Last week, we began a series on The Incarnation of Jesus.  We pondered an answer to the question, "What is the Incarnation," and learned that the act of God the Son, coming in human flesh, was the simplest way to understand the Incarnation.  It was a miraculous act demonstrating God's willingness to do great and mighty things to help humanity.  This week, we will consider an answer to the question, "Why did the Incarnation occur?" 

Let's take a quick look at the condition of man.  The Bible teaches us that we were created in innocence and perfection, with the intention of living in a loving and fulfilling relationship with God.  Everything was wonderful for a time.  But then man chose to disobey God.  That is one way to understand the nature of sin:  it is when we decide that we would rather live according to our desires rather than the ways of God.  When we live a life of sin (characterized by our rebellion against Him),  it means that we may reject God's direction for our lives, and that often brings suffering and misery our way.  We aren't typically horrible people, of course, but we live in a way that makes our lives more difficult and tends to hurt those we love.  No matter how hard we try, we cannot go back to a sinless life!  However, God loves us and wants to help us 'come back' to him so we can live our best lives.  God's ultimate solution was the Incarnation!  The Incarnation was a miraculous intervention that would enable God to forgive us for our sins, cleanse our lives, and begin the process of re-creating this life on earth. 

Let's talk a little about the love of God that brought about this great miracle!  In the Old Testament, the love of God was spoken of in one passage like this: "I knew that you were a gracious and compassionate God, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love." Jonah 4:2   The last words in that verse, "unfailing love," is in many other places translated as "abundant lovingkindness."  These words for God's love appear over 180 times in the Old Testament, speaking of God's gracious, unearned, and life-changing love for man!  In the New Testament, God's love was spoken of using a different term, "agape love."  This is similar in meaning, adding a dimension of God's grace to the understanding.  So, when we read the very popular New Testament verse, John 3:16, "For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever lives and believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life," we see God's 'agape love' in action. 

This love of God, spoken of often throughout the scriptures, is the 'why' of the Incarnation!  God created us in love with the intention of sharing his blessings and life with us, but our sins separated us from Him.  Nothing man could fix this devastating problem, so, in the mind of God, the act of the Incarnation was conceived.  God would send his son to this earth in the form of the Christ-child Jesus and ultimately pay the price for our sins.  Through this act of love, God would cleanse us from our sins, give us pure hearts, and begin re-creating us in his image.  In this precious gift, God would save us from ourselves!

Let me encourage you to consider your place in your relationship with God!  if you never asked for the cleansing available through Jesus and would like to have a new and better life, go to God in prayer and receive him into your heart. That will begin a new life for you and can be a source of blessings and joy forever! 

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

"With." 

A simple term, really.  A word that can truly 'make a difference' in one's life or a specific situation.  Here are a few examples:    "Will you come with me?"  "May I come with you?"  Or, perhaps, "It would mean so much to me if you would come with us." 

When used in such a way, the term "with" can refer to an invitation, an expression of devotion or love, and maybe even a desire for something more in a relationship. 

In Old Testament times, it was understood that there was a sort of barrier between man and God.  God created us intending to live in a relationship and share his blessings with us.  Mankind, however, from the earliest couple on, seemed to have trouble with that idea, at least in practice. There was rebellion, a rejection of God's words, and, finally, sin.  The barrier between God and man became more profound as time passed; there were times when it seemed that man had little patience for God at all!  Prophets preached a message of the need for repentance in the lives of men and women of all ages; the message of those prophets, in so many words, was simple, "Won't you come with me?"   God yearned to bring us close to Him, love, and bless us. 

Finally, God made the decision: He would do something unheard of, and miraculous!  He sent his son to earth in the form of a child named Jesus.  This 'incarnation' was how God would show us who He was and what He wanted of us. He would help us see what we 'could have been' if we had not rejected God, both as individuals and as a people. Throughout the scriptures, Jesus was referred to by many names.  One, though, was particularly significant, and full of meaning:  Immanuel. 

Most everyone is aware of this name of Jesus, not just because it is in the Bible, but because the very name "Immanuel" has been immortalized in a famous Christmas hymn. 

Here are the first couple of lines in the old Hymn, which beautifully encapsulates the essence of God's presence among us:           

Emmanuel, Emmanuel, His name is called Emmanuel.

God is with us and revealed in us. His name is Emmanuel.

