexuality | 7.11.21
Text: Proverbs 5, 6, and 7
Chris Hefner
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Simpletons are easily enticed.
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Simpletons are quickly seduced.
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Simpletons are eventually destroyed.
Applications to avoid adultery and sexual immorality:
- Be attentive to the Word.
- Be enamored with your spouse.
- Be aware that you are more than your sexuality.
- Be willing to exit the path of destruction through repentance and the gospel.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 7.8.21
On this week's episode, Tad, Gary, and Hudson discuss proper voicemail etiquette and whether it is OK to have a favorite Bible verse.
thursdayshow
State of the Nation “Walking Wisely in a Nation Walking in Folly” | 7.4.21
Text: Proverbs 28:18
Chris Hefner
Demands for Walking by Faith:
1) Observe the present reality.
2) Obtain the faithful promise
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 7.1.21
This week, the guys discuss their favorite TGIF shows from the 90s. They follow that by diving into the doctrine of the New Birth. You do not want to miss this one.
TheThursdsayShow
Walk Wisely in our Church and Denomination | 6.27.21
Text: Proverbs 6:12-19; 11:14; 11:30; 25:25
Chris Hefner
1) In our denomination, we need cooperation.
2) In our church, we need wisdom and togetherness.
3) In both our denomination and church, we need to focus on the mission.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 6.24.21
This week, Gary welcomes Tad and Hudson back to the Thursday Show. Topics of discussion range from camp life to philosophy to how to avoid becoming a Pharisee. You do not want to miss this one.
TheThursdsayShow
Walk Wisely: Fathers, Teach Your Children | 6.20.21
Text: Proverbs 4
Demands for Walking by Faith:
1) Fathers, teach your children.
2) Fathers, teach your children to get wisdom.
3) Fathers, teach your children to get wisdom because choices abound.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 6.18.21
On this special Friday edition of the Thursday Show, pastor Chris Hefner joins Gary for a recap of the 2021 SBC Annual Convention. Chris breaks down the difference between a motion and a resolution and shares one of the funniest moments. You don’t want to miss this Friday edition of the Thursday Show.
Faith For Everyday Living | 6.13.21
Text: Proverbs 3:1-8
Chris Hefner
Demands for Walking by Faith:å
1) Trust the LORD completely
2) Reject self-reliance deliberately
3) Acknowledge the LORD constantly
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 6.10.21
This week on the Thursday Show, the guys discuss whether or not meteorologists should have beards and whether or not Melchizedek is a Christophany. Also, we’re asking, do you like Hudson’s intro better than the original?
Walk Wisely: Walk Wisely by Fearing the Lord | 6.6.21
Text: Proverbs 1:7; 9:10
Chris Hefner
Themes for Walking Wisely:
1) Relationship
2) Contrast
3) Obedience
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 6.3.21
On this week’s episode, the guys discuss the state of Iowa, steaks from Des Moines, and weigh in on Theophanies and Christophanies in the Old Testament.
ThursdayShow
Living Hope in Troubled Times: Christ-Centered Glory | 5.30.21
Text: 1 Peter 5:6-14
Chris Hefner
Characteristics of a Christ-Centered Shepherd
1) Our enemy makes the road to glory dangerous..
2) Our Lord makes the road to glory possible.
3) Our friends make the road to glory meaningful.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 5.27.21
On this week’s episode, the guys discuss one of the most frequently asked questions in theology, “How would the disciples take their steaks?” We also talk about a 17-year-old movie and what happens when artificial intelligence attempts art.
ThursdayShow
Living Hope in Troubled Times: Christ-Centered Shepherding | 5.23.21
Text: 1 Peter 5:1-7
Chris Hefner
Characteristics of a Christ-Centered Shepherd
1) Christ-centered shepherds know Jesus personally.
2) Christ-centered shepherds oversee the sheep willingly.
3) Christ-centered shepherds serve for rewards eternally.
4) Christ-centered shepherds lead by example humbly.
5) Christ-centered shepherds encourage dependence on the Lord intentionally.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 5.23.21
The Thursday Show is back and better than ever. Well, it’s at least as good as it ever was. This week Tad and Gary welcome the new pastoral intern, Hudson Myers to the show. They discuss the global Lego larceny crisis, theology, and have the slowest lightning round yet.
Living Hope in Troubled Times: Christ-Centered Suffering | 5.16.21
Text: 1 Peter 4:12-19
Chris Hefner
4 Responses to Suffering
1) Don’t be surprised at suffering; rejoice.
2) Don’t suffer for evil deeds; acknowledge blessings.
3) Don’t be ashamed of suffering; glorify God.
4) Don’t ignore the warning of judgment; entrust your souls to God.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
4 Encouragements from Jesus Healing Peter’s Mother-in-Law | 5.9.21
Text: Matthew 8:14-17
Chris Hefner
1) Jesus came.
2) Jesus noticed.
3) Jesus touched.
4) Jesus received.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 5.6.21
On this week’s episode, Tad and Gary discuss the social media buzz around the church this week. Plus, we take a deeper look into Peter’s life during and after Jesus’ ministry. And so much more.
ThursdayShow
Living Hope in Troubled Times: Christ-Centered Service | 5.2.21
Text: 1 Peter 4:7-11
Chris Hefner
1) Pray readily.
2) Love earnestly.
3) Show hospitality cheerfully.
4) Serve gracefully.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 4.30.21 (on Friday)
The Thursday Show is back from hiatus. The guys discuss allergies and pollen counts, the debt conclusion celebration, and ecclesiology. You don’t want to miss this week’s The Thursday Show.
thursdayshow
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 4.30.21 (on Friday)
The Thursday Show is back from hiatus. The guys discuss allergies and pollen counts, the debt conclusion celebration, and ecclesiology. You don’t want to miss this week’s Thursday Show.
ThursdayShow
Something Greater | 4.35.21
Text: 2 Corinthians 9
Christ Hefner
1) We have something great to remember.
2) We have something great to celebrate.
3) We have something great to focus on
Living Hope in Troubled Times: 3 Characteristics of Christ-Centered Conduct | 4.18.21
Text: 1 Peter 4:1-6
Chris Hefner
1) Arm yourselves with the mind of Christ.
2) Distance yourselves from your sinful past.
3) Prepare yourselves for future judgment.
There is No Partiality at the Cross | 4.11.21
Text: Acts 10:34-43
Gary Buffaloe
1) God Shows No Partiality to a Particular People (34-35)
2) God Anointed Jesus – For He is Lord of All (36-39a)
3) God Raised Jesus From the Dead – Breaking the Curse (39b-41)
4) God Made The Messiah Judge Over All (42-43)
Peter Meets the Risen Lord | 4.4.21 - Easter 2021
Text: John 21:4-19
1) When we meet the Risen Lord, we are no longer the same.
2) When we meet the Risen Lord, he can turn the mundane into the miraculous.
3) When we meet the Risen Lord, he can exchange our mistakes for mission.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 3.31.21 (on Wednesday)
This is a very special Wednesday edition of the Thursday Show. Since our first Easter service is today, Tad and Gary welcome pastor Chris Hefner to the show to talk about the history and meaning of Easter. Plus, Gary tells his corniest joke yet, and Chris gives us his very brief take on March Madness on his way toward winning the Lightning Round. You don't want to miss this one.
ThursdayShow
Living Hope in Troubled Times: Three Gospel Experiences of Christ | 3.28.21
Text: 1 Peter 3:18-22
Chris Hefner
1) Christ experienced death for our sins.
2) Christ experienced resurrection for our life.
3) Christ experienced ascension for our victory.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 3.25.21
On this week’s episode, the team has as engaging a conversation about changing seasons as you will find in the podcast world. More importantly, the guys welcome Danielle Hicks, Minister to Children & Families here at Wilkesboro Baptist Church to talk about children’s ministry moving forward. You do not want to miss the Lightning Round this week.
thursdayshow
Living Hope in Troubled Times: Three Aspects of a Gospel Witness | 3.21.21
Text: 1 Peter 3:13-17
1) Our circumstances provide the opportunity for witness.
2) Our fears are often the obstacle for witness.
3) Our Lord gives the obligation for witness.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 3.18.21
On this week’s episode, the guys go on the nostalgia road, discussing The Land Before Time. They also tell you more than you needed to know about Hagfish. Then we interview Warden and Officer Ralph Prince. Tune in for an exciting Lightning Round with yet another debate about cookies vs. cake.
thursdayshow
Text: 1 Peter 3:8-12
1) Be a blessing in your character.
2) Be a blessing in your conversation.
