Wilkesboro Baptist Church

Seeking the Strays, Disciplining the Sheep, Forgiving AlwaysChris Hefner

Title: Living a Life that Lasts: WorshipText: Matthew 28:16-20; 2:11; 4:10; 7:21-23Chris HefnerThree Questions about Following Jesus Through Worship1. Why worship? a. We must worship Jesus because he is King, Judge, and God.2. How does worship help us follow Jesus? a. Christ-centered worship is the beginning and the end of the Christian journey. b. Christ-centered worship is the proper posture for the follower of Jesus.3. How do we practice Christian worship? a. Personally. Say or sing praise to God daily from Scripture and in prayer. b. Corporately. Engage intentionally in gathered worship. (Gather weekly, sing joyfully, listen attentively, take notes, give generously).

Church Bylaws Town Hall Q & AChris Hefner

Title: Struggle and SovereigntyText: Psalm 102Chris Hefner1. You are not in control.2. The LORD is in control.3. The LORD exercises his control: a. Sovereignly b. Graciously c. Redemptively d. Eternally

Title: Troubled and SpeechlessText: Psalm 77Chris HefnerThesis: Wrecked souls need a great and holy God.Two Statements about God1. God invites honest expressions of what we feel and think.2. God is not intimidated by our questions or our doubts.Two Steps on the Pathway through Soul Wreckage1. We need to remember and reflect on God's greatness.2. We need to follow God's guidance.Please reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Joy in the MorningText: Psalm 30Chris HefnerThesis: David invites his readers on a journey toward joy.Hindrances to Joy1. Situational adversity can hinder joy. 2. Experienced prosperity can hinder joy. 3. Delayed expectancy can hinder joy.Ways to Have Joy1. We can praise God's glories to bring us joy. 2. We can pray for God's interventions to prepare us for joy. 3. We need to experience God himself as our joy.info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Strengthened by The Sovereignty of GodText: Psalm 73Gary Buffaloe1. Doubting God's Sovereignty Leads to Spiritual Despondency2. Trusting God's Sovereignty Repairs Spiritual Despondency3. Proclaiming God's Sovereignty Rescues People from Spiritual DespondencyPlease reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Series: Sovereignty and Struggle: Hope from the Bible's SongbookTitle: Strengthened by The Sovereignty of God (Gary Buffaloe)Text: Psalm 731. Doubting God's Sovereignty Leads to Spiritual Despondency2. Trusting God's Sovereignty Repairs Spiritual Despondency3. Proclaiming God's Sovereignty Rescues People from Spiritual DespondencyPlease reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: God's Face Shining Upon UsText: Psalm 67Tad Craig

Title: Repentance and RestorationText: Psalm 51Chris HefnerPrinciples and Pleas for Repentance and RestorationThree Principles1. Confrontation is often necessary for repentance to occur.2. Genuine repentance grasps the depths of sinfulness.3. Because genuine repentance is the work of God, restoration is possible for the penitent.Three Pleas1. The content of our plea: We plead to God for mercy and cleansing.2. The attitude of our plea: We plead with honesty and contrition.3. The purpose of our plea: We plead for renewal and restoration.Please reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Calm and Confidence in ChaosText: Psalm 3Steve Robinson1. David's Chaos (v.1-2)2. David's Defense Produces Calm (v.3-4)*David's true defense is in knowing God.*David's defense is God Himself, characterized in three ways: -The Lord was Davis's shield -The Lord was Davis's glory. -The Lord is sovereign.*David's defense includes prayer.3. David's Confidence (v.5)4. David's Decision (v.6-8)What do we do when our world is in a state of chaos?-Recognize our chaos.Turn a deaf ear to the enemy or the adversity.-Remember, our only defense is the Lord.

Title: Why Are You Cast Down, My Soul?Text: Psalms 42-43Chris HefnerPrescriptions for Spiritual SorrowFeel the deep reality of human sorrow.Preach the certainty of God's love to yourself.Experience the absolute necessity of survival and satisfaction in God.

