this week at f...god’s truth. we help any willing person reach his or her fullest potential to...
TRANSCRIPT
September 15, 2019
The Purpose of FBC . . .
Accept, love and challenge people with
God’s truth. We help any willing person reach
his or her fullest potential to become radically
For Our Guests . . .
Welcome to First Baptist Church! We are so glad you have joined us this morning.
Guests . . If you would like
to receive information or a brochure on FBC and any of its ministries, please stop by the Connections Center. Also, please share any
prayer or praises in the space provided on one of the orange Communication Cards located in the pew racks. Let us know how we can help you!
We are looking for a few good men and women who could help with some important tasks on our campus. We need help with:
Vacuuming Cleaning windows, Landscape projects, Clean tables and chairs, Dusting for cob webs and Organizing several storage rooms.
If you would give a few hours to help with one or more of these projects, contact Pastor Roger at [email protected].
Financial Update General Giving Budget Plan Giving (Donations)
GF Expenses
Faith Promise Budget Plan Giving (Donations)
FP Expenses
2019
Last Week $ 24,340 $ 21,981 $ -2,359
(Shortage)
$ 1,106
Last Week $ 1,022 $ 678 $ -344
(Shortage)
$ 25
YTD (9/8)
$ 875,872 $ 811,921 $ -63,951
(Shortage)
$ 780,842
YTD (9/8)
$ 36,792 $ 38,605 $ 1,813
(Overage)
$ 45,388
For a complete listing of our Pastoral Staff and contact infor-mation, please visit our website
at fbc-tempe.org. You may also contact the
Church Office at 480-839-0926.
September 15-Daniel 4-6 September 16-Daniel 7-9 September 17-Daniel 10-12 September 18-Ezra 1-3 September 19-Ezra 4-6, Psalm 137 September 20-Haggai 1-2 September 21-Zechariah 1-7 September 22-Zechariah 8-14
Dale Liggett (9/15) Don Van Kley (9/15) Ty Yazzie (9/15) Tisa Phiri (9/16) Linda Fones (9/17) Joe Keeling (9/17) Joseph Abboud (9/18) Charles Devine (9/19) Gail Halver (9/19) Aaron Uptergrove (9/19) Sweet Pea Warf (9/19) Hanane Abboud (9/20) Cris Wenz (9/20) Loretta White (9/20) Stephanie Huang (9/22)
By giving to Faith Promise you help our
missionaries spread the Gospel of Jesus around the world!
Visit our Website for more information on all our
ministries: http://fbc-tempe.org
How Do I Get Connected?
Do you want to meet and get to know the full-time Pastors, Children’s Director, Women’s Ministry Director and others? If so, you are invited to attend one of our
“Welcome Lunches” as a guest of Pastor Roger and Dianna.
If you would like to attend our next Welcome Lunch please contact Jeff Savage by calling 480-839-0926.
Legacy Designated
Last Week
$ 867
Since Jan 2019 $ 126,799
Legacy Long-Term Debt Reduction
Please continue to give to help reduce
our long-term Legacy debt of approximately $1,632,081.00
8:00 am
Messenger Class-Room 107/108 (Couples and Singles, 50’s-70’s)
9:30 am Nursery-
Birth through 23 Months Old Children’s Classes-Kid City
(2 Years through 6th Grade)
Couples for Christ-Room 107/108 (Couples, 30’s-50’s)
Friendship Class-Room 106 (Couples and Singles All Ages)
Bible Study for Life-Room 104 (Couples and Singles All Ages)
Science and Creation Class-Room 109 (Couples and Singles All Ages)
Ladies Class-Room 118 (Ladies of All Ages)
Men’s Class-Room 105 (Men of Al Ages)
JHM (Junior High)-Room 207 (Junior High Ages 12-14)
HSM (High School)-Room 207 (High School Ages 14-18)
11:00 am Nursery-
Birth through 23 Months Old Children’s Classes-Kid City
(2 Years through 6th Grade)
Young Families Class-Room 109 (Couples and Singles with Children)
Berean Class-Room 105 (Couples and Singles, 50’s-90’s)
The Hood-Room 106 (Couples and Singles All Ages)
Watchman Class-Room 107/108 (Couples and Singles All Ages)
College and Career-Room 217 (Students and Early Career, 18-28)
Young Marrieds Class-Room 218 (Married and Engaged Couples)
Moral Choices Class-Room 221 (Couples and Singles, All Ages)
8:00 am-Traditional Worship Great is the Lord Great and Mighty Welcome and Greeting Worthy, You Are Worthy I Love You Lord Giving Gifts to God Offertory-Alex Manners Message-Al Fadi “Keep the Spotlight on Jesus-Why?”