Did you see those words,  "God with us?"  That is the literal meaning of the words in the original language from Jesus' day:  "With us, God."  God was saying to us all, as he gave us this name for His son, "I am going to be with you, from now on."  He also told us, "Will you come with me and live a life of faith?" 

Jesus, the embodiment of the Incarnation of 'God in the flesh,' says to us all, "Come with me:  I love you, and will save you, and will bless you, forever." This 'What?' of the Incarnation is the core of our mission, inviting all to experience the love and salvation of God. 

Through His son, Jesus, God's God, proclaims his love and intentions for us all.  He says, simply and repeatedly, "I want to be with you. Will you come with me?"

How will you answer the God who calls you to faith? This call is not just a request for belief, but a commitment to live a life of faith, to spread His love and message, and to be a part of our ministry's mission.

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

Guest Speaker:  Brian Forman

"Again and Again," Mark 1:9-15

Brian serves on the Senior Leadership Team at CBF, helping to coordinate congregational ministries.  Brian lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with his wife, Denise, and they have two adult children. 

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also forengagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

Good morning, FBC! It's an honor to be filling in for Pastor Kevin while he's taking a well deserved week off. Since this morning is our Operation Christmas Child Celebration Sunday, I thought I'd extend Rev Kev's 3:16s of the Bible sermon series. This project allows us to send a shoebox filled with gifts and essentials to children in need, helping them experience the tangible love of God.

Our message will focus on several scriptures—all 3:16 verses from various books of the Bible—that remind us of the core values behind this mission. Each verse speaks to God's love, generosity, and call for us to serve others.

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcast with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is significant and integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

The book of Exodus, the second book in the Bible, is the story of how God rescued the Hebrew people from slavery in Egypt.  This powerful narrative of liberation and faith is at the core of our ministry's mission, inspiring us to bring hope and freedom to those in need.  Here is a little bit of historical background:

Egypt was at the peak of its political and military power, dominating the world.  This powerful nation conquered smaller nations at will, taking captives from the population and selling them into slavery.  Smaller migrant groups already in the country were enslaved, too, including a group of people identified as the Sons of Israel, the descendants of those who had come to Egypt with Jacob in previous years.  They were considered a threat because of their great numbers, so the Egyptian leaders enslaved them, forcing them to build 'storage cities' named Pithom and Raamses.   

This lasted for several hundred years until their prayers for relief were answered.  God called Moses, who was raised in the Egyptian palace, to lead the Israelites out of Egypt.  Here is a part of what God said to Moses: "I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanite and the Hittite and the Amorite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite, to a land flowing with milk and honey. . . So I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My miracles, which I shall do in the midst of it; after that, he will let you go." (Exodus 3:17-20)

After a series of confrontations between Pharoah and Moses, God worked ten miraculous plagues on the Egyptian people to convince their leader to let the people go.  Moses led them out into the desert, and soon after,  God parted the waters of the Red Sea and allowed them to escape the Egyptian chariots Pharoah had sent to destroy them.  They were free!  It was another 40 years before they were allowed to enter the Promised Land, but the promise of God finally happened. God had heard their cries for freedom from their bondage and suffering, and He worked a mighty work that is spoken of to this day. 

I tell this story because it is one that not only inspires faith in the hearts of those who hear; it also teaches us great truths about the One God, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and the God who later sent his son, Jesus, to rescue all mankind from their suffering and sin.  One of the great truths from this story is that God hears us and cares about what is going on in our lives.  He is, literally, our "loving father," who listens to our prayers and wants us to share our hearts with Him.  Also, our Father-God can act in history to change our lives and bring us strength, courage, and blessings.  He may not work in our lives "on demand," but in His time, God acts!  Finally, God brings positive changes into our lives as we pray in faith.  God loves us, and wants to care for us both now, and in the life that is to come.

Won't you follow this Father-God who cares for you?  If you want Him to work in your life to bring forgiveness, joy, and hope, you can ask Jesus into your heart. God will hear your prayer of faith.  He will cleanse you from all your sins and failures and begin to work in your life, as only He can, to bring life and joy!

