First Baptist Church of Arlington - FBCA Podcast

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington October 2, 2022 2022 Re- . . . FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate September 4 – November 5, 2022 Re-Dedicate: Your Gifts are Needed! 1 Corinthians 12 Podcast: Tell Me More www.thesacramentaljourney.org CONTEXT: The Corinthian church was in chaos with regards to public worship and the utilization of the public gifts of prophecy and tongues. (1 Corinthians 12-14) CHURCH: The Church is a spiritual organism. UNITY: All spiritual gifts are given to members of the church by our Triune God. This provides the foundational unity needed in a diverse body of believers. DIVERSITY: The diversity of gifts reflects the diversity of ministries represented through the church. DISTRIBUTION: Everybody is included in the distribution of gifts! GOAL: We are to all work together for the common good!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington October 2, 2022 2022 Re- . . . FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate September 4 – November 5, 2022 Re-Dedicate: Your Gifts are Needed! 1 Corinthians 12 Podcast: Tell Me More www.thesacramentaljourney.org CONTEXT: The Corinthian church was in chaos with regards to public worship and the utilization of the public gifts of prophecy and tongues. (1 Corinthians 12-14) CHURCH: The Church is a spiritual organism. UNITY: All spiritual gifts are given to members of the church by our Triune God. This provides the foundational unity needed in a diverse body of believers. DIVERSITY: The diversity of gifts reflects the diversity of ministries represented through the church. DISTRIBUTION: Everybody is included in the distribution of gifts! GOAL: We are to all work together for the common good!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington September 25, 2022 2022 Re- . . . FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate September 4 – November 5, 2022 Re-Dedicate: The Sacramental Life 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 What in the world was going on in Corinth? Idolatry was at the heart of Paul's concern. The Presenting Issues 1. Could Christians attend festivals at pagan temples and eat the food sacrificed to pagan gods? 2. Could Christians eat meat sold at Corinthian markets? 3. How should Christians respond to dinner invitations from pagans? Could they eat the meat served in the homes of pagans? What was at stake? SUMMARY: Here is the challenge presented in 1 Corinthians and the same one we face today: How do we live holy and sacred lives in the midst of unholy societies? More pointedly, how do we live the Sacramental Life and still participate in the broader society as authentic witnesses for Christ? SUGGESTIONS 1. We must be mature in our faith. 2. We are called to be salt and light. 3. We must be thoughtful, authentic, Spirit-led, and creative as we engage a non-Christian society as Christians

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington September 25, 2022 2022 Re- . . . FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate September 4 – November 5, 2022 Re-Dedicate: The Sacramental Life 1 Corinthians 10:23-11:1 What in the world was going on in Corinth? Idolatry was at the heart of Paul's concern. The Presenting Issues 1. Could Christians attend festivals at pagan temples and eat the food sacrificed to pagan gods? 2. Could Christians eat meat sold at Corinthian markets? 3. How should Christians respond to dinner invitations from pagans? Could they eat the meat served in the homes of pagans? What was at stake? SUMMARY: Here is the challenge presented in 1 Corinthians and the same one we face today: How do we live holy and sacred lives in the midst of unholy societies? More pointedly, how do we live the Sacramental Life and still participate in the broader society as authentic witnesses for Christ? SUGGESTIONS 1. We must be mature in our faith. 2. We are called to be salt and light. 3. We must be thoughtful, authentic, Spirit-led, and creative as we engage a non-Christian society as Christians

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington September 18, 2022 2022 Re- . . . FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate September 4 – November 5, 2022 Re-Dedicate: Your Church Needs You! 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 The church is not a cohesive community but a club, whose meetings provide important moments of spiritual insight and exaltation, but do not have global implications of moral and social change. The Corinthians could gladly participate in this church as one segment of their lives. But the segment, however important, is not the whole and the centre. Their perception of their church and of the significance of their faith could correlate well with a lifestyle which remained fully integrated in Corinthian society. -J. M. B. Barclay, Thessalonica and Corinth The church at Corinth in the first century was facing: division, incest, internal lawsuits, sexual immorality, questions about Christian marriage, arguments concerning meat purchased in the marketplace, debates about numerous issues in public worship, ignorance about spiritual gifts, misunderstanding about the resurrection, and eschatological debates. What issues are we facing as a church in Arlington, Texas in the 21st century? Your church needs you! 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) We are working to build a colony of heaven, an expression of the Kingdom of God, an example of God's redemptive work ----- right here on earth in Arlington, Texas!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington September 18, 2022 2022 Re- . . . FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate September 4 – November 5, 2022 Re-Dedicate: Your Church Needs You! 1 Corinthians 3:5-9 The church is not a cohesive community but a club, whose meetings provide important moments of spiritual insight and exaltation, but do not have global implications of moral and social change. The Corinthians could gladly participate in this church as one segment of their lives. But the segment, however important, is not the whole and the centre. Their perception of their church and of the significance of their faith could correlate well with a lifestyle which remained fully integrated in Corinthian society. -J. M. B. Barclay, Thessalonica and Corinth The church at Corinth in the first century was facing: division, incest, internal lawsuits, sexual immorality, questions about Christian marriage, arguments concerning meat purchased in the marketplace, debates about numerous issues in public worship, ignorance about spiritual gifts, misunderstanding about the resurrection, and eschatological debates. What issues are we facing as a church in Arlington, Texas in the 21st century? Your church needs you! 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) We are working to build a colony of heaven, an expression of the Kingdom of God, an example of God's redemptive work ----- right here on earth in Arlington, Texas!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington September 4, 2022 2022 Re- . . . FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate September 4 – November 5, 2022 Re-Dedicate: Our Message Matters! 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 FBC Arlington 2022: Re- . . . Winter: Re-Flect Easter: Re-Deem Spring: Re-Concile Summer: Re-Create August: Re-Joice Fall: Re-Dedicate Missions: Re-Claim Advent: Re-Member From a seasonal perspective, Fall is an opportune time to encourage people to re-engage, re-establish rhythms, re-connect, and RE-Dedicate. From a theological perspective, 1 Corinthians offers an opportunity to frame some important conversations in the context of a 1st-century church facing the challenges imposed by its setting in the pluralistic reality of Corinth. -Dennis R. Wiles SERMON TITLE SLIDE Re-Dedication: Our Message Matters Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Our society is riddled with many messages that claim to be the truth. Our temptation as contemporary, western Christians is to succumb to a message of reductionism or accommodation. Why does it matter? The message of Christianity embodies a theology of creation, sin, and redemption. The gospel transforms the cross as a symbol of Roman terror and political domination into a symbol of God's love and power. It shows that the power of God's love is greater than human love of power. -David E. Garland, 1 Corinthians Cheap grace means the justification of the sin without the justification of the sinner, forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline . . . the world goes on in the same old way . . . grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington September 4, 2022 2022 Re- . . . FALL 2022 Re-Dedicate September 4 – November 5, 2022 Re-Dedicate: Our Message Matters! 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 FBC Arlington 2022: Re- . . . Winter: Re-Flect Easter: Re-Deem Spring: Re-Concile Summer: Re-Create August: Re-Joice Fall: Re-Dedicate Missions: Re-Claim Advent: Re-Member From a seasonal perspective, Fall is an opportune time to encourage people to re-engage, re-establish rhythms, re-connect, and RE-Dedicate. From a theological perspective, 1 Corinthians offers an opportunity to frame some important conversations in the context of a 1st-century church facing the challenges imposed by its setting in the pluralistic reality of Corinth. -Dennis R. Wiles SERMON TITLE SLIDE Re-Dedication: Our Message Matters Text: 1 Corinthians 1:18-25 Our society is riddled with many messages that claim to be the truth. Our temptation as contemporary, western Christians is to succumb to a message of reductionism or accommodation. Why does it matter? The message of Christianity embodies a theology of creation, sin, and redemption. The gospel transforms the cross as a symbol of Roman terror and political domination into a symbol of God's love and power. It shows that the power of God's love is greater than human love of power. -David E. Garland, 1 Corinthians Cheap grace means the justification of the sin without the justification of the sinner, forgiveness without requiring repentance, baptism without church discipline . . . the world goes on in the same old way . . . grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ. -Dietrich Bonhoeffer, The Cost of Discipleship

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington August 28, 2022 2022 Re- . . . AUGUST 2022 Re-Joice August 7 – September 3, 2022 The Peace of God Philippians 4:4-9 Posture in responding to it all! Prayer in the face of it all! Peace in the midst of it all! Perspective to prepare for it all! Practice to deal with it all!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington August 28, 2022 2022 Re- . . . AUGUST 2022 Re-Joice August 7 – September 3, 2022 The Peace of God Philippians 4:4-9 Posture in responding to it all! Prayer in the face of it all! Peace in the midst of it all! Perspective to prepare for it all! Practice to deal with it all!

Session 3: The Power of the Gospel Philippians 3-4

Session 3: The Power of the Gospel Philippians 3-4

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington August 21, 2022 2022 Re- . . . AUGUST 2022 Re-Joice August 7 – September 3, 2022 The Prize of the High Calling Philippians 3:7-14 Salvation in Christ alone! Surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus! Striving toward the prize!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington August 21, 2022 2022 Re- . . . AUGUST 2022 Re-Joice August 7 – September 3, 2022 The Prize of the High Calling Philippians 3:7-14 Salvation in Christ alone! Surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus! Striving toward the prize!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington August 14, 2022 SUMMER BIBLE STUDY AUGUST 2022 Sunday Nights in August A Study of the Book of Philippians SESSION 2: THE PERSON OF CHRIST THE PRESENCE OF CO-LABORERS Philippians 2 APOSTOLIC EXHORTATIONS (Philippians 2:1-5; 12-18) Foundation Call to Unity Call to Humility Call to Christlikeness Nature of Salvation Regeneration Sanctification Glorification Children of God THE PERSON OF CHRIST (2:6-11) Nature of the Text -Kerygmatic -Ethical -Hymn, Poem, Pauline? Pre-Existence of Christ Emptying Himself (kenosis) Taking on Human Form (Incarnation) Humility Obedience unto Death Exaltation of Christ THE PRESENCE OF CO-LABORERS (Philippians 2:19-30) Timothy Epaphroditus

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington August 14, 2022 SUMMER BIBLE STUDY AUGUST 2022 Sunday Nights in August A Study of the Book of Philippians SESSION 2: THE PERSON OF CHRIST THE PRESENCE OF CO-LABORERS Philippians 2 APOSTOLIC EXHORTATIONS (Philippians 2:1-5; 12-18) Foundation Call to Unity Call to Humility Call to Christlikeness Nature of Salvation Regeneration Sanctification Glorification Children of God THE PERSON OF CHRIST (2:6-11) Nature of the Text -Kerygmatic -Ethical -Hymn, Poem, Pauline? Pre-Existence of Christ Emptying Himself (kenosis) Taking on Human Form (Incarnation) Humility Obedience unto Death Exaltation of Christ THE PRESENCE OF CO-LABORERS (Philippians 2:19-30) Timothy Epaphroditus

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington August 14, 2022 2022 Re- . . . AUGUST 2022 Re-Joice August 7 – September 3, 2022 The Pre-Eminence of Christ Jesus Philippians 2:1-11 WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO! -Be Unified -Be Unselfish -Be Humble -Be Christ-like WHAT CHRIST JESUS HAS DONE! -Surrendered His Place -Emptied Himself -Humbled Himself -Became Human -Obeyed the Father WHAT GOD HAS DONE! -Exalted Christ -Ascribed Him His Matchless Name -Crowned Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington August 14, 2022 2022 Re- . . . AUGUST 2022 Re-Joice August 7 – September 3, 2022 The Pre-Eminence of Christ Jesus Philippians 2:1-11 WHAT GOD WANTS US TO DO! -Be Unified -Be Unselfish -Be Humble -Be Christ-like WHAT CHRIST JESUS HAS DONE! -Surrendered His Place -Emptied Himself -Humbled Himself -Became Human -Obeyed the Father WHAT GOD HAS DONE! -Exalted Christ -Ascribed Him His Matchless Name -Crowned Him King of Kings and Lord of Lords

