First Baptist Arlington Sermons

Dr. Elijah Brown
General Secretary of the Baptist World Alliance

God's People: Sent To All Peoples!
Acts 13:1-3

Together... To the People

1. We are to serve on mission with people on the move and people in persecution ​
   • Church in Antioch was started by people on the move who had experienced persecution ​
   • More immigrants and more people forced from their homes around the world and in Texas than ever before​
2. We are sent on God’s mission to every neighborhood in every city​
3. Mission begins with renewed worship and prayer
   • God’s global mission calls for God’s global church​
   • God’s global mission calls for you and me​
4. Filled with the Spirit, we share the Good News
   • Every Baptist is a missionary

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

November 17, 2024 

MISSIONS 2024 

Together . . . to the People 

November 3 - 30, 2024 

Preaching Voice: Apostle 

God’s People: Shaped by Evangelism 

Acts 11:19-30 

Theme for 2024: Together 

Theme for Missions 2024: Together . . . to the People 

We believe EVANGELIZING LOST PEOPLE IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF EACH FOLLOWER OF JESUS! Believers are to share the Gospel message with those who are lost. We begin in our own communities; however, Jesus commanded us to be his witnesses to the ends of the earth. We are to join our efforts with other believers to ensure all nations hear the good news of Jesus. (Matthew 10:32; 28:18-20; Acts 1:8; Romans 1:16-17; Colossians 1:6) 

CONTEXT: The early church was scattered from Jerusalem due to the growing persecution. There were some believers from Cyprus and Cyrene who came to Antioch and began to share the Gospel with both Jews and Gentiles! A church was established, and God used this church to launch the first worldwide mission effort in Christian history. 

ANTIOCH: The city of Antioch was a diverse, cosmopolitan Greek city founded by Seleucus Nicator, a general who served with Alexander the Great. By the first century, it was a thriving, cosmopolitan, diverse Roman city with residents from across the known world. 

CHURCH AT ANTIOCH: The church established in Antioch reflected the cultural diversity of the city. The cultural competencies displayed in this church enabled it to be effective in evangelizing the community. 

EVANGELISM: The church at Antioch engaged in evangelistic efforts that were effective and impactful. Jews and Gentiles alike responded to the message about the Lord Jesus. 

THE MESSAGE OF THE GOSPEL: 

-universal in its scope  

-effective in its impact  

-sturdy in its composition  

-holistic in its transformation of people

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

November 10, 2024 

MISSIONS 2024 

Together . . . to the People 

November 3 - 30, 2024 

Preaching Voice: Apostle 

God’s People: Life in the Church 

Acts 2:42-47 

Theme for 2024: Together  

Theme for Missions 2024: Together . . . to the People 

the New Devotional Guide for November 

I believe in the Holy Spirit,
the holy catholic Church,
the communion of saints,
the forgiveness of sins,
the resurrection of the body,
and life everlasting.
-The Apostles’ Creed 

I believe in one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church. 

I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins
and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead
and the life of the world to come.  

-Nicene Creed 

We believe the CHURCH IS THE BODY OF CHRIST ON EARTH TODAY! Jesus established the church and it exists to perform God’s will on earth. Believers are to invest themselves in the life and work of the church. (Matthew 16:17-18; Acts 2:42; 

1 Corinthians 12:27) 

The Church is a purposeful community of gathered believers following The Jesus Way together.  

CONTEXT: In Luke 2:42-27, Luke pauses in his narrative about the miracle of Pentecost to offer a brief summary of the first church in the history of Christianity. 

Scripture Ring from Rotunda 

CHURCH LIFE: Discipleship – we learn how to be disciples at church! 

CHURCH LIFE: Fellowship – we live in community with fellow believers at church! 

CHURCH LIFE: Worship – we worship God together at church! 

CHURCH LIFE: Service – we meet the needs of others at church! 

CHURCH LIFE: Evangelism – we share the good news of Jesus with others and lead them to the church! 

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

November 3, 2024 

MISSIONS 2024 

Together . . . to the People 

November 3 - 30, 2024 

Preaching Voice: Apostle 

God’s People: Equipped for the Mission of God 

Acts 1:1-8 

Theme for 2024: Together 

Theme for Missions 2024: Together . . . to the People 

CONTEXT: Luke opens the Book of Acts, a compendium to his Gospel, with a brief excursus on the 40 days between the resurrection of Jesus and His ascension. In this short section of Scripture we learn that God’s people are equipped for His mission. 

PEOPLE: God has chosen to carry out His work through His people! 

PROOF: Jesus Christ has conquered death through the miracle of the Resurrection! 

PURPOSE: The Incarnation and Ministry of Jesus Christ marked the establishment of the Kingdom of God on earth. 