9:30 am-Blended Worship Open Up the Heavens Master’s Praise Choir Welcome and Greeting Worthy, You Are Worthy I Love You Lord Giving Gifts to God Offertory-Alex Manners Message-Al Fadi “Keep the Spotlight on Jesus-Why?” 9:30 am-Intersect Worship Upstairs Loft I Saw the Light Great Are You Lord 10,000 Reasons (Bless the Lord) Come Thou Fount Message-Pastor Anthony Whitlatch “Keep the Spotlight on Jesus-Why?” Overcome 11:00 am-Praise Worship Open Up the Heavens Master’s Praise Choir Welcome and Announcements Cornerstone Giving Gifts to God Offertory-Kayleigh Hulbert Message-Al Fadi “Keep the Spotlight on Jesus-Why?”
6:00 pm-Blended Worship
Welcome and Greeting Today is the Day Blessed Be Your Name My Jesus I Love Thee Majesty How Great Thou Art Majesty Giving Gifts to God Offertory-Sandy DeRosso Message-Rev Robin Shakal
Why not consider signing up for electronic giving. FBC relies on the financial support of the congregation and electronic giving offers an easy way to give once or on a recurring ba-sis. To give electronically, visit www.fbc-tempe.org and locate the link to the electronic giving page.
FBC car window decals are still available for purchase. All proceeds from these go to Faith Promise to support our FBC Missionaries and Short-Term Mission Trips. If you have any questions regarding these, contact David Brinn.
The Center for Islamic Research and Awareness (CIRA-a full-time ministry of FBC) is pleased to provide you with this financial update for the period of January-December 2019:
Financial Need Annual Budget $ 98,000.00 Giving-to-Date $ 71,177.00 Under Budget $ 26,823.00
On behalf of CIRA ministry we would like to thank you for your kindness and
continued support. Your significant contributions will enable us to serve
HIM to advance the Gospel to our Muslim friends throughout the world.
Make out all checks to FBC earmarked “CIRA.”
Please place any HP, Dell, Lexmark, Brother, Epson, Samsung, Kodak, Sharp or Canon empty ink cartridges that you have in the recycle box in Skylight Hall. These help defray the cost of office supplies for the church.
Visit our Website for more
information on all our ministries:
http://fbc-tempe.org
This Week at FBC
Sunday, September 15 8:00 am-Traditional Worship 8:00 am-Adult Bible Class 9:30 am-Blended Worship 9:30 am-Intersect Worship 9:30 am-Adult Bible Classes 11:00 am–Praise Worship 11:00 am-Adult Bible Classes 12:00 noon-Lunch in the MAC 3:00 pm– GriefShare 4:00 pm-Moms in Prayer 5:00 pm-Dinner in the Quad 5:30 pm-Understanding Islam 5:45 pm-Awana Club 5:59 pm-Youth Sunday Night 6:00 pm-Blended Worship
Monday, September 16 6:30 am-Men’s Bible Study 5:00 pm-Monday Night Basketball 6:30 pm-Intersect Service Rehearsal 7:00 pm-Parents of Addicted Loved Ones
Tuesday, September 17 9:00 am-Women’s Tuesday Morning Bible Study 6:00 pm-Youth Band Rehearsal 6:30 pm-Women’s Tuesday Evening Bible Study 7:00 pm-Science Seminar
Wednesday, September 18 8:45 am-Joyful Motherhood 6:30 pm-Al-Anon Group Meeting 6:30 pm-Pick-Up Basketball 6:30 pm-Financial Peace University 6:45 pm-Choir and Orchestra Rehearsal
Thursday, September 19 6:00 pm-Women’s Thursday Evening Bible Study
Friday, September 20 6:00 pm-Chandler Home Group 6:30 pm-Celebrate Recovery
Saturday, September 21 11:00 am-Memorial Service for Richard Miller
Want to listen to one of the sermons by Pastor Roger or one of the other FBC Pastors? Free sermons by Pastor Roger and the other FBC Pastors are available to you on the FBC webpage at www.fbc-tempe.org.
The FBC Library is open. Stop by and check out a book or a video! If you would like to donate books to the
Library please contact Sheryl Avis by email at [email protected].
“Generosity is to materialism what Kryptonite is to Superman.”
(Lloyd Shadrach, Pastor and Author)
“Never measure your generosity by what you give, but rather by what you have left.”
(Bishop Fulton J. Sheen, Roman Catholic Bishop)
“If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.”
(Robert South, English Clergyman)
Giving to God is a grace-but not giving to God is a disgrace.
Reflect-Have you ever gone without something in order to be able to set aside money to give a sacrificial gift to the Lord’s work? What is something you could live without-for a while or forever-in order to help you be able to set aside funds to be more generous?
Prayer-Heavenly Father, help us to live more simply so others can simply live. Amen.
For the safe-
ty and security of eve-ryone, your backpack or bag may be inspected.
Thanks for your cooper-ation!
Help FBC Meet Its Budget
We appreciate your faithful giving to FBC and its ministries.
God is doing many good things at our church. Pray for the economy in America.
We need $24,340.00 each week to meet our budget.
Faith Promise Update
Our weekly giving need for Faith Promise is $1,022.00.
Our need since January 1 is $36,792.00
Thank you for being faithful to God’s Word through Faith Promise Giving! Faith Promise is money you give to help our missionaries.
If we do not receive $4,426.00 each month, all of our Faith Promise missionaries like Mark Burritt, Steve and Darlene Evers, Bob and Elena Gonzalez and Steve and Patty Robenalt
will not receive their “full” monthly support from us. Your faithfulness helps our missionaries spread the love of Jesus around the world!
Would you consider giving to Faith Promise to help us meet our financial commitment to our missionaries. Make your checks payable to FBC earmarked “Faith Promise.
YTD Money Needed $875,872.00
YTD Money Received $811,921.00
UNDER Budget $-63,951.00
Budget
Received
Budget Received
Series 1 $875,872.00 $811,921.00
2019 General Fund Giving
Worship Service Tech Workers Needed
Due to moves and health issues we are losing three of our Worship Service Tech Workers in the next month. We are in serious need of new Tech Workers to run our Sound, Lighting, Media and Camera Stations for all three morning services, as well as our evening service. If you have a desire to serve our Lord Jesus in these areas, we need you greatly. Our worship services cannot happen without dedicated volunteers to serve these vital tech positions. We will train you on whichever tech station you would like to serve. Please contact Pastor Roger Ball at 602-402-5309 or email him at [email protected] or Julie Huver at [email protected].
Children’s Ministry (Birth through 6th Grade)
Preschool and Kindergarten Bible Story 9:30 am: The Fall and Restoration
Bible Story 11:00 am: The Fall and Restoration
Elementary Bible Story: Abram Bible Point: Abram
Kid City Prayer Request for the Week: Pray for the Students in Kid City
to follow Your plan for their lives and use their talents, abilities and spiritual gifts.
Awana Clubs 3-Year Olds through 6th Grade
Sunday evenings from 5:45 to 7:15 pm
September 15 – September 22 –
September 29 – Crazy Hair Night
Men’s ONLY Bible Class
Authentic Manhood … What Does It Mean to be a Man?
