First Baptist Church Wimberley Sermons

[[:encoded, "The Stoever's continue their \"Relationship Road Trip\" series with this message on maintaining \"Fuel for the Journey.\""]]

[[:encoded, "There was a Mindset around Noah's Ark: The world was violent and corrupt. There was also the Making of the Ark itself: It wasn't until the mid-19th century before a ship was built that was larger than the ark. Also, there was the Message of the Ark: There are waves of justice, as well as waves of grace. It really comes down to this: God in His holiness has to punish sin, but God in His grace offers payment for our sin through His Son."]]

[[:encoded, "\"Noah found favor in the eyes of The Lord.\" Perhaps that's why God called him to Salvation, to Serve, and to Share. Four characteristics of Noah stand out: 1) He was righteous. 2) He was blameless. 3) He walked with God, and 4) He did all that God commanded. Can these same things be said of us?"]]

[[:encoded, "Who would ever start a movement talking about the persecution that is bound to come if you embrace it? That's what Christ did. It will cost you if you sign up for what He is calling you to. If you're ever persecuted, 1) learn to grow through the pain, 2) learn to wait--because \"great is your reward in heaven,\" and 3) learn to pray."]]

[[:encoded, "God has called us to live a life of righteousness. But when we do, some people will hate us. Jesus assures us that we're blessed when we are persecuted. This message deals with the reality, response, and result, of persecution. Be strong and courageous when you face it. God is on your side!"]]

[[:encoded, "Hebrews 2 asks the question \"how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?\" The Author of our Salvation, Jesus, is a Great Savior, a Divine Sustainer, and a Great Sacrifice. He also gives us a Great Offer (grace and mercy). But there is a Great Danger, which is simply neglecting Him."]]

[[:encoded, "The first four beatitudes have to do with our relationship to God. Beginning with the 5th, they deal with how we relate to others. This 7th beatitude is about making peace, which is not simply the absence of conflict. A more biblical definition of \"peace\" means \"to bind together that which is divided, and set them as one.\" What a message for the Church today!"]]

[[:encoded, "What does the word \"heart\" mean? In scripture it has to do with the will, which is the control center of the mind. If we want to see God, our hearts must be pure. This message describes how that's even possible."]]

[[:encoded, "This message on being merciful is a continuation of our counter-cultural series on the Beatitudes. The fact is sometimes when we show mercy to others, it may not be reciprocated. But the good news is that Jesus promises that those who show mercy will receive mercy from God!"]]

[[:encoded, "Could it be that the reason we are always looking for the next \"thing\" that will satisfy us is that we spend our life trying to satisfy our spiritual soul with natural food? God wants so much for us to feed our soul with the right things, as this message makes clear."]]

[[:encoded, "Power under control: That's the picture of meekness in the scripture. It's to allow your power and authority to be brought under the control of someone else. For the Christian, it means being brought under the control and power of the Holy Spirit."]]

[[:encoded, "Pastor Mike continues the series on the Sermon on the Mount. In today's message he explains the paradoxical, counter-cultural statement having to do with the happiness of those who are sad."]]

[[:encoded, "The Sermon on the Mount is one of the most cherished parts of scripture. But the principles within it are so counter-cultural that we must have 201Ckingdom character201D to live them out in our world."]]

[[:encoded, "Here is a description of the great white throne of judgment as described in Revelation 20. In this court room there is only a Righteous Judge and defendants. There's also no jury and no appeals. The judgment is final."]]

[[:encoded, "When Christians stand before the judgment throne of God, they are not judged for their sins. But there is definitely going to be an evaluation, based on how well they used their God-given gifts and abilities. God will look at their service, their conduct, and their motives. Did they bring glory to Him or themselves?"]]

[[:encoded, "Could Christ possibly return in your lifetime? The prophecies concerning it have been amazing to see just in the last 100 years. His return is imminent. Are you ready for it?"]]

[[:encoded, "Shawn and Christina Stoever talk to married couples about having a vision and values for their marriage, with practical advice on how to prepare for the inevitable \"speed bumps\" that come along the way."]]

[[:encoded, "The Gospel is releasing us from self righteousness and self justification and resting in God's righteousness and justification."]]

[[:encoded, "In light of the fact that we'll exist forever, what should we do now? Listen as Pastor Mike discusses four things to be doing right now in preparation for eternity."]]

[[:encoded, "The Bible speaks of a new heaven and a new earth. But it's not only going to be new; it's going to be better! Praise be to God. Listen and be encouraged from God's Word."]]