First Baptist Arlington Sermons

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

May 31, 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) 

Love: Jonathan 

1 Samuel 18:1-4 

DOOMSCROLLING 

To scroll continuously and compulsively through large quantities of upsetting or worrying online news, or content on a social media platform. Also transitive: to read or view upsetting or worrying content on (a social media or news platform) continuously and compulsively. 

TO TOUCH GRASS 

to engage with the real world, esp. as contrasted with being online. 

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.  

This fruit that the disciples bear is not what they do, but the life of Jesus in them. It is His character reproduced within them and shared with others in love. This cannot come to pass without the disciple abiding in Jesus, making his home in Him as Jesus makes His home in the disciple. His life is shared with the disciples as their life is given to Him. 

-Roger Fredrikson, The Communicator’s Commentary: John 

CROWN PRINCE: Jonathan, son of Saul, was the Crown Prince of Israel. He was a victorious military warrior who eventually acknowledged that God’s hand was no longer on his father, but on the future King David. 

COVENANTAL LOVE: Jonathan expressed a deep love and respect for David by surrendering his claim for the crown and declaring his allegiance to David. 

LOVE: God is love! His love for us brings healing, hope, perspective, and a profound ability to share His love with others.

EXAMPLE OF JESUS: Jesus loved deeply! In John 11:32-26, we see the love Jesus had for His friends on display at the tomb of Lazarus. 

Love is a steady direction of the will toward another’s lasting good. 

-Bishop Stephen Neil 

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: LOVE 

-Experienced through our relationship with God (Romans 5:5) 

-Healthy 

-Sacrificial 

-Expressed through actions towards others

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

May 24, 2026 

Pentecost Sunday 

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 

EASTERTIDE 2026: Shaped by The Spirit 

April 12, 2026 – May 30, 2026 

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

-Jesus (John 14:25) 

Pentecostal Power 

Acts 1:1-11 

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

Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference 

Theme for Eastertide 2026:  Shaped by The Spirit 

SERMON: Pentecostal Power 

Text: Acts 1:1-11 

SALVATION HISTORY: Creation, Fall, Judgment, Call of Abram, Covenantal People of God, Revelation of God, Redemption, Missional Call, Revelation of God, Messianic Prophecy, Eschatological Hope, Messianic Fulfillment, Kingdom of God, Inaugurated Eschatology, Pentecost, Gifts of the Spirit, Missional Call, Consummation! 

JESUS CHRIST: At the heart of the Christian faith is the Person and Work of Jesus Christ! 

PROMISE: Jesus promised the Holy Spirit would be given to His followers. The Holy Spirit was to “baptize” the followers of Jesus! 

POWER: The presence of the Holy Spirit is the manifestation of God’s divine and miraculous power! The Holy Spirit empowers the people of God to fulfill our mission in God’s world. 

PENTECOST: The first Feast of Pentecost after the resurrection of Jesus marked the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus and the realization of the gift of the Holy Spirit. 

PENTECOSTAL POWER 

-Informative 

-Performative 

-Transformative 

We are Pentecostal People! 

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

May 17, 2026 

High School Graduate Sunday 

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 

EASTERTIDE 2026: Shaped by The Spirit 

April 12, 2026 – May 30, 2026 

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

-Jesus (John 14:25) 

Grace for Everyone! 

Ephesians 4:7-13 

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

Theme for Eastertide 2026:  Shaped by The Spirit 

THE ASCENSION – Paul uses Psalm 68 to highlight the victorious nature of the life and ministry of Christ who now has ascended to the right hand of the Father and is victoriously guiding the Church to fulfill its role in the Grand Plan of Redemption. (May 14 was Ascension Day.) 

UNITY IN DIVERSITY – God’s Spirit is at work in the Church through His provision of unity amidst the great diversity of people and gifts. 

CHRIST’S PROVISION – Our Lord has given the right people to His Church so that it may fulfill its mission! Churches have apostles, prophets, evangelists, shepherds, and teachers – as gifts from Christ Himself! 

This individualized dispensation of grace refers to Christ’s gifts to the church through the spiritual equipping of individuals, who will in turn prepare all members of the church for the building of the body. 
-Constantine Campbell, The Letter to the Ephesians 

GRACE FOR EVERYONE – Everyone is gifted! Everyone has a unique role and place both in and beyond the Church! The gifts are both for the good of the Church as well as for the good of each person!

