First Baptist

5 Power Phrases to Boost Your Relationships

Need a boost to your relationships today?  Here are 5 phrases that are sure to make a difference in any relationship you have, even if it has been struggling lately.  Simple, yet amazingly effective.  Try one out today!

1.  “I love you.”  If you love someone, let them know it.  Tell them and show them often.  You may think they know it, and they might, but it is always nice to say it.  I Corinthians 13 reminds us that we can be smart, sacrificial and sound wonderful in our speech, but if we don’t have love, we are nothing.  Tell your wife, your son or daughter, call your mom and dad.  Even in the struggles, an “I love you” sure can’t hurt.

2.  “I was wrong, forgive me.”  One of my professors in college encouraged us to substitute this phrase for “I’m sorry.”  In saying “I was wrong,” there is no doubt in the offended and hurt person’s mind that you know you hurt them and desire their forgiveness and restoration of the relationship.  We cannot be rightly related to God if we have broken and torn relationships with others.  Perhaps you need to use this phrase with someone today.  Don’t wait for them even if they were wrong, too.

3.  “Thank you.”  In Luke 17, we read about those with leprosy who Jesus healed.  He literally changed the rest of their lives.  Things were different because of His intervention.  Only one returned to say thank you.  There certainly have been people who have made a difference in your life – people whose intervention changed things for the better.  Do they know you are thankful?  What about old friends, parents, your children, their teachers, a coach, or former pastor.  Make sure they know you are thankful.  “Thank you” is never said too late or too much.

4.  “I will .”  We must say “I will” to God as he speaks to us about things he wants us to do or change, but we also need to say it to others.  Jesus showed us in John 13 His willingness to wash His disciples’ feet.  He then commanded us to do the same.  Look for needs you can meet, and then when you see it, say, “I will.”  Try it with your husband or wife, your neighbor, your pastor, your children, or your mom and dad.  You’ll be amazed at how serving others builds the relationship and encourages your own heart at the same time.

5.  “I can.”  Have you hit some brick wall in your Christian life?  Do you feel defeated because of a sinful habit, or lack of prayer?  Perhaps there is some difficult trial you and your teen or you and a spouse or friend are going through.  In any instance, it is easy to say, “I can’t make it.”  Paul reminds us that we CAN do all things THROUGH CHRIST who will strengthen us.  A great lesson we must learn is that in myself I can’t, but in Him, I can.  Try saying “I can” to yourself.  Say it to others who you may be struggling with.  Acknowledging that you can build your relationship by saying something like this can make a huge difference.  “I can make this work with God’s help.”  “I can react in forgiveness with God’s help.”  “I can be patient and work through this by God’s grace.”

If we can be of help or encouragement to you in building your relationship with God, biblically repairing your relationship with others, or just listening to your heartache, please get in touch.
Written by Mike Glanzer.

 

 

Two Tips For The Next Two Months

By Pastor Raymond Wicks | November 11, 2020

2020 has not turned out like most people had envisioned, and more could happen in the next two months.  At the time of this writing, the election results are not yet certified.  Covid-19 is still a real issue.  Some folks are trying to uniquely navigate Thanksgiving and Christmas.  Many are dealing with the other typical November and December issues like weather, health, relationships, and finances.  With all these situations, please allow me to share “Two tips for the next two months.”

1.  Endure

I have compassion on those who have suffered terribly this year.  For one man I know, this has been the worst year of his life.  My heart goes out to him.  So, what does a pastor say?   I’m so sorry?  God cares? All things work together for good?  Yes, these statements are true.  It is also true that most of us will get through our difficulties if we can just endure.

To endure means to hold up, to not turn back or flee, to preserve or sustain, to get to the other side.  God constantly reminds us in His Word to press on.  Get through tough times.  Many great Bible stories point this out, especially the story of Job.

James 5:11, “Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.”

The Lord is merciful and full of pity towards His people.  There is an end coming, and God knows when the end will be.  We should not declare it until God does.  Until then, we must endure; there may be no other choice.  With some aspects of life, we need to simply bear patiently and endure.

Thankfully, every morning starts a new day of hope and mercy.  Even when problems are self-incurred, they are often temporary.  Just go forward one more day.

Lamentations 3:22-23, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.”

Psalm 30:5, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

2 Timothy 2:3, “Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.”

Success should be measured by tenacity over talent.  Understand, we have been equipped by God to handle far more than we ever thought possible.  Get through one more day.   Do right one more day.  Love one more day.  Live one more day.  The truth is, sometimes we just endure.   If you endure, you will get through 2020.

2.  Enjoy!

While we may truly have to endure some parts of life, we should really try to enjoy the rest!  God knows how easy it is for man to go into pity party mode.  So, He had Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, remind us to enjoy life.

Ecclesiastes 2:24, “There is nothing better for a man, than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labour. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God.”

Ecclesiastes 3:13, “And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God.”

