Kingdom Parables: Final Separation

The final parable of Matthew is barely a parable at all. Here, Jesus describes the final judgment. What will Jesus have to say to you when you stand before him?

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Kingdom Parables: Called to Account

This week is the Parable of the Talents. Stewardship is a basic Kingdom concept. What will you present to God at the end of your life?

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Kingdom Parables: The Invitation

Today’s parable is the Parable of the Wedding Banquet. God invites us all to dine with his Son. Will you accept the invitation?

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Guest Speaker: Marcus Brown

Marcus Brown, team leader for Church Health and Evangelism for the Arkansas Baptist State Convention, asks an interesting question about the story of David and Goliath: What happened to the bread and cheese he brought to the front lines?

No one cares, because David stepped up to the greater task. Have we spent our lives delivering bread and cheese when there is a giant to face?

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Kingdom Parables: The Ugly Truth

As the time approached for Jesus' crucifixion, he began to teach about the ramifications of the rejection of Jesus by the Jews of his day. The parable of the tenants is such a clear condemnation of unfaithful Israel that these religious leaders, who mostly did not understand Jesus' parables, clearly understood that he was speaking against them. What does this parable illustrating the sin of unfaithful Israel have to do with modern people? As we look at this parable, we learn that while it is certainly the story of those Jews who rejected Jesus, it's also the story of all of sinful humanity... and it can even be the story of a local church.

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Kingdom Parables: "Yes" Is Not Enough

We've all been let down by someone who said they would do something, but then did not follow through. How often do you do that to God? What are God's thoughts when we do that?

Jesus gives a simple illustration to remind his religious listeners that saying "yes" is not enough. Words are meaningless without obedience.

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Listen to sermons LIVE on Facebook!

This past Sunday, we went LIVE for the first time on Facebook! We will be broadcasting the sermon live each week on Facebook, so be certain to like our page:

https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptistStephens/

And, if you can't make it in person, you can watch the sermon live from Facebook. Here is a link to this week's message (with a solo by Richard Hughes as a bonus):

Facebook LIVE video

Kingdom Parables: Grace and Envy

We always hear about how God’s grace is amazing, but in today’s parable, Jesus talks about how it can be irritating to us. So what’s so amazing (and irritating) about grace?

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Kingdom Parables: Forgiveness

We can be grateful that there are no limits to God's forgiveness of our sins. But in the kingdom of heaven, God's treatment of us is what we should extend to others. Jesus told a parable to teach his disciples about forgiveness without limits.

Associate pastor Sandy Carter brings the message.

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Kingdom Parables: Kingdom Perspective

A good perspective gives us a better view of the truth. To gain the best perspective on God and this world where we find ourselves is to study the life and teachings of Jesus. At the end of Matthew 13, Jesus provides a kingdom perspective on final judgment and on religion.

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Kingdom Parables: Worth Everything

Some find him when they're not looking. Others find him after a long search. But when we truly encounter Christ, it's life-course-altering moment of joy. Have you had an experience with Christ that mirrors the discovery-joy-total abandon rhythm of the Parables of the Hidden Treasure and Pearl?

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Kingdom Parables: A Little Changes Everything

The Mustard Seed parable and the Parable of the Yeast are similar in meaning, but they come from a different perspective. Why did Jesus use imagery usually associated with sin to teach about the kingdom? What do we learn about Christian life from this parable?

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Kingdom Parables: Where It Starts

The Parable of the Mustard Seed is well-known, but its principles still run contrary to our intuition about how we want or expect God to work. What can we learn about the kingdom of heaven through a tiny little seed?

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Kingdom Parables: What's With the Weeds?

If God is good, why is there evil and suffering? In a simple little story, Jesus addresses this question and teaches how the kingdom of heaven coexists with evil until the appointed time.

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Kingdom Parables: Why Parables? (Matthew 13:11-17, 34-35)

Jesus told everyone who listened that the Kingdom of heaven had come near. When people asked what that meant, Jesus often responded with a story. Why?

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The New (Old) Way: Eyes Forward

Everything has a life cycle. What's true for people and animals and machines and companies is true for local churches, too. The way to interrupt the slope toward decline and death is to interrupt it with new life. How will we succeed in bringing new life? We turned to Philippians 3 to learn how.

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The New (Old) Way: Common Possessions

Jesus and the other New Testament teachers repeatedly make the point that spiritual unity will express itself in material giving. We cannot claim to love others or God if we withhold our possessions as our own. And one way to increase spiritual unity is to give materially. As we look at Acts chapter 4, we discover how the early church found community through common possessions.

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Time to sign up for directory pictures!

We are getting a new directory! 

Picture day is Thursday, September 20th. Appointments go from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

All families connected to the church through the youth and children's program as well as all members, active and inactive, are invited to be a part of the directory.

Each family gets a free 8x10 portrait for taking part.

Sign up now through September 2nd, either at the church building or online.

The New (Old) Way: Common Place

What does it take to make community around a "common place" commonplace? What steps can we take to build these essential elements into our relationships?

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The New (Old) Way: Common Mission

What are we going to do to intentionally reach our friends, neighbors, and family with the gospel? This is a message you don't want to miss, because it explains both the how and why of our strategy for reaching our community for Christ.

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The New (Old) Way: Common Purpose

In order to have true community, a group must hold four things in common: a common purpose, a common mission, a common place, and common possessions, which are all evident in the story of the early church (Acts 2:42-47).

This week, we studied our common purpose from Colossians 1-2, which comes from a common truth, a common hope, and common submission.

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Sandy Carter: Associate Pastor of Discipleship

This Sunday, First Baptist Church of Stephens voted to name Sandy Carter as the Associate Pastor of Discipleship.

Sandy has been working with the youth in the church for more than a decade. He surrendered to the gospel ministry at the end of last year and was ordained this past April.

In addition to continuing his work discipling the youth, Sandy will also be coaching and supporting home group leaders as the church transitions from Sunday morning classes to midweek discipleship groups in homes. He will also assist Bro. Steve in developing and implementing a discipleship pathway for church members to grow in Christ.

Congratulations, Sandy!

The New (Old) Way: Fishing with a Net

When Jesus used fishing as a picture of evangelism, the picture that came to the minds of Peter, Andrew, James, and John was not a solitary man standing by a lake with a pole. In their experience, fishing was a team effort. What stands in the way of success in evangelism?

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The New (Old) Way: The Home Team

A good team isn't made up of people fulfilling basic expectations. A team thrives when people dedicate themselves to becoming the best teammate they can be. What makes a good team member in the church? What will it take from us individually for our home groups to thrive?

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The New (Old) Way: Judgment-Free Zone

In order to walk in the light, we have to feel safe to walk into the light, where we can admit our struggles, share our joys, and be ourselves without condemnation. How do we make our churches safe places to be ourselves? Why is the church, in fact, a place free of condemnation?

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The New (Old) Way: True Fellowship

Everyone has heard the verse "God is love" (1 John 4:8). But have you considered that John starts that same letter with the statement "God is light" (1 John 1:5)? He also begins his Gospel this way (John 1:4-5, 9). What does it mean that "God is light" and how does it affect how we relate to God and one another?

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The New (Old) Way: Discipleship Fundamentals

The primary task of the church is to make disciples. What makes a disciple? The work of the Holy Spirit, obviously, but what do we need to do as a church to facilitate this work? What are the fundamentals of discipleship and how do home groups fit into this picture?

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The New Old Way: 20:20 Vision (Acts 20:20)

As we begin our transition to home groups, the question we need to ask is whether we are following a human "bright idea" or if we are following a biblical example. This week, we look at the "20:20 Vision" we get from the book of Acts and the biblical call to hospitality.

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The Story of the Kingdom of God: Kingdom Come

What will happen when we die? What is this world coming to? Will there be justice? Is there hope beyond this life?

These are our deepest questions, but no one can answer them through experience or experiment. These truths have to be revealed to us.

This week, we talked about how God has revealed the answers to these questions...

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The Story of God's Kingdom: Our Present Purpose

God has lavished his love on us by calling us the sons and daughters of God. He did not do this just so that we would bury the blessing. As a new humanity, we are called to the same purpose as Adam and Eve, to be fruitful, fill the earth, and bring in God's Kingdom.

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Story of God's Kingdom: Our Present Reality

Jesus sitting triumphantly at the right hand of God... once-for-all atonement... access to the throne of God... the very presence of God dwelling within us... the temple re-built as the church... This present reality causes a drastic shift in our focus. We can no longer have a temple "come-and-see" mentality. The house of God is not a building. It is a people on the move, working by God's power to bring his kingdom to the world.

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Stephens Community Block Party

We had a great time at the block party last Saturday!

The block party materials came from the Arkansas Baptist State Convention. Tracy Archibald drove it all the way from Paragould (and had to get back that night to preach on Sunday!).

We couldn't have done it without the support of other Stephens churches: St. Stephens, ACTS church, New Home AME, New Zion Hill, Mt. Zinia Baptist, Stephens UMC, and Rolling Hills Assembly all contributed with money, volunteers, and support.

It was a great day. Enjoy the pictures (courtesy of ACTS church)...

(more pictures after the jump)

The Story of the Kingdom of God: The Arrival of the Kingdom

Jesus changes everything.

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The Story of the Kingdom of God: Departure

After the height of Israel's glory, the moment when the Presence of God filled the Solomon's temple at its dedication, the people's spiritual condition deteriorated with the temple, until the Spirit departed and the temple was destroyed. What causes this deterioration? What causes God's Spirit to depart from a people? What hope did the prophets bring during this dark time?

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The Story of the Kingdom of God: A Place

God promised Abraham to give him a homeland. In that land, God promised to put his name on a place that would bear witness to the nations, teaching the world about the identity and the mission of God. This week we looked at the temple and how it bears witness to us and teaches us about our own destination and purpose.

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First Baptist Church Ordains Sandy Carter to the Gospel Ministry

Last Sunday was a special day in the life of our church. Sandy Carter, our long-time volunteer youth pastor, was ordained to the gospel ministry in and afternoon service.

Sunday began with Sandy bringing the message at our morning worship service. His topic was building your life on the right foundation: obedience to Jesus and his teachings.

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The afternoon service included a charge given by our pastor for Sandy to take on the calling he has received, knowing that God created him for this very calling.

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The church then laid hands on Sandy and his wife Monica to set them apart for the calling God has put on Sandy's life.

The Story of the Kingdom of God, part 3: The Presence

After God allows his people to "grow up" in the hardship of Egypt, the Exodus brings the next movement in the kingdom of God: a people among whom the presence of God resides.

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The Story of the Kingdom of God: A People

God is always the same, but he is always moving, too. God started our redemption story by calling Abram and telling him to move. Will you join the movement of God?

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Easter Sunday Message: The Beginning

This Easter, to understand what the resurrection of Jesus really means, we went back to the beginning. We were created with an identity and a mission. These were marred by sin, but they are restored in Jesus.

The Story of the Kingdom of God, part 1: The Beginning

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Holy Week Prayer Guide: Resurrection Sunday

Easter Sunday: Alive

Scripture: Luke 24:1-12, 36-49

Key verse: Luke 24:5-6— “Why do you look for the living among the dead? He is not here; he has risen!”

Why is Easter, specifically the resurrection of Jesus, so important to Christians? The church was born and grew on the news of an event: Jesus of Nazareth, great teacher, prophet, and worker of miracles, had been executed by the Romans at the request of the Jewish leaders. He died, but he rose to life again! Hundreds of people saw Jesus alive. Many were killed for their testimony. No one would deny what they had seen, nor would they stop spreading the news.

Many men exalted themselves during the Roman occupation of Judea, gathering a following as the long-awaited Messiah. Many of these messiahs died on crosses, but only Jesus rose from the dead. The resurrection proved that Jesus alone is the Messiah, or Christ. His claim to be the Son of God was blasphemy, unless it was true. And the resurrection proved God’s approval of his claims.