Title: Worry About YourselfText: Psalm 37Tad Craig7 Investments for Your Heavenly Inheritance1. Make a home in the LORD's presence2. Share your desires with the LORD3. Commit your plans in the LORD4. Find rest in the LORD5. Maintain a Christlike attitude6. Pursue Christ's idea of goodness7. Look to Jesus as the Prince of Peace

Title: Why We Need the PsalmsText: Selected Psalms (Psalm 96:1-4)Chris HefnerWe need the Psalms for worship.We need the Psalms for prayer.We need the Psalms for our struggles.We need the Psalms because Jesus knew them.Please reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Only God Can Bring Good from EvilText: Genesis 50:19-20Chris HefnerThree Lessons about God, Evil, and Suffering:First, we learn that the Bible does not minimize the reality of suffering and evil in our lives.-4 Views on Evil and SufferingSecond, we learn that God alone in his sovereignty can bring good from evil and suffering.-God can bring good out of suffering in us and through us.Third, we learn that the pathway through suffering and evil is found in admitting our limitations as we follow God's expectations.-Limitations: We're not in control. We must not complain.-Expectations: We must forgive others. We must trust God.

SBC ReportChris HefnerReach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Real Men in an Artificial WorldText: Psalm 144Chris HefnerFour Characteristics of a Real ManA man whose hands have been trained by God for war.A man whose mind has been trained by God to manage time well.A man whose lips have been trained by God for worship.A man whose heart has been trained by God to recognize genuine wealth.Please reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Honey from the RockText: Psalm 81Chris HefnerConditions for Passing the Wilderness TestWorship on ScheduleRemember God's Redemptive WorksRepent of IdolsListen and Obey the Voice of GodBe Satisfied with God at the RockPlease reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Overcoming Idolatry by the TruthText: 1 John 5:19-21Chris HefnerThree Questions about Idolatry1. What are idols? a. Anything in our lives that occupies the place reserved for God alone.2. Why we must keep ourselves from idols? a. Who we are: children of God. b. Whom we believe: Jesus Christ, the truth. c. Where we're going: eternal life.3. How we keep ourselves from idols? a. Identify and repent of idols. b. Know and believe Jesus. c. Experience Jesus in corporate worship and personal devotion.

Spiritual IntimacyTad CraigReach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Overcoming Sin by Prayerful ConfidenceText: 1 John 5:13-18Chris HefnerConfidence Layers for Christian Prayer1. We pray for communion with the Father who hears us2. We pray in intercession for sinners to receive life3. We pray in intercession for one another to be protected from sin

The Great Commission | 05.21.25David EaslerReach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Overcoming the World by Faith in ChristText: 1 John 5:1-12Chris HefnerThree Ways We Overcome the World:We overcome the world (messaging and control) by being born of God through faith.We overcome the world (false gospels) by the testimony of God; His gospel.We overcome the world (certainty of death) by the life of God through Jesus Christ.

Silence and Solitude | 05.14.25Gary BuffaloeReach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Jesus and His MotherText: John 19:24-27Chris HefnerThis saying of Jesus tells us something we need to know, something we need to feel, and something we need to experience.Something we need to know—even on the cross Jesus honored his mother.Something we need to feel—through the cross Jesus validates our suffering.Something we need to experience—because of the cross and resurrection Jesus offers us the life we need.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Building Intimacy week 3 | 05.07.25Tad CraigReach out to us via email @ info@wilkesborobaptist.org/contact-us

Title: Love Over FearText: 1 John 4:13-21Chris HefnerTwo Gospel Affirmations to be Ready for the Judgment1. We'll be ready for the final judgment when we experience the salvation the gospel provides. *We see, by the Spirit of God, that God sent Jesus to be the Savior of the world. *We confess that Jesus is the Son of God. *We know and believe the love that God has for us.2. We'll be ready for the final judgment when we experience the confidence the gospel affords. *We receive the love of God--his love for us. *We are completed by the love of God--his love through us. *We are as he is in the world.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Building Intimacy | 04.30.25Tad CraigReach out to us via email at info@wilkesborobaptist.org/contact-us

Title: Love One AnotherText: 1 John 4:7-12Chris HefnerThree Reasons to Love One Another1. Love Defined.2. Love Displayed.3. Love Delivered. Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Purpose of Intimacy | 04.23.25Tad CraigReach out to us via email @ info@wilkesborobaptist.org/contact-us

Title: The Resurrection TestifiedText: Revelation 1:17-20Chris HefnerThree Truths about Jesus' Resurrection TestimonyJesus' resurrection testimony is a theological and historical claim to reality.Jesus' resurrection testimony is a political claim to the throne.Jesus's resurrection testimony is a personal claim to save.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Helplessness and Faith | 04.16.25Nathan BowmanReach out to us via email @ info@wilkesborobaptist.org/contact-us