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our videos with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We sincerely appreciate your contributions and urge you to continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just significant, it is integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information but also engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

Several years I was conducting a wedding for a young couple in the church where I served as pastor.  I met with them a couple of times to plan the ceremony and discuss the issues, and all seemed well.  Both were Christian, young, and in love, and seemed to get along very well.  The big day arrived, and a few minutes before the ceremony began, I met with the groom behind the stage, waiting for the correct time to enter the auditorium.  We talked about the wedding plans, and the young man commented that their planning process had been relatively pleasant, as his young bride was very accommodating.  I mentioned that she would probably change a little over time, as she grew into her role as wife, and, later, as mother.  With that comment, though, the young man's eyes opened wide as he exclaimed, "I've noticed that – she's gotten pretty aggressive and outspoken in just the last couple of weeks, as we've talked about renting an apartment and making decisions about decorations and furniture; she's never talked to me like that before."  I laughed, as I knew this young man was in for a shock!  I told him that was normal and that she would probably surprise him with her strength in the days to come.

It is often said that "women are the weaker sex," but most men's experience is the very opposite!  Men always find that women are strong and intelligent, can be very aggressive, and often may seem to have a sense of resentment, or even anger, towards men.  Why would this be?

In the Old Testament, there is a story that may give us some insight into this male/female relationship dynamic.  In the creation story in Genesis 1-3, there is the story of the Creation of the world, including animals, the natural realm, and the first couple, Adam and Eve.  They were given almost total freedom; the only restriction on their behavior was not eating the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  Adam and Eve failed, as you probably remember, eating a piece of fruit from the forbidden tree.  God confronted them, and punished them, for their sin and disobedience to His Will.  Part of the judgments given out had to do with the relationship between the man and woman:  "To the woman He said, 'I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, in pain you shall bring forth children; Yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.'"  Later, to the man, God said, "Cursed is the ground because of you; In toil you shall eat of it, All the days of your life. . . therefore the Lord God sent him out from the garden of Eden, to cultivate the ground from which he was taken."     Genesis 3:16-24

The phrase in v.16, 'yet your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you,' is a key part of the man/woman relationship.  Man and woman were created as equals, to work together, and help and encourage each other,in a relationship of mutual support and submission.  However, when sin entered the relationship, this balance was disrupted. The loss of mutual support and submission led to a perpetual power struggle between man and woman. This is the unfortunate effect of sin on our relationships. 

Men and women can rise above this when they learn to accept the biblical message of mutual support and submission.  Unfortunately, that goes against our fallen nature!  God can help, though, when we follow Jesus.  In Christ, we are "made new" and have transformed hearts and minds.  With changed hearts and an education mindset, men and women can learn to trust each other and work together, one submitting to the other, determined by each other's strengths and weaknesses.  In this relationship, there can be peace and joy!

Your support is invaluable in spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing our podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We deeplyappreciate your contributions and urge you to continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just significant, it is integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Your financial contributions are the backbone of our ministry. They enable us to run outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we deeply value your role in making this ministry a reality. Your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms are not just for information, but also for engagement. They are a great way to connect with our community, support our mission, and be part of our journey.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

Not too long ago, I watched a TV program focusing on the use of what are called 'service robots,' which are becoming commonly used worldwide; it was a fascinating program.  One of the 'robots' that was very popular was the 'robot dog,' which is in use in several large cities worldwide.  This 'dog' could walk up and down stairs and is equipped with a camera and lights, a 'sniffer,'  and, in the future, may be equipped with a weapon – all controlled by a remote officer nearby.  The 'dog' is fearless, of course, and can go into situations that might threaten the life or well-being of an officer.  There is great interest in this model, we were told!  Another robot was a 'hospitality robot' that stood upright on wheels, had face-like features on the top to mimic a human face, and was designed to carry a tray to patients in a hospital or nursing home.  This type of robot was equipped with new 'artificial intelligence' software (all computer-operated); it could even carry on basic patient conversations.  These patients have responded well to these robots in trials. It was reported that these models will soon be almost everywhere, and some people need help daily.

The focus of the program was that, eventually, there would be no need for real people to engage in many of these tasks, as there would eventually be a 'bot' developed for tasks that are repetitive, dangerous, or considered too 'menial' for human beings.  There would be a literal 'army' of these bots everywhere you went, and this would be a great boon for humanity, accomplishing all sorts of tasks!

I have often wondered what could be done if one had an 'army' of these 'service bots' at one's disposal. The answer: almost anything!

