God is a good and gracious God; He is generous and loving, and works on our behalf in almost every situation!  We are privileged to know and worship Him, and have a sense of his presence in our lives.  !  The Apostle Paul taught those in the Roman church that because of God’s great worth and value, the best response is to worship Him, and serve Him in every way we can.  Our faith will lead us to focus intently upon Him, and shape our lives around His work, and teachings.  When we do this, we can begin to experience the fullness of God’s presence, and the blessings that only God can give.  The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/   Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.

FBC Independence Podcast

What am I doing wrong? I’m not really focused on God and His ways 5-9-21

God calls us to follow Him “in spirit and in truth;” He says nothing about correct form! When Jesus told the story about the Pharisee and the Tax collector in prayer, He made it clear that the one that most thought was righteous had failed miserably before God; it was the one they thought was a ‘sinner’ that got it right! We must always be careful to not allow the form of our faith – worship practices and belief systems – become more important than a humble heart, and love towards God and others.  God calls to be honest with ourselves and recognize our sin, and to love and give grace to others – as God has given grace to us.   The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/   Thank you for listening. We will see you next week

What Am I Doing Wrong? “I’m too religious” 5-2-21

One of our greatest natural enemies is from within – it is our fear!  Fear of the new, fear of the unknown, fears of nature and the actions of others – we have all experienced them.  Fear isn’t necessarily bad, in and of itself; but the way we respond to our fears can have a tremendous impact upon our lives!  After the Exodus experience, God’s people missed out on a tremendous blessing from God because of the way they responded to our fears; they allowed their fears to lead them to reject God’s leadership, and missed their chance to receive the gift of The Promised Land.  We must never follow their lead on this – we must recognize our fears for what they are – an emotional response to something in life – and then respond to those fears from a perspective of faith.  God can calm our fears, and help us to act in a way that allows Him to work with us, and overcome this ‘enemy’ that would keep us back.  As the Bible says many times, “do not be afraid.”   The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/   Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.

Conquering Your Enemies: Fear 4-25-21

Life can be hard, and there are times that we cannot seem to gain any kind of peace in a situation. We are all familiar with worry and anxiety, and know that sometimes we just can’t escape these feelings.  This week we talk about the ‘enemy’ of worry and anxiety, and understand that we are sometimes in a fight for our lives, as we deal with what life has brought our way.  God knows us, and has spoken through His Word to help.  The Apostle Paul taught those in the early church not to let their worries get the best of them.  Allow God to work as you confront your worries from a spiritual perspective; and learn from God’s Word ways that we can deal with our issues in ways that can give us a sense of peace and calm, in spite of our circumstances.  As the scriptures teach us, “Cast all your cares upon God, because He cares for you.”  I Peter 5:7 The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/   Thank you for listening. We will see you next week  

Overcoming Your Enemies: Worry - There is a Better Way

We all have ‘enemies’ in our lives!  These enemies may not be individuals, but rather experiences or situations that threaten us, discourage us, and maybe even make us feel like giving up.  We can fight these enemies!  God helped the prophet Elijah fight his enemies when he was at his lowest point – he was defeated, discouraged, and had really given up on his ministry.  God came and encouraged him, though, and helped him do the things that he needed to do to get his life moving again.  He overcame his discouragement, and went on to live the life that God had called him to.  Let’s learn from Elijah, and overcome the enemies that would hold us down!   The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these videos with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/   Thank you for watching. We will see you next week.  

Conquering Your Enemies: Dealing with Discouragement 4-11-21

Jesus’ death was entirely predictable – He had made all the wrong people angry, and they needed to shut him down – permanently!  Through the crucifixion those in power hoped to discredit him as a criminal, and eliminate his influence in their culture.  It didn’t work, of course.  In fact, their murderous act, intended to shut him up, was used by God to bring about an action that proved that Jesus was, literally, here to stay.  He raised him from the dead!  God used Jesus’ death on the cross as a payment for the sins of humanity, and raised him from the dead by his mighty power.  Salvation from sin was now a reality, and the power of death was overcome.  Jesus was alive; and because He was, and is alive forever, we too, can live!   The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/ Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.  