PERSON: God’s people today are called to give witness about the Person of Jesus! 

PERSPECTIVE: The commissioning of God’s people is to share the message of Jesus with the whole world! 

POWER: Pentecost marked the beginning of the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit for the people of God, enabling us to fulfill His mission!

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

October 27, 2024 

FALL 2024 

Together . . . for the Future 

September 1 – November 2, 2024 

Preaching Voice: Shepherd 

Resilience: The Journey Continues 

Nehemiah 13 

Theme for 2024: Together 

Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future 

Lessons for Re-Building (or Building) 

-Anchored in the Faith/Aimed Toward the Future 

-Kneeology: We must begin with prayer! 

-You Are Here: We must accept an honest assessment! 

-Planning and Zoning: Make a plan and get to work! 

-Overcoming Obstacles: Obstacles can be overcome! 

-Detoured by Distractions: Don’t get sidetracked! 

-How Firm a Foundation: God’s Word is trustworthy! 

-The Joy of the Lord: Joy is both a gift and a choice! 

CONTEXT: Nehemiah left Jerusalem to return to Persia for a season. When he decided to return, he found the city in disarray. Tobiah had moved into the Temple grounds. Tithes were not being paid. The Sabbath was not being honored. Some Jews were intermarrying with pagans. Nehemiah responded forcefully and faithfully to each situation. He worked to restore the integrity of Jewish practices of faith and fidelity to the Law. 

“Nehemiah’s knowledge of Scripture; his ability to apply that knowledge to the particular context; his courage to make highly unpopular decisions; and his skills to mobilize a highly fragmented, conflicted, and disengaged group of people are the dream of many pastors and leaders.”  

-Donna and Thomas Petter, NIV Application Commentary 

Passivity leads to decline! Resiliency requires diligence in doing good! 

For Christians, any journey of re-building requires a commitment to holiness and honoring God. 

Seasons of Re-Building 

As followers of Jesus, we remain anchored in our faith as we aim at a new future when we re-build. Through prayer and obedience, we resolve to honestly forge ahead, overcoming inevitable obstacles and denying the force of distractions. We steadfastly commit ourselves to the authority of God’s direction in our lives as we joyfully engage in the journey. We refuse to let all of our work collapse due to our inattentiveness. We can re-build!

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

October 20, 2024 

FALL 2024 

Together . . . for the Future 

September 1 – November 2, 2024 

Preaching Voice: Shepherd 

The Joy of the Lord 

Nehemiah 8:7-17 

Theme for 2024: Together 

Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future 

Lessons for Re-Building (or Building) 

-Kneeology: We must begin with prayer! 

-You Are Here: We must accept an honest assessment! 

-Planning and Zoning: Make a plan and get to work! 

-Overcoming Obstacles: Obstacles can be overcome! 

-Detoured by Distractions: Don’t get sidetracked! 

-How Firm a Foundation: God’s Word is trustworthy!  

CONTEXT: Nehemiah and Ezra led Israel in a revival service recorded in Nehemiah 8. After hearing the Word of God read aloud, these Jews were convicted. However, their leaders led them to a time of celebration, worship, remembrance, service, and . . . JOY! 

How joyful, happy, blessed are you? How often do you rejoice? How do you express your delight in the Lord? 

The Joy of the LORD is . . . your . . . strength! 

JOY STEALERS: This sinful world, your sinful nature, and Satan! 

When we seek joy from things, from others, from achievement, or accolade --- we will always be disappointed. In fact, we are placing our joy in the hands of something or someone else! 

The Joy of the LORD is . . . your . . . strength! 

The Joy of the LORD is . . . a gift! 

“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.” 

-The Angel of the Lord (Luke 2:10) 

“Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love . . . I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” 

-Jesus (John 10:10-11) 

The Joy of the LORD is . . . a choice! 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 

-Philippians 4:4 

 
“Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy . . .” 

-1 Peter 1:8 

“If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.” 

-Hananiah, Mishael, Azariah (Daniel 3:17-18) 

“Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.” 

-Habakkuk 3:17-18 

The Joy of the LORD is . . . our future! 

“Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory! For the wedding of the Lamb has come, and his bride has made herself ready.” 

-Revelation 19:7 

The Joy of the LORD is . . . your . . . strength! 

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

October 13, 2024 

FALL 2024 

Together . . . for the Future 

September 1 – November 2, 2024 

Preaching Voice: Shepherd 

How Firm a Foundation 

Nehemiah 8:1-6 

Theme for 2024: Together 

Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future 

Lessons for Re-Building (or Building) 

-Kneeology: We must begin with prayer! 

-You Are Here: We must accept an honest assessment! 

-Planning and Zoning: Make a plan and get to work! 

-Overcoming Obstacles: Obstacles can be overcome! 

