First Baptist Arlington Sermons

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

August 9, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together:  

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Gospel Guide: John 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

-Romans 12:1-2 

AUGUST 2026: Prayer for Believers 

August 2 – September 5, 2026 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people. 

-Ephesians 6:18 

The Effectual Prayer of a Righteous Person 

1 Kings 18 

Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers 
 

Come near to God and he will come near to you.  

-James 4:8 

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. 

-James 5:16 

Intimacy leads to fruitfulness, not the other way around. Those who prioritize a loving relationship with God, meeting with him in prayer through stolen moments throughout the day, long stretches of disciplined contemplation, and fiery pleas of intercession, are those with whom he shares his divine power. 

-Tyler Staton, Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools 

ELIJAH – The prophet Elijah is considered to be a successor to Moses in prophetic authority. Though not equal with Moses, he figures prominently in Biblical and theological reflection for both Jews and Christians. 

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. 

-James 5:17-18 

PRAY EARNESTLY!

PRAY EXPECTANTLY! 

PRAY EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE, ABOUT EVERYTHING! 

PRAYER: 

Father, I’m asking you to meet specific needs in my life this week in tangible and recognizable ways. I’ll give you the glory. Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

August 2, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together:  

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Gospel Guide: John 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

-Romans 12:1-2 

AUGUST 2026: Prayer for Believers 

August 2 – September 5, 2026 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people. 

-Ephesians 6:18 

Everything Starts with God! 

Psalm 46 

Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers 

Of all the Spiritual Disciplines prayer is the most central because it ushers us into perpetual communion with the Father. Meditation introduces us to the inner life, fasting is an accompanying means, study transforms our minds, but is the Discipline of prayer that brings us into the deepest and highest work of the human spirit. Real prayer is life creating and life changing.
-Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline 

The most powerful force on earth is not nuclear, atomic, military-based, or government-led. The most powerful force on earth is God’s power in answer to the prayers of His people.
-Chris Hodges, Pray First 

Who one believes God to be is most accurately revealed not in any credo but in the way one speaks to God when no one else is listening.
-Nancy Mairs, Ordinary Time

What do you believe about God? 

Everything starts with God! 

SHELTER – God is our refuge, our security, our “place” of protection!

STRENGTH – We need power to live this life in a manner that pleases God. He provides the enabling strength we need to reflect His glory. 

SALVATION – We cannot save ourselves! We need help. God is our very present help! 

PRAYER: 

Lord, open my eyes to see Your presence, recognize Your work, and respond with gratitude and praise.  Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

July 26, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together:  

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Gospel Guide: John 

SUMMER 2026: Making a Difference 

May 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026 

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

-Jesus (John 15:8) 

Self-Control: Joseph 

Genesis 42 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers 

Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference 

SELF CONTROL: Self-control (engkrateia) denotes the Spirit-enabled mastery of desires, impulses, and habits so that they serve rather than rule the believer. It is not mere human asceticism but a grace-driven capacity to bring every faculty under the lordship of Jesus Christ for holy living and effective service. 

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control. 

-Proverbs 25:28 

For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. 

-Romans 7:18 

 
JOSEPH: Joseph demonstrated his ability to control himself when confronted with the opportunity to avenge his brothers’ evil actions. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

-Galatians 5:22-23 

 
FRUIT: Fruit is an outward manifestation of an inner reality. 

By their fruit you will recognize them. 

-Jesus (Matthew 7:16) 

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 

-Galatians 5:16 

 
JESUS: The greatest example of self-control is Jesus! His self-control was fully on display during the crucifixion! (Luke 23:27-43) 

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP 

• Knowing God 
• Experiencing God 
• Serving God 

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

July 19, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together:  

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Gospel Guide: John 

SUMMER 2026: Making a Difference 

May 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026 

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

-Jesus (John 15:8) 

Gentleness: Ruth 

Ruth 1 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference 

DIFFERENCE MAKERS: In order for us to “make a difference” in our world, we have to become difference makers! 

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: God’s Spirit is at work in us and through us, in partnership with us, to accomplish His Kingdom’s mission. 

GENTLENESS: Gentleness or meekness expresses interior strength under Holy Spirit control. Far from timidity, it is the poised disposition that gladly submits to God’s will and channels power for another’s good. It therefore belongs to the cluster of virtues labeled “the fruit of the Spirit” standing in needed contrast to human anger, rivalry, and self-assertion. 

INCARNATION: God’s decision to personally visit planet earth through the Person of His Son is an example of His gentleness! 

I am gentle and humble in heart. 

-Jesus (Matthew 11:29) 

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 

-Matthew 21:4-5 

JESUS: Jesus demonstrated His gentleness in His exchange with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4). 

STRENGTH: The attitude and ensuing actions associated with gentleness actually emerge from an inner strength made possible through the presence of the Holy Spirit. 

SUBMISSION: Gentleness manifests itself in the absolute submission to the will of God. 

SERVICE: Gentleness seeks the good of others and is the antithesis of self-centered, anger-laced behavior.

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

July 12, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together:  

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Gospel Guide: John 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

-Romans 12:1-2 

SUMMER 2026: Making a Difference 

May 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026 

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

-Jesus (John 15:8) 

Faithfulness: Mary Magdalene 

Luke 8:1-3 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference 

DIFFERENCE MAKERS: In order for us to “make a difference” in our world, we have to become difference makers! 

Text:
Luke 8:1-3
John 10:11-18 

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: God’s Spirit is at work in us and through us, in partnership with us, to accomplish His Kingdom’s mission. 

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 

-Galatians 5:22-23 

Mary Magdalene is mentioned 12 times in the New Testament. She provided financial support for the ministry of Jesus. She also personally witnessed His death, burial, and was the first witness of the resurrected Lord! She was the first preacher of The Good News! 

Jesus was completely faithful to His Messianic role. He demonstrated His love for us through His death on the cross! 

FAITHFULNESS: Faithfulness is a fruit of God’s Spirit at work within the individual believer. 

FAITHFULNESS: Faithfulness manifests itself in the life of an individual believer through action. 

QUESTION: How is your faithfulness to God on display through your actions?

Brad Echols

Summer 2026: Making a Difference
July 5, 2026

Goodness: Barnabas
Acts 9:26-27

What is GOOD?  

Competence – good at math Strength – good eyesight 

Behavior – good child Soundness – a good reason 

Worthiness – good old George Attractiveness – has good looks 

Genesis 1:31 

Tov (טוֹב) 

perfectly functional, beautifully working, beneficial 

FLOURISHING -  Character and Virtue  

“I always act to promote good in all circumstances, even in difficult and challenging situations.” 

“I am always able to give up some happiness now for greater happiness later.” 

Exodus 33:19  

GOODNESS provides PROTECTION and PROCLAMATION 

John 8:2-11 

GOODNESS of Jesus 

PROTECTION 

“Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stoneat her.” 

PROCLAMATION 

“Then neither do I condemn you,”Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.” 

Acts 11:23-24 

Galatians 2:13 

Acts 9:26-27 

GOODNESS of Barnabas 

PROTECTION - Takes Saul 

PROCLAMATION -Tells Disciples 

GOODNESS is not safe. 

GOODNESS protects. 

GOODNESS proclaims. 

2 Corinthians 5:17-20 

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come... All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation... We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.”

Luke Stehr
Fruit of the Spirit
Kindness: Philemon 
June 28, 2026

Kindness – χρηστότης – chrēstotēs – spiritual usefulness to the other 

Titus 3:4-7

Romans 2:4

Matthew 8:5-13 

Kindness is both a wrecking ball to the world’s fallen relational patterns of power abuse and alienation, and is also a healing balm that leads to restored identities and transformed relationships in the way of Jesus. 

Paul

Philemon 
Onesimus 
 
Aristotle 

Roman Social Order 

• Nobles 
• Senators 
• Equestrians 
• Municipal Magistrates and Senators 
• Freeborn Roman Citizens 
• Freed Slave Citizens 
• Slaves 

Philemon 

• v10-11 
• v15-16 

Roman Social Order vs. Kingdom Social order

• Nobles 
• Senators 
• Equestrians 
• Municipal Magistrates and Senators 
• Freeborn Roman Citizens 
• Freed Slave Citizens 
• Slaves 

Vs 

• Jesus 
• The People of God 

Galatians 3:26-28

Connor Torrealba
Summer 2026: Making a Difference
June 21, 2026

Patience: Abraham
Genesis 15:1-6

Big idea: Patience is enduring strength rooted in a future hope

3 Questions

• How does God give us patience in our circumstances?
• How does God give us patience in our relationships?
• How do we live this out in regular life?