The Progress of the Gospel

The Progress of the Gospel

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington August 7, 2022 2022 Re- . . . AUGUST 2022 Re-Joice August 7 – September 3, 2022 The Power of the Gospel Philippians 1:3-6 Theme for August 2022: RE-JOICE WHAT DO THESE WORDS MEAN? Joy – A deep and abiding sense of the presence of God that transcends circumstances. Partnership – A shared commitment to sharing the Gospel. Gospel – This incredibly good news that culminates in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ! Day of Christ Jesus – The final Day of redemption and judgment. Paul expresses his deep, heartfelt gratitude for two primary reasons: 1. The Partnership in the Gospel 2. The Power of the Gospel

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington August 7, 2022 2022 Re- . . . AUGUST 2022 Re-Joice August 7 – September 3, 2022 The Power of the Gospel Philippians 1:3-6 Theme for August 2022: RE-JOICE WHAT DO THESE WORDS MEAN? Joy – A deep and abiding sense of the presence of God that transcends circumstances. Partnership – A shared commitment to sharing the Gospel. Gospel – This incredibly good news that culminates in the Person and Work of Jesus Christ! Day of Christ Jesus – The final Day of redemption and judgment. Paul expresses his deep, heartfelt gratitude for two primary reasons: 1. The Partnership in the Gospel 2. The Power of the Gospel

Luke Stehr Community Engagement Coordinator The End of the Matter Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. Proverbs 27:14 Cause: Loud Blessing Early in the Morning Effect: Angry neighbor “Qoholet surveys the physical (toil and death), economic (labor and gain), and sociopolitical (injustice and the supreme power of rulers) realms as well. The world does not operate according to our ideal expectations … These are the exceptions that occur in the life of God's people, who are saved by God's grace yet are marked by fallen human nature.” · Elaine Goh How do we live well when the world doesn't operate according to our ideal expectations? If everything is meaningless, fleeting, vain, or foggy, what do we do? Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is evil or good. “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King.” · Mr. Beaver, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31 Tracing Wisdom from Proverbs through Job and eventually to Ecclesiastes, a believer in God embraces Torah obedience while growing in faith. Such obedience demands serious engagement with the harsh realities of life (such as the suffering of the righteous, toil, and death), and the ultimate presence or absence of God .. A believer in God grows from a simple faith to a faith in crisis and then a renewed faith. -Elaine Goh As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:9-14, 17

Luke Stehr Community Engagement Coordinator The End of the Matter Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 If anyone loudly blesses their neighbor early in the morning, it will be taken as a curse. Proverbs 27:14 Cause: Loud Blessing Early in the Morning Effect: Angry neighbor “Qoholet surveys the physical (toil and death), economic (labor and gain), and sociopolitical (injustice and the supreme power of rulers) realms as well. The world does not operate according to our ideal expectations … These are the exceptions that occur in the life of God's people, who are saved by God's grace yet are marked by fallen human nature.” · Elaine Goh How do we live well when the world doesn't operate according to our ideal expectations? If everything is meaningless, fleeting, vain, or foggy, what do we do? Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is evil or good. “Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King.” · Mr. Beaver, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no commandment greater than these. Mark 12:30-31 Tracing Wisdom from Proverbs through Job and eventually to Ecclesiastes, a believer in God embraces Torah obedience while growing in faith. Such obedience demands serious engagement with the harsh realities of life (such as the suffering of the righteous, toil, and death), and the ultimate presence or absence of God .. A believer in God grows from a simple faith to a faith in crisis and then a renewed faith. -Elaine Goh As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commands and remain in his love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. This is my command: Love each other. John 15:9-14, 17

Dr. Jack Goodyear July 24, 2022 Good Governments Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 Unlucky the land whose king is a young pup, ​ And whose princes party all night.​ Lucky the land whose king is mature,​ Where the princes behave themselves​ And don't drink themselves silly.​ -Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 (The Message) “Despite their radical differences in terms of theology, both Williams and Jefferson agreed on the desirability of religious disestablishment, Williams because he sought to maintain a pure church and Jefferson because he sought political stability...It has lent political stability by diverting social discontent into the religious sphere, and it has ensured religious vitality by guaranteeing untrammeled expression in the free marketplace of American religion.” – Randall Balmer, Blesses Assurance​  1. Good government requires leaders of good character 2. Good government requires good followers​ 3. Good government requires church and state separation​ “The gospel we preach and teach is not an individual gospel or a social gospel. It is a gospel that knows no limits in its application to life. It is a message for the total man, and hence it is also a message for every aspect of the world in which we live.” – T. B. Maston​ “Let us develop a kind of dangerous unselfishness.” – Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. ​ “For the church to be the church and the state to be the state requires that the identity of each be clearly maintained. Allegiance to God and allegiance to Caesar are never to be the same, and in fact suggest always a conflict or tension with which the Christian knows he must live. National loyalty is not the supreme allegiance of man…The very mixing of allegiance to God with patriotism, so characteristic of many of the militant organized movements today crusading under the banner of Americanism, is a dangerous threat to both the freedom of the state and the freedom of the church.” – James E. Wood, Jr.​ “Christianity has adjusted itself much too easily to the worship of power. It should give much more offence, more shock to the world, than it is doing. Christianity should take a much more definite stand for the weak than for the potential moral right of the strong.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer​ “The rising tide of American nationalism, which seeks to express itself in terms of religious faith, would make religion in America a culture religion or tribal faith. To be a good American and to be a good Christian are not one and the same and can never be… God and religion are not something our nation can possess or which can be contained within our national life; nor is God some national resource we can harness or use to serve our national interests...The mere claim of a nation that it is on God's side is of no real consequence at all, and may actually be more an expression of blasphemy than godliness.” – James E. Wood, Jr.​ “To some, you're too conservative. To others, you're too liberal. To be a Christ follower is to be faithful amid tension. To stay engaged, to remain hopeful, to love anyway, to walk with integrity, and to bear witness to the love, mercy, and grace of Christ. This is becoming increasingly difficult, but such is our call as followers of Jesus. It's not merely what we believe but also how we engage.” – Eugene Cho, Though Shalt Not Be a Jerk​ “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8 (NIV)​

