First Baptist Church Arlington Sermons: Recent Episodes
First Baptist Arlington
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
August 27, 2023
2023 - Why Does It Matter?
AUGUST 2023
The Supernatural: Why Does It Matter?
August 6 – September 2, 2023
We Have Been Empowered and Sent!
John 20:19-23
AUGUST 2023: The Supernatural: Why Does It Matter?
The Supernatural: The Holy Spirit of God at work in this world!
FEAR – The followers of Jesus had every reason to be sequestered and afraid.
FACT – Jesus Christ is the resurrected Lord!
PEACE – The peace of Jesus is deep and real!
MISSION – The followers of Jesus have been SENT as an extension of His mission into the world.
PRESENCE – The Holy Spirit has been given to the followers of Jesus!
POWER – The Church embodies and expresses the eternally consequential Message of Jesus Christ!
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
August 20, 2023
2023 - Why Does It Matter?
AUGUST 2023
The Supernatural: Why Does It Matter?
August 6 – September 2, 2023
The Holy Spirit: At Work in the World
John 16:7-15
Theme for 2023: Why Does It Matter?
AUGUST 2023: The Supernatural: Why Does It Matter?
The Supernatural: The Holy Spirit of God at work in this world!
The Gospel of John is at once the easiest and hardest book in the Bible to understand. Here simplicity and sublimity are inseparably united. Theology has been put into monosyllables, yet they express one of the most breathtaking visions of ultimate reality to be found in Scripture.
-William E. Hull, The Broadman Bible Commentary: John
Our world’s views of sin, righteousness, and judgment are skewed!
The Holy Spirit clarifies, convinces, and corrects!
The Holy Spirit guides us into truth and glorifies Jesus!
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
August 13, 2023
2023: Why Does It Matter?
AUGUST 2023
The Supernatural: Why Does It Matter?
August 6 – September 2, 2023
The Holy Spirit: Our Advocate
John 14:15-21, 25-27; 15:26
Theme for 2023: Why Does It Matter?
AUGUST 2023: The Supernatural: Why Does It Matter?
The Supernatural: The Holy Spirit of God at work in this world!
The reality of the supernatural, spiritual world is to be acknowledged by God’s people.
PROMISE: Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would be given to us.
PARACLETE: The Holy Spirit “comes alongside” us.
PEACE: The Holy Spirit brings the peace of Christ to us.
PROCLAIM: The Holy Spirit gives testimony about Jesus.
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
August 6, 2023
2023
Why Does It Matter?
AUGUST 2023
The Supernatural: Why Does It Matter?
August 6 – September 2, 2023
This World is Not All There Is!
John 1:1-5
Theme for 2023: Why Does It Matter?
SUMMER 2023: Eternity: Why Does It Matter?
AUGUST 2023: The Supernatural: Why Does It Matter?
The Supernatural: The Holy Spirit of God at work in this world!
The Gospel of John
Matthew, Mark, and Luke write like kayakers on a fairly swift flowing river with occasional patches of whitewater; there is never any doubt but that they are going where the course of the river takes them. But John is more like a canoe on a quiet lake, drifting unhurried, paddling leisurely to take in aspects of the shoreline, noticing rock formations, observing a blue heron fishing in the rushes, pausing and drifting to sketch cloud patterns reflected in the glassy water.
-Eugene Peterson, Christ Plays in The Thousand Places
John’s Prologue: John presents Jesus in terms of space, time, and being in the introduction to his Gospel.
LOGOS – Jesus is the Word of God!
LIFE - Jesus is The Life!
LIGHT – Jesus is the Light of the World
Katy Reed-Hodges
FBC Arlington
July 23, 2023
2023 - Why Does It Matter?
SUMMER 2023
Eternity: Why Does It Matter?
