Friendship Bible Church: Recent Episodes
Bill Johnson
Peter summed up his letter by encouraging humble submission to God, trusting in His care, standing firm in the faith, resisting the devil, and bringing glory to God.
Peter encouraged the elders of the church to be shepherds, and to lead the flock willingly, eagerly, and tenderly.
Key in dealing with suffering is knowing it is temporary, serving God and others through it, rejoicing in the midst of it, and committing ourselves to our trustworthy God.
The resurrection makes all the difference with respect to eternity, and all the difference with respect to our lives in the here and now.
Some important things happened during the three days between Jesus' death and resurrection.
On the cross, Jesus accomplished all that was needed to redeem our souls and forgive our sins.
Palm Sunday was the initial act in Christ's final week leading up to the cross, and it was the day He offered Himself as King, leaving only two choices to His people: accept Him or reject Him.
We need to arm ourselves with the mindset of Christ, turn away from past sin and live for the will of God, remembering that a day of accounting is coming.
Peter's explanations for why Christians suffer culminates with the Savior, who is the ultimate example not only of suffering, but of the glory to follow after suffering.
We are called to live lives of unity, sympathy, and brotherly love, with tenderhearted and humble attitudes, and we will be blessed for it.
All believers are equipped by the Holy Spirit with power, and sent with the task of witnessing about Jesus.
When marriages follow God's pattern, they are a powerful witness to the world, and to those in the home.
The heart of the Christmas story is that God loved and loves us enough to send His son to be manifested in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached among the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up in glory, so that we might be forgiven and saved.
When the Bible gives us a way of living, we ought to follow that way to the best of our ability, no matter what, just as Jesus, our ultimate example, did.
While we are to esteem, respect, and honor all people... while we are to live in reverential awe and obedience toward God, we are, alongside these important responsibilities, to show respect and submit to those whom God has placed in positions of authority.
Living holy lives that avoid sin has benefit not only to us, but also to those observing us.
The only message that matters is the gospel message. Have you heard it? Have you responded to it? (NOTE - This message was preached on a Sunday when a missionary from Trans World Radio presented that ministry, and when we were heavily into the Operation Christmas Child ministry as well.)
As born again believers, we ought to love one another, and we ought to love God's Word.
OLD FASHIONED SUNDAY MESSAGE - The good news of Jesus Christ is unchanging and unchangeable - the same yesterday, today, and forever!
What we are in Christ and what we have in Him, ought to translate into our being thoughtful and hopeful, obedient and holy, fearful and mindful.
We need, just as these pilgrims needed, a theology of how to live in times of suffering and hardship, and that is what we will get from 1 Peter.
By pushing out wrong thoughts, and replacing them with right thoughts... by meditating on right things, Christians can win the battle for our minds.
God, in His sovereign plan for us, perfectly and beautifully orders the times and seasons of our lives, that we might now Him and be drawn to Him and turn our lives over to Him.
We talk a lot about discipleship and the importance of being a disciple. But what is a disciple? This is the question we examine in this sermon.
We talk a lot about discipleship and the importance of being a disciple. But what is a disciple? This is the question we examine in this sermon.
How do you define greatness? How did Jesus? Why did He call John the Baptist great? What made John great?
How do you define greatness? How did Jesus? Why did He call John the Baptist great? What made John great?
A message on the FBC Vision Statement - Friendship Bible Church will be a church that introduces people to Jesus Christ, both people from our community and from around the world, making disciples that multiply beyond our walls.
A message on the FBC Vision Statement - Friendship Bible Church will be a church that introduces people to Jesus Christ, both people from our community and from around the world, making disciples that multiply beyond our walls.
Wisdom from Proverbs regarding how to decide, especially when the topic is one where the Bible does not give specific or clear instruction.
Wisdom from Proverbs regarding how to decide, especially when the topic is one where the Bible does not give specific or clear instruction.
While anger and violence are not always sin, they usually are, and we therefore should be slow to get angry or act in anger.
While anger and violence are not always sin, they usually are, and we therefore should be slow to get angry or act in anger.
What do we do when anxiety and worry are present in our hearts and minds? (1 Peter 5:6&7)
Happenings at FBC while we are absent one from another due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Happenings at FBC while we are absent one from another due to the Coronavirus Pandemic.
We should pray, but don't always feel like praying; a fact that should cause us to pray even more!
That second wind comes when we keep praying, keep fighting, and keep looking unto Jesus.
The baby of Christmas was and is God, who took the initiative and came to us, because we are His and He wants a relationship with us.
Satan wants our attention to be on what we get out of the relationship, rather than on serving in the relationships.
Satan wants to use things in our past to defeat us, but we need not be defeated by our past, if we are in Christ.
Paul was grateful for their gift, but even more for the rewards it accrued to their account, and reminded them that they could never out give God.
Christians should think right thoughts, and those thoughts should lead to right action.
Worrying about nothing, and praying about everything, brings the peace of God to our lives.
The Christian's home is not of this world, nor is the Christian's prize. We are citizens of heaven, waiting for the Savior of heaven to come for us.
As we run the race for Christ, we need to look forward, not backward, and strain toward the finish line.
In Christ's emptying... the kenosis... we have the ultimate example of the singleness of mind Paul was encouraging on the Philippians.
Living with the gospel... the preaching of the gospel... at the center of our lives, brings joy.
Following Christ does not make one a Christian,but following Christ demonstrates one is a Christian.
Sam Guilliam shares with us the work of the NorthWest Haiti Christian Mission,is fulfilling The great commission that Jesus tells us to do in Matthew 28:19 "make disciples of all nations"
For a Christian, sorrow might come for a while, but it will be replaced with joy that last for eternity.
The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.( John 10:10)
And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called the Place of a skull, which is called in Hebrew, Golgotha, where they crucified Him...
On Palm Sunday, Jesus presented Himself to Israel as their king and messiah, and does the same for us today, expecting our response to that offer.
Jesus taught His disciples about greatness in serving- Jesus taught His disciples about His impending death- Jesus taught His disciples about the kingdom.
Our first desire should be the same as Solomon`s desire for a heart that is tuned in to God.
Our heart is the center of all evil or bad in us, but nothing is more important than getting that heart to Jesus.
Just as baptism identifies the believer with the church universal, membership identifies that believers with the church local.
Everything about Jesus was wonderful- His beginning, His name, and His purpose were wonderful.
Strongman Samson was actually one of the weakest men described in the Bible and yet God used him in spite of his weakness.
God promised deliverance and kept His promise but in a way that assured He alone would get the glory.
Moses was given the good news that God would deliver His people and He was sent to deliver that message.
Jacob met God, wrestled with God, finally confessed his insufficiency apart from God, was given a new name and was ever after changed.
Abraham believed Gods promise enough to obey Gods command and saw God`s promise fulfilled when He provided a substitute lame.
Mankind fell when tempted by Satan but God promised a Redeemer would reverse that fall and redeem fallen mankind.
God`s design and order for mankind included faith toward Him and fidelity toward family.
Praying for protection from sin involves praying for protection from sinful speech, a sin-filled heart, sinful practices, sinful associates, and sinful appetites.
When you become a Christian, your Sin is forgiven and you become Joint Heirs with Jesus, and He will never leave you or forsake, "Surely goodness and mercy shall follow all the days of your life."
It was Esthers broken heart for her people that led to their ultimate deliverance via the Kings second decree.
Even though the decree of annihilation was given, God`s people were still safe because God was still there and working.
When God is not worshipped, Gogly living is not possible but God still works even when He is not worshipped and when we don`t live for Him.
Somethings we KNOW are Gods will and there are practical steps we can take to figure out those things we arent sure of.
Faith is the foundation of hope and love, for without faith there is no hope and there is no love.
With all the roads we travel on in our lifetime. There are only two roads that will lead us all to eternity. Heaven or Hell?
While some question the authenticity of these final verses, they are inspired Word of God, agreeing in every way with the whole scripture.
True repentance is just as necessary for restoring a failed believer to fellowship with God, as it is for salvation in the first place.
How should we pray and does God hear our prays? Guest speaker Bob Homer takes us to Mathew 6 5-18 where Jesus gives an example on how we should pray.
Both Jews and Gentiles condemned Jesus to death, not because of any crime He committed, but because of Who He was.
Those professing Jesus Christ should examine themselves, whether they are really saved.
You need to examine your motives in seeking Christ, for only ONE motivation gains entrance to the kingdom.
Our enemy wants to take us all out, and he does this by targetting individuals with influence.
The truth about Christ is revealed to all who seek it, and concealed from all who reject it.