Dr. Jack Goodyear July 24, 2022 Good Governments Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 Unlucky the land whose king is a young pup, ​ And whose princes party all night.​ Lucky the land whose king is mature,​ Where the princes behave themselves​ And don't drink themselves silly.​ -Ecclesiastes 10:16-17 (The Message) “Despite their radical differences in terms of theology, both Williams and Jefferson agreed on the desirability of religious disestablishment, Williams because he sought to maintain a pure church and Jefferson because he sought political stability...It has lent political stability by diverting social discontent into the religious sphere, and it has ensured religious vitality by guaranteeing untrammeled expression in the free marketplace of American religion.” – Randall Balmer, Blesses Assurance​  1. Good government requires leaders of good character 2. Good government requires good followers​ 3. Good government requires church and state separation​ “The gospel we preach and teach is not an individual gospel or a social gospel. It is a gospel that knows no limits in its application to life. It is a message for the total man, and hence it is also a message for every aspect of the world in which we live.” – T. B. Maston​ “Let us develop a kind of dangerous unselfishness.” – Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. ​ “For the church to be the church and the state to be the state requires that the identity of each be clearly maintained. Allegiance to God and allegiance to Caesar are never to be the same, and in fact suggest always a conflict or tension with which the Christian knows he must live. National loyalty is not the supreme allegiance of man…The very mixing of allegiance to God with patriotism, so characteristic of many of the militant organized movements today crusading under the banner of Americanism, is a dangerous threat to both the freedom of the state and the freedom of the church.” – James E. Wood, Jr.​ “Christianity has adjusted itself much too easily to the worship of power. It should give much more offence, more shock to the world, than it is doing. Christianity should take a much more definite stand for the weak than for the potential moral right of the strong.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer​ “The rising tide of American nationalism, which seeks to express itself in terms of religious faith, would make religion in America a culture religion or tribal faith. To be a good American and to be a good Christian are not one and the same and can never be… God and religion are not something our nation can possess or which can be contained within our national life; nor is God some national resource we can harness or use to serve our national interests...The mere claim of a nation that it is on God's side is of no real consequence at all, and may actually be more an expression of blasphemy than godliness.” – James E. Wood, Jr.​ “To some, you're too conservative. To others, you're too liberal. To be a Christ follower is to be faithful amid tension. To stay engaged, to remain hopeful, to love anyway, to walk with integrity, and to bear witness to the love, mercy, and grace of Christ. This is becoming increasingly difficult, but such is our call as followers of Jesus. It's not merely what we believe but also how we engage.” – Eugene Cho, Though Shalt Not Be a Jerk​ “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8 (NIV)​

Katy Reed-Hodges Minister of Congregational Life Consider God! Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 13 Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? 14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future. “Although certain ways of being and behaving are wiser than others and in general tend toward life rather than death… in the end we must remember that the universe is not a predictable machine but a personally governed and complex space. Wisdom is not magic. God is not an object to be manipulated, more does God's world belong to human beings. If God makes something crooked, it is beyond human power to make it straight.” – Dr. Iain Provan (Regent Seminary) The consensus regarding sovereignty: 1) God is the good and just governor of nature and history in that he not only created but also sustains, guides, provides for and judges everything; 2) Nothing at all can happen in either nature or history that God does not at least allow; 3) God's sovereign governance of nature and history is both “general” (i.e., through natural laws built into processes) and “special” (i.e.; extending to details of people's lives). Meticulous Providence – Whatever happens in nature and history is completely, exhaustively willed by God and not merely permitted. (Calvinism) Limited Providence – God restrains himself for the sake of a certain, limited degree of autonomy of both nature and human agency. Promotes true moral freedom of choice. (Arminianism) There is one wiser than Solomon

Katy Reed-Hodges Minister of Congregational Life Consider God! Ecclesiastes 7:13-14 13 Consider what God has done: Who can straighten what he has made crooked? 14 When times are good, be happy; but when times are bad, consider this: God has made the one as well as the other. Therefore, no one can discover anything about their future. “Although certain ways of being and behaving are wiser than others and in general tend toward life rather than death… in the end we must remember that the universe is not a predictable machine but a personally governed and complex space. Wisdom is not magic. God is not an object to be manipulated, more does God's world belong to human beings. If God makes something crooked, it is beyond human power to make it straight.” – Dr. Iain Provan (Regent Seminary) The consensus regarding sovereignty: 1) God is the good and just governor of nature and history in that he not only created but also sustains, guides, provides for and judges everything; 2) Nothing at all can happen in either nature or history that God does not at least allow; 3) God's sovereign governance of nature and history is both “general” (i.e., through natural laws built into processes) and “special” (i.e.; extending to details of people's lives). Meticulous Providence – Whatever happens in nature and history is completely, exhaustively willed by God and not merely permitted. (Calvinism) Limited Providence – God restrains himself for the sake of a certain, limited degree of autonomy of both nature and human agency. Promotes true moral freedom of choice. (Arminianism) There is one wiser than Solomon

Dr. Gary Stidham UST BSM Director "God's Words Shape God's People" Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 George Müller, 1805-1898 "Before I die, I'd like to read more of the Bible, Because I still know little of the excellence of Christ." Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 1Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. 3 A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool. 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God. 1. The Word of God: Sufficient 2. The Worship of God: Reverent J.C. Ryle, 1818-1900 "Let us never forget that our feelings about Sundays are sure tests of the state of our souls. The person who can find no pleasure in giving God one day in the week is manifestly unfit for heaven. Heaven itself is nothing but an eternal Sabbath.”