June 1 – August 5, 2023
The Eternal Love of God
Romans 8:31-39 NIV
John 3:16 NIV
“…when these trials are faced, and this God is known in the midst of them to be reliable, powerful and above all, loving – this is when one may expect to hear the shout of genuine Christian joy.” – NT Wright
When we are justified, three things happen:
- New Status: we are right with God and forgiven
- New Family: we are now included in God’s people
- New Future: we have a transformed hope
Romans 5:1-2
“Learning to look at the cross and to see there the strong evidence of how much one is loved is among the most basic and vital Christian disciplines, matched by opening one’s heart and life to the tidal wave of that love, displacing all rivals. The mind is to learn, and the heart is to know in experience, “the love of Christ which passes knowledge.” – NT Wright
Connor Torrealba
July 16th 2023
Eternity: Why Does It Matter?
Living hope
1 Peter 1:3-9
Big Idea: Our living hope anchors in and activates us for eternity
1 Peter 1:3-9
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time. In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.”
We worship in light of our savior and not our circumstances
Google – “A feeling of expectation and desire for a certain thing to happen”
Chat-GPT – “Hope is a powerful and positive emotion that involves a belief or desire for a favorable outcome or the anticipation of something better in the future.”
A vague hope says, “Maybe…”
A living hope says, “Certainly.”
Living Hope: Trust in a living savior that leads us to eternal life now and forever
1 Peter 1:13-16
Therefore, with your minds ready for action, be sober-minded and set your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires of your former ignorance. But as the one who called you is holy, you also are to be holy in all your conduct; or it is written, Be holy, because I am holy.”
Dr. Gary Stidham
July 9, 2023
Eternal Life: Discover It! Declare It!
John 4:1-42 NIV
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - Luke 19:10
"The explosive growth in the was in reality accomplished by means of informal missionaries. That is, Christian laypeople, not trained preachers and evangelists. They shared within their circle of influence and turned the world upside down.” - Michael Green, Evangelism & the Early Church
John 4:1-42 NIV
EIGHT HABITS THAT FUEL EVANGELISTIC EFFECTIVENESS
1. REMEMBER THAT EVANGELISM IS A PRIVILEGE.
2. WALK WITH JESUS.
3. FEEL THE URGENCY.
4. PRAY EVERY DAY FOR “B.O.B.”
• Burden for the Lost
• Opportunity to Witness
• Boldness to Proclaim Christ
5. JUST BE OPEN ABOUT YOUR FAITH.
6. ASK QUESTIONS.
7. SHARE THE GOSPEL.
8. JUST DO IT.
Sermon Outline for July 2, 2023
Summer Series… “Eternity: Why Does It Matter?”
Jesus’ teaching is all based on the assumption of eternity.
“From that time on Jesus began to preach, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.’” Matthew 4:17
Heaven has come to earth in the person and work of Jesus the Messiah. Jesus is our way to God and God’s way to us. We are followers of The Jesus Way.
What are you afraid of?
2021 American Fear Index
5. Terrorism
4. Not having enough money for retirement
3. Mass shootings
2. Loved ones becoming seriously ill
1. Loved ones dying
There’s a difference between fear and phobia.
What are some words you’ve heard “phobic” attached to.
Does that “phobia” reflect:
- irrational fear?
- healthy concern or caution?
- deep moral conviction?
There are lots of fears and phobias in the world. Unfortunately, there is not enough Holy Fear of Almighty God!
“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
1 Corinthians 1:18-31
“For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God. For it is written: ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise; the intelligence of the intelligent I will frustrate.’
Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe. Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, but to thoseom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness, holiness, and redemption. Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’”
1 Corinthians 1:18
“The message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those of us who are being saved, it is the power of God.”
John 3:16… www.fbca.org/john316
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son (JESUS!), that whosoever believes in him, should not perish (SHOULD NOT PERISH!), but have eternal life (BUT HAVE ETERNAL LIFE !).”
Psalm 1
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither—whatever they do prospers. Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. For the LORD watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.”
Holy Fear of Almighty God is captivating, astounding, and magnetic. It draws us in. It challenges our assumptions. It informs our perspective. It reveals truth.
“The church faces her biggest challenge not when new errors start to win but when old truths no longer wow. J.R.R. Tolkien once said that the most regrettable feature of human nature is how quickly we become unsatisfied with the good. We receive good gifts from God and then grow bored with blessings. Spiritual dullness. Blurry vision. Hardness of heart. This is the challenge for the church.”