We should always celebrate what God has done, and never stop planning to serve Him in the future.
We ought to ask big things of God, but always consider the bigger implications of our requests.
Children can understand the gospel, and we should never hinder them from it, availing ourselves of every opportunity to bring them to Jesus.
Salvation is as simple as "wash, and be clean", and once we've washed, we are clean, forever.
Greatness in the Kingdom involves living our lives with the knowledge that Hell is real, and nothing else matters but keeping others out of it.
Discipleship involves saying "no" to self, and saying "yes" to Jesus, and doing it everyday.
They said they knew who He was, but they did not receive Him. Their words were empty words.
Jesus rejected the Pharisees who rejected Him, but patiently dealt with the disciples whose lack of faith sprang from their genuine struggle to understand.
Great faith is a faith that takes God at His word and will not let go until God meets the need.
Christians must guard against backsliding, in ourselves and in others, and we must return to God when we find ourselves so sliding.
Josh Richards preached - don't believe the lie that if you trust in God He will give you what you want.
Jesus' purpose was to proclaim His message, and everything else He did was to advance that purpose.
Evil does not and will not win. It has an end. And God's faithfulness to His people is infinite. It does not end.
The Bible is the key to life. Therefore we must seek to understand the Bible. A key to understanding the Bible is learning the 5 great themes that appear again and again in the Bible, and acting on them.
God poured out His Spirit on Pentecost, empowering His church to be witnesses for Jesus.
The only hope that overcomes the waiting grave and hell that awaits on the other side, is belief in the empty grave of Christ, and acceptance of the loving Savior Who emptied it of all its power.
The exercise of our liberty in Christ must take a backseat to our concern for the welfare and growth of our brothers and sisters in Christ.
Whether or not we agree with one another as Christians, we are to accept each other as brothers and sisters in Christ, for we are all on the same team, and we all answer to the same Master.
Christians should submit to authority, except when it would violate our submission to God.
The Christian response to being wronged is not vengeance, but rather trusting God, seeking peace, and reacting with kindness.
In this section Paul lists several characteristics of the Christian's life... the life that is presented to God as a living sacrifice.
Christians are to avoid worldly thinking and lifestyles, and allow themselves to be transformed by God's will and Word.
If Jesus Christ be God, and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.
Because of Christ, we have the Holy Spirit's guarantee, and we have His prayers, and we have a settled and sure future.
God is the architect of our lives. He has the skill, the vision, and the tools necessary. We are His workers.
As Christians, our understanding is changed - we know and understand the brokenness of the world and ourselves, and we see how God is fixing it all.
The Christian is indwelt by the Holy Spirit, changed by the Holy Spirit, and empowered for victory by the Holy Spirit.
Christ is the answer to our lostness, and Christ is the answer to the struggle of living the Christian life.
God's grace does not provide enhanced opportunity for sin, but rather reminds us that we are dead to it, and should walk as the new creation we are in Christ.
Christ died for us, as our substitute, and in so dying, demonstrates forever God's love for us.
Another benefit of our justification is the assurance that God is working in our lives even in the midst of suffering, building into us perseverance, and proven character, and hope.
Justification by faith brings with it benefits, including peace with God, access to God, and hope in a future with God.
Examine the three types of mothers found in the Bible. The mother who's ideal, the mother who's real, and the mother who kneels.
The believer's sin is gone, for it has been charged to Christ, and Christ's righteousness has been credited to the believer.
The only way to be justified in the mind of God, no matter who you are, is by faith in Christ's accomplishment on the cross.
Because of Christ's suffering in our stead, we who believe in Him are freely justified.
The cross is not a burden to be borne, but a gallows on which the Savior died, and we need but look to it to be saved.
The Jews' advantage is their possession of God's law, and the knowledge of sin described therein.
Those with a knowledge of God are without excuse, and if they do not turn to Christ, will experience the wrath of God.
God gives us over to the consequences of our sin so that we will see the hopelessness of it and look up, to the One Who doesn't want to give us up.
I may not always feel saved, but there are definite proofs in my life to remind me that I am a child of the King.
The babe of Christmas was God, come to be WITH US, and to make it possible for us to be WITH HIM forever.
We can be thankful that one day He will fix all that is broken, and He will answer every question.
Thank you God that you have delivered me, and that even when I have drifted away in my pride and forgotten your deliverance, you have delivered me again and again and again and again.
We not only have reason for thankfulness because of what God has done, but even more so because of who He is.
Those who heard the gospel and did not respond before the rapture, will not be saved after the rapture.
Discouragement will make us stumble unless we keep our eyes on Christ - what He has done, and what He has said.
Jesus has the authority and the power to call you out of this world, and He will do just that.
On our annual Old Fashioned Sunday, we are reminded that this church was a "come-outer" church. It must ever be one. Those Christians who, 150 years ago, sat where you sit today were "come-outer" Christians. So, too, must we be today.
Loving our neighbor as ourselves means helping anyone who needs it, with no thought to who they are.
While anger and violence are not always sin, they usually are, and we therefore should be slow to get angry or act in anger, and teach our kids the same.
Our kids need to know that we put distance between ourselves and sinful influences, and that we require the same from them.
The Bible must be the foundation of the home, just as it must be the foundation of a life.
Parents need a firm foundation, before they can raise children who have firm foundations.
When Jesus called to Saul, he heard and obeyed. So too must we obey the Savior's voice.
In the appearance by the sea, Jesus sought their trust, their service, and their devotion.
To the disciples, and to us, Jesus spoke of peace, purpose, provision, proclamation, proof, and promise.
Regardless of how things look or feel, Jesus is always right there with us on our journey, getting us through.
Jesus said we no longer need weep, but ought rather rejoice. He calls us by name, and reminds us that He has work for us to do, and a promise in which we can hope.
Jesus FINISHED the work of redemption, GAVE HIS LIFE on the cross, and then ROSE AGAIN to prove His claims.
Jesus was forsaken so that we might not be. He suffered thirst so that we might never thirst again.
The lesson of the thief is not to put off trusting Christ until the last minute, but rather to grab the opportunity to be saved the second it appears.
In his final thoughts, James reminds us that sin is the problem, prayer is the prescription, and finally, the church is the pharmacy. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
Jesus is coming back, and we must patiently wait and work until He comes. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
God owns it all, and has entrusted it to us for a while, so that that we might worship Him and help others with it, while we can. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
We need to reject the fantasy that says we can control our lives apart from God, and embrace the remedy of trusting Him and His will for us. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
We must not slander others, for when we do, we forget our place and act as their judge. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
God's grace enables us to stop fighting and live for Him. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
Our sin is the cause of conflict, and God’s grace is the cure. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
This was a charge to both new elders and the local church at the installation of elders for 2014.
The Messiah came to cleanse you of all sin... He came to offer you life... He came to bring you joy.
The promised Messiah will bring judgement. He will bring prosperity. He will bring God's covenant to remembrance.
Mary had reason to sing, and we have reason to sing because of what God has done for us.
If your life is based on the wisdom from above, then your lifestyle will demonstrate it. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
Few should teach, but some should... some MUST. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
When you give what you have to Jesus... when you give even two cents to Him, He is pleased, and the kingdom is built.
True faith is demonstrated in good works. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
As Christians, we must not show partiality in how we treat others. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
Real faith, real Christianity, is active. It is not a hearing without doing, but rather a hearing that results in a life of doing. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
A faith that works is demonstrated when we are swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
God does not tempt us to sin. That comes from our sin nature. God does, however, provide a solution for temptation through His Son. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
We can rejoice in trials knowing that God is working through them for our good. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
This is D.L. Moody's classic sermon "Christ Seeking Sinners" which was preached on Old Fashioned Sunday
James himself pictured the working faith that he wrote about in this letter. Get the devotional commentary based on this series in James - "Digging Into James" by William E. Johnson at amazon.com/author/johnsonacres.
Amnon's friend Jonadab is a reminder that while friends can be wonderful, they can also lead to ruin.
As Christians, we should be seeking opportunities to show the kindness of God to others.
In Mephibosheth we have a picture of all of us, who come with nothing, and are given everything in Christ.
In the Davidic covenant God promised David an eternal kingdom, a promise that finds ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
Our all-knowing, all-seeing Father superintends every event in our lives so that we will be like Jesus.
We need to seek God's Way, and we need to live according to God's Way, for there is no other way.
God is making us into what he wants us to be, and two of the things he uses to accomplish that are our families, and our trials.
God molds his people through their experiences in serving him, and through their friendships both good and bad.
There are two ways to approach life - Saul’s way and David’s way - the carnal way, or the spiritual way - the way of certain failure and loss, or the way of hope and grace.
ALL Christians should give through the local church, systematically and proportionally.
The first advent brought the promise of peace, and the second advent will bring the reality of peace.
Prophecy provided both an advance description of Jesus, and proof that he was the Messiah.
When we consider all the ramifications of the resurrection, how could anybody have more reason to thank God than the Christian?
While we need to understand Paul's specific teaching on the now-ceased gift of tongues, the underlying principals of EDIFICATION, UNDERSTANDING and ORDER are the main message to us today.
ALL Christians have spiritual gifts, and should exercise them for the good of the church.
The Lord's Table is a time of remembrance, proclamation, anticipation, and examination.
Christians must not be the ones marked by an attitude of rebellion and self-seeking. Rather let us always demonstrate hearts and minds characterized by submission and humility.
Sermon preached on Old Fashioned Sunday, 2012. This was an original Charles Haddon Spurgeon sermon preached in 1861
While parents are the responsible parties in child rearing, the church comes alongside them to equip and help them.
Parents have the responsibility of raising their children, and the assurance that if they train them in the right way, they will walk in it all their lives.
When determining the rightness or wrongness of any activity we must ask how it affects others, and what it says about our relationship with God.
The reason we sacrifice our personal rights and liberties is that we might see more people come to Christ, for that is the reason we are here.
My rights are secondary to my brothers’ rights. My personal liberty must take a backseat to the evangelism, discipleship, assimilation, and growth of others.
This sermon was preached in the first service held in our remodeled auditorium, and is a reminder that the church building is God's, and we must always treat it as such.
In reflecting on our trip to Israel, I'm reminded of the importance of prayer, the faithfulness of God, and how much more I need to learn the love and patience of Christ.
A reminder of how good a church Corinth actually was... something easily forgotten in the discussion of all their issues.
Christians should be willing to suffer personal loss that others might come to Christ... that others might be saved.
In the church, and in our lives as believers, we need to repent of sin and purge it from our midst
The judgment seat of Christ is coming, and we should ensure we are ready to stand before Him.
The Corinthians needed a clear understanding of true spirituality, and of the nature of leadership in the local church, and of the upcoming judgment seat of Christ.
Bro. Sam gave a report on our missionary partnership with Northwest Haiti Christian Missions
When churches struggle with a divisive spirit, the solution is to focus on the message of the cross.
Two things that help us stay on track for God - focus on our calling and on our Savior.
Satan exists... he is the enemy of God and men... but he is a defeated enemy and will one day be removed from the scene.
If we have the Holy Spirit within, He will show up without! We will bear the fruit of the Spirit.
Building, battling, and becoming are lifelong efforts, not to end until God calls us home.
The Holy Spirit is the third member of the Godhead, who indwells every believer, and gives guidance and power when we walk in step with Him.
A person can LOOK saved and not actually BE saved. We believe in eternal security, but also in a changed life that accompanies salvation, and that demonstrates the reality of the profession.
As part of our "Roots Down, Fruit Up" emphasis this year, we continued looking at our statement of faith, digging deeper into what we believe about Jesus Christ. In this sermon, we specifically examine the truth that Jesus Christ is FULLY MAN.
We believe in the virgin birth of Jesus Christ, and that He was both fully God and fully man.
Leadership, Guardianship and Membership are all important concepts as we await the return of our departed King
Personal attacks from the adversary will come, but we can defeat them with FOCUS, PRAYER, and KNOWING GOD'S WORD.
We can stand against enemies without and within just as Nehemiah did - pray, fight, and keep our eyes on God.
Lessons from Nehemiahs arrival in Jerusalem, and his initial viewing of the walls. He couldn't fix it, until he first viewed it and saw the scope of the need.
Nehemiah's concern for his people, seen in chapter 1, becomes an action plan. He asks the king - please send me.
In this introductory message to the series on Nehemiah, we learn that Nehemiah's care and concern for the state of Jerusalem and God's people is key to understanding what he accomplished there.
Bro. Phil Ross filled in while the pastor was on vacation. This is the second in his two part series on Job.
Third in a 3-part series on Worship. The first two installments in this series were preached before we started recording the services.
We deepen our relationships with each other when we value others more than ourselves, and when we value togetherness more than solitude.
Paul witnessed to 3 main individuals in this chapter - Festus, Bernice, and Agrippa. Here how each responded to the message of salvation.