First Baptist Arlington Sermons

Dennis R Wiles

FBC Arlington

May 14, 2023

Mother’s Day

2023 - Why Does It Matter?

SPRING 2023

Family: Why Does It Matter?

April 16 – May 31, 2023

Stress Doesn’t Have to Fracture Families

Philippians 4:4-7

How does your family handle stress?

What are 3 important factors in handling stress?

1. The event(s) itself (themselves)

2. The resources or strengths the family possesses

3. The family’s perception of the event(s)

How might families respond to stress?

1. Cope

2. Resolve problems

Deep joy that emerges from our faith in God

Gentleness in the face of chaos

Anxious in nothing

Prayerful in everything

Thankful in anything

PEACE!!!!

Dennis R Wiles

FBC Arlington

May 7, 2023

College Graduate Recognition

2023 - Why Does It Matter?

SPRING 2023 - Family: Why Does It Matter?

April 16 – May 31, 2023

Family Life: Anger Management

Ephesians 4:25-32

The family is home to love, acceptance, commitment, and blessing.

The epidemic of domestic violence in our nation is deeply disturbing.

Is “let it go?” the best advice for managing conflict and anger in our homes?

We must find ways to practically and appropriately express our love for each other in our families.

We must also discover paths of expressing anger in ways that are not harmful or abusive:

    -Acknowledgment of temperament is an important step in learning to manage anger and resolve conflict in a family.

    -Assertive honesty can be helpful if done correctly.

    -Commitment to healthy conflict resolution is essential in a family.

    -Collaborative efforts in forgiveness and grace are crucial ingredients to resolving conflict in families.

Dennis R Wiles

FBC Arlington

April 30, 2023

Theme for 2023: Why Does It Matter?

SPRING 2023: Family: Why Does It Matter?

April 16 – May 31, 2023

Parents: You Must . . . Parent!

Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Parenting is . . . well . . . rewarding, challenging, fulfilling, depleting, fun, hard, hopeful, disappointing . . . but necessary!

The “Shema” expresses the core of Israel’s faith.

Calling all Israelites to love God without reservation or qualification, Moses begins with the inner being, then moves to the whole person, and ends with all that one claims as one’s own. This is the “yoke of the kingdom”—covenant commitment rooted in the heart, but extending to every level of one’s being.

-Daniel I. Block, The NIV Application Commentary: Deuteronomy

The call to love God begins within each person, extends to the family, to public behavior, and finally to public declaration.

Responsible parenting begins with personal discipleship and allowing God to parent us!

Responsible parenting is, in essence, active disciple making.

Love is at the root of everything—all learning, all parenting, all relationships—love or the lack of it.

-Mister Rogers

Disciple-making parents have learned the value of habitual patterns that reflect their deeply held values and exhibit practical expressions that help to shape/form children—and create healthy family systems. In suggesting that we reconsider our habits of the household, I am suggesting that we reclaim the idea of creating a rule of life in our families so we can produce something other than the typical anxiety-ridden, depression-prone, lonely, confused, and screen-addicted teenager. So we can form children in God’s love. So we can teach them the peace that comes with knowing the unconditional love of Jesus. So we can create homes that are missional lights in a dark world.

-Justin Whitmel Earley, Habits of the Household

Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
April 23, 2023

2023 - Why Does It Matter?
SPRING 2023
Family: Why Does It Matter?
April 16 – May 31, 2023

I Do! . . . We Do!
Ephesians 5:31-33

REALITY: We move from a wedding to a marriage!

THEOLOGY: As Christians, our view of marriage is theologically grounded:
• Lordship of Christ
• Biblical Authority
• Covenantal Context

PRACTICAL: As Christians, our practices are governed by our theological commitments:
• Covenantal Community
• Relational Congruence:
    -Mutual Submission
    -Beneficial Relational Dynamics
    -Marital Unity
    -Marital Fidelity

Dennis R Wiles
FBC Arlington
April 16, 2023

2023: Why Does It Matter?
SPRING 2023
Family: Why Does It Matter?
April 16 – May 31, 2023

The Family is God’s Idea!
Genesis 2:18-25

Theme for 2023: Why Does It Matter?

SPRING 2023: Family: Why Does It Matter?

God designed human beings to be birthed and reared in a family.

The landscape of the American family has changed dramatically in a generation.

Deep and significant partnerships are forged within the family setting that create lasting influences in our lives.

Families serve as the primary source of provision for human beings in our physical, social, emotional, and spiritual development.

Families provide protection for human beings in every stage of life.

Dennis R Wiles

FBC Arlington

Easter Sunday, 2023

2023 - Why Does It Matter?

EASTER 2023

Your Story: Why Does It Matter?

February 22 – April 15, 2023

He is Risen!

John 20

EASTER: Why Does It Matter?

Jesus Christ is the most important Person to live on earth!

The death of Jesus Christ is the most important death in history!

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead has changed everything!

Believe in Jesus... and live!

Dennis R Wiles

FBC Arlington

Palm Sunday, 2023

2023 - Why Does It Matter?

EASTER 2023

Your Story: Why Does It Matter?

February 22 – April 15, 2023

What Can You Give?

John 12:1-11

DINNER IN BETHANY:

-Devotion and Deceit

-Dead Man Walking

-Devotees and Antagonists

PALM SUNDAY/GOOD FRIDAY

GENEROSITY

-Our generosity is contextualized by God’s unmatched generosity!

-Generosity is one sign of spiritual maturity

-Occasionally, God’s people are led to extravagant generosity

Dennis R Wiles

FBC Arlington

March 19, 2023

2023 - Why Does It Matter?

EASTER 2023

Your Story: Why Does It Matter?

February 22 – April 15, 2023

The Great Provider

John 6:1-15

SETTING: This miracle is couched in Messianic imagery as John continues to paint a Messianic portrait of Jesus.

SITUATION: The need was greater than the apparent resources.

SIGN: The miraculous provision of Jesus was more evidence of His identity.

When you find yourself in a situation where the need is great, and the apparent resources are limited ----- give Jesus room to work in your life!

Dennis R Wiles

FBC Arlington

March 19, 2023

2023 Why Does It Matter?

EASTER 2023

Your Story: Why Does It Matter?

February 22 – April 15, 2023

The Great Physician

John 5:1-15

CONTEXT: Jesus was accused of many things by the Jewish leaders of His day. John paints a portrait of the “Messiah on Trial” throughout his Gospel.

Human suffering is a sign of the brokenness of creation and a reminder of the curse.

Jesus Christ is The Great Physician!

Dennis R Wiles

FBC Arlington

March 12, 2023

2023 Why Does It Matter?

EASTER 2023

Your Story: Why Does It Matter?

February 22 – April 15, 2023

Your Past is . . . Past!

John 4:1-42

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Tell Me More Podcast

The encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman is rich with Messianic imagery and Messianic revelation.

Good Riddance! Don’t spend your life imprisoned by your past!

Jesus wants to redeem you and transform your present reality!

Jesus offers you hope for a future that only He can offer!