Trevin Wax, The Thrill of Orthodoxy
The greatest enemy of Christianity may be people who say they believe in Jesus but who are no longer astonished and amazed by him. I don’t see much terror today among followers of Christ. In fact, when I say that, people look at me as if I’m crazy. Well, I want to know what happened to the bone-chilling, earth-shattering, gut-wrenching, knee-knocking, heart-stopping, life-altering fear that leaves us speechless, paralyzed, helpless, and glad. The terror I am speaking of is a mix of wonder, awe, fear, and worship, all happening at the same time.”
Michael Yaconelli, Dangerous Wonder
“In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.”
Greek: sophia kai phronesis (wisdom and understanding)
- transcendent wisdom
- practical wisdom
As followers of Jesus, we realize that our righteousness and salvation are from God.
But do we realize that our wisdom and understanding are also from God?
To put it another way… apart from God, there is no true righteous or wisdom!
Be thoughtful and careful about what you take pride in.
1 Corinthians 1:31
“Let him who boasts boast in the Lord.”
Jerimiah 9:24
“but let him who speaks with pride speak about this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who shows loving-kindness and does what is fair and right and good on earth. For I find joy in these things,” says the LORD.”
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14…
“Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.”
From a human perspective, the Gospel has always been scandalous and moronic. In every age, the things of God have been ignored and mocked. There’s nothing clever, cool, or trendy about it. It’s not designed to titillate, distract, or entertain. The Gospel is the opposite of proud self-promotion. It’s humble self-denial.
“Jesus said, ‘If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will find it. What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world, yet forfeits his soul? Or what can a man give in exchange for his soul?’” Matthew 16:24-26
- Holy Fear of Almighty God is the beginning of true wisdom.
- Followers of Jesus must have an eternal perspective.
- Our righteousness and our wisdom come from God.
- We’ll never fully embrace The Jesus Way if we don’t take God seriously.
Fall missional Table Groups to help us more actively embrace the FBCA lifestyle…
- Feed yourself spiritually.
- Bless others generously.
- Connect with others intentionally.
- Advance God’s kingdom faithfully.
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
June 25, 2023
2023 - Why Does It Matter?
SUMMER 2023
Eternity: Why Does It Matter?
June 1 – August 5, 2023
For . . . So . . . Loved . . . Whoever . . . Eternal Life!
John 3:16
www.fbca.org/john316
Tell Me More Podcast
John 3:16
For God loved the Kosmos in such a way that he gave his only Son so everyone trusting in him may not be destroyed bout have Era Life.
-Scot McKnight, The Second Testament
John 3:16
For God so [greatly] loved and dearly prized the world, that He [even] gave His [One and] only begotten Son, so that whoever believes and trusts in Him [as Savior] shall not perish, but have eternal life.
-Amplified Bible
The profound love of God!
The universal invitation!
The particular affirmation!
The eternal ramification!
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
June 18, 2023
Father’s Day
2023 - Why Does It Matter?
SUMMER 2023
Eternity: Why Does It Matter?
June 1 – August 5, 2023
A New Heaven and A New Earth
Revelation 21:1-8
www.fbca.org/john316
Tell Me More Podcast
Miss Watson . . . She went on and told me all about the good place. She said all a body would have to do there was go around all day long with a harp and sing, forever and ever. So I didn’t think much of it . . . I asked her if she reckoned Tom Sawyer would go there, and she said, not by a considerable sight. I was glad about that, because I wanted him and me to be together.
-Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn
THE REALITY OF HEAVEN
-Paradise (Bosom of Abraham) (Present Heaven)
-Heaven
RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD
-1 Corinthians 15:35-58
RE-CREATION OF HEAVEN AND EARTH
-Isaiah 65:17-25
-Romans 8:18-25
-Revelation 21-22
REWARDS IN HEAVEN
-Matthew 5:12
-2 Corinthians 5:10
RELATIONSHIPS IN HEAVEN
-We will be conscious of our own identity, and we will know each other!
REAL LIFE IN HEAVEN
REIGN OF GOD
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
June 11, 2023
2023 - Why Does It Matter?
SUMMER 2023
Eternity: Why Does It Matter?