Dr. Gary Stidham UST BSM Director "God's Words Shape God's People" Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 George Müller, 1805-1898 "Before I die, I'd like to read more of the Bible, Because I still know little of the excellence of Christ." Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 1Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. Go near to listen rather than to offer the sacrifice of fools, who do not know that they do wrong. 2 Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few. 3 A dream comes when there are many cares, and many words mark the speech of a fool. 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to fulfill it. He has no pleasure in fools; fulfill your vow. 5 It is better not to make a vow than to make one and not fulfill it. 6 Do not let your mouth lead you into sin. And do not protest to the temple messenger, “My vow was a mistake.” Why should God be angry at what you say and destroy the work of your hands? 7 Much dreaming and many words are meaningless. Therefore fear God. 1. The Word of God: Sufficient 2. The Worship of God: Reverent J.C. Ryle, 1818-1900 "Let us never forget that our feelings about Sundays are sure tests of the state of our souls. The person who can find no pleasure in giving God one day in the week is manifestly unfit for heaven. Heaven itself is nothing but an eternal Sabbath.”

Curt Grice July 3, 2022 “Redeem the Time!” 4th of July… America's Independence Day… a celebration of freedom Freedom is precious, but easy to take for granted. Like good health, freedom is not always appreciated until it's lost. John 8:31-32,36 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Wisdom Literature… designed to help us gain insight and perspective Qoheleth… the Teacher… the one who addresses the assembly Seeking to understand life "under the sun"… reflecting on a broken world from a limited human perspective in light of God's majesty and sovereignty Proverbs “…for gaining wisdom and perspective; for understanding and insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life; doing what is right and just and fair. Wisdom will protect you. Understanding will guard you.” Ecclesiastes Life is short, complex, and uneven. Life is mysterious and paradoxical. There is goodness, joy, celebration, and love. There is evil, sorrow, pain, and suffering. We live amid blessing and brokenness with an eye toward eternity. Wisdom comes from God. We gain wisdom by living in union with God. Wisdom involves discovering and embracing God's perspective by listening to his voice and being attentive to his prompting. Reverence, knowledge, and devotion to God is the beginning of true wisdom. Psalm 1 person (tree) Identity: who am I as a follower of Jesus (root) Growth: what is God doing in me? (trunk) Impact: what is God doing through me? (branches) The FBCA Way Feed yourself spiritually Bless others generously Connect with others intentionally Advance God's kingdom faithfully Ephesians 5:15-16 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Colossians 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (NIV) “Teach us to consider our mortality, so that we might live wisely.” (NET) Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Greek concept of “time”: · Aion = unbroken time (eternity) · Chronos = linear time (clock) · Kyros = right time (season) Ecclesiastes begins by declaring that nothing matters. Everything is meaningless. Everything under the sun has been done before and will disappear like a vapor. Pleasure, wealth, and achievement can never satisfy the human heart. Ecclesiastes concludes by declaring that everything matters – even ordinary, everyday things – if we are devoted to God, mindful of him, and orienting our lives toward him. God is the one who gives ultimate meaning to life. "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." “Being in a hurry. Getting to the next thing without fully entering the thing in front of me. I cannot think of a single advantage I've ever gained from being in a hurry. But a thousand broken and missed things, tens of thousands, lie in the wake of all the rushing… Through all that haste I thought I was making up time. It turns out I was throwing it away.” Ann Voskamp Daily Reminder Card · The Lord's Prayer… morning side (orienting) · The Prayer of Examen… evening side (reflecting) Redeem the Time! · Each day matters. · God's mercies are new every morning. · Find joy in your journey. · Live continually in God's presence. “I See You” Every sunset is a stained-glass window, Every park bench is a pew, There's a sanctuary everywhere that I go, When my eyes are open, When my heart is open, I see You. -JJ Heller-

Curt Grice July 3, 2022 “Redeem the Time!” 4th of July… America's Independence Day… a celebration of freedom Freedom is precious, but easy to take for granted. Like good health, freedom is not always appreciated until it's lost. John 8:31-32,36 “If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free. So, if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” 2 Corinthians 3:17 “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” Wisdom Literature… designed to help us gain insight and perspective Qoheleth… the Teacher… the one who addresses the assembly Seeking to understand life "under the sun"… reflecting on a broken world from a limited human perspective in light of God's majesty and sovereignty Proverbs “…for gaining wisdom and perspective; for understanding and insight; for acquiring a disciplined and prudent life; doing what is right and just and fair. Wisdom will protect you. Understanding will guard you.” Ecclesiastes Life is short, complex, and uneven. Life is mysterious and paradoxical. There is goodness, joy, celebration, and love. There is evil, sorrow, pain, and suffering. We live amid blessing and brokenness with an eye toward eternity. Wisdom comes from God. We gain wisdom by living in union with God. Wisdom involves discovering and embracing God's perspective by listening to his voice and being attentive to his prompting. Reverence, knowledge, and devotion to God is the beginning of true wisdom. Psalm 1 person (tree) Identity: who am I as a follower of Jesus (root) Growth: what is God doing in me? (trunk) Impact: what is God doing through me? (branches) The FBCA Way Feed yourself spiritually Bless others generously Connect with others intentionally Advance God's kingdom faithfully Ephesians 5:15-16 “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” Colossians 4:5 “Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time.” Psalm 90:12 “Teach us to number our days aright that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” (NIV) “Teach us to consider our mortality, so that we might live wisely.” (NET) Ecclesiastes 3:1-11 There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens: a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot, a time to kill and a time to heal, a time to tear down and a time to build, a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, a time to scatter stones and a time to gather them, a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing, a time to search and a time to give up, a time to keep and a time to throw away, a time to tear and a time to mend, a time to be silent and a time to speak, a time to love and a time to hate, a time for war and a time for peace. What do workers gain from their toil? I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. Greek concept of “time”: · Aion = unbroken time (eternity) · Chronos = linear time (clock) · Kyros = right time (season) Ecclesiastes begins by declaring that nothing matters. Everything is meaningless. Everything under the sun has been done before and will disappear like a vapor. Pleasure, wealth, and achievement can never satisfy the human heart. Ecclesiastes concludes by declaring that everything matters – even ordinary, everyday things – if we are devoted to God, mindful of him, and orienting our lives toward him. God is the one who gives ultimate meaning to life. "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans." “Being in a hurry. Getting to the next thing without fully entering the thing in front of me. I cannot think of a single advantage I've ever gained from being in a hurry. But a thousand broken and missed things, tens of thousands, lie in the wake of all the rushing… Through all that haste I thought I was making up time. It turns out I was throwing it away.” Ann Voskamp Daily Reminder Card · The Lord's Prayer… morning side (orienting) · The Prayer of Examen… evening side (reflecting) Redeem the Time! · Each day matters. · God's mercies are new every morning. · Find joy in your journey. · Live continually in God's presence. “I See You” Every sunset is a stained-glass window, Every park bench is a pew, There's a sanctuary everywhere that I go, When my eyes are open, When my heart is open, I see You. -JJ Heller-

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington June 26, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SUMMER 2022 Re-Create June 5 – August 6, 2022 Nothing Better! Ecclesiastes 2:17-26; 3:22 Paradise Lost: Edenic echoes abound in creation, but the fallen nature of it all drowns them out with discordant tones of brokenness. We live in the shadow of death. In sum, death has pointed its headlights at us and started its engine. Therefore, we must learn from God how to enjoy what he has given to us, knowing that none of it can save or satisfy us . . . So it is with our spouses, our food, our work, and our place in the world. Neither of these can satisfy our souls or provide the gain that only God can give. Trying to use them as such will only disappoint us. -Zack Eswine, Recovering Eden There is someone wiser than Solomon! The Hand of God is the key to our Hope in Life! These creations are God-given and possess divine purpose. A joy resides within them for our notice and this by his design. We are meant to taste these joys for which God's gifts were made. -Zack Eswine, Recovering Eden Find joy in the everyday --- that is where we live!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington June 26, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SUMMER 2022 Re-Create June 5 – August 6, 2022 Nothing Better! Ecclesiastes 2:17-26; 3:22 Paradise Lost: Edenic echoes abound in creation, but the fallen nature of it all drowns them out with discordant tones of brokenness. We live in the shadow of death. In sum, death has pointed its headlights at us and started its engine. Therefore, we must learn from God how to enjoy what he has given to us, knowing that none of it can save or satisfy us . . . So it is with our spouses, our food, our work, and our place in the world. Neither of these can satisfy our souls or provide the gain that only God can give. Trying to use them as such will only disappoint us. -Zack Eswine, Recovering Eden There is someone wiser than Solomon! The Hand of God is the key to our Hope in Life! These creations are God-given and possess divine purpose. A joy resides within them for our notice and this by his design. We are meant to taste these joys for which God's gifts were made. -Zack Eswine, Recovering Eden Find joy in the everyday --- that is where we live!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington June 19, 2022 FBC Arlington 2022: Re- . . . SUMMER 2022 Re-Create June 5 – August 6, 2022 Wise Guys Ecclesiastes 2:12-16 SUMMER 2022: Re-Create: A Study of Ecclesiastes Paradise Lost: Edenic echoes abound in creation, but the fallen nature of it all drowns them out with discordant tones of brokenness. Wisdom is no joke! The Great Equalizer There is someone wiser than Solomon!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington June 19, 2022 FBC Arlington 2022: Re- . . . SUMMER 2022 Re-Create June 5 – August 6, 2022 Wise Guys Ecclesiastes 2:12-16 SUMMER 2022: Re-Create: A Study of Ecclesiastes Paradise Lost: Edenic echoes abound in creation, but the fallen nature of it all drowns them out with discordant tones of brokenness. Wisdom is no joke! The Great Equalizer There is someone wiser than Solomon!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington June 12, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SUMMER 2022 Re-Create June 5 – August 6, 2022 I Can't Get No Satisfaction! Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 FBC Arlington 2022: Re- . . . SUMMER 2022: Re-Create: A Study of Ecclesiastes Paradise Lost: Edenic echoes abound in creation, but the fallen nature of it all drowns them out with discordant tones of brokenness. Where do people search for meaning and satisfaction? Can anything in this world truly satisfy a human being? There is someone wiser than Solomon!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington June 12, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SUMMER 2022 Re-Create June 5 – August 6, 2022 I Can't Get No Satisfaction! Ecclesiastes 2:1-11 FBC Arlington 2022: Re- . . . SUMMER 2022: Re-Create: A Study of Ecclesiastes Paradise Lost: Edenic echoes abound in creation, but the fallen nature of it all drowns them out with discordant tones of brokenness. Where do people search for meaning and satisfaction? Can anything in this world truly satisfy a human being? There is someone wiser than Solomon!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington June 5, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SUMMER 2022 Re-Create June 5 – August 6, 2022 Real Life in a Broken World Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 SUMMER 2022: Re-Create: A Study of Ecclesiastes Many want to reshape this book and our sermons from it to sound like Isaiah or Paul, to align with the language of systematic theology, to comb the hair and remember our manners while in the presence of good company. But Ecclesiastes will not allow it. Bend it to your comfort zone, and you will miss what this God-inspired text reveals about him. There is more to God than what Isaiah and Paul alone can show you. -Zack Eswine Paradise Lost: Edenic echoes abound in creation, but the fallen nature of it all drowns them out with discordant tones of brokenness. The cyclical nature of creation points a deeper meaninglessness. Human accomplishments seem so meaningless in the grand scheme of things. There is nothing new “under the sun.” There is someone wiser than Solomon!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington June 5, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SUMMER 2022 Re-Create June 5 – August 6, 2022 Real Life in a Broken World Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 SUMMER 2022: Re-Create: A Study of Ecclesiastes Many want to reshape this book and our sermons from it to sound like Isaiah or Paul, to align with the language of systematic theology, to comb the hair and remember our manners while in the presence of good company. But Ecclesiastes will not allow it. Bend it to your comfort zone, and you will miss what this God-inspired text reveals about him. There is more to God than what Isaiah and Paul alone can show you. -Zack Eswine Paradise Lost: Edenic echoes abound in creation, but the fallen nature of it all drowns them out with discordant tones of brokenness. The cyclical nature of creation points a deeper meaninglessness. Human accomplishments seem so meaningless in the grand scheme of things. There is nothing new “under the sun.” There is someone wiser than Solomon!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington May 29, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 Re-Newed in Weakness 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 FBC Arlington 2022: Re- . . . Winter: Re-Flect Easter: Re-Deem Spring: Re-Concile Summer: Re-Create August: Re-Joice Fall: Re-Dedicate Missions: Re-Claim Advent: Re-Member RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged”, and accounts were “reconciled.” Re-Newed in Weakness 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 SUCCESS: How do we recognize it? The surrounding culture of Corinth celebrated wealth, pleasure, and assertiveness. Sports, entertainment, and captivating speakers were favorite pastimes. Social status and rugged individualism were a source of great pride. Material possessions and personal achievements determined an individual's place in society. Perhaps things haven't changed so much over the past 2,000 years. -Curt Grice SPIRITUALITY: How do we experience it? SUFFERING: How do we explain it? STRENGTH: How do we measure it?

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington May 29, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 Re-Newed in Weakness 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 FBC Arlington 2022: Re- . . . Winter: Re-Flect Easter: Re-Deem Spring: Re-Concile Summer: Re-Create August: Re-Joice Fall: Re-Dedicate Missions: Re-Claim Advent: Re-Member RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged”, and accounts were “reconciled.” Re-Newed in Weakness 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 SUCCESS: How do we recognize it? The surrounding culture of Corinth celebrated wealth, pleasure, and assertiveness. Sports, entertainment, and captivating speakers were favorite pastimes. Social status and rugged individualism were a source of great pride. Material possessions and personal achievements determined an individual's place in society. Perhaps things haven't changed so much over the past 2,000 years. -Curt Grice SPIRITUALITY: How do we experience it? SUFFERING: How do we explain it? STRENGTH: How do we measure it?

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington May 22, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 Re-Oriented Through Generosity 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged”, and accounts were “reconciled.” Jesus speaks clearly about the importance of reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” -Katy Reed-Hodges CONTEXT: Paul collected a special offering from the Gentile churches for the impoverished members of the mother church in Jerusalem. CHALLENGE: We all face the temptation of selfishness and stinginess! A selfish man is never rich. His day is as long as his neighbour's, yet he has no leisure except for his own amusements, no sympathy or concern beyond his own perplexities, no strength but to fight his own battles, and no money except for his own need; what haunts his mind at every turn is the dread of having too little for himself. -W.M. MacGregor, Jesus Christ Son of God CORRECTIVE: Consider God ----- Who is so rich and so generous! CONFORMING WORK OF CHRIST: The goal is not giving (in and of itself) – the goal is grace, growth, and generosity! A key point in this matter of generosity is described in chapter 8. "Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have." Paul literally says, "let your doing complete your willingness based on what you have." It's important that all gifts be given joyfully, not grudgingly. That's why he refers to it as "the grace of giving." -Curt Grice

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington May 22, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 Re-Oriented Through Generosity 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged”, and accounts were “reconciled.” Jesus speaks clearly about the importance of reconciliation in Matthew 5:23-24, “If you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.” -Katy Reed-Hodges CONTEXT: Paul collected a special offering from the Gentile churches for the impoverished members of the mother church in Jerusalem. CHALLENGE: We all face the temptation of selfishness and stinginess! A selfish man is never rich. His day is as long as his neighbour's, yet he has no leisure except for his own amusements, no sympathy or concern beyond his own perplexities, no strength but to fight his own battles, and no money except for his own need; what haunts his mind at every turn is the dread of having too little for himself. -W.M. MacGregor, Jesus Christ Son of God CORRECTIVE: Consider God ----- Who is so rich and so generous! CONFORMING WORK OF CHRIST: The goal is not giving (in and of itself) – the goal is grace, growth, and generosity! A key point in this matter of generosity is described in chapter 8. "Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don't have." Paul literally says, "let your doing complete your willingness based on what you have." It's important that all gifts be given joyfully, not grudgingly. That's why he refers to it as "the grace of giving." -Curt Grice

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington May 15, 2022 High School Grad Sunday 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 Re-Conciled! 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged”, and accounts were “reconciled.” Mankind has long wondered about the grand questions of our existence. Where did we come from? Why are we here? How will this all end? Of course, the Bible offers a clear answer for anyone who will bother to read it. Another set of questions has to do with what went wrong and how can it be fixed? 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 provides a wonderful response to that. -Curt Grice Re-Conciled! 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 REDEMPTION: God is the One Who is redeeming humanity and restoring creation! RECONCILIATION: We can be reconciled to God only through Jesus Christ, His Son, and our Savior! RECONCILERS: We have been sanctioned by God to be engaged in the ministry of reconciliation. The message of reconciliation is ours to share, and the reality of reconciliation is ours to practice. As mentioned before, reconciliation is not typically something we strive for in Western culture. Certainly, it ought to be stated that sometimes it is appropriate to leave a relationship. Some relationships are so unhealthy and toxic that no one ought to return to the abuse or endangerment. Overall, though, our culture has blessed the quick and painless elimination of any relationship that is fractured. We are encouraged to leave a friendship rather than to circle back and make amends. We feel blessed to walk away from any association that is more difficult than we initially imagined. Divorce is still far too common. -Katy Reed-Hodges