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

May10, 2026 

Mother’s Day 

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 

EASTERTIDE 2026: Shaped by The Spirit 

April 12, 2026 – May 30, 2026 

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

-Jesus (John 14:25) 

We Can Do It! 

Ephesians 4:1-3 

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

Theme for Eastertide 2026:  Shaped by The Spirit 

 
WATCH YOUR STEP! 

WALK WORTHILY! 

DON’T STRUT! 

WALK TOGETHER! 

STAY TOGETHER!

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

May10, 2026 

Mother’s Day 

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 

EASTERTIDE 2026: Shaped by The Spirit 

April 12, 2026 – May 30, 2026 

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

-Jesus (John 14:25) 

We Can Do It! 

Ephesians 4:1-3 

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

Theme for Eastertide 2026:  Shaped by The Spirit 

 
WATCH YOUR STEP! 

WALK WORTHILY! 

DON’T STRUT! 

WALK TOGETHER! 

STAY TOGETHER!

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

May 3, 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 

EASTERTIDE 2026: Shaped by The Spirit 

April 12, 2026 – May 30, 2026 

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

-Jesus (John 14:25) 

Filled with The Spirit! 

Ephesians 5:15-21 

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER 

WATCH YOUR STEP! 

MIND YOUR WINE!

BE FILLED WITH THE SPIRIT! 

To ask us to be filled with the Spirit does not point to repeated charismatic experiences, as some claim. It is to ask us to focus our attention on Christ and his presence in us, to open ourselves to the continual transforming work of the Spirit so that the presence of Christ empowers and shapes our lives. The Spirit is to be the dominating influence for all Christians. 

-Klyne Snodgrass, NIV Application Commentary: Ephesians 

The indwelling Spirit . . . enlightens the intellect so that there is an ever-deepening insight into spiritual truth. He purifies the emotions and affections and fixes them on Christ, for his ministry is always Christo-centric. He reinforces the will, weakened by sinful indulgence, and imparts power to do the will of God. 

-J. Oswald Sanders, The Holy Spirit and His Gifts  

God can accomplish within us what we are unable to accomplish on our own! 

Spirit-Filled Produce: Communication, Worship, Gratitude, Submission 

Bearing Life-Fruit: love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control 

Curt Grice
Associate Pastor
April 26, 2026 

multi-year journey:  

Flourishing Together 

2026 (intentional discipleship):  

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

today:  

Formed for Flourishing 

today’s takeaway: 

Think about what you think about! 

Philippians 4:8 

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 

Romans 12:1-2 

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. 

• Receive God’s mercy 
• Offer yourself to God as a living sacrifice  
• Refuse to conform to the world 
• Choose to be transformed by the renewing of your mind 
• Know and do God’s will 

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

April 19, 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 

EASTERTIDE 2026: Shaped by The Spirit 

April 12, 2026 – May 30, 2026 

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

-Jesus (John 14:25) 

The New Temple 

1 Peter 2:4-10 

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

Theme for Eastertide 2026:  Shaped by The Spirit 

www.fbca.org/biblereadings 

A Disciple: A person being formed by Jesus as they follow Him in accomplishing His mission.  

SALVATION HISTORY: Creation, Fall, Judgment, Call of Abram, Covenantal People of God, Revelation of God, Redemption, Missional Call, Revelation of God, Messianic Prophecy, Eschatological Hope, Messianic Fulfillment, Kingdom of God, Inaugurated Eschatology, Pentecost, Gifts of the Spirit, Missional Call, Consummation! 

THE SECOND TEMPLE – The Second Temple was built by the Jews who returned from the Babylonian Exile. The project was overseen by Zerubbabel. The dedication of the new temple is recorded in Ezra 6. 

JESUS AND THE TEMPLE 
 

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

-John 1:14  

I tell you that something greater than the temple is here. 

-Jesus (Matthew 12:6) 

As Jesus was leaving the temple, one of his disciples said to him, “Look Teacher! What massive stones! What magnificent buildings!” “Do you see all these great buildings?” replied Jesus. “Not one stone here will be left on another; every one will be thrown down.” 

-Mark 13:1-2 

 
Destroy this temple, and I will raise it again in three days. 