Man and His Design
Man and His Traps
Man and His Work
Man and His Story
Man and His Fatherhood
Join other men and experience honesty, discovery, friends and Jesus. Beginning on Sunday morning, September 15, at 9:30 am in Room 105
Leader: David Brinn For more information contact David Brinn at [email protected] or
at 480-466-3481. You can also contact Pastor Roger at [email protected]
Men’s Upcoming Events
Plan ahead and sign-up at the Men’s Ministry Table in Skylight Hall for the following men’s
events:
Men’s Breakfast (Saturday, November 9) – Rise Up Against Hate, Abuse, Violence and Bullying
Hikes with Adam (every other month)
Money Management with Dave Ramsey (August-October)
Mission Trip to Uganda in 2020
Mission Trip to Panama in 2021
Fishing in Alaska (August 20 – September 2, 2020)
Sign-up at the Men’s Ministry Table across from the Library.
I would like to receive information on “Men Helping Men” to be like Jesus via the FBC Men’s Ministry.
Name _______________________________________________________
Email _______________________________________________________
Ways to “GIVE” to FBC
GIVE ONLINE Go to: www.fbc-tempe.org
Tap “Donations”
Tap “Enter Online Donation System”
GIVE by APP Search for GivePlus Church in the App Store
Download the GivePlus Church App
Enter First Baptist Church of Tempe
Tap Donate Now
GIVE by TEXT Text 480-485-3171
Tap Giving Link
Type in Assist and Enter Information
GIVE by ENVELOPE Use assigned Giving Envelope from Church Office
Or use white Giving Envelope in chair in Worship Center
Place in Offering Plate
J.O.Y. Lunch
What’s friendly, delicious, entertaining and does not cost a thing? It is JOY (Just Older Youth) starting back on Thursday, September 19. If you
are a baby boomer and beyond, please come and enjoy a great group of friends, a delicious potluck luncheon and our special program for that day featuring our own Steve Evers! Steve is the Director of In Touch International, Inc. He is going to share about some of his mission adventures in Africa with us. You will be blessed!
Bring your favorite potluck dish to share to Rooms 107/108 at 11:23 am and we will wrap it up at 1:00 pm. We just can’t wait to see you there! (And then mark your calendars for the third Thursday of each month, same time and same place for more fun)
The Christian’s walk and talk must go together.
NEW! Fall Bible Study: The Writings of Paul (Led by Mindelle Will, WM Director) Tuesday. mornings 9:00 am - 11:30 am Tuesday evenings 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm {September 10 to November 19 Fall break October 8}
NEW! Fall Book Study: Boundaries (Led by Dr. Lisa Bernier, GCU Professor of Education) Thursday evenings 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm {September 12 to November 21 Fall break October 10} NEW! Fall Bible Study: Joyful Motherhood “The Unexplainable Jesus” Study on Luke (Hosted by Lacy Vega) Wednesday morning 8:45 am - 9:45 am) {August 28 to November 20 Fall break October 9} NEW! Fall Prayer Group: Moms In Prayer (Led by Yadi Dorsett) Sundays 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm) {Follows Awana/Youth Choir Schedule}
For information and to sign up for an event go to the WM table by the Café
Other books were given to us
for information, but the Bible was given to us
for transformation.
FBC Boutique & Car Show!!! Friday, November 1, and Saturday, November 2
Women’s Ministry Outreach Fundraiser!!
This is a great opportunity to help support women in our church with scholarships and financial assistance. In addition we will be reaching out to the community with fun family activities!
New Boutique Vendor applications are being accepted now. Deadline is August 30! We have limited space in the MAC and Quad so register ASAP! For the online registration form go to http://www.fbc-tempe.org and click on the Women’s Ministry page.
NEW this year is our Car Show on Saturday morning, November 2, and during our Boutique. Judging and cash prizes! For registration details go to http://www.fbc-tempe.org and click on the Women’s Ministry page. We do need judges so please check with Mindelle Will.
There are MANY areas you can volunteer for this event. This is an opportunity to show God’s love to the community, local vendors and car owners who do not attend a church home. For more information check out the Women’s Table across from the Cafe!
FBC Heartbeat Class
Date and Time – Sunday, September 22, 10:30 A.M.