Only Jesus lived a sinless life, defeating Satan and every temptation of the flesh. Only Jesus died a completely innocent death, allowing him to bear sin for us. And only Jesus conquered death, so only Jesus has the power to deliver you from sin in this life, and from death into eternal life.

Only Jesus is great enough to command our worship. Only Jesus has the power to save. And only Jesus loves you enough to pass through hell so that you might never taste the sting of death. You are safe in his hands. Trust him. Love him in return. Worship him.

The Bible says Jesus gave his life so he could have a people who are his very own. This people is called the church. You love Jesus by loving his church. You experience his life by living where he lives, among his people. He invites you to be alive with him. 

Will you accept that invitation?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for giving your life for me.

I believe that you rose again and are alive today. Please fill me with your life.

My only hope is you, Lord Jesus. I trust you with my life today—past, present and future.

Seal me with your Holy Spirit so that I might live for you from this day on.

Thank you, Jesus. Amen.

Holy Week Prayer Guide: Saturday

Saturday: False Defeat

Scripture: Luke 23:44-56

Key verse: Luke 23:48—“When all the people who had gathered to witness this sight saw what took place, they beat their breasts and went away.”

A profound disciple of Jesus once said, “If you follow Jesus long enough, he’s going to disappoint you.” The ladies who followed him to his tomb found this statement to be true as they prepared his burial spices. You can imagine their feelings all day Saturday as they sat in confusion, grief, and fear. All that they had hoped for in Jesus seemed lost. They were indeed disappointed in Jesus, but only because they didn’t understand the whole story.

Has God ever disappointed you? Have you ever placed your hope in a prayer that went unanswered? Are you stuck in a life situation that seems hopeless while God seems silent? Remember in that time that, like the women who helped bury Jesus, you don’t know the ending to the story.

There’s a t-shirt that says: “Spoiler Alert: The Tomb Is Empty.” Today, we benefit from the knowledge that Jesus did not remain in the grave. Instead, he defeated death, rose to life, and surprised these women with a new hope that surpassed all their previous dreams of what could be.

We know this ending, and yet we still lose heart. But we can trust God today that the ending he has prepared for us is better even than our hopes. Will you choose to trust God with whatever you face today?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you that the tomb was not the end of Jesus’ story.

I believe that the troubles I face right now are not the end of my story, either.

I place my day and my life in your loving hands, trusting that you have good planned for me.

Thank you for the hope of the empty tomb, Father. Amen.

Holy Week Prayer Guide: Good Friday

Friday: Three Crosses

Scripture: Luke 23:13-46

Key verse: Luke 23:42—“Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.”.”

Holy Week Prayer Guide: Thursday

Thursday: The Night Before

Scripture: Mark 14:22-42

Key verse: Mark 14:38— “Watch and pray so that you will not fall into temptation. The spirit is willing, but the body is weak.”

Holy Week Prayer Guide: Wednesday

Wednesday: Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus

Scripture: Matthew 26:14-16, Luke 22:1-6

Key verse: Matthew 26:15— “[Judas] asked, ‘What are you willing to give me if I hand him over to you?’ So they counted out for him thirty silver coins.”

Holy Week Prayer Guide: Tuesday

Tuesday: Jesus is Anointed at Bethany

Scripture: Mark 14:1-11

Key verse: Mark 14:9— “I tell you the truth, wherever the gospel is preached throughout the world, what she has done will also be told, in memory of her.”

Holy Week Prayer Guide: Monday

Monday: Jesus Cleanses the Temple

Scripture: Mark 11:15-19

Key verse: Mark 11:17— “And as he taught them, he said, ‘Is it not written:

‘“My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations”?

But you have made it ‘a den of robbers.”’”

Holy Week Prayer Guide: Palm Sunday

Sunday: Jesus Enters Jerusalem in Triumph

Scripture: Matthew 21:1-11

Key verse: Matthew 21:9—“The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted,

‘Hosanna to the Son of David!’

‘Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!’

‘Hosanna in the highest!’”

Proverbs - Truth, Justice, and the Lord's Way

No book of the Bible says more about what the role of government ought to be than the book of Proverbs. What is the responsibility of people in power in regard to the rest of the population?
We shouldn't look to government or politicians to play the hero, but their fight should echo Superman's calling: the fight for truth, justice and the American Lord's way.

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Proverbs - Mastery of Money

The power of money is obvious--it is a great tool, but a terrible master. Money finds ways to master people in many different ways. Proverbs teaches us about the seductive power and false promises of money and how to use money as a tool for God's purposes rather than to be ruled by money as a slave.

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Proverbs 6:6-11 - The Sluggard, the Cure, and the Church

God made us to do work that matters. When our time is spent passively absorbing content, it undermines that purpose and leads to material and spiritual loss. Poverty, depression, and hopelessness are among the dangers of the sin of sloth. Church can often become about passively absorbing things, too, and the results are deadly. It's time to rediscover a biblical work ethic not only for individuals but for local congregations as well.

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Proverbs 18:21 - The Power of Life and Death

One of the ways we are created in the image of God is that we use words, and because God created us this way, these words have power. No one thinks it's smart or responsible to be reckless with a firearm or with a motor vehicle, but often we are reckless with our words, which hold similar power for destruction. But our words can also bring healing and life. Today we look at how we can wield the power for life that words bring, while avoiding the danger.

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Proverbs 24:3-4 - Wisdom for Families

Does "honor your parents" have an age limit? What if you're grown or your parents are gone? What does "spare the rod" mean, anyway? What should be at the top of our families' priorities? The wisdom for families in Proverbs answers these questions and more...

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Proverbs - Wisdom for Friendship

Some people are extroverts and make friends easily. Others are introverts and don't. All of us need to make good friends. What wisdom does Proverbs provide on friendship?

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Proverbs 5:15-23 - Wisdom for Marriage

Proverbs tells us how to live the good life. Is marriage part of the good life? It certainly can be. It can also "rot the bones" (Proverbs 12:4). Proverbs 5:15-23 speaks to how marriage--and sex in marriage--can bring a lifetime of blessing, while warning us how to avoid the disaster that can come when we make the wrong choices.

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The Seduction of Sin - Proverbs 7:1-27

The Bible has such powerful insight into our nature. Even though the story told in Proverbs 7 is ancient, it still rings true today. Sexual temptation pulls in the same way it did 3,000 years ago. And it is not just sex that seduces in this way. Sin's seduction follows a familiar pattern played out millions of times every day. Know the pattern or fall into the trap.

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Wisdom and Folly - Proverbs 9:1-18

For everything God made that is good, there is a counterfeit. In Proverbs 9, we see wisdom calling out, inviting people to live as God intended. But we also hear the loud voice of Folly, making a similar plea but with a much different result. How we hear and respond to these two calls makes all the difference.

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The Journey of Wisdom - Proverbs 4:1-27

Wisdom is a personal journey. God invites us to walk with him as we discover the life he has for us. He calls on us to listen to those who have walked before us, and to invite others to join us on this same path. The fourth chapter of Proverbs is an invitation to seek and to find the life God created us to live in community with others.

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The Process of Trusting God - Proverbs 3:1-12

We can read and learn about God all we want, but we will never know God until we learn to trust him. Proverbs 3 gives a process for growing in faith and trust in God.

Those who have followed this path can testify with certainty: You can trust God!

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Pursue the Knowledge of God (Proverbs 2:1-11)

Is God really knowable? Is He worth knowing?

Proverbs 2 answers these big questions and then gives a specific process for pursuing the knowledge of God.

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Life Goals (Proverbs 1:1-7)

To begin this year, we are taking the challenge together to read the "daily proverb" each day from the beginning of the year through March 31, while we study the book of Proverbs on Sunday morning. This week, we looked at the opening of the book of Proverbs, looking at the kind of life it promises and where to begin to attain this life.

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