The New Testament echoes the emphasis on enjoyment.

1 Timothy 6:17, “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;”

These things include people, places, purpose, and more.  Thanksgiving reminds us to count our blessings.  A little girl in our church is doing the November thankfulness challenge.  So far, her list includes thankfulness for hugs, toes, kisses, and fingers!  Maybe we should take inventory too!

Also, take inventory of the special people in your life including family, friends, neighbors, co-workers as well as our relationship with God.  Wow!  We are really blessed!  Don’t let your blessings be just a list.  Let them be constant sources of enjoyment.

God reminds us to rejoice. Philippians 4:4 says, “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.”

We may look back on 2020 as the most challenging and interesting year of our lives.  Make some memories.  We will never have a redo of the next two months.  So, my two tips for the next two months are…endure and enjoy!

4 Laws of the Harvest

By Pastor Raymond Wicks  |  September 22, 2020

Galatians 6:7-9, “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.  For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.”

1.  We Reap Where We Sow

 Where is our emphasis?  Is it in:

  •         Family
  •         Ministry
  •         Work
  •         Finances
  •         Relationships
  •         Recreation
  •         Spiritual
  •         Evangelism
  •         Giving

We will reap where we sow.  Let’s not expect to reap in a field where we did not sow.

2.  We Reap in a Different Season Than We Sow

“In due season…”  Let’s not get weary in well doing.

We live in a “now” generation.  Farmers usually have to wait months, sometimes years, after planting seeds before reaping their harvest.  

Parents, don’t give up.  Don’t get weary.  Continue training your children even in the difficult times.  Have patience that the right harvest will arrive in due time.  

Make our marriage a priority.  Men, treat her like a world class business associate.  Ladies, treat him with respect and love.  You may be surprised by the wonderful results.

The Bible teaches that if we faithfully witness with compassion for the Lord, we will eventually reap.  Psalm 126:5-6, “They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.  He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.”

Work diligently.  Faithfully tithe.  Give offerings and alms.  Be patient and trust His Word.  He will bless in due season!

3.  We Reap What We Sow

Galatians 6:8, “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.”

Flesh reaps flesh.  Spirit reaps spirit.

Sadly, many people expect something different than what has been sown.

Job 4:8 says, “Even as I have seen, they that plow iniquity, and sow wickedness, reap the same.”

Hosea 10:12-13 says, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.  Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.”

Saved people have their old nature and, thankfully, a new nature.  “…and these are contrary the one to the other…”  Galatians 5:17

To sow bad things is not hard.  Those who try to maintain a beautiful lawn know that dandelions and crabgrass can grow naturally without effort.  

That is why it is easier to stay home Sunday morning than to go to church.

It is easier to criticize than to build up.

It is easier to watch TV than to read the Bible.

It is easier to shop than to tithe.

To sow good things will take desire, a plan, and work.  But the investment will be worth it.  

Sow love, joy, truth, mercy, forgiveness, and longsuffering, and you can look forward to reaping the same.

4.  We Reap More Than We Sow

One kernel or seed of corn reaps one full ear of corn, which yields an average of approximately 1056 kernels each.  

What we sow is often multiplied in ourselves, our family, or those around us. 

  • Selfishness
  • Alcoholism
  • Drugs
  • Lying 

OR

  • Kindness
  • Forgiveness
  • Giving
  • Service
  • Godliness

We cannot sow like the devil and expect the blessing of God!

Our godly works will be rewarded and multiplied on earth and in eternity.

Be intentional on where and what you sow and expect a wonderful harvest!  

MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

By Pastor Raymond Wicks | June 29, 2020

We have all felt disappointment.  I recently ordered a certain meal at a restaurant, only this time the meal was different than last time (even though it was supposed to be the same).  Was I disappointed?  Yes!!  Why? Because of my expectation!   

An expectation is a strong belief that certain things will happen.  

Disappointments can easily come when our personal expectations are not met. 

We develop expectations from things, people, and perhaps even from God.  

What are some of yours?  Are you setting yourself up for disappointment?  

Here are three tips to help manage our expectations.

1.  Lower expectations from THINGS

Things may not always meet our expectations. If we live for the next purchase or activity, we may be searching for satisfaction from the wrong places of life. We all like modern conveniences (cars, houses, clothes, etc.), but cars get old, houses need repairs, and clothes go out of style.  Even “fun” activities can leave us unsatisfied (in spite of all the great selfies).  Appreciate what you have and get to do, but remember things have the potential to disappoint.

2.  Lower expectations from PEOPLE

Bad news flash:  “Everyone in your life has the potential to disappoint you.”  Friends, children, parents, spiritual leaders, employers, employees, government, neighbors, church family, etc. can all disappoint.  People are great, but they all come with both assets and liabilities.  Be careful to not get too dependent on any one person to meet all of your expectations.  Some folks get to the point they don’t even want people in their lives.  Please do not give up on humanity, just put them in the right expectation category. 

3.  Raise expectations from GOD

First, ask yourself, “Have I even really ever expected much from God?”  We should!  We should expect blessings, guidance, and fellowship that comes from being a child of God.  

Notice the following thoughts from Psalm 62:

Psalm 62:5, “My soul, wait thou only upon God; for my expectation is from him.”

 What can we expect from God?
  1.   We can expect SALVATION – Psalm 62:1, 2, 6; Rom. 10:13; Jn. 3:16
  2.   We can expect JUSTICE – Psalm 62:3-4, 12; Romans 12:19
  3.   We can expect HELP – Psalm 62:8-11
  4.   We can expect MERCY – Psalm 62:12, Micah 7:18, Lam. 3:22-23

Look through other Bible passages for promises you can claim and rest in.

Lower expectations from things and people, and really raise your expectations from God.

A Christian Worldview of People

A Christian Worldview of People

By Silas Young

Everyone has a worldview.  That view shapes the way they see the world, life, God, others and themselves.  As Christians, we need to be informed and equipped by the truth of God’s Word regarding relevant issues so that we can develop a solid, Christian worldview. 

Our goal should be to learn how God views things and adopt His viewpoint for ourselves. 

In recent days, much attention has been given to issues of race, racism and social justice.  

What does it look like to have a Christian worldview in these divided times? 

Christians are uniquely qualified to address issues of racism and reconciliation because we have experienced spiritual reconciliation with God.  The Gospel is the ultimate example of reconciliation, and the Bible says that Christians have been given the ministry of reconciliation. 

And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation. – 2 Corinthians 5:18

As Christians, we should be leading in the fight for equality for all people.  We are to be the examples.  We must have love and compassion for those who are hurting.  Many Christians wonder what they can do to help amidst the seeming chaos. 

The first step is to make sure you have a solid Christian worldview of people.

The Bible teaches four universal truths about human beings that should form our worldview, including the way we view and treat others. 

1.  All human beings are created in God’s image

Humanity is God’s special creation. It is the only part of creation that is made in God’s image. 

So God created man in his own image, in the image of God created he him; male and female created he them. – Genesis 1:26

God gave the creation of man in His image as the reason for the harsh punishment against murder. 

Whoso sheddeth man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. – Genesis 9:6

All people are made in God’s image regardless of their place of birth or the color of their skin. 

God is our Creator and does not view any people group as more important than another.  

…for there is no iniquity with the LORD our God, nor respect of persons. – 2 Chronicles 19:7

And so, fundamentally, all people are unique and inherently valuable. 

2.  All human beings come from common ancestors

The world has many categories and labels, and they can be helpful when used correctly. 

The term “race” is one of those labels, but may not entirely be accurate based on a Christian worldview.  The Bible teaches that all people have descended from two main ancestors, Adam and Eve. 

Yes, differences of color, location, language and culture exist, but we are all part of one human race.  The Bible makes this clear in the New Testament. 

And (God) hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth… – Acts 17:26

All human beings are equal because of our common heritage. 

3.  All human beings are affected by sin

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned: – Romans 5:12 

Sin entered the world because of Adam’s disobedience.  Because we are all descended from him, sin has affected us.  What does this mean? 

Sin is systemic. 

For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God. – Romans 3:23

The Bible is clear in that every single person who has ever lived has missed the mark of God’s perfection. 

This is the reason why systems are broken…because people are broken.  If you fix the system without fixing the people, you will just have a different broken system. 

Racism is not primarily a skin problem, it is a sin problem.  Racism, hate and hurt are all symptoms of the root problem of sin. 

Though all sin is equal, all sin is not equal in consequences.  The consequences of racism are many times deep, hidden and divisive.  Ultimately then, to solve the problem of racism, there must be a change of heart.  But how can this happen? 

4.  All human beings can be saved and unified through Jesus Christ

Love is needed to overcome the hate in the world. 

Healing is needed to overcome the hurt in the world. 

Unity is needed to overcome the division in the world.  

What can bring all of these together into one answer?  Salvation through Jesus Christ. 

The Bible says…

For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 

For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 

There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus. – Galatians 3:26-28

As Christians, our identity is found in Jesus Christ.  It supersedes racial identities, socio-economic identities and even sexual identities. 

All those who have placed their faith in Jesus have been united through Him.  That bond is stronger than any category, label or difference that exists in the world! 

Practical difference-makers…

Apply a Christian worldview of people

  • Pray for our country
  • Refuse to personally believe stereotypes and assumptions
  • Research and read as much as possible
  • Build relationships with those who believe, look and act differently from them
  • Are respectful when talking to people about these issues, especially on social media
  • Love all they come in contact with

A Christian worldview will enable us to love others because we see all people as created in the image of God, coming from common ancestors, in need of salvation from sin, and with the potential to be saved and unified through Jesus Christ.