3) Be a blessing in your conduct.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 3.11.21
On this week’s episode, the guys discuss the differences between UFOs, UAPs, and CD-ROMs. Also, they welcome Misty Bass to the show to talk about God’s grace and the importance of community. Tune in for an exciting Lightning Round with a true hot take about epic fiction series.
thursdayshow
Living Hope in Troubled Times: Grace and Peace in the Home | 3.7.21
Text: 1 Peter 3:1-7
To Wives:
The Practice: Godly wives submit to and respect their husbands.
The Principle: Inward beauty, reflecting a gentle and quiet spirit, is preferred to outward beauty.
The Purpose: Godly wives can win unbelieving husbands to Christ by their conduct.
To Husbands
The Practice: Godly husbands pursue their wives with understanding and honor.
The Principle: Husbands and wives exist in relational partnership and are co-heirs with Christ.
The Purpose: Godly husbands can protect the spiritual life of their homes by honoring and understanding their wives.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 3.4.21
On this week’s episode, Tad and Gary welcome Jamie Higginbotham to the show to discuss the etymology of memes and gifs, cake vs. cookies, and how preschool is going this year. Plus, we bring back the Feedback Question of the Week Question. Drop your favorite meme/gif in the comments below.
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Living Hope in Troubled Times: Sojourners, Slaves, and Substitution
Text: 1 Peter 2:18-25
Principles for Sojourners Living in Submission to Government:
- As servants, we submit to Jesus as our example.
- As sinners, we receive Jesus as our Savior.
- As sheep, we follow Jesus as our Shepherd.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 2.25.21
This week, the guys talk to famous footballer Zoe Susi. They deliver some critical news about some of the world's largest moths, strangest pet discolorings, and ponder what happened to some of last year's most intriguing stories. Plus, sports talk is back. Plus, plus, cake vs. cookie is back. You really do not want to miss this week's episode.
thursdayshow
Living Hope in Troubled Times: Sojourners in Submission to Government | 2.21.211
Peter 2:11-17
Principles for Sojourners Living in Submission to Government
- Our model for submission to authorities is Jesus Himself.
- Our motivation for submission to authorities is the will of God.
- Our manner of submission to authorities is an attitude of humility and a free conscience.
info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 2.18.21
This week Tad and Gary totally remembered to invite interview guests. It just so happens they invited each other. Get ready for the meta deep dive everyone was waiting for as the hosts of the Thursday Show interview the hosts of the Thursday Show. If you listen closely, you might even hear a feedback of the week question.
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Living Hope in Troubled Times: Sojourners are God’s People | 1 Peter 2:1-10
Chris Hefner
- As God’s people, we put away community-destroying behaviors.
- As God’s people, we embrace our Christ-centered identity as His community.
- As God’s people, proclaim the excellencies of Christ.
Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 2.11.21
This week on the Thursday Show, Tad and Gary have a very important conversation with Sherry Reeves about the ministry of Ebenezer Children’s home. They are doing vital work during the pandemic and have a live virtual fundraiser – Share-A-Thon 2021 on February, 27. You can find more information about Share-A-Thon on their website (linked below) and Facebook Page.
We are also proving you with quality Valentine’s Day advice. And Tad gives us his hot take on cookies and cake, because, according to Tad, there is no such thing as a strawberry cookie.
All that and more on The Thursday Show.
Be sure to visit: https://www.ebenezerfamily.org/
Living Hope in Troubled Times: Holy Conduct Built on Holy Grace | 2.7.21
Text: Peter 1:13-25
3 Requirements for Living in Hope
- To be hopeful requires a ready mind.
- To be hopeful requires holy conduct.
- To be hopeful requires sincere love.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 2.4.21
The Thursday Show is back! After a month-long hiatus, the Thursday Show returns to kick off a new year of the most popular Thursday podcast recorded in Wilkesboro. This week, we welcome the Reverend Doctor Chris Hefner to the show to talk about church, ministry, the new sermon series, and much more. Plus, the Lightning Round has the highest stakes ever. You don't want to miss the Thursday Show.
Living Hope in Troubled Times: A Living Hope | 1.31.21
Text: 1 Peter 1:3-12
We have been saved to a living hope by Jesus Christ.
We have been saved to a living hope through our trials.
We have been saved to a living hope grounded on Scripture.
Living Hope in Troubled Times: Grace and Peace in the Journey | 1.24.21
Text: 1 Peter 1:1-2
Points: Two Exhortations
- Embrace Grace
- Practice Peace
Being the Community that is Salt and Light | Tad Craig
Text: Matthew 5:13-19
- Make Jesus an essential staple in your life.
- Be God’s light to those around you
- Let God use you to complete His will by keeping and teaching the gospel
Number our Days
Text: Psalm 90
6 Wise Prayers
- It is wise that we should pray for perspective.
- It is wise that we should pray for God’s interventions.
- It is wise that we should pray for satisfaction in God.
- It is wise that we should pray for God to make us glad.
- It is wise that we should pray for God to reveal himself.
- It is wise that we should pray for God’s favor.
Songs for Advent: We Three Kings | 1.3.21
Text: Matthew 2:1-12
Theme statement: We can trust because the political leaders whose rule converged with God’s prophetic timelines played a role in God’s redemptive plan.
3 Truths:
- These leaders didn’t always play their role humbly.
- These leaders sometimes played their role cooperatively.
- These leaders didn’t always play their role virtuously.
3 Ways We Can Trust:
- We trust by following Jesus.
- We trust by rejoicing in Jesus the King.
- We trust by praying for political leaders.
Songs for Advent: Joy to the World | 12.20.20
Text: Psalm 98
- We rejoice in God the Savior.
- We rejoice in God the King.
- We rejoice in God the Judge.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 12.17.20
This week Tad and Gary go back to their video roots with a very special Christmas Extravaganza episode of the Thursday Show. The guys talk top three Advent songs, build a nativity set, and walk you through a tutorial on how to use the prepackaged communion elements. You do not want to miss this one!
Oh, and Merry Christmas, the Feedback of the Week Question is back:
Should Gary grow an ugly goatee?
When did you first hear ‘I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day’?
Songs for Advent: I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day | 12.13.20
Isaiah 9:6-7
Three Peace Principles
- Our lack of peace (in ourselves, in our relationships, and in our world) is indicative of a lack of peace with God.
- We need to receive peace before we can share peace.
- If we’ve experienced peace, we must become peacemakers.
4 Applications:
- Glorify God
- Get the log out of your own eye
- Gently restore
- Go and be reconciled
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 12.10.20
This week Tad and Gary welcome John Triplett, director of h.o.p.e. Ministry to the Thursday Show. They cover topics from Christmas movies to smart TVs to the important work h.o.p.e is doing to advance the gospel in Wilkes County. We also bring back the feedback question of the week question: Which is a better movie - Princess Bride or O Brother Where Art Thou?
Oh, and BBQ-talk is back.
Songs for Advent: I Wonder as I Wander | 12.6.20
Text: Isaiah 9:6-7
Three Truths that Lead us to Wonder
We should wonder at the depth of our own sinfulness.
We should wonder at the extent of God’s reach to save.
We should wonder at the glories that are to come.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 12.3.20
This week Tad and Gary welcome Rachel Rogers to the Thursday Show to discuss the Angel Tree ministry. We also get into some more holiday dinner food, discuss the meaning of Advent, and tell some Christmas jokes. You do not want to miss this one!
Songs for Advent: O Come, O Come, Emmanuel | 11.29.20
Text: Various
We pray because God has kept his promises.
10 “Then fear not, O Jacob my servant, declares the Lord, nor be dismayed, O Israel;
for behold, I will save you from far away, and your offspring from the land of their captivity.
Jacob shall return and have quiet and ease, and none shall make him afraid.
11 For I am with you to save you declares the Lord; I will make a full end of all the nations among whom I scattered you, but of you I will not make a full end.
I will discipline you in just measure, and I will by no means leave you unpunished. - Jeremiah 30: 10-11
For the Lord has ransomed Jacob and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. - Jeremiah 31:11
We pray because Jesus is Emmanuel who came at the first advent.
14 Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. - Isaiah 7:14
We pray because Emmanuel will come again.
22 And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. - Isaiah 22:22
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! - Revelation 22:20
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 11.26.20
The Thursday Show's Thanksgiving Day Spectacular. This week Tad and Gary bring the recently ordained and married Josh Pinkerton to the Thursday Show. We talk turkey, literally. Is turkey the best choice for Thanksgiving dinner? We also talk about Hallmark Christmas movies, our least favorite Christmas songs, and being missionaries to Iceland. You do not want to miss this one!