We don't have to imagine this situation, as someone has already done something similar to this, but with real, live people.  Who has done this, you might ask?  I would contend that this is precisely what God has done with his people of faith in the Church!  The Church is the collection of God's people, united by faith in him through Jesus.  Much more than a building, it is an army of believers who have voluntarily given their lives over the service of God in almost every way imaginable! 

Here are some characteristics of God's people who have become, by choice, servants of the One God.  First, they are united by their belief in the Gospel message and the experience of Jesus cleansing them of their sin.  Additionally, they have received God's Spirit with them. They are engaged in the transformation of their hearts and lives through that Spirit and the teachings of the Scripture.  Finally, they are organized into a functioning body of people, united by their faith, forming a worldwide organization called into service every day.  The Church is God's 'army,' ready to go out into the world to help people in crisis, to teach them the good news of Jesus, and to model the kinds of loving and gracious behaviors that best reflect the One God, who loves us all. 

God's plan for the Church may be 'low-tech,' but look at all God has done with his servants: He has taken schools and hospitals into needy areas, provided food and water to millions in crisis, taught cultures how to value human life and foster respect and concern for people of all colors and nationalities, and even provided foundational beliefs for some of the greatest nations in human history. WOW!!

Would you like to be a part of God's "army" on this earth?  When you come to believe in Jesus as the crucified and resurrected Son of God and ask him to come into your heart and save you, the transformation of your life begins. God will fill and guide you with his Holy Spirit, teach you with his written Word, the Bible, and then start to guide you into service.  When you say "yes" to God's call, you join the largest, most effective, and most enduring organization in human history – the Church!  He will use, bless, and fill you up in ways you have never imagined.  Follow Jesus, and join the servants of God, the Church!

Your support is crucial to spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We are deeply grateful for your contributions and urge you to continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just important, it's integral to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Your financial contributions make our ministry possible. They support outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for the community. We assure you that your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we value your role in making this ministry a reality. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. Staying connected with us is a great way to engage with our community and support our mission.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

While in high school, I got into a huge argument with one of my good friends; we almost came to blows!  We finally calmed ourselves down and ended up laughing at ourselves due to the nature of the argument.  Our big blow-out resulted from a fairly ordinary discussion for high-school boys:  we all worked on our cars, and we would compare notes about tools, techniques, and in this instance, which oil was best to use in our older v8 engines.  He commented that a particular oil brand was best, and I countered that another brand, the one I preferred, was even better.  He and I went back and forth for some time, tempers flared, and I believed we would have to 'duke it out!'  Fortunately, we both caught ourselves, and then I explained that my dad had always used 'my' oil; he gave a sheepish smile and admitted that 'his' oil was one his father always used.  We both started laughing, having realized just how silly we were:  neither one of us knew anything about oil, we were just going on what our fathers had said.  Our 'convictions' about oil quality weren't really convictions; they were just simple preferences that neither of us had ever seriously considered.

Of course, this was a silly and childish argument, but I have had occasion to think of it often over the years.  The notion of 'life choices' and 'convictions'  is an important one for at least two simple reasons: First, our choices and convictions, and how we form them, can have a significant impact on our lives, our relationships, and the way we serve God and his Kingdom.  Secondly, the type of convictions that drive our lives can determine our witness for Christ to those around us.

John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, was one who had developed certain convictions around the issue of godly faith, and these convictions controlled his life!  No matter where he was or who he was talking to, his convictions of faith in God and Jesus, God's Son, determined every action and word!  Whenever John spoke, those around him knew where he stood when it came to matters of living out one's faith in the One God.  He spoke forcefully against sin and made the case for honest repentance and living out one's faith in a way that would please God.  Also, wherever he lived and whatever he said, he demonstrated his belief in Jesus as the Son of God, who was the promised Messiah.  His convictions were chosen based on his life experiences and how he had seen God work.  In addition, his actions and words purposefully made the case for a life based upon faith in Jesus as the fulfillment of the Jewish faith.  Here is just a small portion of what John spoke, based upon his God-given convictions:

John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness preaching a baptism  of

repentance for the forgiveness of sins. . . And he was preaching and saying, "After me One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to stoop down and untie the thong of His sandals.  I baptized you will water, but He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit." Mark 1:4, 7-8

I urge you to consider the convictions that will shape your life.  Choose your beliefs wisely and let them guide your actions.  Base your life on the teachings of Jesus, who sacrificed himself and rose again. Plan your life according to your faith in Him.  Your life will gain purpose and significance, and others will be inspired by the power of your faith.

