Wilkesboro Baptist Church

Title: Cleansing and CovenantText: Exodus 6:24-26 Chris HefnerThree Prerequisites for Fulfilling God's Call on Our Lives Before we can fulfill God's call, we have to be clean. Before we can fulfill God's call, we have to be in the covenant. Before we can fulfill God's call, someone has to bleed.Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org 

Title: God Remembers His Covenant Texts: Exodus 2:24-25Chris HefnerGod heard his people then, so God hears his people now. God remembered his covenant then, so God remembers his covenant now. God saw his people then, so God sees his people now. God knew his people then, so God knows his people now. Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Washing the Disciples' FeetJohn 13Nathan BowmanPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Sabbath and Salvation Texts: Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 12:12-15; Colossians 2:16-17Chris HefnerTwo Reasons for the Sabbath Command Creation God designed us for the 7 day rhythm of work and rest/worship. God's best for us is Himself, not our work. Redemption Through redemption we are slaves to God who gives us command (permission) to rest. It is God's work that redeems, not our own labors. Two Categories for Understanding the Sabbath Today Time: the distinction between chronos and Kairos The LORD's Day as Sabbath fulfilled in Jesus Christ Four Non-Legalistic Ways to rest/worship on the LORD's Day Keep the LORD's Day as a day of worship and rest. Pause normal working practices on the LORD's Day. Do what brings life on the LORD's Day. Take a digital Sabbath. Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

State of the Church AddressChris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Favored Eyes Text: Mark 16 Chris HefnerThree Resurrection Observations Sometimes, it takes time for our spiritual eyes to adjust. In the gospel, we see the drastic lengths to which God will go to fix what's wrong with the world. We can see the power of the gospel through the life-changing grace Jesus offers. Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

The Lord our DelivererPsalm 40Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Children and Families Made Holy in Love and Leadership Text: 1 Corinthians 7:14Chris HefnerFour Implications for Parenting and Families Parents who remain together illustrate our covenant-keeping heavenly Father. Parents are responsible for the cultural and spiritual liturgies they encourage and allow.Parents and families need the support and gospel partnership of the church family. Parents and families, we must embrace and share Jesus as the most real relationship we can have. Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Marriage Enrichment: Navigating the Tensions of MarriageTad CraigPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Singles Made Holy in Life and Focus  Text: 1 Corinthians 7:6-8, 11, 15, 17, 25-35Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.orgWhat is singleness? For some, singleness is a gift. For some, singleness is a calling. For all, we should not define singleness by negation. For some, singleness is a challenge. For some, singleness is a conundrum or curse. For any, singleness can be a privilege.What are some reasons to embrace singleness?The distresses of present circumstances when life is short.The pressures (troubles) of married life when singleness can offer freedom.The concessions regarding singleness when marriage demands permanence.  What does the church do with this message? Embrace a gospel-oriented view of humanity and identity.Embrace community and be embraced by community.Be embraced by Christ and embrace Christ and his call.  

Marriage Enrichment: Languages of MarriageTad CraigPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Marriage Enrichment: Languages of MarriageTad CraigPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Marriage Made Holy in Love and Struggle Text: 1 Corinthians 7:25-40 Three Marriage Principles Concerning Love and Life Chris HefnerLife is too short to be anxious about the trivial or idolatrous. Marriage is too significant to be encumbered by extraneous anxieties or activities. Extraneous activity/idolatry #1: Put your spouse or child/children in the place of God. Extraneous activity/idolatry #2: Give something/someone else the attention your spouse deserves. Love is too important to be sidelined for less significant priorities.  Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Ambassadors of Reconciliation2 Corinthians 5:11-21Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Marriage Made Holy in Purpose and Privilege Text: 1 Corinthians 7:1-16 Chris HefnerThree General Observations about Belonging Christians belong to God through Jesus Christ in the covenant of salvation. Belonging to God through Jesus means that spouses belong to each other through the marriage covenant. This covenant belonging, first to God, then to each other requires certain marriage behaviors. Three Marriage BehaviorsEmbrace a biblical sexual ethic. Remain together. Live the gospel in your marriage/home. Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Dry BonesText: Ezekiel 37 Chris HefnerThe Power of God's Promises to Dry Bones One Principle: God's promises reflect the magnitude of his name/glory not the significance of our situations. Two Precepts: 1. The Word of God displays the power of God to the people of God.2. The Spirit of God through the Word of God gives life to the people of God. Three Purposes: 1. For the glory of the name of the Lord (36:16-22).2. That we (the people of God) will know the Lord is God (37:6, 13, 14).3. That the nations will know the Lord is God (36:36-38; 37:28). One Person who makes God's promises possible: Jesus Christ, the Son of David, crucified King, Risen Savior. Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Temple of the Living GodText: 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1Chance Freeman

Easter SundayText: Hebrews 10Tad CraigPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Faith in Prayer and Soul Winning Text: James 5:13-20 Chris HefnerMusicWhat an Awesome GodHow Great is Our GodHis Mercy is MoreTurn Your EyesThree Opportunities to Practice Genuine Faith 1. When sick and suffering, pray to the God who heals, but also praise with one another. 2. When troubled by sin in self and others, pray to the God who judges, but also confess to one another. 3. When burdened by those who are lost and astray, pray to God who seeks and saves, but also go and share with one another. Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Paul's Ministry of the Gospel2 Corinthians 4Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Faith As Patient Endurance Text: James 5:1-12Chris HefnerThree Reminders that Display Genuine Faith   Heed the warning against self-indulgence. Hoarding Fraud Self-indulgenceMurder Hear the invitation to patient endurance. Be patient like the farmer. Establish your heart. Do not grumble. Look to past examples. Look to the mercy and compassion of the Lord. Honor the truth with your promises. Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Faith Versus Boasting Text: James 4:11-17 Chris HefnerThree Commands that Reveal Genuine Faith Don't be judgmental. When we are judgmental, we're acting as if we're superior to one another. The gospel teaches that we're not better than others. Don't be boastful. When we boast, we're putting ourselves in the place of God. The gospel teaches that God alone is sovereign. Do what you know is good. When you do what is good, you're believing God and his gospel. The gospel teaches that we do good, not for salvation, but from salvation.  Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Strategic Planning Committee Town HallPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Love2 Peter 1:5-8Steven MercerPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Faith Versus Worldliness Text: James 4:1-10Chris HefnerTheme: Regarding faith versus worldliness, there is something we need to see, there are some things we need to do, and there is Someone we need to experience. 1. There is something we need to see: Observe the pattern of faithless desires. 2. There are some things we need to do: Practice the imperatives of faithful living. 3. There is Someone we need to experience: Receive by faith the grace that transforms our hearts. Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Brotherly LoveJosh PinkertonPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Authentic Faith: Wisdom from GodText: James 3:13-18Tad CraigQuestions to Recognize and Display Wisdom from GodAre you trying to gain intellectual points? Are there any ulterior motives behind your instruction?Are you seeking to create order in the relationship?Did you genuinely listen before forming your own opinion? Do the people you speak to know that you care about them? Is the transforming love of God being displayed through your words and actions? 

Adding GodlinessSteve MeltonPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Faith through SpeechText: James 3:1-12Tad CraigSpeech is instructional. A Genuine Faith shows the awareness of your teachingSpeech is influential.A Genuine Faith shows the awareness for self-controlSpeech is powerful.A Genuine Faith shows the awareness of the intentions of wordsSpeech is inconsistent.A Genuine Faith shows the awareness of motives Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Adding to Your Faith: SteadfastnessDustin DealPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Genuine Faith: Having a Living FaithText: James 2:14-26Tad CraigA living faith produces works of love.A living faith produces works of understanding.A living faith produces works of obedience.A living faith produces works of transformation.Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Supplementing Faith with Self-ControlChance FreemanPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: The Sin of Partiality—The Need for UnderstandingText: James 2:1-13Steve Robinson1. A Call to Understand the Principle (2:1-4) * The exhortation against partiality is rooted in the deity and glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. * Favoritism is defined as a biased judgment based on external circumstances with no regard for inner reality. * The rich man was favored for his outward appearance while the poor man was despised.2. A Call to Understand the Problem—Inconsistency (2:5-11) * Showing partiality is inconsistent with God's choice (2:5) * Showing partiality is inconsistent with man's actions (2:6-7) * Showing partiality is inconsistent with God's Word (2:8-9)3. A Call for Consistency (2:10-13) * The final appeal from James regarding favoritism is to conform our lives to the Law of Liberty. * Consistency is measured by the Law of Liberty.Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

The Commands of ChristTam Hutchinson

VirtueBruce NisleyPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Genuine Faith: Eternal Reminders for Genuine Faith James 1:19-27Tad CraigEternal Reminders for Genuine FaithQuick to understandSlow to speakSlow to angerProduce righteousness of GodPut away wickednessReceive God's wordPractice the truths of the BibleWorship through loveGuard yourself from the stains of the worldPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Blueprint for Spiritual Growth2 Peter 1:5-11Steve RobinsonPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: The Blessing of Being Steadfast Text: James 1:12-18 Chris HefnerThesis: We are blessed if we remain steadfast under trials. Three Questions about Remaining Steadfast:Why should we remain steadfast? Three Reasons: 1. Because of the certainty of future rewards. 2. Because of the consequences of present trials. 3. Because of the contribution of Divine grace. How do we remain steadfast? Three Responses: 1. Receive and live by the Word of truth. 2. Anticipate temptation's internal and external deceptiveness. 3. Be loved by and love God.Who do we look to when we fail to remain steadfast? Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Deacon Commissioning Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Great Expectations: James 1:5-11Josh Pinkerton4 ExpectationsExpect God to grant wisdom generouslyExpect doubt to limit our prayersExpect our lowness to bring highnessExpect His Highness to bring lowness4 Applications:Pray for wisdomPray in faithHope in the KingdomChase things that lastPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

James: Genuine FaithJames 1:1-4Tad Craig1. Find joy in your change of perspective. *You cannot escape trials, so change your mental narrative. *Recognize that the testing is to build strength.2. Understand the value of the tests. *Build your faith past your emotions. *Equip your faith for strength beyond yourself.3. Only through maturing in the Holy Spirit will your faith become genuine. *The tests of our faith allow us to practice for improvement. *The Holy Spirit fills the real needs in our lives.Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Message: Jesus as GodText: Matthew 1:22-23Chris HefnerJesus as God Means Three GiftsImmanuel: “God with us.”God. Christmas means we get the gift of knowing God.With. Christmas means we get the gift of God coming down.Us. Christmas means we get the gift of a relationship with God.Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Sermon: Jesus as KingText: Ephesians 1:22-23Chris HefnerJesus as King is a gift to the church.The Dimensions of Jesus' KingdomThe Nature of Jesus' Kingdom is Theological.The Tenure of Jesus' Kingdom is Eternal.The Extent of Jesus' Kingdom is Cosmic—Universal, Political, Spiritual.The Front of Jesus' Kingdom is Ecclesial.The Gifts to the Church of Jesus' KingdomWe don't have to fear the powers of lesser kingdoms.We are and we get the inheritance of the kingdom.We get the fulfillment and joy of Jesus as our King and Bridegroom.Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Elder Commissioning Chris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Jesus as Priest who Gives Us Salvation   Text: Hebrews 7:23-25 Chris Hefner As Priest Jesus gives the gift of Salvation. Four Questions about Jesus and his priestly office:What does a priest do?A priest represents people to God and God to people.What does Jesus uniquely do as the Great High Priest?Jesus saves through his priestly ministry.Jesus intercedes through his priestly ministry.What gifts does Jesus, our Priest, give us?Gift of salvation—receive by faith.Gift of access—practice it by prayer.How are these gifts possible?Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Titus: The Gospel as the Baseline for Sound DoctrineChris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Jesus as Prophet who Gives Us the Word  Text: Hebrews 1:2; Luke 4:16-22Chris HefnerJesus gives the gift of His Word as he is God's Prophet.Two Aspects of Jesus' Prophetic MinistryJesus tells us the truth about God—Revelation.Jesus tells us the truth about ourselves—illumination. Five Gifts that Jesus' Prophetic Ministry BringsGospel—good news to the spiritually poor.Freedom—from sin, self, society, Satan.Healing—from spiritual and relational brokenness.Justice—for those oppressed by the enemy.Jubilee—restoration of God's creation.Please reach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Reject or Receive: “Leah: God's Gracious Generosity to an Unwanted Girl” Text: Genesis 29 and 30Chris Hefner Three Reasons We Need the Good NewsThe comprehensiveness of our sins.The depth of our longings.The futility of our solutions (idols). Three Ways God Intervenes with the Good NewsGod intervenes long before we notice—His Sovereignty.God's interventions are always worthy of praise—His Worth.God intervenes in order to redeem—His Purpose.

Titus: Sound Doctrine in Daily LifeChris HefnerPlease reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Reject or Receive: “Rachel: The Danger of Self-Absorption as Idolatry” Text: Genesis 29:15-20; 30:1-3; 14-18; 22-24; 31:19; 34-35; 35:17-20Chris Hefner Two General Observations about IdolatryWe can idolize what we have.We can idolize what we don't have.Six Symptoms of IdolatrySmugnessEnvyStrifeResentmentObsessionDissatisfactionOne Solution to IdolatryWe need to know and worship the One True God.Please reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Titus: The Character and Necessity of Sound DoctrineChris Hefner