Identity – Powerful

Identity – Powerful

Ephesians 3:14-21

#1 POSTURE OF THE HEART Ephesians 3:14-15

#2 PRAYER FOR POWER THROUGH THE SPIRIT Ephesians 3:16-17a

#3 POSSESSING MEASURELESS LOVE Ephesians 3:17b-19

#4 GOD’S POWER TO DO THE IMMEASURABLE Ephesians 3:20

#5 PRAISE FOR OUR GOD FOREVER Ephesians 3:21

Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen. Ephesians 3:20-21 (NIV)

Identity – Confident

Identity – Confident

Ephesians 3:1-13

#1 CAPTIVE OF CHRIST Ephesians 3:1,13

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it.                                                   Matthew 16:24-25 (NIV)

#2 THE MARVELOUS MYSTERY OF THE GOSPEL Ephesians 3:2-6

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:6 (NIV)

#3 GOD’S SELFLESS SERVANT Ephesians 3:7-11

For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.                                                       2 Timothy 4:6 (NIV)

#4 CONFIDENT CONNECTION TO GOD Ephesians 3:12-13

Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and having our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Hebrews 10:19-25 (NIV)

IDentity Citizen

IDentity Citizen

Ephesians 2:1-10

#1 REMEMBER YOUR LIFE BEFORE CHRIST  Ephesians 2:11-12

For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:10 (NIV)

#2 ACCESS TO GOD THROUGH THE BLOOD OF CHRIST Ephesians 2:13-18

It is my judgment, therefore, that we should not make it difficult for the Gentiles who are turning to God. Acts 15:19 (NIV)

#3 YOUR NEW IDENTITY Ephesians 2:19-22

  • Citizens of the Kingdom of God
  • Members of God’s Family
  • Stones in God’s Temple

#4 YOUR RESPONSIBILITY

  • Personally
  • Corporately
Faith and Farming

Faith and Farming

In Dalhart, Texas, we are surrounded by thousands of acres of farmland. Some of these farms have great crops, while others fail. Two of the deciding factors in a successful farm are the condition of the soil and the amount of moisture.

We have a highly trained group of people called agronomists who help our farmers have great crops. Monitoring crops and helping make important agricultural decisions, this hard working group helps farmers produce fruitful and profitable crops. Sometimes, the agronomists’ advice is the difference of having a high yielding crop or loosing the crop altogether.

In the New Testament book of Luke, Jesus taught His followers a lesson about faith by using the parable of the soils. In Luke 8, He depicts four types of soil. Jesus describes three soils that each produced no crop and one soil that generated a great harvest. In this parable, Jesus is the sower, the Word of God is the seed, and the soil represents the condition of the heart. Will you allow Jesus to evaluate your heart and be your agronomist?

The first soil Jesus describes in Luke 8 is hard soil. He said, “A farmer went out to sow his seed. As he was scattering the seed, some fell along the path; it was trampled on, and the birds ate it up.” Luke 8:5 (NIV) Common back in Jesus’ day, there were paths between fields that were repeatedly walked on and packed down. When the seed landed in these hard places, it was unable to take root resulting in becoming bird food. This soil represents someone who hears the Word of God and immediately allows the adversary the devil to snatch the seed away. This happens when the devil reminds you of your past and tries to convince you that you are unworthy of God’s love. He also reminds you of a hurtful church experience when someone said something uncaring or when a church missed an opportunity to minister to you or your family. As a pastor, let me apologize for your hurtful experience and plead with you to ignore the devil’s reminders. He is wrong about you. God loves you and has a plan for your life. You can trade the lies for the love of God.

The second soil is shallow soil. “Some fell on rocky ground, and when it came up, the plants withered because they had no moisture.” Luke 8:6 (NIV) In the panhandle of Texas, we know all about lack of moisture. Shallow soil describes the person that hears the Word of God and begins to respond, but when his faith is tested falls way. Why?  There is no root. For one to avoid the shallow heart, trusting God with the details of life is essential. When fear and worry replace faith, the heart will be shallow. Is there something blocking the work of God in your heart that you need to trust Him for? He is willing to replace fear and worry with peace and confidence. All you have to do is trust God and place your faith in Him through everything.

The third soil Jesus depicts is crowded soil. “Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up with it and choked the plants.” Luke 8:7 (NIV) Weeds in our life hinder the harvest. We live in a culture full of distractions. We crowd our hearts with the the things we see and hear. The books we read, movies and TV we watch, websites we go to on the internet, and the music we listen to influences the condition of our heart.  Whatever you allow into your heart through your eyes and ears effects the state of your heart to the work of God’s Word. If your heart is crowded and full of weeds today, God is willing to cultivate your heart to produce a harvest, if you will let Him.