Title: The Resurrection ForeshadowedText: John 11Chris HefnerThree Testimonies of Jesus' SovereigntyJesus did temporarily for Lazarus what he will do permanently for those who believe in him.Jesus did individually for Lazarus what he will do comprehensively for those who believe in him.Jesus did uniquely in himself what we could not do sufficiently for our own souls.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: The Spirits of the World and the Spirit of GodText: 1 John 4:1-6Chris HefnerThree Ways to Avoid the Spirit of ErrorWe need to discern the voices we give heed to.We need to rest in the overcoming glory of Christ.We need to hear and heed the Spirit of truth.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Disciplines & Direction: A Review | 04.02.25Chris HefnerReach out to us via email @ info@wilkesborobaptist.org/contact-us

Title: Assured Hearts and Confident LivesText: 1 John 3:19-24Chris HefnerThree Prescriptions for Dealing with Doubt1. Look to God, not to self.2. Review the tests. *Believe *Obey *Love3. Abide in the Spirit.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Love vs. HateText: 1 John 3:11-18Chris HefnerTwo Paths: Love or HateThe path of hate leads to death.Hate takes life.Produced by the devil and the world.Hate closes and hardens from jealousy and scorn.When we operate with jealousy or scorn, we're on the path of Cain.The path of love leads to life.Love gives life.Produced by Christ.Love softens and opens from giving and grace.When we operate with love, we're on the path of Christ.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Practice RighteousnessText: 1 John 3:4-10Chris HefnerReasons that Sin and Following Jesus are Incongruous:The nature of sin--lawlessness.The purpose of the gospel--destruction of sin and defeat of the devil.The goal of abiding--not sinning.The display of our practice--righteousness or sinfulness.The parentage of people—God or the devil.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Confidence Markers: Anointing, Abiding, AppearingText: 1 John 2:26-3:33Chris HefnerConfidence MarkersMarker 1: Anointing—Because we've been anointed by God, we are his children.Marker 2: Abiding—Since we are God's children, we must abide in him.Marker 3: Appearing—Because Jesus will appear, and we will be like him then, we must pursue purity now.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Learning and Serving | 03.05.25Chris HefnerReach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Belief: The Doctrinal TestText: 1 John 2:18-25Chris HefnerThesis: To pass the doctrinal test, we need to believe the truth about Jesus Christ.Three Ways to Make Sure We Believe what is True about Jesus ChristWe need to distinguish between what is counterfeit and genuine.We need to confess what is true about Jesus Christ.We need to abide in the Word of God by the Spirit of God.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Fasting | 02.26.25Nathan BowmanReach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Love not the WorldText: 1 John 2:15-17Chris HefnerOne Command:Do not love the worldTwo Reasons for not loving the world:Loving the things of the world means you don't have the Father's loveThe things of the world won't lastThree Things Not to Love:Desires of the fleshDesires of the eyesPride in self/stuffPlease reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Love in the Church, Relational Test Part 2Text: 1 John 2:12-14Three Truths about Love in the ChurchChris HefnerIf we're in Christ, we're part of his family.If we're in Christ, we're at war.If we're in Christ, we grow through the Word.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Prayer I 02.12.25Chris HefnerReach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Love: The Relational TestText: 1 John 2:7-11Chris HefnerOne Principle: The command to love is timeless and timely.Four Questions to Pass the Love Test:Do you identify with Jesus as a model for love?Are you able to diagnose your attitudes and actions toward others?Are you acting with love toward others?Are you stumbling around in life, or do you see where you're going?Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Obedience: The Moral TestText: 1 John 2:1-6Chris HefnerJesus' four roles that motivate and animate our obedience.Jesus is our Advocate, so we call for his help.Jesus is our Propitiation, so we can be free from sin.Jesus is our Lord, so we do what he says.Jesus is our Example, so we walk in his ways.Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Bible Intake (Part 1): Read and Study I 1.29.25 Chris Hefner Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Confidence from Confession Text: 1 John 1:5-10 Chris Hefner God is light Because God is light, we should agree with his assessment of our condition Because God is faithful and just, we can confess and be cleansed Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Overview of Spiritual Disciplines I 1.22.25 Chris Hefner Reach out to us via email at: info@wilkesborobaptist.org

Title: Confidence from the Word of Life Text: 1 John 1:1-4 Chris Hefner Three Truths about the Gospel (the Word of Life) 1) The gospel message is timeless. 2) The gospel message is rooted in history. 3) The gospel message is proclaimed then and now. Three Responses to the Gospel (the Word of Life) 1) You can hear the gospel and receive Jesus today. 2) You can have fellowship with God and the church today. 3) You can have joy today. Please reach out to us with any questions info@wilkesborobaptist.org