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington May 15, 2022 High School Grad Sunday 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 Re-Conciled! 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged”, and accounts were “reconciled.” Mankind has long wondered about the grand questions of our existence. Where did we come from? Why are we here? How will this all end? Of course, the Bible offers a clear answer for anyone who will bother to read it. Another set of questions has to do with what went wrong and how can it be fixed? 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 provides a wonderful response to that. -Curt Grice Re-Conciled! 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 REDEMPTION: God is the One Who is redeeming humanity and restoring creation! RECONCILIATION: We can be reconciled to God only through Jesus Christ, His Son, and our Savior! RECONCILERS: We have been sanctioned by God to be engaged in the ministry of reconciliation. The message of reconciliation is ours to share, and the reality of reconciliation is ours to practice. As mentioned before, reconciliation is not typically something we strive for in Western culture. Certainly, it ought to be stated that sometimes it is appropriate to leave a relationship. Some relationships are so unhealthy and toxic that no one ought to return to the abuse or endangerment. Overall, though, our culture has blessed the quick and painless elimination of any relationship that is fractured. We are encouraged to leave a friendship rather than to circle back and make amends. We feel blessed to walk away from any association that is more difficult than we initially imagined. Divorce is still far too common. -Katy Reed-Hodges

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington May 8, 2022 Mother's Day 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 Re-Directed by Faith 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged”, and accounts were “reconciled.” Biblical reconciliation starts with the divine initiative of God to reconcile the whole world back to himself. God chose to do this through Jesus' sacrificial, reconciling death on the cross. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, our account with God is settled back to its proper balance, not by our work and merit, but by the grace and love of God in Christ. -Katy Reed-Hodges OUR FUTURE: To be at home with the Lord! OUR PRESENT: To be at home in this world. How do we live in this world? BY FAITH! OUR FUTURE: To give an account of how we lived in this world! Paul warns each person to be careful how they build their house. We all have a wide variety of materials to choose from. It's up to us to select the right ones. -Curt Grice

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington May 8, 2022 Mother's Day 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 Re-Directed by Faith 2 Corinthians 5:6-10 RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged”, and accounts were “reconciled.” Biblical reconciliation starts with the divine initiative of God to reconcile the whole world back to himself. God chose to do this through Jesus' sacrificial, reconciling death on the cross. Because of Jesus' sacrifice, our account with God is settled back to its proper balance, not by our work and merit, but by the grace and love of God in Christ. -Katy Reed-Hodges OUR FUTURE: To be at home with the Lord! OUR PRESENT: To be at home in this world. How do we live in this world? BY FAITH! OUR FUTURE: To give an account of how we lived in this world! Paul warns each person to be careful how they build their house. We all have a wide variety of materials to choose from. It's up to us to select the right ones. -Curt Grice

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington May 1, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 God's Glory Re-Stored 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged” and accounts were “reconciled.” In broad cultural terms, the average American doesn't seem to spend much time or effort striving for reconciliation in their own life. If you investigate more deeply, however, you'll find reconciliation to be a thoroughly biblical, and thoroughly necessary endeavor which deserves deep consideration in every Christian's life. -Katy Reed-Hodges We were created to live in an intimate relationship with Almighty God, enjoying his presence and reflecting his glory. -Curt Grice INNAUGUARATED ESCHATOLOGY: The Age to Come has intersected This Present Age. We are now the New Covenant People of God! God's glory is a manifestation of His essence (Exodus 33-34). We are God's people, uniquely designed to reflect His glory (Isaiah 43:7). Sin prohibits us from fulfilling as destiny as God's people (Romans 3:23). Jesus perfectly bore the image of God and reflected the Glory of God in His life on earth (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:1-3). God's glory can be Re-Stored in us and we can live into our destiny as His people on earth (2 Corinthians 3:7-18). Glorifying God by Following The Jesus Way!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington May 1, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 God's Glory Re-Stored 2 Corinthians 3:7-18 RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged” and accounts were “reconciled.” In broad cultural terms, the average American doesn't seem to spend much time or effort striving for reconciliation in their own life. If you investigate more deeply, however, you'll find reconciliation to be a thoroughly biblical, and thoroughly necessary endeavor which deserves deep consideration in every Christian's life. -Katy Reed-Hodges We were created to live in an intimate relationship with Almighty God, enjoying his presence and reflecting his glory. -Curt Grice INNAUGUARATED ESCHATOLOGY: The Age to Come has intersected This Present Age. We are now the New Covenant People of God! God's glory is a manifestation of His essence (Exodus 33-34). We are God's people, uniquely designed to reflect His glory (Isaiah 43:7). Sin prohibits us from fulfilling as destiny as God's people (Romans 3:23). Jesus perfectly bore the image of God and reflected the Glory of God in His life on earth (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:1-3). God's glory can be Re-Stored in us and we can live into our destiny as His people on earth (2 Corinthians 3:7-18). Glorifying God by Following The Jesus Way!

Dennis R Wiles FBC Arlington April 24, 2022 2022 Re- . . . SPRING 2022 Re-Concile April 18 – June 4, 2022 Re-Plenished by God's Comfort 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 SPRING 2022: Re-Concile Re-Plenished by God's Comfort God's Glory Re-Stored Re-Directed by Faith Re-Conciled! Re-Oriented Through Generosity Re-Newed in Weakness RE-CONCILE: In the New Testament, the Greek word underneath the family of English words associated with reconciliation is taken from the accounting industry where coins were “exchanged” and accounts were “reconciled.” The COVID isolation has left many relationships distant and damaged. More than ever, people are banding together by ideological belief and deeply dividing themselves from those who think differently. By and large, we are a divided people! If we're not careful, we can begin to think this is right or inevitable. We can live mirroring the culture around us and miss the richness of living in God's restorative shalom. -Katy Reed-Hodges Biblical Text: 2 Corinthians God sent a humble, suffering Pharisee with a story about a crucified Messiah into a proud, pleasure-seeking, hero-worshipping, sports-loving, status-oriented, pagan community. It's not a question of "What could possibly go wrong?" It's more a matter of "How could it possibly go right?" -Curt Grice Re-Plenished by God's Comfort 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 Christian suffering often is the result of faithful living. Only God provides true and deep comfort in the face of affliction. Affliction can lead to a strengthening of our faith rather than diminishing our trust in God. When we are re-plenished by God's comfort, we can then be used by God to bring comfort to others.