A Solid Foundation

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

There are plenty of times where we feel we are lacking something in our lives, and the lack may be a true physical need. However, when it comes to what is most important--our relationship with God--we have everything that we need. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

We are perfect in Christ, and the veil dividing us from the Father has been torn in two. Then why do we need help to pray? Why does Jesus "live to intercede" for us? Short answer: because we need Him to. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

As we begin our Prayer and Fasting for 2019, it's helpful to see what God is looking for, not just as we fast, but generally. Better yet, what do we expect to get out of fasting? A manipulated response from God? Or, the warmth of a relationship that can truly satisfy? Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

All of Jerusalem should have been looking for the child Messiah to worship Him. Instead, Herod and his people were seeking to kill Him, and a handful of Babylonian astrologers were seeking to worship Him. He is for everyone, but, sadly, not everyone seeks Him. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

There was little about the baby in the manger that would cause you any second thought. But when you add scripture, circumstances, and God, it becomes clear that this baby, while unlikely, was anything but ordinary. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Sometimes, our plans don't go the way we planned. Sometimes, God steps in and does something different. Sometimes, He let's us see why He changed them. Sometimes, He doesn't. All the time, the change is for the best. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

We all have those skeletons in our genealogical closet. Even Jesus had those. But they do not define us. They are not the totality of who we are. Our identity is found in our relationship with Jesus Christ. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Sometimes, life is just too much. In those times, when we feel we are about to snap, we can cry out to God for mercy and know for certain that He will answer. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

We rarely see our sadness and pain (lament) that we express to God as worship, but it is. David, and the congregation of worshiping Jews, regularly used lament as an expression of their worship. In Psalm 5, David cries to God to grant righteousness and worships as he does so. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

There are many reasons to quit on the call of God on your life, to quit on obedience, to quit on the church. There are many more, better reasons NOT to. There's strength to stay faithful. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

There are times when we are so close to something that we miss the truth of it. Or, we hear something so much that we think we've fully grasped it, but in fact we haven't. The gospel can't just be known, but has to be acted upon. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

First Church heard the call to missions because they worshiped. They were in tune with God, expecting a work of the Holy Spirit. When He showed up, they knew it. Then, the Holy Spirit led the mission. The Holy Spirit leads all believers. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Too often, Christians do not utilize our best, and only, source of power for the Christlike life. It's there, ready to be used, but we leave it untapped. The First Church tapped into that power. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

A nickname often describes who we are. When the believers in the Antioch church were called "Christians," it was a result of what the people around them saw. Is your life such that you are able To Be Called Christian? Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Racism, bigotry, prejudice, and other forms or racial or national superiority are not of God. They are sin. Peter wasn't just called to share the gospel with those he thought were "less than," but to love them, fellowship with them, and call them brothers and sisters. Jesus kills prejudice. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA