What The Bible Says To Know & Do

Religious liberty is one of the foundational reasons people first came to the Americas—and it's just as hot a topic today. From prayer breakfasts and protests to bakers and photographers, the question remains: What are Christians supposed to think about this? Where do we take a stand, and when do we yield? How do we engage in biblically informed conversations in a culture full of opinions?

In this episode, we dive into what Baptists believe about religious liberty, as outlined in Article XVII of the Baptist Faith & Message 2000, and explore what the Bible teaches about the church, the state, and the responsibilities of both. Featuring insights from the Book of Daniel and practical illustrations from today’s world, we tackle hard questions and help you apply biblical truth in a complex cultural landscape.

I. Your government is accountable to God for the way it treats the church. (Proverbs 21:1; Psalm 96:10)

What the government is not authorized to do

o  Force worship

o  Prohibit worship

o  Define worship

What the government is authorized to do—protect the church. (Romans 13:4)

II. The church is accountable to God for the way we treat the government.

What we must do

o  show loyalty

o influence it for God’s glory and man’s good

What we must not do— view the government as supreme.

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In this episode of Know and Do, we explore what the Bible says about itself and why it remains unshaken by opposition. Many arguments have been raised against Scripture, claiming it is contradictory, violent, outdated, or inconsistent with science. Yet, the Bible endures—unchanged and powerful. We’ll uncover why Scripture is the authoritative revelation of God, how the biblical authors treated it as sacred, and how it leads us directly to Jesus Christ.

I. The Bible is God's authoritative revelation to mankind. (1 Thess. 2:13; Ephesians 2:20)

Some characteristics of the Bible:

o  A lamp unto your feet (Ps 119:105)

o  Living and active and piercing to the heart (Heb 4:12)

o  Abiding forever (1 Pet 1:25)

o  Essential to your life (Mt 4:4)

o  Warning you of the pitfalls of this life (Ps 19:11)

o  Acting as a mirror to your soul (Ja 1:22–25)

II. The biblical authors treated the Bible as completely sacred. (2 Timothy 3:15-17; 2 Peter 1:21)

Some ways you should treat the Bible:

o  Meditate on it (Ps 1:2)

o  Be led by it to salvation (1 Tim 3:15)

o  Obey it (Lk 11:28)

o  Continue in it (Jn 8:31)

o  Keep it (Jn 14:23)

o  Hear it (Eph 1:13)

o  Receive it (1 Thess 2:13)

o  Read it (Mt 21:42)

o  Dwell in it (Eph 3:17)

o  Believe it (Jn 2:22)

o  Search it (Jn 5:39)

o  Praise it (Acts 13:48)

o  Hide it in your heart (Ps 119:11)

III. To understand the Bible is to understand the very character of God.

IV. The written word of God finds its end in the living word of God - Jesus Christ. (John 1:1-5; 14-10; Matthew 5:17-18)

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In this episode of Know and Do, we dive into the often-debated topic of gender roles in the church. We explore what Scripture teaches about who should hold teaching authority and examine the link between teaching and authority in the church. Our focus is on 1 Timothy 2:8-15, where Paul addresses the conduct of men and women during worship, and how that connects to God’s design for a healthy, thriving church.

Preliminary truths about women in Scripture:

• Women are affirmed in their intrinsic value (Gal. 3:28).

• Women ministered well to Jesus during his earthly ministry (Luke 8:1-3). 

• Women played a crucial role as primary witnesses of both Jesus’ death and resurrection. 

• The book of Acts touts several women in their faithful service to the church—Dorcas (Acts 9), Lydia (Acts 16), Priscilla (Acts 18), and godly women in the Berean and Thessalonian churches (Acts 17:12). 

• Paul greeted at least eight women in Romans 16, singling out Phoebe in particular for her service (Rom. 16:1). 

1. God Cares About What Happens in His Church (1 Tim. 2:8–10)

2. God Cares How People Learn in His Church (1 Tim. 2:11–12)

3. God Cares Who Teaches in His Church (1 Tim. 2:12–14)

4. The Great Teaching Responsibility of Women:

• Women should teach younger women (Titus 2:3-4)

• Women should teach their children: (2 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 3:14)

• Women and men can teach together (Acts 18:26)

• In addition, women could/should: 1) Proclaim Christ to non-believers 2) Hold positions of authority outside 3) Serve in other ministries inside the church

5. The Privilege of Women in the Church (1 Tim. 2:15)

Final Thoughts: God’s design for men and women in the church is not about restriction but about order and flourishing. When men and women function according to their good design, the church thrives, and both genders are most fulfilled.

Additional Resources:

• Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism by John Piper & Wayne Grudem

• Why We Can't Think Biblically About It: Women In Ministry by Mike Winger

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In this episode of Know and Do, we continue our series on Baptist Beliefs by exploring the function of the church. Before diving into topics like who is and is not part of the church and gender roles (coming next week), we first must understand how God designed the church to function. Many people have different ideas about what the church should do, but by looking at Scripture, we gain a clearer understanding of its true purpose.

Important Functions of the Church (not exhaustive)

1. Glorify God through worship. (Romans 12:1-2, Colossians 3:16-17, Hebrews 10:24-25)

2. Multiply believers through outreach (Go and Tell): Matthew 28:18-20

• Three facets of “Go and Tell” as defined at FBCW: Evangelism, Missions, and Gospel-Driven Compassion Ministry.

3. Grow together through discipleship. (Ephesians 2:20, Proverbs 27:17)

4. Provide deep-rooted community (biblical fellowship). (John 13:34-35)

For additional reflection questions, use this handout!

Until next week, grace and peace!

Family is foundational—not just to society but to God’s design for human life. Whether your family is a source of joy or struggle, we are all inextricably linked to our families. In this episode of Know and Do, we explore what the Bible teaches about family, why it’s essential, and how Christ ultimately redeems it.

We’ll dive into the Baptist Faith and Message 2000, specifically Article XVIII on the Family, to understand God’s purpose for family and how we are called to live within it. From the covenants of the Old Testament to the teachings of Jesus, we’ll see how family is both a reflection of God’s kingdom and a reality we often struggle with. But there is hope—Christ affirms the family structure and redeems it for His glory.

Key Points:

• Family is the foundation of society, woven into God’s plan from creation.

• Throughout Scripture, family plays a crucial role in God’s covenant promises.

• Despite its importance, families have always faced struggles—from Adam and Eve to the present day.

• Culture often distorts or undermines family, leading to real-world consequences.

• Jesus doesn’t discard the concept of family but fulfills and redeems it, calling us into a greater spiritual family in Him.

I. Family is the foundation of society. Without family, we do not exist.

1.    Family in the Creation covenant (Genesis 2:24)

2.    Family in the Noahic covenant (Genesis 6:18)

3.    Family in the Abrahamic covenant (Genesis 17:5-6)

4.    Family in the Mosaic covenant (Exodus 19:3-6)

5.    Family in the Davidic covenant (2 Samuel 7:12-13)

II. As much as we need family, we still fight against it.

    - In each Old Testament covenant, the family fought itself.  

o  Creation Covenant— Adam and Eve, Cain and Able

o  Noahic Covenant— Noah and Ham

o  Abrahamic Covenant— Abraham and Hagar

o  Mosaic Covenant— Israel and idols

o  Davidic Covenant— David and Bathsheba

     - A good way to try to destroy God’s work in the world— destroy families.

III. While we may fight against family, Christ redeems it.

Scripture References: Luke 2:49, Matthew 12:48–49, Matthew 10:37, Matthew 3:9, John 3:3, Ephesians 5:31–32, Hebrews 2:11–12, Ephesians 1:3–5

Here is a handout with a sample passage and reflection questions!

If this episode encouraged you, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a friend. Until next time—grace and peace!

In this episode of Know and Do, we continue our series on Baptist beliefs by exploring Article IV of the Baptist Faith and Message 2000—Salvation. This doctrine is foundational to Christianity, yet often misunderstood or debated.

