A Solid Foundation

Christmas Characters The third message in our series on Christmas characters is about Simeon. Simeon waited. And waited. And waited. And often we do, too. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Christmas Characters The first message in our series on Christmas characters is about Mary. She was willing to submit herself to whatever God had in store for her, not because she was in any way special or different from us, but because she was obedient to her Lord. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

In the last section of Paul's message to the Ephesian leaders, he exemplifies, by his own life, what we are to give to the Lord. Short answer: everything. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Believers can expect certain occurrences in this life. Throughout scripture, warnings are given, and Paul's message to Ephesian church leaders has its own section of awareness. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

There are many things that fight for importance in our lives. However, as Paul teaches the leaders of the Ephesian church, we see there are only a few things that are vital for the believer. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Paul's third sermon recorded in Acts is one to church leaders and the church - believers, in other words. It was meant as an encouragement to their mission and growth. The first section gives us some specific acts to accomplish. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

When we are disobedient to God's direction, we trade what will be great for what will be, at best, good. If we are absent from obedience TO God, we are absent from power FROM God. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

When the gospel changes lives, it changes a culture. When the culture changes, those who aren't changed by the gospel don't react well. There are responses we can expect if we intend to shine the light of gospel into the darkness of lostness. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Your conversation with the One that God has placed on your heart may mean that thousands, even millions, come to Christ later on. Or, it might mean that it is only the eternity of your One that is changed. Either way, your One is priceless. Jesus dies for your One. Your name may never be known on earth, but heaven will rejoice when your One comes to Christ. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Hell is a real place. Hell is also a certainty for those that die outside of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus, in a parable he told, gave us a clear picture of what hell is like. This picture should motivate us to try to keep as many people from going there as possible. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

While one is very rarely an important number in our lives, it is extremely important in scripture. Heaven rejoices when just one lost person comes to faith in Christ. We each have our one we need to share with. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The call to make disciples means that we are on the field, in the game, doing the work. We have a mission, just like those carrying the paralyzed man to see Jesus. With confident expectation, no obstacle can derail our calling and us seeing a miracle from Jesus. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The call to follow Jesus is a call to be like Him. In being like Him, we seek the lost so that we can lead them to follow Jesus. We need to find our 'One' that we can bring to Jesus. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Our ability to see God do amazing things in our lives, and then to turn around and be completely disobedient to Him, is just mind-bending. We're in good company with Paul, though. And he proves there's hope. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

We've seen His extraordinary power. We exemplify His extraordinary reputation. If we are living the life Jesus has called us to, we will spread His extraordinary impact. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Our extraordinary God is extraordinary in His power. He still works in power today through His people if they will depend on Him to guide and use them. Our extraordinary God is extraordinary in His reputation. His name is great among the nations, but we as His followers must proclaim His name through righteous living. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Jesus did it. Paul did it. It's our command as well. We must share the good news of the kingdom of God. In that kingdom is salvation through faith alone, and a life of sanctification through obedience. We must preach the kingdom. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The extravagant misuse of Holy Spirit power in the modern charismatic movement is no excuse for us to discount the very real need for a daily filling of His power. We receive the Holy Spirit only once: upon salvation. But being filled and empowered by Him is a daily necessity that requires us to participate. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The mission of the church isn't up to a select few, it's the responsibility of every believer. Disciples are to make disciples as a result of their own discipleship. Believers are supposed to Go/Grow. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Sometimes God speaks to us in small ways that might go unnoticed. However, if we're intentional about hearing from Him when we read His word, we'll find that those small ways He speaks aren't little things at all. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Often, the confirmation of our obedience in fulfilling the calling on our lives is the persecution that would seem to derail us from fulfilling the calling. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The gut-punch trials of life can often seem to be more than we can bear. Sometimes, they ARE more than we can bear. But God promises the very thing we need the most: Himself. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The heavens declare His magnificence. David saw it, and knew our place in creation. However, our place in that creation actually tells us more about God than it does us. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Our regular routine of worship is not acceptable to God, no matter how pure or biblical it appears, if our hearts aren't repentant and our lives don't reflect that repentance. Isaiah is clear on how our lives can show repentance: justice in the social realm. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

False accusations, attacks, bad circumstances, and unwarranted negativity are just a part of life. God is not unaware of our situations, and He judges. That is our hope, even when we can't see the end. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA