A Solid Foundation

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

The only fix for the brokenness of this world is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Brokenness in this world isn't anything anyone needs a lesson on. However, how to fix that brokenness is something we'd all like to know. Hint: we can't do it with our own plans and ways. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

In this first of a three week series, we introduce a new evangelism tool that we will be training on in the next few months. We begin with God's Design, that shows how God intended the world to be, but how sin messed it up. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

In Paul's sermon at the Areopagus, we hear a great example of how to address the gospel to a group of people that have no background of biblical faith. We see how to take the gospel to the marketplace. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

There are two choices when it comes to the Gospel; two roads, so to speak: yes or no. In this message, we see clear distinctions between those two responses. Which road will you choose? Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

When we are obedient to God, the results don't always look like success, at least in the way the world measures it. It can look underwhelming, or even look like failure. But, in Christ, obedience is the success. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Sometimes, we think we're doing what we're supposed to be doing. Sometimes, we're going on what God said some time back, but we haven't checked to see what's next. Sometimes, we're wrong. Sometimes, God has to yell in His quiet, direct, unmistakable way. Sometimes, it happened to Paul, too. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Our sinfulness, our failures, even tragedies don't surprise God. He can, and does, use them all to accomplish His will and purposes. And there are none of us that are beyond failure and disobedience. Even Paul missed it at times. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The discussion that occurred in Jerusalem over what was required for Gentiles to be saved had ramifications for the next 2000 years of missions and beyond. It also showed the church submitting to what Jesus had already said about his offer of salvation: it was by Grace Alone. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Scripture is clear about our responsibility to overcome sin in our lives. Scripture is equally clear that our ability to do such a thing comes from the abundant outpouring of God's grace. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA