First Baptist

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!

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.

7 CHOICES THAT LEAD TO LOVING LIFE AND SEEING GOOD DAYS

By Pastor Raymond Wicks | June 5, 2020

If I were to say to you, “love life and see good days,” what would that look like to you?

Recently our country has gone through some difficult days.  How are you doing?  In spite of all the world’s difficulties, each of us get to make personal choices that affect the outcome of our lives.

1 Peter chapters 3 and 4 lay out seven choices that lead to loving life and seeing good days.

1.  Speak Wisely

…let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile. (1 Peter 3:10)

Many of our troubles come from opening our mouths at the wrong time and saying the wrong things.

Proverbs 17:28 says, “Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.”

For example, we should be careful not to show obvious disrespect, to tell a lie, or to spread gossip.  These things may bring some satisfaction in the moment, but evil words do not lead to a happy life.  

Choose your words carefully, and try to be a blessing to people around you.

2.  Shun Evil

Let him eschew evil, and do good… (1 Peter 3:11)

Eschew means dislike or avoid; to hate.

Just like water and oil do not mix, right and wrong do not mix either. 

Proverbs 29:27 says, “An unjust man is an abomination to the just: and he that is upright in the way is abomination to the wicked.”

Billy Sunday used to say, “You can’t love flowers unless you hate weeds.”

What do you love?  Shun the opposite.  Hate the sin, not the people.

3.  Seek Peace

…let him seek peace, and ensue it. (1 Peter 3:11) 

In his famous sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “Blessed are the peacemakers.” 

How would those who know us best characterize us?  Would they call us troublemakers or peacemakers?

Peacemakers are enjoyable to be around.  This quality is something to look for when choosing friends.  Avoid those who are always arguing or causing contention.

Romans 12:18 says, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”

Be a peacemaker!

4.  Share Scripture

If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God… (1 Peter 4:11)

The oracles of God refer to Scripture. 

Having Scripture on our mind and tongue will help us to love life and see good days.

Before we can share the Scripture, we must know the Scripture.  Read it, hear it, study it, memorize it, and meditate on it.  This will help us to share it with others.

5.  Serve Others

…if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth. (1 Peter 4:11)

God has given every believer abilities and gifts, and we can use these for God’s glory.  We need to be careful not to compare our abilities to others.

If we have the ability to sing, then we should sing.  If we have the ability to teach, then we should teach.  If we have the ability to help, then we should help.  If we have the ability to give, then we should give. 

God sees the little things we do.  Find something to do for others or for God today!

6.  Suffer Boldly 

Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed… (1 Peter 4:16)

Christ suffered for us, and there may be times when we must suffer for Him.  Peter did, and in fact, all of the apostles did.

As believers, we should never be ashamed that Jesus loves us and died for us!  Never be embarrassed of your faith or your Saviour.

7.  Show Christ

…but let him glorify God on this behalf. (1 Peter 4:16)

What is the purpose of your life? The purpose of humanity is to glorify God! 

Everything we do and say should prove our love for God and it should bring Him glory!  We are not perfect, but if we try to glorify Him instead of living for ourselves, we will have a better life.

“Let him…”  The choice is up to us.

REAL HOPE Because Jesus Lives!

 

REAL HOPE.  Everyone needs it.  Everyone longs for it.  Young or old, rich or poor, new Christian or seasoned saint, there is no one who doesn’t find himself yearning for REAL HOPE.  We need hope because of our own sin and because of the sin of others.  We need hope because of the effects of sin on this old sin-cursed broken world.  We need hope because of sickness, pain, death and evil.  We long for REAL HOPE, not just a fantasy of some positive future or pie in the sky by and by,” but REAL HOPE anchored in the solid foundation of God’s eternal Scripture.

 

The good news is that there truly is REAL HOPE  found in the Bible.  Hope abounds for the true child of God who has a REAL relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.  Here are five reasons for REAL HOPE; each one is wrapped up in the person of Jesus Christ including his death, burial, and resurrection.

 

  1. REAL HOPE abounds for the Christian because of Jesus’ perfect shed blood, His death and His bodily resurrection.  Jesus died and shed his sinless blood so that He could be the substitute for us.  Christ took the wrath of God His Father upon Himself so that we could be forgiven.  Because of this sacrifice, God promised restoration, cleansing, forgiveness, and mercy.  Of course, Christians are already declared totally righteous for all eternity, but those of us who are believers still need God’s forgiveness throughout this life.  Our failures, accidental or purposeful, hinder our walk with God, and we need restoration, just as we do in earthly relationships when failure breaks our fellowship with the Lord.  1 John 1:7-9 reminds us that “if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ, His Son, cleanses us from all sin.”  John goes on to declare that if we try to hide or deny our failures, we are liars; but, if we confess our sin to Him, He is faithful and just and will forgive our sin, bringing about greater holiness and restoration.  We have REAL HOPE for forgiveness.

 

  1. REAL HOPE abounds for the Christian because of His power.  Ephesians 3:20 declares that we should thank and praise God because He is “able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us.”  God has promised His power to help us live a godly life.  Even when we feel totally defeated and discouraged, His power is greater and can do far above what we feel can be accomplished in and through us.  In addition, 2 Peter 1:3 reminds us that God’s power is given to us so that we have everything we need to overcome failure and live a godly life.  Yes, we fail, but God’s power never allows us to live consistently in a state of sinful failure.  His power saves us from a life of failure!  We have REAL HOPE for a life free from being a slave to our sinful desires and failures.

 

  1. REAL HOPE abounds because we have victory over death and have Heaven as our future home.  Paul says in 1 Thess. 4:13-18, “But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope.  For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.  For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.  For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:  Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.  Heaven is not a myth.  It is a REAL place, and we will enjoy it together as Christians.  What a hope!

 

  1. REAL HOPE abounds for the Christian because of His plan.  Romans 8:28-31 is encouraging, because God states that “all things work together for good” (even when they don’t always appear to be good) to cause us to be more like Christ.  Life is like a giant puzzle with infinite pieces, each of which is needed, and all of which come together to accomplish God’s plan.  Some of those pieces even include pain, sickness, and failures.  God, although never responsible for our failures, mercifully allows them to strengthen us for the future and to make us more conformed to the image of His Son.  The book of Romans also reminds us that when sin increases and failure happens, grace always increases and can overcome our failures (Romans 5:20).  Although we face pain, death, evil and our own failures in this life, we have REAL HOPE.  This REAL HOPE in the face of trouble causes us to reach the same conclusion as the divinely inspired Apostle Paul.  Writing in Romans 8:31-33, he states, “What shall we then say to these things?  If God be for us, who can be against us?  He that spared not His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?  Who shall lay anything to the charge of God’s elect?  It is God that justifies.”  If all that weren’t enough encouragement in the face of failure, we can also rely on this promise of God in Philippians 1:6: “Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.”  No, God is not ever going to leave His children helpless or at the mercy of Satan in this evil fallen world.  He is on our side.  REAL HOPE!

 

  1. REAL HOPE abounds for the Christian because of His presence.  Hebrews 13:5 gives us yet another hopeful promise for our life: “I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.”  Often in the difficulties of life or when we sin, we feel that God is angry and frustrated with us, and we may even feel forsaken or deserted by God.  On the contrary, like the father in the story told by Jesus of the prodigal son in Luke 11:15-32, God eagerly awaits to forgive and restore us.  As the Psalmist says in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

 

The person of Jesus Christ, his death, burial and resurrection provide REAL HOPE for this life and our future.  Are you a REAL CHRISTIAN with REAL HOPE?  If we can be of help to you in your relationship with God, we invite you to contact us.   If you are looking for a REAL HOPE, consider joining us for a service soon. 

In our services, we pray you will come to know the hope found through Jesus Christ and His words to us in the Bible.

Sermons on Our Real Theme

This resource provides a video sermon playlist featuring sermons on our theme for this year.
We hope you will click to watch the services and sermons and share with friends. We hope to update these each month during the year as Pastor continues this series.
Sermons yet to come on our theme:
 
Real Spirituality
Real Godly Wisdom
Real Generosity
Real Prayer
Real Bible
Real Evangelism
 
If you do not have a Bible believing and preaching church, please don’t just watch online, come join us for a service.  Here is what to expect.