Authentic and Prophetic: Will You Obey or Rebel? Characters that Teach Lessons | 11.22.20
Text: Jeremiah 37-39
Characters:
Zedekiah offers a warning: Don’t ignore God’s invitation to repent.
Ebed-Melech offers an example: It’s always right to do the right thing.
Jeremiah offers a goal: Live so that you can be confused for Jesus.
worship #learn
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 11.19.20
This week Tad and Gary welcome Randy Whittington to the Thursday Show. We have an intense debate about whether it's too early for Christmas decorations and music. Then we dive into church budgets, cleaning and sanitation during a pandemic, and what kind of candles smell the best. You don't want to miss the Thursday Show this week!
Authentic and Prophetic: Faith in Real Life | 11.15.20
Text: Jeremiah 36
- Let’s be encouraged, God speaks in troubled times.
- Let’s be comforted, God provides friends.
- Let’s be clear, God promises judgment to the rebellious.
- Let’s be certain, God rescues his people.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 11.12.20
This week the guys welcome Rosalee Patton to the Thursday Show for a great conversation spanning every topic imaginable. From the importance of Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes and Women on Mission to Mayberry and favorite news stories, you don't want to miss this week's featured interview.
https://wilkesborobaptist.org/podcast
thursdayshow
Authentic and Prophetic: Faith in Real Life | 11.8.20
Text: Jeremiah 32
- We show faith by keeping God’s Word even when it is not popular.
- We show faith by obeying God even when his commands don’t make sense.
- We show faith when we praise God for what we know and pray to God regarding what we don’t.
- We show faith when we accept God’s sovereignty to judge and to restore.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary | 11.5.20
This week the guys welcome the only Thursday Show guest ever under the age of 30 to discuss how teenagers are holding up during the pandemic, an explanation of TikTok, teacher antics, and whether Hockey is better than Curling. You don't want to miss it this week.
https://wilkesborobaptist.org/podcast
thursdayshow
Authentic and Prophetic: The New Covenant | 11.1.20
Text: Jeremiah 31:26-40
1) We need a covenant better than the one we are sure to break.
2) We need a covenant that leads us to know the Lord.
3) We need the forgiveness only the new covenant can provide
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 10.29.20
On this week's episode, the guys welcome legend Terry Carroll to the Thursday Show to discuss the incredible ministry of the Gideons, who would write his biography and paper products. Listen here or wherever podcasts are found:
https://www.wilkesborobaptist.org/podcasts
thursdayshow
Authentic and Prophetic: Plans for a Future and a Hope | 10.25.20
Text: Jeremiah 29:1-14
Clue #1—The original readers were exiles in a foreign land.
Application#1—We must read and apply the passage as pilgrims.
Clue #2—Jeremiah’s letter was to the community.
Application#2—We must read and apply the passage as a community.
Clue #3—Jeremiah’s message promised future redemption to the exiled people.
Application#3—We must read and apply the passage through a redemptive lens.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 10.22.20
On this week's episode, the guys welcome local business owner Greg Brady to the Thursday Show. Greg owns Anchor Coffee, so, obviously, we talk about coffee, missions, Jesus, and the Titanic. Also, Titanic 2.
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Authentic and Prophetic: Promises that Provide Hope | 10.18.20
Text: Jeremiah 23
- God promised to provide good shepherds for his future remnant.
- God promised to return a remnant.
- God promised to send a Righteous Branch to lead his remnant
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 10.15.20
This week we welcome Gloria Petros to the show to discuss Sunday School on Mondays, sweet stories from hospitals, Dwight Yoakam, and the difference between Communion and the Lord's Supper.
Authentic and Prophetic: A Message about Idolatry: Contrast with Inauthentic Worship | 10.11.20
Text: Jeremiah 10
1) Idols are wordless; only the Lord is to be feared (vv. 1-10).
2) Idols are worthless; only the Lord is the Creator (vv. 11-18).
3) Idols are helpless; only the Lord is our Guide (vv. 19-25).
Four questions for application:
- What occupies my mind when I have nothing else to think about?
- What do I spend my money on?
- What is my daily, functional salvation?
- What is at the root of my most uncontrollable emotions?
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 10.8.20
This week we welcome Dustin Deal to the show to discuss the missions, what it means to be human, Tad's advanced age, and the worst odors we've ever experienced. We also have a new feedback question of the week question and so much more.