The last soil Jesus used to describe the condition of the heart was good soil that produced a great crop. “Still other seed fell on good soil. It came up and yielded a crop, a hundred times more than was sown.” Luke 8:8 (NIV) There is nothing better for a farmer than when the great harvest comes up, and all the work has been worth while. To produce a fruitful harvest in your life, you must soften your heart to the Word of God and refuse to listen to lies of the devil. You also must allow God to work deep in your life beyond the fears and worries of this world. Weed out anything that would choke out the work of God in your life.

As spring approaches and farmers prepare to plant their crops, let’s pray for a bountiful harvest. Likewise, as Jesus plants the Word of God in our lives, let’s cultivate the soil of our hearts for a great harvest of spiritual fruit.

This article originally appeared in the Dalhart Texan and was written by Sean Vickers.

Sanctuary Prayer

Sanctuary Prayer

SanctuaryPrayer

We are committed to prayer at First Baptist Dalhart. Part of that commitment is our invitation for people to come and pray in our Sanctuary during the week. Below is a Prayer Guide for you to use as you pray. Consider using it as you prayer in the Sanctuary of your church.

First, you will notice our beautiful stained glass that displays the Cross.

Begin your prayer time by thanking your Heavenly Father for your salvation that was made possible of the sacrificial death of Jesus and His resurrection. He is the reason we have peace, hope and eternal life.

And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you. Thank God for this gift too wonderful for words! 2 Corinthians 9:14-15 (NLT)

You will notice the American Flag.

Let the flag remind you to pray for our country. The United States of America has strained far from the strong biblical foundation it was founded on. Pray that our country would return to God and that revival fires would once again sweep across our nation.

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godlinessand holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 1 Timothy 2:1-4 (NIV)

You will notice the Christian Flag.

Let the Christian flag remind you to pray for the Bride of Christ, the Church. Pray for churches in our community, the state of Texas, the United States of America and the World. Pray that the Church would be about the Kingdom and Glory of God.

if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgivetheir sin and will heal their land. 2 Chronicles 7:14 (NIV)

Pray for First Baptist Dalhart. As we strive to worship our great God, grow closer to Jesus Christ, serve God by serving others, and share the Good News about Jesus with others through the power of the Holy Spirit.

You will notice musical instruments.

Pray that First Baptist Church will be a place of authentic worship where God is honored and lifted high. Pray that the focus will be on God, not on individual desires or preferences. Pray for our Music Ministry to be led by the Holy Spirit as they lead us into the presence of God.

Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives. Teach and counsel each other with all the wisdom he gives. Sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to God with thankful hearts. Colossians 3:16 (NLT)

You will notice that you are surrounded by pews.

Pray for the people who will sit in there pews for worship. Pray that they will be transformed by their time in God’s sanctuary. Pray that God would fill the empty seats with worshippers and that they would feel welcomed and become part of the family of God known at First Baptist Church Dalhart.

Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in the Spirit and in truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks.24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth.” John 4:23-24 (NIV)

You will notice the pulpit area.

Pray for your Pastor and church staff. Pray that they would be filled with the Spirit of God as they lead. Pray that God would protect them from temptation and discouragement. As the Word of God is preached, taught, sang, and applied that if would transform our church into a place where God is honored and lifted up.

Have confidence in your leaders and submit to their authority, because they keep watch over you as those who must give an account. Do this so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no benefit to you. Pray for us. We are sure that we have a clear conscience and desire to live honorably in every way. Hebrews 13:17-18 (NIV)

And I, when I am lifted up[a] from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” John 12:32 (NIV)

Then finally, you will notice the altar.

This is the place of commitment. Pray that the altar will be filled with people committing their lives to Christ. Pray that it would be a place where people lay down their burdens and place their faith in Jesus to meet their needs according to His riches in Glory.

Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord, Acts 3:19 (NIV)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matthew 11: 28-30 (NIV)

Pray the Pledge

Pray the Pledge

It is a blessing to live in the United States of America. On a recent mission trip to Asia I came face to face with how blessed we are to have the freedoms and lifestyle we enjoy. On this trip I witnessed poverty in a country that has a 46% unemployment rate and I witnessed the effects of communism on its citizens. We are blessed to live in the United States and we need to discover ways we can be a blessing to this great country. One of the ways we can be a blessing is by praying for the country we love. As we celebrate Independence Day this year, pray for the United States. A creative way to pray for our country is to pray through the Pledge of Allegiance phrase by phrase. Let’s Pray the Pledge!

Pray the Pledge

I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America,

Thank God for our country and the blessing of being a citizen of the greatest nation the world has ever known.

and to the Republic for which it stands,

Pray for the political process as we are represented by those that have been elected. Regardless of your political convictions, our elected officials need our prayers. Pray for our local, state and national leaders.

one Nation under God,

Pray that our nation would return to God. 2 Chronicles 7:14 says, “if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This is God’s formula for a nation that honors Him.

indivisible,

Pray for unity for our nation as the political debate continues. There are many issues that divide our country. Pray for our leaders to have divine wisdom.

with liberty and

Thank God for the religious liberty that we have and ask Him to preserve that liberty. Our country is only as strong as it’s families and churches.

justice for all.