-Jesus (John 2:19) 

A NEW ERA, A NEW TEMPLE 

“Our ancestors worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews claim that the place where we must worship is in Jerusalem.” 

“Woman,” Jesus replied, “believe me, a time is coming when you will worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem.You Samaritans worship what you do not know; we worship what we do know, for salvation is from the Jews.Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.”  

-John 4:20-24 

The God who made the world and everything in it is the Lord of heaven and earth and does not live in temples built by human hands.  

-Acts 17:24 

For we are the temple of the living God. As God has said: “I will live with them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they will be my people.” 

-2 Corinthians 6:16 

Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst? If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple. 

-1 Corinthians 3:16-17 

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone.In him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord.And in him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. 

-Ephesians 2:19-22 

THE CHURCH: The Church is the New Temple of God, comprised of living stones built upon the foundation of Jesus Himself, our Chief Cornerstone. We are to live holy lives that reflect the presence of God’s Spirit within us and among us. We declare His praises to a dark and needy world!

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

April 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 

EASTERTIDE 2026: Shaped by The Spirit 

April 12, 2026 – May 30, 2026 

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

-Jesus (John 14:25) 

Pentecostal People 

Acts 2:42-47 

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

Theme for Eastertide 2026:  Shaped by The Spirit 

Eastertide is the liturgical season that begins on Easter and culminates on Pentecost Sunday. Originally, it seems that Eastertide was a 40-day commemoration that focused on the 40 days in Jesus’ life between Easter Sunday and the Ascension. Over time, in the Western Church, the period was extended to 50 days to include Pentecost Sunday.  

www.fbca.org/biblereadings 

Flourishing Together 

Following The Jesus Way 

Knowing God Experiencing God Serving God 

   Saved    Shepherded      Sent 

   Shaped 

A Disciple: A person being formed by Jesus as they follow Him in accomplishing His mission.  

SALVATION HISTORY: Creation, Fall, Judgment, Call of Abram, Covenantal People of God, Revelation of God, Redemption, Missional Call, Revelation of God, Messianic Prophecy, Eschatological Hope, Messianic Fulfillment, Kingdom of God, Inaugurated Eschatology, Pentecost, Gifts of the Spirit, Missional Call, Consummation! 

THE HOLY SPIRIT: We believe the HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD! He convicts people of sin and draws them to Jesus. He indwells the life of each believer. He guides us into truth and seals us for eternity. He gifts each follower of Jesus to be useful in God’s hands in service to the church and world. He empowers the people of God to face the rigors of life on earth. 

(John 14:5-15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 12:1-11; Ephesians 1:13-14) 

Without the Holy Spirit, Christian discipleship would be inconceivable, even impossible. There can be no life without the life-giver, no understanding without the Spirit of truth, no fellowship without the unity of the Spirit, no Christlikeness of character apart from his fruit, and no effective witness without his power. As a body without breath is a corpse, so the church without the Spirit is dead. 

-John Stott 

REDEMPTION: Pentecost is a vital part of God’s saving activity through Jesus Christ.  

PRESENCE AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: Pentecost marks the gift of the Holy Spirit to the New Covenantal People of God (The Church). God’s people are now enabled to accomplish His Mission in His world. 

We are Pentecostal People!

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

Easter Sunday 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 

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd 

Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

-Jesus (John 10:11) 

He Lives! 

John 20:1-10 

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

Theme for Eastertide 2026: Shaped by The Spirit 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026:  The Good Shepherd 

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 

THE LAMB OF GOD: In a moment of prophetic clarity beyond his own full understanding, John the Baptist boldly said of Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) 

Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 

-John 11:49-52 

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
 stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
 he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
 and by his wounds we are healed. 

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
 each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
 the iniquity of us all. 

He was oppressed and afflicted,
 yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
 and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
 so he did not open his mouth. 

-Isaiah 53:4-7 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

-Romans 5:8 

THE LAMB OF GOD TODAY! 

Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 

-Revelation 5:6 

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: 

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
 to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
 and honor and glory and praise!” 

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
 be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!” 

-Revelation 5:11-13 

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 

-Revelation 7:9-10 

WHAT HAPPENED? 

EASTER SUNDAY! 

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ signals the fact that the Age to Come has been victoriously inaugurated on earth. Although sin still defiles, it has been defeated. Although death remains, it no longer reigns. 

He lives!