Answer the feedback question of the week question on our Facebook or Instagram pages.
thursdayshow
Authentic and Prophetic: The Folly of False Prophecy | 10.4.20
Texts: Jeremiah 5:12-13; 30-31; 8:8-11; 14:13-22; 23:16-18
2 Warnings about False Prophecy
- Be wary of preaching and teaching not grounded on the Word of God.
- Be wary of preaching and teaching that only preaches good news about this life.
3 Practices to Protect Against False Teachers
- Know the Word.
- Know the Lord.
- Know his people.
Authentic and Prophetic: Truths from the Potter’s Place | 9.27.20
Text: Jeremiah 18:1-17; 19:1-15
- The Lord has the right to do with us as he pleases.
- We should be humble and pliable in the Lord’s hands.
- If we remain stubborn and harden our hearts, we will be shattered by God’s judgment.
3 Responses
- Be humble and repent.
- Don’t place your hope in party or politician.
- Pray for revival.
The Thursday Show w/ Tad and Gary 9.24.20
The Thursday Show is now a podcast! You can listen here: https://anchor.fm/wilkesborobaptist, or subscribe to Wilkesboro Baptist Church on the Apple Podcast App, Spotify, and wherever podcasts are found.
This week we welcome Brandon Berry to the Show to discuss the meaning of life, Christian/Country Music Mash-ups, and the importance of small groups. We also have a new feedback question of the week question and so much more.
thursdayshow
Authentic and Prophetic: Courage and Complaint: the Testimony of an Authentic Prophet | 9.20.20
Texts: 8:8-12; 12:1-6; 15:10-21; 17:14-18; 20:7-18
Five Principles for Dealing with Difficult Circumstances
- The Reality Principle: Suffering is real, and we will experience difficulties in life (8:18-22).
- The Perspective Principle: When things are difficult, we need to see from a divine perspective (12:1-6).
- The Courage Principle: To experience joy and act with courage we need to depend on God’s Word (15:10-21).
- The Complaint Principle: Complain up where your laments might do some good (17:14-18).
- The Relationship Principle: While the LORD is truly the only One we need, be the encouragement to another that you need in your own life (20:7-18).
Authentic and Prophetic: Places that Provide Insights into a People | 9.13.20
Text: Jeremiah 7:1-8:3
- In the church—God expects repentance, not ritual (7:1-15)
- In the home—God expects obedience, not idolatry (7:16-29)
- In the valley—God promises judgment (7:30-8:3)
Authentic and Prophetic: A Tale of Two Paths | 9.6.20
Text: Jeremiah 5-6
1) When we walk in wicked paths, we can expect judgment.
- We walk in wicked paths when we reject truth. (5:1-3, 12-13, 21-22, 30-31; 6:13-14).
- We walk in wicked paths when we abandon justice. (5: 1, 4-5, 26-29).
- We walk in wicked paths when we embrace immorality.
2) We walk in wicked paths when we pursue idolatry.
- When we walk in the ancient paths, we can expect peace and rest. (6:16-17; 26).
- We walk in the ancient paths when we embrace truth.
- We walk in the ancient paths when we embody justice.
A Message to a Wicked Nation: Pictures of Sin and Judgment | 8.30.20
Text: Jeremiah 4:19-31
Theme: We need to respond obediently to the pictures of sin and judgment God gave through Jeremiah.
3 Responses to the Revealed Judgment of God
- Witness the fury and fullness of God’s judgment.
- Heed the warnings of the pictures of perversity and idolatry.
- Return to the Lord and receive his forgiveness.
Authentic and Prophetic: The Call of an Authentic Prophet | 8.23.20
Text: Jeremiah 1:1-10
Key Phrase: Truth Statements about Salvation
- God’s work is the foundation of our salvation.
- God’s presence is the peace that overcomes our fears.
- God’s Word is the content of our calling.
Authentic and Prophetic: The Gospel According to Jeremiah | 8.16.20
Text: Jeremiah 1:1-3; Lamentations 1:1; Lamentations 5:22-23
The book of Jeremiah teaches us three important lessons as we interpret our culture in light of Judah’s rebellions and judgments some 2600 years ago.
- Jeremiah teaches us to be authentic.
- Jeremiah teaches us to be prophetic.
- Jeremiah teaches us to preach the gospel.