Pray for justice for all Americans including the unborn, elderly and defenseless. Father, we pray that you would bless the United States of America. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people he chose for his inheritance.” Psalm 33:12

Alive! Post 1

Alive! Post 1

He is Risen! He is Risen Indeed!

After Resurrection Sunday Jesus appeared to His disciples over a period of 40 days before He ascended to Heaven. Acts 1:3 Believers in Christ can celebrate our Savior who is Alive! He is not only Alive, but He is interested in us.

#1 Jesus PURSUES us where we are. John 21:1

#2 Life with Jesus is an ADVENTURE. John 21:6

#3 Passion for Jesus is Rewarded with His PRESENCE. John 21:7

#4 Jesus INVITES us to join Him in His work on Earth. John 21:9; John 20:21

#5 Time with Jesus is CRITICAL and cannot be replaced. John 21:12

Our Great Savior is Alive!

Pray for Rain

Pray for Rain

Let me state the obvious: We need rain. If you live in Dalhart, Texas you know exactly what I am talking about.

Since moving to Dalhart, I have developed the habit of praying for rain. We desperately need the heavens to open and for rain to fall down on our dry land. Psalm 63:1 says, “You, God, are my God, earnestly I seek you; 
I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you,
in a dry and parched land
where there is no water. (NIV)” This Psalm shows us the way we can pray for rain.

The first priority in prayer should be to seek God with our whole hearts. God reigning in our lives is our first priority. Notice how passionately David pursues his God. He says, “earnestly I seek you; I thirst for you, my whole being longs for you.” There is a great spiritual principle here. When we passionately pursue God, He will meet our needs and work in our lives in ways only He can. Let me ask you a quick question. How passionately are you pursuing God? This is a heart-probing question that we must ask. There is always room for pursuing Him more and focusing our attention and affection on Him. My church, First Baptist Dalhart, or one of Dalhart’s Bible believing churches can help you along this path.

Once we are pursuing Him earnestly we can approach Him with confidence and ask Him to meet our need for rain. Philippians 4:19 declares, “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Seeking God first and then trusting Him for our spiritual and physical needs leads to transformed lives and a changed community.

In his book, The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson tells the story of Honi, the circle maker. Honi lived in the time between the Old and New Testaments. He followed God passionately and persisted in prayer until the rain came. This is an uplifting book that I would highly recommend.  Click here for more details about the book. It is my prayer that God would raise up many in our community who would seek Him with their whole hearts and pray for the rain we so desperately need. Seek Him and pray for rain!

This article originally appeared in the Dalhart Texan and was written by Sean Vickers.

 

Living with Truth

Living with Truth

Living with Truth

2 Peter 1

Ever since the birth of the Church it has been under attack. Never in the history of the world has an institution been attacked more and yet survived and sometimes thrived. Even in our American culture Christianity and the Church are attacked with false prophets and twisted versions of truth. Where does a believer in Jesus Christ turn for answers for life and the church? God has given us the Word of God as our standard and source of truth. Many of the same battles we fight today for truth were present in the early church and addressed by the Apostles.

2 Peter is a letter to the early church written by the Apostle Peter.  In this letter, Peter describes some twisted versions of Christian truth that were being taught and straightens things out. It is important to have a proper understanding of Christian truth because it is out of our beliefs that we live our lives.

Peter begin this second letter by identifying himself and the recipients by writing: “To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours.” (2 Peter 1:1) This letter was written to the church, those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. The church today can learn a great deal from 2 Peter.

Peter then describes how a believer can have confidence in their calling and election. In verse 3 Peter encourages the reader when he writes, “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness.” As believers in Jesus Christ we lack nothing that we need to live lives that honor God. We even participate in the “divine nature and escape the corruption in this world.” (2 Peter 1:4)

Peter then encourages the reader to make every effort to add to their faith virtues that demonstrate that they belong to Christ:

For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge;
and to knowledge, self-control;
and to self-control, perseverance;
and to perseverance, godliness;
and to godliness, mutual affection;
and to mutual affection, love. (2 Peter 1:5-7)

A person that has these virtues present in their life can claim the promise in verse 8 that says, “For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” This promise encourages believers to continue to grow in their faith and to live a life that honors God which lead to a productive effective faith.

Taking a personal inventory using this character traits can help identify areas of your life where there is growth and areas that need to be changed.

The second part of chapter 1 describes the source of prophecy that is found in the Scripture. Peter summarizes this passage in verses 20-21, “Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation. For prophecy never has its origin in the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” This creates the foundation for refuting the false teachers that are addressed in chapter 2.

The Bible is the inspired, inerrant Word of God. It was the source of truth for the early church and it is our source of truth today. “His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness.” (2 Peter 1:3) “And we have the word of the prophets made more certain, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the mourning star rises in your hearts.” (2 Peter 1:19)