June 1 – August 5, 2023
The Righteousness of Judgment
Revelation 20:11-15
www.fbca.org/john316
Tell Me More Podcast
There is one very serious defect to my mind in Christ's moral character, and that is that He believed in hell. I do not myself feel that any person who is really profoundly humane can believe in everlasting punishment . . . I cannot myself feel that either in matter of wisdom or in matter of virtue Christ stands quite as high as some other people known to history. I think I should put Buddha and Socrates above Him in those respects.
-Bertrand Russell, Why I Am Not a Christian
Of all the doctrines of Christianity, hell is the most difficult to defend, the most burdensome to bear, and the first to be abandoned.
-Peter Kreeft, Boston College
MATTERS TO CONSIDER
Is Hell a real place?
Is Hell an eternal reality?
Is Hell a place of torment and suffering?
How could a loving God cast people into Hell?
What about people who have never heard about Jesus?
Barely mentioned in the Old Testament, Hell is mentioned, addressed, and acknowledged by Jesus in all four Gospels—and, by Paul, Peter, James, Jude, and John in their writings in the New Testament.
VOCABULARY
SHEOL – Old Testament word for the “abode of the dead.”
HADES – New Testament word for the intermediate dwelling place of the wicked.
TARTARUS – Used one time in the NT to refer to Hell (2 Peter 2:4).
GEHENNA – Most common word for Hell in NT. Derived from the Valley of Hinnom outside of Jerusalem.
AUTHORITY: Reason or Revelation?
The Bible is the only religious text that portrays God as both a loving and just God.
The Bible affirms there will be a Day of Judgment for all humans to render an account of how we have lived in response to His assignment for us to bear His image and reflect His glory in His world.
-Acts 17:29-31
-Romans 2:12-16
-Revelation 20:7-15
On Judgment Day, the righteous (saved) will receive their eternal reward and the wicked (unsaved) will be cast out into eternal torment.
-Matthew 13:40-43
-Matthew 25:31-46
-Mark 9:42-48
-Revelation 20:7-15
-Revelation 21:8
Hell is an eternal reality where suffering and torment will exist forever. It is reserved for Satan, demons, and those who have rejected God’s offer of salvation.
Hell will be agonizingly dull, small, and insignificant without company, purpose, or accomplishment. It will not have its own stories; it will merely be a footnote in history, a crack in the pavement. As the new universe moves gloriously onward, Hell and its occupants will exist in utter inactivity and insignificance, an eternal non-life of regret and—perhaps—diminishing personhood.
-Randy Alcorn, Heaven
In short, hell is simply one’s freely chosen identity apart from God on a trajectory into infinity. We see this process “writ small” in addictions to drugs, alcohol, gambling, and pornography. First, there is disintegration, because as time goes on you need more and more of the addictive substance to get an equal kick, which leads to less and less satisfaction. Second, there is the isolation, as increasingly you blame others and circumstances in order to justify your behavior. “No one understands! Everyone is against me!” is muttered in greater and greater self-pity and self-absorption. When we build our lives on anything but God, that thing—though a good thing—becomes an enslaving addiction, something we have to have to be happy. Personal disintegration happens on a broader scale. In eternity, this disintegration goes on forever. There is increasing isolation, denial, delusion, and self-absorption. When you lose all humility you are out of touch with reality. No one ever asks to leave hell. The very idea of heaven seems to them a sham.
-Timothy Keller, The Reason for God
Hell’s existence is an affirmation of the significance of humanity.
Hell’s existence is an affirmation of God’s perfect justice.
Hell’s existence is an affirmation of God’s perfect love.
There are only two kinds of people—those who say “Thy will be done” to God or those to whom God in the end says, “Thy will be done.” All that are in hell choose it. Without that self-choice it wouldn’t be Hell. No soul that seriously and constantly desires joy will ever miss it.
-C. S. Lewis, The Problem of Pain, The Great Divorce
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
November 27, 2022
First Sunday of Advent
2022 Re- . . .
ADVENT 2022 Re-Member
November 27 – December 31, 2022
Do This in Remembrance of Me
Luke 22:7-20
The Hebrew word, zakar – “to remember” is used over 200 times in the Hebrew Old Testament. It can have the idea of appropriate actions included with the act of remembering.
HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Passover – the original context is the celebration of Passover
Remembrance – Jesus commands us to share this meal in remembrance of Him
THEOLOGICAL VOCABULARY
Lord’s Supper – emphasis on the special nature of the meal
Communion – emphasis on our shared life with and in Christ
Eucharist – emphasis on gratitude
Mass – emphasis on being sent out in mission
THEOLOGICAL VIEWS OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Transubstantiation – elements are transformed
Consubstantiation – Christ surrounds the elements
Spiritual Presence – Christ is uniquely spiritually present
Memorial – powerful, symbolic, and sacred act of worship
SPIRITUAL APPLICATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER
Remember what Christ has done for us! The Lord’s Supper is the symbolic act of worship that reminds us of His sacrificial death on our behalf that enables us to have eternal life and fellowship with the Father!
Celebrate our communion with Him and each other in the present!
Anticipate the consummation of the ages upon His return!
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
November 20, 2022
2022 Re- . . .
FALL 2022 Re-Claim
November 6 – 26, 2022
Re-Claiming the Entire World!
Luke 24:36-49
Theme for Missions 2022: RE-CLAIM
THE PROOF: Jesus Christ is alive!
THE PROPHECIES: Jesus Christ is the Messiah!
THE PROCLAMATION: Jesus Christ is The Message!
THE PLAN: Jesus Christ is to be taken to all the nations!
THE POWER: The Father and The Son have sent The Spirit!
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
November 13, 2022
2022 Re- . . .
FALL 2022 Re-Claim
November 6 – 26, 2022
The Need for Re-Claiming the Lost
Luke 15:11-32
Theme for Missions 2022: RE-CLAIM
THE PARABLE OF THE PRODIGAL SON: This story is told by Jesus in response to His critics among the Pharisees and teachers of the law.
THEOLOGY OF LOSTNESS
People who do not know Jesus are “lost” and in need of being Re-Claimed!
Lost people often do not recognize their own “lostness.”
Lost people need us!
The answer for all lost people is the saving grace of our loving Father revealed through His Son, Jesus!
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
November 6, 2022
2022 Re- . . .
FALL 2022 Re-Claim
November 6 – 26, 2022
Strategy for Re-Claiming the Lost
Luke 10:1-24
OUR MASTER: God is in charge!
OUR MESSAGE: The Kingdom of God has arrived!
OUR METHOD: We will send, go, meet needs, pray, proclaim!
OUR MISSION: Our Mission is God’s Mission ---- and it will succeed!
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
October 30, 2022
2022 Re- . . .
FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate
September 4 – November 5, 2022
Re-Dedicate: Victory!
1 Corinthians 15:50-58
We have a place for you!
Missions 2022: Re-Claim
OUR CURRENT REALITY: We are living in mortal bodies destined for death and decay.
OUR CURRENT ASSIGNMENT: We are to bear God’s image and reflect God’s glory as we live in our mortal bodies.
OUR FUTURE REALITY: Death will be defeated, and we will live victoriously for eternity in our resurrected, glorified bodies!
OUR CURRENT CHALLENGE: We are to live faithfully as ambassadors of God’s Kingdom here on earth, knowing that our life investment will bear fruit for eternity!
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
October 23, 2022
2022 Re- . . .
FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate
September 4 – November 5, 2022
Re-Dedicate: The Big Story
1 Corinthians 15:3-8
www.thesacramentaljourney.org
2023: Why Does It Matter?
EVANGELISTIC SENSITIVITY
What is The Gospel? It is . . . Good News!!!
God’s plan for redemption and restoration was revealed in the Old Testament through the life of Abraham’s family.
Jesus Christ is at the very center of God’s great plan!
Jesus died on the cross for our sins and His body was placed in a borrowed tomb.
Jesus was miraculously resurrected from the dead to never die again!
Jesus appeared to hundreds of people as the resurrected Lord!
Jesus now offers forgiveness of sin and the gift of the Holy Spirit to His followers.
To receive what Jesus offers, we must repent and believe!