Sharing yourself as a Heartbeat to others!
During the Heartbeat Class our Senior Pastor, Dr. Roger Ball, will present the Doctrines of FBC along with our church’s Mission and Vision. In addition, we will speak about the importance of relationships and how to get connected within our church family.
This class will take place in Room 118.
Please contact Jeff Savage with any questions and RSVP at 201-519-2856 or at [email protected].
Walk to Bethlehem
It is time once again to lift Jesus REALLY HIGH as we set-up for Walk to Bethlehem on Monday and Tuesday, October 28-29, from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm at Pastor Roger and Dianna’s Home.
The Christmas birth story of Jesus as told in Luke 2:1-20 went to over 40,000 visitors last year.
We need around 50 people to keep the work manageable, less of a burden and almost done in the two days. Sure hope you can help.
Can you bring a friend to help with discipleship . . . the Great Commission?
Bring: gloves, hats, battery charged-up drills and small hand tools.
I will pray that God will mega bless you for being part of this special project.
Again, meet a bunch of Jesus followers in my backyard on Monday and Tuesday, October 28-29.
Enjoy snacks for breaks, a great lunch and plenty of cold water.
Can you help??
YES, I will be able to help set-up Walk to Bethlehem on Monday, October 28. YES, I will be able to help set-up Walk to Bethlehem on Tuesday, October 29. Name ________________________________________________________ Cell Phone ____________________________________________________
(Tear off and place in the Offering Plate)
New Series in the Young Families Bible Class . . .
CHOOSING MARRIAGE
Class Time/Location: 11:00 am in Room #109
This series is crafted for marrieds, singles, divorced, and/or separated, engaged (anyone willing to humbly learn about one of the hardest things to make work in our culture today!). It’s meant to explore the dynamics of marriage on a practical and biblical level. The goal is a conversational, challenging, self-reflective evaluation of the Bible, ourselves, and marriage.
Some Topics Include: 1. What is Love? 2. Healthy & Unhealthy defense mechanisms 3. 4 levels of Conversation 4. Expectations 5. Boundaries 6. Confession 7. The Danger of Marriage 8. Sex 9. Reconciliation AND MUCH MORE!!
Teacher: Pastor Anthony Whitlatch Even if you’re not a “young family” but you still need this series, come join us! For more information contact Pastor Anthony Whitlatch at 480-839-0926 or at [email protected].
Special Study from Our Own Expert
Understanding Islam: an Ideology, Worldview, or World Domination
Join this 6 week study to understand the basics of Islam taught by a former Muslim from Saudi Arabia: Al Fadi
Starting date: Sunday September 15th Room #118, 6:00PM
Topics to be covered: Week 1 - Testimony and Introduction Week 2 - Origin, sources, and Tenets of Islam Week 3 - The Quran Week 4 - The Biography of the messenger of the Quran Week 5 - Sharia Law Week 6 - Islam and End Times
Want more information!? Contact Pastor Anthony Whitlatch at [email protected] or the church office (480) 839-0926.
Sunday Lunch in the MAC and Sunday Dinner in the Quad
Your donations at the Food Line and in the “Wood Boxes” help greatly to cover the cost of the meal.
September 15 – Lunch in the MAC – Grilled Hamburgers and Hot Dogs with Toppings, Macaroni Salad, Chips, Salad Bar and Dessert September 15 – Dinner in the Quad – Baked Potato Bar with Meaty Chili, FBC Mac and Cheese, Cornbread and Salad Bar
September 22 – Lunch in the MAC – Roast Pork Loin with Rice, Veggies, Salad Bar and Dessert September 22 – Dinner in the Quad – Sloppy Joes, FBC Mac and Cheese, Coleslaw, Chips and Salad Bar
September 29 – Lunch in the MAC – Chicken Enchilada Bake with Rice and Beans, Chips and Salsa, Salad Bar and Dessert September 29 – Dinner in the Quad – Spaghetti and Meatballs, Veggies, Garlic Bread and Salad Bar
Do You Stay For Lunch? Can You Help Serve?
