God loves us – and He wants to help! Can you remember a couple of individuals that made an impact in your life, such as a family member or teacher/mentor? We all have people in our lives that have shaped and taught us – it is one of the ways God “gifts” us - with good teachings and influences. He does this because He loves us, and wants to instill within us an ethic for life. An “ethic” is simply an overall approach to life and relationships – the set of ideas and controls that guide your life! ...
Dec 29, 2020•53 min•Ep. 61
What do you want for Christmas? That used to be an easy one for me; a car or motorcycle part, a gun or accessory for a gun, maybe even a tool; easy-peasy, right? I worried and stressed about the list this year, and I couldn’t come up with much – finally, I listed a couple of books about airplanes and engines, and then, “bacon.” Hickory smoked bacon, thick sliced. I gave her the list and she said, “Seriously – bacon?” with her eyes rolled back in her head. I finally explained that I really didn’t...
Dec 22, 2020•50 min•Ep. 60
Over course of last several months, I’ve experienced great frustration with the varying “scientific” evidence regarding the Covid virus, treatments, and the effectiveness of mask wearing. I had one discussion with a good friend, trained in the science, explain it to me: “Science is never really finished; what we may know one day is only what we know that day; as we learn and study, our understandings may change.” That didn’t help my level of frustration at all – I wanted to know the facts – peri...
Dec 14, 2020•51 min•Ep. 59
Each year the Sunday after Thanksgiving our congregation members share the stories and history of common decorations used around Christmas time. We hope you enjoy this special service. 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,...
Dec 01, 2020•48 min•Ep. 58
It is a challenge to get along with others; in fact, it can even be painful for some, so much so that they avoid any type of lasting relationships! In a recent conversation with a Childcare father, I told him that my favorite part of every day at church was meeting parents and their kids, and talking to them and getting to know them. He said, off-handed, “yes, and you don’t have to talk to them very long, ‘cause they’re all in a hurry to get to work.” We laughed, of course, as men do when someon...
Nov 24, 2020•48 min•Ep. 57
We hear a lot about power in our heavily politicized culture today, don’t we? In some contexts you hear people talk about “green power,” or “clean power;” or even “dirty power.” At other times it is a more personal sorts: The power of one gender over another, or one race over another; or even who holds the power in a relationship. It seems that many are only now becoming aware of the way power – of almost any sorts – is both integral, and crucial to the way our world functions! You may be intere...
Nov 17, 2020•53 min•Ep. 56
Is there any limit to what you want in your house, or garage, or closet? If the advertising efforts of so many is any indication, almost everyone wants for “stuff!” And, if you don’t really want much of anything, the goal of a good advertising campaign is to “create” in you a desire, or even a need, for something, so they can sell it to you! This is the way it has always been. People want stuff; and in the back of our minds we often make the connection between “stuff,” and “happiness,” even thou...
Nov 10, 2020•51 min•Ep. 55
In the news recently are all sorts of reports of people who have decided that it is better to fight and break off relationships with spouses, friends, and relatives, that it is to work to maintain a relationship with those that disagree with them politically. One woman, famously, even told of the way she badgered her dying father to change his vote in this presidential election, rather than just spending time with him, and helping him to prepare for and accept his own impending death. Anybody he...
Nov 03, 2020•47 min•Ep. 54
Today we are going to talk about something the scriptures mention often, that is essential to living the kind of life most of us desire: wisdom. This isn’t really a religious term, but it is something that can guide us in this life. Here’s a simple definition that will serve us today: “Wisdom is the application of truth and grace to the situations of life, guided by a perspective of faith. Wisdom often comes over time by the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.” Here’s just one of the many text...
Oct 27, 2020•52 min•Ep. 53
Young Life is all about relationships. We are caring adults who love Jesus and love high school kids. We have a desire to go to where high school kids are in order to build relationships with them. We desire to come alongside kids and get right in the middle of their lives in order that we might get to know them and they get to know us. The Young Life leader comes into their world, loves them right where they are without judgement. As kids do life alongside us, they get to see how we respond to ...
Oct 20, 2020•53 min•Ep. 52
“That’s not fair!” As soon as children can speak, they start saying that, don’t they? If one child gets two cookies but others get one you will hear, “that’s not fair.” Nothing changes when we get older! A man who gets a speeding ticket for going 70 in a 55 won’t complain too much, until he hears a pretty woman tell her story of doing the same thing, but only getting a warning; “that’s not fair!” Equal treatment – where everyone is treated the same, and the punishment is appropriate, seems to be...
Oct 13, 2020•49 min•Ep. 51
Anger is a really interesting emotion – it seems to influence and control us, without us even recognizing it! In a recent conversation with a Childcare Mother I asked her how things were going at home (we talk about her children and their issues occasionally); she immediately launched into a tirade, mentioning several of her family members and their flaws! She didn’t ‘get angry,’ at me, of course – but the moment she started talking the anger exploded within her, and led her into a rant she didn...
Oct 06, 2020•51 min•Ep. 50
When you need a straight answer, “just the facts”, where do you turn? For Christians, there is security that in the realm of spiritual truth, the One authority is that which was given to us by God himself – the scriptures. In our scripture God speaks; His wisdom and insight, and his guidance, is given to us. In our passage, the Apostle Paul speaks to a young pastor, Timothy, and reminds him of this great truth: II Timothy 3:14-17 Here is what makes this faith we have chosen unique: The Christian...
May 10, 2020•28 min•Ep. 49
The best things are the more original or pure version, was the topic of a conversation Jesus had with one we call “the woman at the well.” Follow along in John 4:19-26 The woman learned two things: 1.)Jesus came to deliver a pure and untainted faith and 2.) God call us to that purity of faith that is driven by Spirit, and Truth. A Pure Faith 1. Salvation in Jesus, for everyone 2. Indwelling Holy Spirit for believers A calling to a life of obedience and love Jesus calls us to a simple and pure fa...
May 03, 2020•25 min•Ep. 46
Today we begin a series on “Authentic Faith.” We begin with the most basic teachings – what we believe. Paul wrote these words to a young struggling Pastor, Timothy: I Timothy 3:14-16 Let’s talk about the ‘facts’ of our authentic faith: 1. God has acted to reveal his glorious mystery of salvation 2. God has called His church to proclaim a pure and glorious gospel The defining issue of our faith, and the determining factor of one’s eternal destiny, is the crucified and resurrected Jesus. We must ...
Apr 26, 2020•28 min•Ep. 48
Surrender to God means doing what God wants, when he wants it, regardless of what you want. Our story from Luke 1:26-35 helps to illustrate this point Faithful submission You are not equal to God - A daily decision Submission to god can be a source of blessing and provide: Inner peace and strength Meaning and purpose in life Stability in difficult times Submission to God is a choice to follow god’s leadership instead of our desires. It is an act of faith, and a source of tremendous blessings in ...
Apr 19, 2020•28 min•Ep. 47
A Day in the Life: The Resurrection of Jesus; Matthew 28:1-7 The resurrection of Jesus is a demonstration of God’s power: God’s power is greater than death. God’s power is greater than any of our problems. The resurrection of Jesus prepares us for the life that is to come: Physical, without limitations. Oriented towards the spiritual Experienced in the presence of god The resurrection of Jesus gives us strength and hope, for this life and the life that is to come. The best way you can support ou...
Apr 12, 2020•33 min•Ep. 45
Let’s read the story of Jesus’ crucifixion – a “day in the life” of Jesus. For today's message we'll be referencing Luke 23:33-46 This story from Jesus’ life challenges us at our deepest level. His death on the cross shows the utter sinfulness of humanity. One scripture passage that can lend some background to this story - “For all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) All means….everybody! Bad people and good people, big and little people, rich people and poor people –...
Apr 05, 2020•31 min•Ep. 44
Today, we discuss The True Strength of Christianity (while being a responsible Social Distance from our friends and neighbors). Follow along as we read from Romans 4:1-9 We will be discussing 1. It’s not in what we do - Rom. 4:1-2 2. It’s not something we’re owed - Rom. 4:4-5 3. It’s all God - Rom. 4:3,7-8 The best way you can support our Ministry are the following: Online Tithes and Offerings Download our app Find us on the web Like us on Facebook Still want more information? Call the Church Of...
Mar 22, 2020•28 min•Ep. 43
Some of the best things that occur in our lives are a result of many years of effort and hard work – not everything is “quick and easy!” The larger or more important or difficult the task, the greater the need for thought and preparation, and a clear process for completion. It is the same for everyone – even the way in which God has worked to save us all! This is what we read about today: Mark 1:1-11 Jesus’ baptism finalized God’s preparations to save humanity God had worked for many thousands o...