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
October 16, 2022
2022 Re- . . .
FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate
September 4 – November 5, 2022
Re-Dedicate: Worshiping God Together!
1 Corinthians 14:26
Theme for Fall 2022: RE-DEDICATE
Podcast: Tell Me More
www.thesacramentaljourney.org
Religion is universal. Every civilization unearthed by archeologists and studied by anthropologists has an altar.
Please God: 40 Days of Worship
Worship does not begin with music. Worship does not begin with our preferences or tastes. Worship does not begin with our expertise. Worship does not begin with our educated opinions. Worship does not begin with our anything—except our willingness to bow in the presence of an almighty God! Worship begins when we humbly acknowledge God as the only God of the universe. Worship begins when we recognize God in our own personal lives as Lord.
-Dennis R. Wiles, Please God: 40 Days of Worship, p. 18
CONTEXT: The Corinthian church was in chaos with regards to public worship. In particular, there was confusion regarding the utilization of the public gifts of prophecy and tongues. (1 Corinthians 12-14)
Corporate Worship is for all of us!
Corporate Worship is a unique expression and experience for the People of God.
Re-Dedicate: Let’s worship together!
Katy Reed Hodges
October 9, 2022
Love is the Answer – 1 Corinthians 13 –
1 Corinthians 12:31 – 13:3
31 And yet I will show you the most excellent way. 1 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.
1 Corinthians 3:4-7
4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.
“Love is primary for [Paul] because it has already been given concrete expression in the coming of the Lord Jesus to die for the sins of the world. Love is not an idea for Paul, or even a ‘motivating factor’ for behavior. It is behavior. To love is to act; anything short of action is not love at all.” – Gordon Fee
“The love Paul portrays is not some abstract concept but rather the concrete point where the love of God expressed in the death of Jesus becomes embodied in the lives of believers. We do his work an injustice when we de-incarnate this chapter and turn it into an ode to love.”
· Robert Scott Nash
1 Corinthians 3:8-13
8 Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part, 10 but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears. 11 When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I put the ways of childhood behind me. 12 For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.
1 Corinthians 3:8-13 NASB:
“8…if there are gifts of prophecy, they will be done away with; if there are tongues, they will cease; if there is knowledge, it will be done away with. 9 For we know in part and prophesy in part; 10 but when the perfect comes, the partial will be done away with. When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.”
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
October 2, 2022
2022 Re- . . .
FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate
September 4 – November 5, 2022
Re-Dedicate: Your Gifts are Needed!
1 Corinthians 12
Podcast: Tell Me More
www.thesacramentaljourney.org
CONTEXT: The Corinthian church was in chaos with regards to public worship and the utilization of the public gifts of prophecy and tongues. (1 Corinthians 12-14)
CHURCH: The Church is a spiritual organism.
UNITY: All spiritual gifts are given to members of the church by our Triune God. This provides the foundational unity needed in a diverse body of believers.
DIVERSITY: The diversity of gifts reflects the diversity of ministries represented through the church.
DISTRIBUTION: Everybody is included in the distribution of gifts!
GOAL: We are to all work together for the common good!
Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
September 25, 2022
2022 Re- . . .
FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate
September 4 – November 5, 2022
Re-Dedicate: The Sacramental Life
1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1
What in the world was going on in Corinth?
Idolatry was at the heart of Paul’s concern.
The Presenting Issues
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Could Christians attend festivals at pagan temples and eat the food sacrificed to pagan gods?
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Could Christians eat meat sold at Corinthian markets?
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How should Christians respond to dinner invitations from pagans? Could they eat the meat served in the homes of pagans?
What was at stake?
SUMMARY: Here is the challenge presented in 1 Corinthians and the same one we face today:
How do we live holy and sacred lives in the midst of unholy societies? More pointedly, how do we live the Sacramental Life and still participate in the broader society as authentic witnesses for Christ?
SUGGESTIONS
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We must be mature in our faith.
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We are called to be salt and light.
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We must be thoughtful, authentic, Spirit-led, and creative as we engage a non-Christian society as Christians
Dr. Wiles is back from his study break, and he kicks us off on a new Series Called A Faith Filled Church (Acts 2:1-12)