Many hands make light work! I can help:
1. _____ Set up Tables and Chairs in the Gym at 8:30 am on Sundays 2. _____ Serve food after the 11am service 3. _____Wash dishes During lunch 4. _____ Wash dishes After lunch 5. _____ Take down tables and chairs after lunch 6. _____ Cook food with Ryan Some Sundays
a. _____ I would like Ryan to teach me to cook
b. _____ I have some experience cooking for groups
I can help 1 2 3 4 times per month (circle one). Name: ____________________________________________
Best Way to Contact Me: ________________________________________ All information will go to Anthony Whitlatch – [email protected]
Men’s Breakfast
Saturday, November 9, 7:50 to 10:00 am “Rise Up Against Hate, Abuse,
Violence and Bullying”
Advance God in an Anti-God Culture
Meet – Know – Pray for Other Men
Excellent Breakfast
Inspiring Videos
Meet Men’s Ministry Leadership Team
Amazing NEW Events by Men’s Ministry
All Men Singing Acapella to God
Large Group Prayer for Anyone in Need of Prayer
Sign-up today at the Men’s Ministry Table in Skylight Hall – Don’t miss it!
YES, you can plan on me to attend the Men’s Breakfast on Saturday, November 0
Name _______________________________________________________
Email _______________________________________________________
Cell Phone ___________________________________________________ (Fill this out and drop in the offering plate)
Four Reasons You Should Consider Volunteering in Kid’s Ministry at FBC:
1. You will enjoy it.
Serving God by serving kids is fun. Kids say some of the most hilarious things. They often want to learn and tend to respect the leader who is offering them instruction. And let’s be honest; children tend to have more fun that most big people. Being in a kids ministry gives you an opportunity to be surrounded by optimism and creativity and joy that kids bring.
2. You will have an impact.
Those who serve kids are choosing to invest in others during their most impressionable years. While kids are impressionable, they are not innocent. None of us are. The Bible says we are sinful from the time we are conceived. All of us need the grace of Jesus to change us, and those who serve in kid’s ministry are helping kids encounter God’s grace. If you serve in kid’s ministry you can make an eternal impact by giving kids a tangible expression of God’s love. As a kid’s ministry leader, your consistent presence in the life of kids sends a strong signal of God’s consistent and faithful love.
3. You will be reminded of the nature of the faith.
Jesus told a crowd one day that unless we become like children we will not enter His kingdom. There is a major difference between a childish faith and a childlike faith; God affirms the latter and rebukes the former. It is not surprising when children are childish. But they also give us glimpses of childlike faith. Not only are they trusting but also they
often still have the gift of awe, a sense of wonder, which gives us a great opportunity to point them to the most awesome story of all.
4. You will learn to communicate truth more effectively.
Theologian and Professor Helmut Thielicke required all of his doctoral students to teach kids Sunday school while they were studying theology for their advanced degrees. He believed that if someone really understands theology then the person can articulate the truth to a child in a way the child understands. He reasoned that if his theology students could not explain the Christian faith to kids, they did not understand it well enough. Teaching and leading kids likely will help you more than it helps them. You will learn how to take the truth of God and communicate it in ways that are understandable.
If someone approaches you about serving in the kid’s ministry, you are being offered a major honor. Go for it!
Would you like more information about serving in kid’s ministry? Please contact Sharmon Steil at 480-839-0926 or at [email protected].
NEW Prayer Group
Starting on Sunday, September 22, at 10:00 am in Room 214 (upstairs)
Leader – Larry Meyer
Want to learn how to pray? Do you have a passion for prayer? Looking to develop a discipline of prayer?
Want to see God answer prayer? Want to meet others who share your passion for prayer? Want to intercede for people at FBC and/or people in America or around the world?
Contact Pastor Anthony Whitlatch for more information at 480-839-0926 or at [email protected].
God makes a promise – faith believes it,
hope anticipates it, patience quietly awaits it.