-Detoured by Distractions: Don’t get sidetracked! 

CONTEXT: The wall was finished! The great re-building project was complete! However, Nehemiah knew that the survival of God’s people was not guaranteed by a physical wall around the sacred city of Jerusalem. If God’s people are to fulfill His purposes, they must honor God with their lives. This could only be possible if they knew, understood, and obeyed the Word of God! So, a “revival” service was held in Jerusalem to commemorate the completion of the wall. 

LESSON TO BE LEARNED 

As Christians, we are to honor God as we seek to re-build our lives. This is only possible if we acknowledge the authority of God’s Word. God’s Word is to be read, studied, contemplated, memorized, and applied as we engage in the journey of re-building. 

Give God the opportunity to speak into your life through His Word! 

God will provide you wisdom, counsel, correction, and guidance through His Word. 

God wants you to know Him and worship Him. Spending time in His Word will lead you to a proper acknowledgment of Him in your life. 

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

October 6, 2024 

FALL 2024 

Together . . . for the Future 

September 1 – November 2, 2024 

Preaching Voice: Shepherd 

Detoured by Distractions 

Nehemiah 6:1-16 

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER

Theme for 2024: Together 

Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future 

Lessons for Re-Building (or Building) 

-Kneeology: We must begin with prayer! 

-You Are Here: We must accept an honest assessment! 

-Planning and Zoning: Make a plan and get to work! 

-Overcoming Obstacles: Obstacles can be overcome! 

CONTEXT: Nehemiah had led the people in the great re-building project of the reconstruction of the wall around Jerusalem and the installation of the gates in the wall. Nehemiah 6 records the potential distractions faced by Nehemiah and his dismissal of them to continue his tireless focus on the work. And ---- the wall was finally completed! 

DISTRACTIONS

-Fone 

-Fear 

-Focus 

-Frustration 

-Failure 

-Faith 

FEAR – The re-building journey is often fraught with fear. We can move past our fears! 

FOCUS – It is easy to have our attention diverted when we are re-building. Sometimes, we have to intentionally re-focus our attention to the task at hand. 

FRUSTRATION – Re-building is not easy! Sometimes we are frustrated by what we deem to be lack of progress. We must move past our frustrations to keep progressing. 

FAILURE – There may be minor setbacks and “failures” along the way. We can’t be deterred by a less than perfect journey. 

FAITH – God is an expert at renovation, re-construction, restoration, and re-building. Let’s keep our eyes on Him and trust Him for His provision as we keep re-building. 

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

September 29, 2024 

FALL 2024 

Together . . . for the Future 

September 1 – November 2, 2024 

Preaching Voice: Shepherd 

Overcoming Obstacles 

Ezra 4:4-5; 5:3-5; Nehemiah 4:1-23 

Theme for 2024: Together 

Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future 

Lessons for Re-Building (or Building) 

-Kneeology: We must begin with prayer! 

-You Are Here: We must accept an honest assessment! 

-Planning and Zoning: Make a plan and get to work! 

CONTEXT: In Ezra 4 and 5 we read of the opposition faced by the Jews who were attempting to re-build the Temple in Jerusalem. Nehemiah 4 records the obstacles faced by Nehemiah and his workers as they were re-building the wall around Jerusalem. 

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED 

1. In any journey of building or re-building, obstacles are inevitable. 
2. Obstacles can have a positive effect---they can force us to be more focused and determined. 
3. Obstacles can be overcome! 
4. Pray! 
5. Often, we have to make real adjustments to face obstacles. 
6. Obstacles can be overcome!

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

September 22, 2024 

FALL 2024 

Together . . . for the Future 

September 1 – November 2, 2024 

Preaching Voice: Shepherd 

Planning and Zoning 

Ezra 5:1-2; Nehemiah 2:17-18 

Theme for 2024: Together 

Theme for Fall 2024: Together . . . for the Future 

Lessons for Re-Building (or Building) 

-Kneeology: We must begin with prayer! 

-You Are Here: We must accept an honest assessment! 

CONTEXT: In Ezra 3, Zerubbabel and Joshua led Israel to begin the re-construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. They gathered materials and assembled the construction team. After the foundation was laid, opposition to the project mounted and the work ceased for 16 years. Finally, the re-building project began again! In Nehemiah 2, Nehemiah inspires the leaders of Jerusalem to come together and re-build the wall around the city. 

LESSONS TO BE LEARNED 

1. “Resolve” is the secret sauce in the journey of re-building. 
2. As believers, we draw upon the wisdom, guidance, and inspiration we receive from our God. 
3. Re-building requires individual tenacity as well as community support. 
4. Re-building is not a seamless enterprise ----- we should expect setbacks. 
5. A dream is not a plan. Re-building requires careful planning and implementation.