Understanding Salvation

Salvation is God’s work—bringing the spiritually dead to life, transforming enemies into His children, and opening the eyes of the blind. It can be difficult to understand, so relying on God’s Word rather than personal opinions is essential.

What’s at Stake?

Misunderstanding salvation can lead to false assurance or unnecessary fear in believers.

A clear biblical understanding ensures we know what it means to be genuinely saved.

The Four Aspects of Salvation:

Regeneration – (being made new)

Justification – (being declared just)

Sanctification – (the process of becoming holy)

Glorification – (the final product)

Biblical Foundations

Primary Scripture: Colossians 3:1–4

Additional key verses: John 6:44, Titus 3:5, Ezekiel 36:26, Psalm 110:1, 1 Peter 1:2

Practical Takeaways

• God initiates and accomplishes salvation, but believers are called to respond in faith.

• A saved life is marked by a heavenly mindset, seeking Christ above all.

• The hope of glorification gives believers confidence and assurance in their faith.

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In this episode of Know and Do, we continue our series on Baptist beliefs by diving into the doctrine of mankind. What does it mean to be human? How does our worth relate to God? And why do we struggle with brokenness? We explore these questions through the lens of Scripture, focusing on the Imago Dei, our fallen nature, and the hope of redemption through Christ.

I. We are formed in God’s image, the Imago Dei.  

· Genesis 1:26, 2:7

· Genesis 1:31

· Genesis 2:2

II. We have failed to properly reflect God’s image.      

· Genesis 3:8–11

III. Though distorted, we still bear God’s image.  

· Genesis 9:6

· James 3:9

IV. To be made whole, must be reborn in God’s image.

· Ephesians 4:22–24

· 2 Corinthians 3:18

V. In the image of Christ, we are glorified for God’s glory.

· Romans 8:29–20

· Colossians 3:4

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Welcome to another episode of the Know and Do podcast, where we train people to know God deeply and do what brings Him the most glory. This episode is part of our study on Baptist Beliefs—or if you're feeling fancy, systematic theology. We're diving into what Baptists believe about God, guided by the Baptist Faith & Message 2000 (BF&M 2000).

You can check out the full document here: https://bfm.sbc.net/bfm2000/

The BF&M 2000 states: "There is one and only one living and true God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe. God is infinite in holiness and all other perfections. God is all-powerful and all-knowing; and His perfect knowledge extends to all things, past, present, and future, including the future decisions of His free creatures. To Him we owe the highest love, reverence, and obedience. The eternal triune God reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.”

Tonight, we’re talking about God—who He is and why it matters. Let’s get started!

God is . . .

I. One, living, and true 

·      One

o  “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.” — Deuteronomy 6:4–5

o  “See now that I, even I, am he, and there is no god beside me; I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand.” — Deuteronomy 32:39

·      Living

o  "But the Lord is the true God; he is the living God and the everlasting King. At his wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure his indignation.” — Jeremiah 10:10

o  “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: “I am has sent me to you.”’” — Exodus 3:14

o  “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” — Hebrews 11:6

·      True

o  “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.” — John 17:17

o  “Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” — John 14:6

o  “ in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began” — Titus 1:2

II. Omni-perfect

Omnipotent

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” — Hebrews 1:3

“But Jesus looked at them and said, ‘With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.’”— Matthew 19:26

Omnipresent

“If I ascend to heaven, you are there! If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there! ”—Psalm 139:8

Omniscient

“Great is our Lord, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.” — Psalm 147:5

III. Apart from us and present with us

·      Apart from us —incommunicable attributes (mostly)

o  Aseity — (he is other) “For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.” — John 5:26

o  Self-sufficient — “nor is he served by human hands, as though he needed anything, since he himself gives to all mankind life and breath and everything.”—Acts 17:25

o  Self-existent — “God said to Moses, ‘I am who I am.’ And he said, ‘Say this to the people of Israel: “I am has sent me to you.”’” — Exodus 3:14

Infinite —“But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you; how much less this house that I have built!” — 1 Kings 8:27

Eternal— “Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you had formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.” — Psalm 90:2

o  Holy — “And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, ‘Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!’” — Revelation 4:8