Mar 15, 2020•40 min•Ep. 42
A Trip to the Temple We talk so much about Jesus as a man – a carpenter, healer, itinerant preacher and teacher, theologian, crucified and resurrected Savior; have you ever thought much about Jesus the child? There were rumors, to be sure, even some books in the mythical “Apocrypha” that mentioned childhood powers and miracles. What about Jesus, the boy? Was he normal? A nerd? Maybe an athlete? The scriptures in Luke 2:41-52 give us a couple of pictures regarding Jesus’ childhood: The Christian ...
Mar 08, 2020•49 min•Ep. 41
Where is your “security?” What makes you feel “safe” in this world? In our passage, Jesus addresses the issue of security: spiritual security, and eternal security. Years ago people mentioned it often in churches; it was important then, and it is important now! Jesus thought enough of the issue to address it directly: John 10:22-30 This passage can help us to understand that Faith in Jesus Christ can give you a strong sense of spiritual security Our security is based upon God’s power and grace. ...
Feb 23, 2020•40 min•Ep. 39
Life or death; joy or misery. There are times when it seems that the extremes of experience are our only choices! In our passage today, we see the prophet Ezekiel telling of a vision he experienced, that spoke to a people who felt as if they had no hope in this world. We reference Ezekiel 37:1-14 today. This passage contains a message of hope for those who follow God in faith: Times of despair and hopelessness come to us all. May come to Christian and non-Christian alike. Circumstances beyond ou...
Feb 23, 2020•40 min•Ep. 38
What would you think if someone brought up “the rapture” in a conversation? Interestingly, the idea of the “rapture” is very common in Christian circles; it is something most Christians anticipate! Also, it is something that has been a part of the Christian faith since the very beginning. We reference I Thessalonians 4:13-18 for today's scripture What are some of the ideas contained in this passage? 1. Jesus will care for his people in death 2. Jesus will return to take us home with Him “For God...
Feb 09, 2020•40 min•Ep. 37
Do you remember the old Children’s rhyme about the church, formed by your fingers? As you hold fingers together then turn them “inside out,” you say, “Here is the church, and here is the steeple, open the doors and here are the people.” The point of that children’s rhyme is to talk about the people, isn’t it? Because kids have to be taught that even though a building is nice and useful, when it comes to the church, it’s all about the people! God’s people – formed into the Church by the Spirit of...
Feb 02, 2020•41 min•Ep. 36
Whenever you talk about the ‘old time religion,’ specifically of the Christian faith, you will encounter many sermons and teachings on the Holy Spirit. Jesus himself talked much about the “ Spirit :” in John 14:15-18 What do Jesus, and the other writers of the Bible, have to say about this Spirit? We'll discuss the main points of The Holy Spirit is God’s influence at work on this earth The Holy Spirit works to further God’s Kingdom on earth The Holy Spirit is God’s presence on earth! When you se...
Jan 26, 2020•38 min•Ep. 35
Interestingly, the sort of thing that has been preached for centuries by ministers of the Gospel – lives changed by Jesus is a powerful, yet ‘normal’ story for those who are in the faith! The message of Jesus is the same today as it has been since his birth – it is the message of the Gospel, the ‘good news’ of Jesus. If you could go back in time and listen to an ‘old time’ gospel message, here is an idea of what you might hear: The Gospel is God’s way of saving and changing human lives Sin destr...
Jan 19, 2020•41 min•Ep. 34
We always need direction, don’t we? God knows we need help in this life – all of us! And because He loves us, He wants to help so God gives us guidance in the important areas of our lives. Today we'll discuss a couple of areas where God helps us: Our faith is a “revealed” faith God’s written word is His way of providing instruction and leadership God’s Word “cuts through” the nonsense and crazy thinking we pick up in this world – and can guide us into truth, and life. The author of Hebrews said ...
Jan 13, 2020•35 min•Ep. 33
Today we begin a series talking about that “Old Time Religion.” And we begin by talking about the very foundation of that good and wholesome faith – God’s love. Our text comes from I John 4:7-16 You will hear how Eternal and transforming love is God’s defining characteristic and God’s love is a transforming power in the lives of His people. “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. Love does not demand its own way. Love is not irritable, and it keeps no record ...
Jan 07, 2020•37 min•Ep. 32
The Christmas story addresses the most profound problems of humanity. This is the final part of the series asking the question, “What do you want for Christmas?” The answer for today and addressed by Jesus’ birth is very simple: “I want to have a good now, and forever.” How can the birth of Jesus, so long ago, affect our desire for a good life both now, and into eternity? Our text can help: Luke 1:26-37 Today we'll talk about: Jesus birth shows us that God’s power is at work on earth Jesus’ birt...
Dec 30, 2019•35 min•Ep. 31