Genesis 15:1-6, NIV

That’s great for Abram, but what about us?

• God is good
• God is able

We have all the proof we need that Jesus is truly good and truly loves us

God gives us patience in our circumstances by reminding us he is able and good through the person and work of Jesus.

Matthew 9:9-13

Romans 5:8

God gives us patience in our relationships by helping us see others with the kind of love he has for them.

• Worship
• Read the Bible
• Pray
• Fast

Just as God reminded Abram of his calling, we too need to live in obedience to what God has told us to do most recently.

Philippians 1:6 (NIV)

Katy Reed-Hodges
June 14, 2026

Peace:Abigail
1 Samuel 25

Abigail the peacemaker

Jesus as the ultimate peacemaker

“The webbing together of God, humans, and all creation in justice, fulfillment, and delight is what the Hebrew prophets called shalom. We call it peace, but it means far more than mere peace of mind or a cease-fire between enemies. In the Bible, shalom means universal flourishing, wholeness, and delight – a rich state of affairs in which natural needs are satisfied and natural gifts fruitfully employed, a state of affairs that inspires joyful wonder as its Creator and Savior opens the doors and welcomes the creatures in whom he delights. Shalom, in other words, is the way things out to be.” – Cornelius Plantinga

Colossians 1:19-22 NIV

The church as the blesses peacemakers

Matthew 5:9 NIV

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

June 7, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together:  

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Gospel Guide: John 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

-Romans 12:1-2 

SUMMER 2026: Making a Difference 

May 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026 

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

-Jesus (John 15:8) 

Joy: Nehemiah 

Nehemiah 8:1-12 

CHARISMATIC 

Designating an animal or species that is particularly appealing or compelling to humans, typically because of its appearance or symbolic significance, and which is therefore used to gain support for conservation causes. 

BOODLE-FIGHT 

Philippine English. A communal meal at which different kinds of food are laid out, now typically on banana leaves, and eaten with the hands. 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference 

DIFFERENCE MAKERS: In order for us to “make a difference” in our world, we have to become difference makers! 

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLES: Difference Makers are intentional disciples who follow Jesus in every area of their lives. Disciples who are being shaped by the Spirit – in whom the character of Christ is being formed – through whom fruit is being borne – these are the people God uses to make a difference in the world. 

CONTEXT: Nehemiah and Ezra led Israel in a great revival service recorded in Nehemiah 8. At first, the Jewish people were convicted as they heard God’s Word read and explained --- they began to weep. Ezra and Nehemiah led them to time of celebration, worship, remembrance, and . . . JOY! 

FLOURISHING DOMAIN: HAPPINESS AND LIFE SATISFACTION  

1. Overall, how satisfied are you with life as a whole these days? 
2. In general, how happy or unhappy do you usually feel? 

SEMANTIC DOMAIN: JOY: The cluster of Biblical words for joy includes: happiness, gladness, pleasure, celebration, cheer, delight, jubilation, laughter, exultation, blessing ---- these words appear in about 2000 passages in the Scripture! 

QUESTION: Where do you find your joy? 

CHALLENGE: Satan desires to rob you of your joy! 

CHOICE: Joy is a choice! 

You can’t wait until life isn’t hard anymore before you decide to be happy. 

-Jane Marczewski 

There is nothing dreary and doubtful about life. It is meant to be continually joyful . . . We are called toa settled happiness in the Lord whose joy is our strength. 

-Amy Carmichael 

“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 

GIFT: The joy of the Lord is a gift from His Spirit! 

I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. 

-Jesus (John 15:11) 

STRENGTH: The Joy of the Lord is our strength! 

Good things as well as bad, you know, are caught by a kind of infection. If you want to get warm you must stand near the fire: if you want to be wet you must get into the water. If you want joy, power, peace, eternal life, you must get close to, or even into, the thing that has them. They are not a sort of prizes which God could, if He chose, just hand out to anyone. They are a great fountain of energy and beauty spurting up at the very centre of reality. If you are close to it, the spray will wet you: if you are not, you will remain dry. 

-C. S. Lewis