Immutable/Impassable — “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” — James 1:17

o  Impeccable — (incapable of sin) “so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us.” — Hebrews 6:18

o  Incomprehensible —“Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable.”— Isaiah 40:28

o  Incorporeal —“God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”— John 4:24

o  Righteous—“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”— Romans 1:17

o  Sovereign—“declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose” — Isaiah 46:10

o  Transcendent —(exists outside of time/space) “For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: ’I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.’” —Isaiah 57:15

o  Wrathful —“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”— John 3:36

·      Present with us —communicable attributes (mostly)

o  Immanent — “. . . In him we live and move and have our being . . .” — Acts 17:28

o  Good/kind — “Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God's kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.” — Romans 11:22

o  Gracious —“The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness”—Exodus 34:5–6

o  Jealous —“You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my commandments.” — Exodus 20:5–6

o  Love —“Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love. . . So we have come to know and to believe the love that God has for us. God is love, and whoever abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him.”— 1 John 4:8, 16

IV. Triune

·      Three persons

o  Father is God

• Matthew 6:26–30 finds Jesus using the terms “Father” and “God” interchangeably.

o  Son is God

• “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power.” — Hebrews 1:3

• “Thomas answered him, ‘My Lord and my God!’ Jesus said to him, ‘Have you believed because you have seen me? Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.’”— John 20:28–29

o  Holy Spirit is God

• “But Peter said, ‘Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit. . . You have not lied to man but to God.’” — Acts 5:3–4

o  The three distinct from one another

• “And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; 17and behold, a voice from heaven said, ‘This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.’” — Matthew 3:16–17

·      Perfect Unity

o  “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.’” — Genesis 1:26 (see also 3:22; 11:7; Is. 6:8)

o  “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” — Matthew 28:19

o  “And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.” — 2 Corinthians 1:21–22

V. Worthy of absolute worship.

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Welcome to another episode of the Know and Do podcast, where we seek to train people to know God deeply and do the things that bring Him the most glory. In this episode, we explore the spiritual discipline of fasting. Building on a previous lesson about prayer, we now dive into what fasting is, why it matters, and how to practice it biblically.

1. What is Fasting?

Biblical Definition: Refraining from food and/or drink to draw closer to God.

2. Why Should I Fast?

Biblical Expectation: Matthew 6:16-17 – Jesus says, "When you fast," implying that it is an expected practice.

3. Biblical Reasons for Fasting

• Strengthening prayer life (Ezra 8:23, Nehemiah, Daniel, Esther, Paul & Barnabas)

• Seeking God's guidance (Judges 20:26, Acts 14:23)

• Expressing grief (1 Samuel 31:13, 2 Samuel 1:11-12)

• Repentance (Jonah 3:5-8)

• Seeking deliverance or protection (2 Chronicles 20:3-4, Esther 4:16)

• Humbling before God (1 Kings 21:27-29)

• Expressing concern for God's work (Nehemiah 1:3-4)

• Caring for others (Isaiah 58:3-7)

• As a reminder to worship (Matthew 4:4, John 6:51)

4. How to Fast Practically: Consider 1) What to give up, 2) how long to fast, 3) how often to fast, 4) who is involved.

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This episode explores the spiritual discipline of worship, a word that extends beyond religious circles and is commonly used in everyday language. Whether describing devotion to a significant other, admiration of a celebrity, or brand loyalty, the idea of worship is ever-present. But what does true worship mean in a biblical sense? Let’s explore this together.

What Is Worship?

Definition by Donald Whitney: “Worship is focusing on and responding to God.”

Two Important Facts About Worship:

1. We Are Created to Worship (Genesis 1:27-28, Psalm 66:1-4, Romans 1:25)

2. God Cares Not Just That We Worship, But How We Worship (Exodus 25, Genesis 4:3-8, Exodus 32:1-6, Matthew 15:1-14, John 4:20-26, Colossians 2:16-19, 2 Timothy 3:17).

Three Important Aspects of Worship:

1. Corporate Worship (Hebrews 10:24-25)

2. Private Worship(Luke 5:16, Matthew 6:6).

3. Lifestyle Worship

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