Your support is crucial to spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you play a significant role in building a community of believers who find strength in our shared faith. We are deeply grateful for your contributions and urge you to continue inspiring others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is vital to our ministry's success, helping to keep our community connected and thriving.

Your financial contributions make our ministry possible. They support outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for the community. We assure you that your contributions are used with transparency and accountability, making a real difference in the lives of those we serve. Your generosity is a testament to your commitment to our mission, and we value your role in making this ministry a reality. You can contribute here https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/

To stay updated on all things FBC, download our App here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. Staying connected with us is a great way to engage with our community and support our mission.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our ministry. See you next week!

I recently attended a cross-country track meet so that I could cheer on my teenage daughter, who is well on her way to becoming a successful athlete. In a cross-country meet, the parents and families of the runners stand at different parts of the course and cheer their loved ones on. Then, everyone rushes to the finish line to yell like crazy, hoping that the support will give the runners an extra 'push' across the finish line. It's great fun!

At this meet, the course was in a very hilly location.  At the first station, all the parents yelled out support for the kids as they ran by, and then, in 2-3 minutes, there were a couple of stragglers who were far behind the pack.  They were giving it all they had, but it was apparent they weren't doing well!  We all felt sorry for them and wanted to encourage them, so we all yelled like crazy for the stragglers far behind the pack.  We could only hope that our cheers and volume would help them somehow!

I am always surprised when I hear athletes say that the cheers of the crowd really do make a difference. I have even heard professional athletes say that the cheers of the crowd make them feel better and more capable and even encourage them to try harder, especially when they are up against formidable athletes—it really helps!

There is a story in the Old Testament that demonstrates how God worked to help a leader of the Hebrew people, Joshua.  Moses had led the people in the wilderness and was no longer with them.  God called Joshua to lead the people after Moses' death. In Joshua 1, we see the way God called Joshua into what would be a very dangerous and difficult task.  He explained that Joshua was to take the people across the Jordan River, lead them to conquer the people of the Promised Land and take the land for God's people. It was terrifying!  But God knew what Joshua needed:  God told him that He would be with them every step of the way and give them victory over the pagan leaders of the land.  And God did something very much like what I did for my granddaughter as she raced across the countryside:  He cheered Joshua on and encouraged him in the task. 

The way God did this was very simple:  Speaking to a man about to embark upon a difficult task, he said, three separate times, the phrase:  "Be strong and courageous."  Let me give you a shortened version of God's encouragement:  "Be strong and courageous, for you will lead these people to take the land for their own." V.6: "Be strong and courageous, and be careful to obey my commands." V.7  Finally, God said, "Be strong and courageous, and don't be afraid because I will always be with you."  V.9

God was encouraging Joshua, just like we were encouraging the runners in the race:  "Come on, you can do it!"  "Push harder, you're doing great!"  finally, "Don't give up, you're almost there!"  The difference, though, is that we gave the kids moral support. At the same time, God taught Joshua essential life lessons that would carry him through dark and challenging days.  "I will be with you;"  "Don't give up; I will help you do this."  Finally, "Do what I tell you, and you will be fine." 

The message for us is simple as we endeavor to live our lives of faith:  "God is with us, and he will help us, every day, and in every way."  And, finally, "Trust God to help you, and trust him with your life." 

Let me encourage you to hear God's word, which speaks often of faith and obedience.  Trust God with your life, and lethim use you and help you daily.

Your support is not just important; it's crucial to spreading the message of our ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your support is not just a gesture; it's a key factor in our journey, and your involvement makes you an integral part of our Ministry's mission.

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture; it's a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us. Your financial contributions are not just a means of support; they are a testament to your commitment to our mission and a vital part of our operations. We value your contributions and the role you play in making our Ministry a reality.

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, we encourage you to download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. Staying connected with us is a great way to stay engaged with our community and our mission. We look forward to your continued support and involvement. Your active participation in our digital platforms will keep you updated on our activities and strengthen our community.

Thank you for your continued support and involvement. We are truly grateful for your contributions and the role you playin making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture, but a testament to your commitment to our mission. We look forward to your continued support and participation. Thank you for watching. We will see you next week, and we look forward to continuing this journey with you as an integral part of our Ministry.

