Discover FBC

2-19-2025

Will Dyer

The Challenge Of Acts By N.T Wright

The meeting transcript discusses a study session on Acts chapters 9 through 12, highlighting key events and themes. ​ ​ The discussion of Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus, emphasizing that Paul's experience was not a conversion from Judaism to Christianity but a redefinition of God's people around Jesus. ​ Will Dyer also touches on the importance of suffering in the Christian faith, the role of Ananias in Paul's story, and the growth of the early church despite persecution. ​ Additionally, Peter's vision and encounter with Cornelius are discussed, illustrating the breaking of traditional Jewish boundaries and the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian community. ​ The session concludes with reflections on the church's mission to embody renewed humanity and the importance of obeying God over societal pressures.

Luke 10:38-42

2-16-2025

Philip Hodgecoth

The sermon focuses on the importance of asking deep, meaningful questions and finding answers in scripture, particularly through the story of Martha and Mary from the Gospel of Luke. ​ Philip Hedgecoth emphasizes that while Martha was busy with tasks, Mary chose to sit and listen to Jesus, which Jesus described as the "better part." ​ This story is used to illustrate the value of prioritizing spiritual growth and learning from Jesus over being consumed by cultural expectations and daily distractions. ​ The sermon also touches on the Beatitudes from the Sermon on the Mount, highlighting the blessings of being poor in spirit, mourning, meekness, and mercy. ​ The overall message encourages listeners to seek a deeper connection with Jesus and to embody his teachings in their lives. ​

2-12-2025
Will Dyer
The Challenge of Acts By N.T. Wright

The discussion covers Acts chapters five through eight, focusing on the themes of mission and martyrdom. ​ The speaker, Will Dyer, begins with a personal anecdote about a communication mishap with the Richmond County School System, which transitions into a deeper exploration of the early church's experiences as described in Acts. Key points include the story of Ananias and Sapphira, who were punished for lying about their donation, highlighting the seriousness of treating holy things with reverence. The narrative continues with Peter's miraculous healings, the apostles' imprisonment and subsequent release, and their defiance of temple authorities by continuing to preach about Jesus. ​ The internal conflict between Hellenistic and Hebraic Jews over the distribution of resources is addressed by appointing deacons, emphasizing the church's dual role of internal care and external evangelism. Stephen's martyrdom is discussed, noting his radical act of forgiveness and the broader implications for the church's mission. ​ The spread of the gospel to Samaria and the story of Simon the magician underscore the challenges and corrupting influence of money on the church's witness. The session concludes with reflections on the church's purpose, the importance of financial stewardship, and a call to live out the gospel with integrity and generosity.

2-5-2025

Will Dyer

The Challenge of Acts by N.T. Wright

The discussion focuses on the early chapters of the Book of Acts, particularly the significance of Pentecost and the choosing of Matthias as the twelfth apostle. Will Dyer emphasizes the importance of the number twelve, representing the twelve tribes of Israel, and the role of the apostles in fulfilling God's promises to Abraham. ​ The event of Pentecost is highlighted as the moment when the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples, marking the birth of the church and symbolizing God's return to dwell among His people. ​ Will Dyer also draws parallels between the events in Acts and the Gospel of Luke, noting that the same power that enabled Jesus to perform miracles now resides in the church. ​ The discussion concludes with a reflection on the church's mission to be a blessing to the world and a practical example of this mission through the establishment of endowments to support local ministries.

1-29-2025

Will Dyer

The Challenge of Acts By N.T. Wright

The study session focused on the book of Acts, emphasizing its significance in understanding the kingdom of God and the active role of Jesus in the present. ​ Will Dyer highlighted that Acts covers thirty years in 28 chapters, detailing the movement of Jesus as Israel's Messiah and the proclamation of his lordship over all creation. ​ The discussion underscored that Jesus is not just a historical figure or a distant heavenly presence but is actively involved in the world today. ​ The study also explored the themes of the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, asserting that these events signify the inauguration of God's kingdom on earth. ​ Will Dyer encouraged a rethinking of traditional views on faith, emphasizing the physical resurrection and the ultimate restoration of all things, aligning with biblical teachings. ​ The session concluded with a call to the church to announce Jesus' lordship and embody his kingdom through acts of love and service. ​

2-9-2025

Matthew 7:10

Will Dyer

The sermon focuses on understanding the nature of God as a good and loving father, as described by Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. ​ Will Dyer emphasizes that the words we use to describe God shape our perception and relationship with Him. ​ By examining passages from Matthew 7:7-11 and the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, the sermon highlights that God desires to give good gifts to His children and welcomes them with open arms, regardless of their past mistakes. ​ Will Dyer encourages the congregation to trust in Jesus' depiction of God as a benevolent father, which can transform their lives and relationships. ​ The sermon concludes with a call to embrace this understanding of God to live well and experience His love and goodness. ​

2-2-2025

Matthew 16:13-20

Will Dyer

The sermon focuses on the importance of the question Jesus asked His disciples in Matthew 16:13-20, "Who do you say that I am?" ​ Will Dyer emphasizes that this question is crucial for shaping one's life and faith. ​ He discusses how people often have varying opinions about Jesus, ranging from seeing Him as a great teacher to recognizing Him as the Son of God. ​ The sermon highlights the significance of Peter's declaration that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God, and encourages listeners to consider their own answer to this question. ​ Will Dyer stresses that understanding and acknowledging Jesus' true identity is essential for a meaningful and transformative faith. ​

Will Dyer

1-26-2025

The sermon, based on Psalm 13, explores the theme of prayer as a path to a deep and meaningful relationship with God. ​ It emphasizes that prayer is not just for moments of joy and celebration but also for times of despair and brokenness. ​ Will Dyer reflects on personal experiences of learning to pray and the importance of honesty and vulnerability in prayer. ​ Psalm 13, a short yet powerful psalm by King David, is highlighted for its raw expression of anguish and trust in God's faithfulness. ​ The sermon encourages believers to rely on God's past faithfulness to navigate present challenges and to trust in His steadfast love. ​ The message concludes with an invitation to take communion, remembering Jesus' sacrifice as a testament to God's enduring goodness and faithfulness. ​

Job 38:4

1-19-2025

Will Dyer

The sermon, part of an eight-week series on deep questions of faith, explores the age-old question of why a good and powerful God allows bad things to happen. Using the story of Job from the Bible, Will Dyer illustrates that Job, despite his suffering and loss, never blames God but instead questions the reasons behind his misfortunes. Job's friends wrongly attribute his suffering to his own sins, reflecting a common but flawed belief that bad things happen as a direct result of personal wrongdoing. ​ The sermon emphasizes that while we may never understand why bad things happen, we should trust in God's goodness and look for the beauty and growth that can emerge from our brokenness. ​ Will Dyer also references Jesus' teachings, highlighting that suffering is not always a result of sin and that God can bring good out of tragic circumstances. ​ The message concludes with a call to trust in God's goodness and to seek what positive outcomes can arise from our trials.

Exodus 3:7-12

Will Dyer

1-12-2025

The sermon focuses on the story of Moses and the burning bush from Exodus chapter 3, emphasizing that God calls individuals to significant tasks despite their doubts and past failures. ​ Will Dyer highlights that Moses, despite encountering God directly, questioned his own worthiness and ability to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. ​ The sermon draws parallels between Moses' experience and our own lives, suggesting that God calls each of us to act beyond our comfort zones and past experiences. ​ It underscores that God's presence and support are more important than our abilities, and challenges listeners to consider what God is calling them to do in their current season of life, recognizing that every moment holds divine potential. ​