Sunday Mornings Messages
September 22 – “The Lamb of God – Why?” (John 1:29)
Dr. Roger Ball (8:00, 9:30, 11:00 Worship Center) Pastor Anthony Whitlatch (9:30 Loft)
September 29 – “Be Faithful to God’s Assignment” (John 1:30-34)
Dr. Roger Ball (8:00, 9:30, 11:00 Worship Center) Pastor Anthony Whitlatch (9:30 Loft)
October 6 – “Will You Follow Only the Truth?” (John 1:35-39)
Dr. Roger Ball (8:00, 9:30, 11:00 Worship Center) Pastor Anthony Whitlatch (9:30 Loft)
October 13 – “I Will Follow Jesus” (John 1:40-44)
Al Fadi (8:00, 9:30, 11:00 Worship Center) Pastor Anthony Whitlatch (9:30 Loft)
Pastor Roger’s sermons and other FBC Pastors can be heard for free on our website
at www.fbc-tempe.org or on the go in the Sermons.io App
(http://sermons.io/the-app).
Sunday Evening Messages
September 15 – “Give Me Your Heart” (Joel 2:12-17) Rev. Robin Shakal
September 22 – “Promise of Plenty” (Joel 2:18-27) Rev. Robin Shakal
September 29 – “I Will Pour Out My Spirit” (Joel 2:28-32) Rev. Robin Shakal
October 6 – “YHWH Judges All Nations” (Joel 3:1-13) Pastor Fred Morse
“Keep the Spotlight on Jesus – Why?”
September 15, 2019 Al Fadi
In a world that is infested with Political Correctness, it is easier for any of us, as believers in Christ, to avoid being bold when sharing the “hostile” truth of the Gospel. However, today’s message will present to us from the scripture how [We] represented by “John the Baptist” can shed the spotlight on Jesus by being bold and honest when sharing the truth of the message and calling of the Gospel. John 1:19 - And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” (20 He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” (21) And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” (22) So they said to him, “Who are you? We need to give an answer to those who sent us. What do you say about yourself?” (23) He said, “I am the voice of one crying out in the wilderness, ‘Make straight the way of the Lord,’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” (24) (Now they had been sent from the Pharisees.) (25) They asked him, “Then why are you baptizing, if you are neither the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” (26) John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know, (27) even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” (28) These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.” 1. Know Your Calling
Luke 3:7 - “You brood of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?”
We are called to share a ____________ ____________
However, the Gospel message __________ __________
Hint = The message of the Gospel will be __________ __________
John 1:19 - And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?”
2. Know Your Identity John 1:20 - He confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” John 1:21 - And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” He said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.”
He stated that ________________________________
o However, we are _____ ____________of Christ 2 Corinthians 5:20 - Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.”
He was not “Elijah”
o But we are to deliver a message that will turn hearts back to the Lord Malachi 4:5 - “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes. Malachi 4:6 - And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.”
John 1:22 - “Who are you, so that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself?”
3. Know Your Savior - Shine the Spotlight on Jesus
We must always point others to __________
John 1:23 - “He said, ‘I am a voice of one crying in the wilderness, “Make straight the way of the Lord,” as Isaiah the prophet said.’”
The __________ _____ __________is our guide
o John the Baptist used Isaiah 40:3 to point them to Jesus
We are __________ _____ __________announcing the coming of the __________
We a voice _______ _____ _______________
Some Pharisees in the delegation were still not satisfied with John’s answer. John 1:25 - “Why then are you baptizing, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?”
John 1:26 - “John answered them, “I baptize with water, but among you stands one you do not know,
John 1:27 - even he who comes after me, the strap of whose sandal I am not worthy to untie.” John 1:28 - These things took place in Bethany across the Jordan, where John was baptizing.”
APPLICATION
First, if you’re only into religion rather than Christ, you will flatter yourself with your religious performance rather than humble yourself in the holy presence of Christ.
Second, you can only evaluate yourself correctly and point people to Jesus to the extent that you truly know Him.
Third, humility is essential for a correct view of yourself, but self-esteem is detrimental.
Fourth, whatever your gifts and calling, you can do as John did and point people to Jesus.