Years ago, as a student at a Baptist college, I heard a sermon that seemed so right – but was absolutely wrong!  The speaker said something like this:  "If you have sin in your life, God won't be able to use you; He will just use someone else and wait for you to get your life straightened out."  I, and all the other ministerial students at that service said loudly, "Amen!"  The message was a 'hit the sinners hard-with-the-gospel' approach that appealed to our youthful enthusiasm and affirmed our convictions regarding sin, and Christians who aren't 'serious' about Jesus.  We all went back to our dorm rooms' pumped up' about the message, and some of us even planned to use that approach, and maybe even that quote,' the very next time we preached. 

Over the next few days, though, I had time to think about the message, and I realized something: If God won't use someone with sin in their life, who will he use?  Also, if God cannot use someone who hasn't gotten their life straightened out, when will I know I'm good enough for God to use?  These were daunting questions, so I asked my preacher friends what they thought.  Some didn't worry about it because it sounded good, but some of my more thoughtful friends agreed with me – something was wrong with what the speaker had said!

There is a story in the Old Testament book of Ruth about a woman of the same name who was really in a bad spot in life in the land of Moab.  Her husband had died, and she was alone with her mother-in-law, Naomi, who had come from another country in the city of Bethlehem, with no real prospects for a good life.  She decided she would go back to Judah with her mother-in-law and adopt the elder woman's faith in God.  When they arrived in the land, she had no job or money, so she began to follow the laborers in the field after harvest, picking up the scraps for her and her in-law.  Over time, a man noticed her in the field and arranged to meet with her.  Things progressed quickly; they eventually married, and she had a son named Obed.  This isn't really an unusual story, except that her son Obed grew up and married a woman and had a son named Jesse, who had a son David, who grew to become the King of Israel!  The ultimate end to the story, given in Matthew 1, was that, centuries later, in King David's family, a child whose name was Jesus was born!  Yes, the Messiah, the Son of God, was born because God worked with a woman whose life was in a mess.  She was no one special, new to the Jewish faith, and had nothing to give to God – except her willingness to follow God's lead.  God used  Naomi's influence and family connections to lead her to depend upon God, and God worked his plan to include a Moabite woman, Ruth, to be included in Jesus' genealogy in the first chapter of the Gospel of Matthew. This was more than just an acknowledgment of history; her inclusion in Jesus' family ancestry was God's way of saying to the world that He could use anyone, from any place, in his plan for all mankind – even a woman born and raised Gentile! This story is a powerful reminder that God's plan is inclusive, and He can use anyone, from any background, in his mission for all mankind.

God wants everyone to know that to him, there is only one people on earth – all are part of his creation, and all are called to follow Jesus.  God loves all people and can use anyone, no matter their story, in his plan to save the world from sin.  God is calling you to faith in Jesus and to live a life of obedience to his plan.  God will use you, help you find your place in this life, and bless you into eternity when you follow Him!

Your support is not just important; it's crucial in spreading the message of our Ministry. By sharing these podcasts with your friends and family, you are not just helping us reach more people. You are playing a significant role in creating a community of believers who can find solace and strength in our shared faith. Your role in this mission is not just invaluable, but it's integral. We are grateful for your contribution and urge you to continue your support and inspire others to join us in this mission. Your involvement is not just appreciated, but it's essential to our mission. You are not just a supporter but a key player in our journey, and your support makes you an integral part of our Ministry.

Your financial contributions are vital to making our Ministries a possibility. These contributions will support our various outreach programs, maintain our facilities, and provide resources for our community. We assure you that your contributions will be used with the utmost transparency and accountability. Your support is not just appreciated; it is essential to our operations. We value your contributions and your role in making our Ministry a reality. Your support is not just a gesture but a significant step towards making a difference in our community. Your support is appreciated and invaluable to us. Your financial contributions are not just a means of support, but a testament to your commitment to our mission and a vital part of our operations. We value your contributions and the role you play in making our Ministry a reality.

If you would like to stay up to date on all things FBC, we encourage you to download our App by clicking here: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or by Liking our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. Stayingconnected with us is a great way to stay engaged with our community and our mission. We look forward to your continued support and involvement.

Thank you for listening. We will see you next week!