Make Time for Jesus: Easter, The Rest of the Story

God calls us to make time for Jesus, because He made time for us!  When we read Paul’s letter to Timothy, we learn that God wants us to pray for others, so that God can work in their lives, and that we might learn to love even those with whom we disagree.  Too, God has acted in Jesus because He loves everyone!  When we love others as God loves us, our lives can be filled with peace, and we will be more able to live in peace with those around us.  Paul also called Jesus our “Mediator;” that is, He will stand with us when we go to God in prayer, and face Him in eternity.  Finally, Jesus our “Mediator” is also the One who has paid our ransom; no longer are we slaves to our sin.  We have been set free because of Jesus’ work on the cross!   The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking herehttps://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/   Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.

Make Time for Jesus: The Most Important Things

Our lives are often lived response to the influences around us – either good or bad; God calls us to something better!  God used the Apostle Paul to teach us that He desires that we live our lives as “living and holy sacrifices” to him.  This is a life that is not lived in response to forces outside our lives, such as culture and friends; rather, it is a life lived in response to the movement of God’s Spirit from within.  This comes about as we make decisions to follow the teachings in His Word, and consciously choose to resist the influences that would lead us away from God’s path for our lives.   The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/   Thank you for listening. We will see you next week

Make Time for Jesus: A Transformed Life 3-21-21

Context: Josiah is King Israel is in idolatrous rebellion Less than 1 generation away from Babylonian captivity   What God and Jeremiah are up to: Jeremiah is one of the prophets tasked by God to warn Israel. He’s told to go to the potter’s shop:   God gives Jeremiah an object lesson Jer. 18:3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and there he was, making something on the wheel. 4 But the vessel that he was making of clay was spoiled in the hand of the potter; so he remade it into another vessel, as it pleased the potter to make.   The creative process in not simple… I once had an art teacher that wouldn’t allow the use of erasers. We had to find ways to use what we had done. It forced me to change my mind about what the finished product was going to be.   God shares his burden 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me saying, 6 “Can I not, O house of Israel, deal with you as this potter does?” declares the Lord. “Behold, like the clay in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Israel.             What we value usually becomes what molds us. This is because with time we identify with it.   What does God want to do for those that are faithful, and obedient when molding us?   9 I might speak concerning a nation or concerning a kingdom to build up or to plant it;   In other words, God wants to be the foundation we’re built on, and soil we’re rooted in.   But what if He’s not?  God issues a warning 11b ‘Thus says the Lord, “Behold, I am fashioning calamity against you and devising a plan against you. Oh turn back, each of you from his evil way, and reform your ways and your deeds.”   What are the Israelites up to? 19:4 Because they have forsaken Me and have made this an alien place and have burned sacrifices in it to other gods they have filled this place with the blood of the innocent 5 built the high places of Baal to burn their sons in the fire as burnt offerings to Baal   “The pain of staying the same has to be greater than the pain of change in order for true change to occur.” Greg fell when we have misplaced our value it’s hard to recognize sin. Many times our sin becomes a part of our identity as a result.   Where does our value come from?     3 types of biblical law   Moral Civic Ceremonial   What are we up to? The Law of Moral is one of pursuit, which is how God is able to mold us.             Pursuit = change             If we’re not in pursuit of the Holy Spirit of God are we not in sin?   When we don’t pursue Christ we’re forced to make hard choices, and sacrifices, though in the moment it may feel easier like auto-pilot.   Sin is like a patient fisherman in that case… Story credit to Kim Meeder and her Book “Revival Rising” What are we sacrificing to avoid change?   What should we do? Repent – Put your faith in Christ, and what He values Pursue Christ – Realize your identity in Him Walk in the spirit – Watch as God changes the world around you   The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.   We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/   If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/   Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.

Arts, crafts, and repentance 3-14-21

When we make time for God in our life, we will find that He is constantly with us, and making an effort to help us in some way. God helps us through his written Word as He teaches us eternal truths, and calls us to live according to that Word. When we do that our lives are better, stronger, and resistant to the lies of our pagan world. Too, God helps us by giving us His Spirit, who dwells within us. His presence is a constant comfort, as well as a help through the challenges of this life. This life we live can be a life of blessing, as we allow God to teach us how to live, and receive his help in every situation. God has planned to be a force for good in our lives!   The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.   We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/   If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/   Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.

Make time for Jesus: God in our midst, His power at work 3-7-21

Whenever we consider something in life that is important, we understand that we need to make time for it in life.  Jesus and the Christian faith is  like that – it is as important as anything in life, and we need to make time for the development and practice of that faith in our life!  There will always be those that make claim to our lives, but we must be aware that only a few things in this life are truly worthy of our time and devotion.  Jesus came once and established himself as The One from God; and he will return to us in the latter days to claim his followers as His own.  He alone is worthy of worship, and complete devotion!   The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/   Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.  

Make time for Jesus: Come, Lord Jesus 2-28-21

God wants us to be discerning when it comes to true spirituality! We have an almost unlimited capacity to deceive ourselves: we ignore facts, compare ourselves to those who are ‘worse’ than we are, and sometimes even lie to ourselves, all in order to feel good about ourselves. The church at Laodicea was doing just that; by measuring their spirituality against other churches and groups, rather than God’s eternal teachings, they saw themselves as spiritually healthy and righteous. Jesus condemned them, though, because the truth was they were spiritually dead! Their self-deception separated them from God, and made them almost useless to Him. The church was called to repentance; Jesus offered to come into their lives if they would only open up their hearts to Him.   The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.   We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/   If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/ Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.

The Letters to the Seven Churches: Laodicea, Be honest with yourself 2-21-21

Even though Jesus calls us in His Church to all we can to reach the world around us, we have to accept the fact that many will reject Jesus, no matter what we do!  We must remember to evaluate our church’s ministries by the standards Jesus himself used, and make sure our loyalties remain with him that the approval of those in this world.  God rewards those who are faithful, and will care for them into eternity. The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family.We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute onlineIf you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here or by Liking our Facebook page Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!

Letters to the Seven Churches: Philadelphia 2-7-21

It’s all about Jesus!  We’ve heard people say that, and it is particularly true for the way the Church is to function.  Everything we do is to either explain the work of Jesus in our salvation, or to demonstrate how life can be different, and better, when it revolves around him.  The early church in the city of Sardis forgot this; they did many things well, but they had moved away from a focus on the salvation that is in Christ – and Jesus condemned them for it!  We are to be always faithful to Jesus: to share the message of salvation through his death on the cross, and the resurrection from the dead, in everything we do. The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/  If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/Thank you for listening. We will see you next week. 

Letters to the Seven Churches: Sardis, It’s all about the Gospel!

Those who have the ability to lead others can have a tremendous impact on a church – for good, or for evil!  It is important that church members monitor the strong in their church, to ensure that their influences are good, moral, and Bible Based.  Even as they continually test the spirits in their congregation, though, a healthy church will never let an individual or group lead them from engaging in ministry to others.  The ministries of the church are to be always faithful to scriptural teachings and based upon faith, rather than on the strong personalities in the congregation. The best way you can support our Ministry is by sharing these podcasts with your friends and family. We also need your financial contributions to make our Ministries a possibility. You can contribute online at https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, download our App by clicking here https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/ Thank you for listening. We will see you next week.

Letters to the Seven Churches: Thyatira: Don’t Give Up! 1-24-21

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FBC Independence Podcast

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