A Solid Foundation

To answer Mark Lowry, yes, Mary knew. She knew a lot about that baby she was carrying. She knew enough to sing an incredible song about it. She knew enough to recognize what an incredible gift Jesus would be. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This message begins our Advent series for the 2016 Christmas season, A Remarkable Gift. What does it mean that Jesus "became flesh?" That's what this message explores. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Just as the church is to give thanks during national upheaval, based on the promises of preservation, so should the church give thanks during her own internal strife. God's blessings far outweigh the negativity that may be occurring, but, more than that, thanksgiving becomes a standard by which can measure our actions. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

After the presidential election, some people were elated and some were devastated. Regardless of our emotions, however, Christians should give thanks. An election is not the end. Jeremiah and Judah were looking at what they thought would be the end, true national upheaval, but even then, God had a promise for them. We give thanks for the promise. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Jesus only uses the word 'church' twice in the gospels, but those two times are vital to having a clear understanding of what the church must look like. Those two statements also prepare us to see what the one and only mission of the church: to make disciples. Other activities may be tools or just good things, but they are peripheral to the mission Jesus has commanded. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC S...

This series through Jonah talks specifically about how today's churches act a lot like Jonah in our attempts at outreach, and our responses mirror his toward people that we deem 'undesirable' for our church. The doors must be open and the Gospel must be preached. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This message looks at four aspects of the Lord's Supper that are critical for a true understanding of it's importance for the called out body of believers. It's a message of love, joy, hope, and reflection. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This series through Jonah talks specifically about how today's churches act a lot like Jonah in our attempts at outreach, and our responses mirror his toward people that we deem 'undesirable' for our church. The doors must be open and the Gospel must be preached. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This series through Jonah talks specifically about how today's churches act a lot like Jonah in our attempts at outreach, and our responses mirror his toward people that we deem 'undesirable' for our church. The doors must be open and the Gospel must be preached. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The calling on the subjects of Jesus' Kingdom is not a calling, to a docile, safe, cloistered Christian life. It is a call to division. It is a call to persecution. It is a call to die. Jesus' people are called to leave everything behind--from friends to family to themselves--if that is what it takes to answer to call of the mission. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This is the first message in a new series, "Jesus' Church," looking at the church in the Gospels. We begin with a few weeks in Matthew and see on this first Sunday that Jesus' Church, Living Called Out, is a Kingdom. Our allegiance is first and foremost to our heavenly King, and not a political party or country. As subjects of that Kingdom, there are certain understandings we should have, and a br...

Once the lessons have been learned form a church vote, and a decision has been made, what happens next? Some of that depends on the decision made; some of that depends on the lessons learned. However, there are some principles that can guide any church through what comes after. Paul made it pretty easy for us to see. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

A lot can be learned from a vote, especially from a vote in church. The results, but also what led to the results, must be examined. That's what this message attempts to do. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

In this first message in our Songs for Life series, Psalm 1 clearly presents a choice in life: the way of wickedness or the way of righteousness. We must choose, but the only way to be truly righteous is through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He can make you righteous; you can't. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX

This series through Jonah talks specifically about how today's churches act a lot like Jonah in our attempts at outreach, and our responses mirror his toward people that we deem 'undesirable' for our church. The doors must be open and the Gospel must be preached. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This is the second message in "The Psalms: Songs for Life." In Psalm 2, we have a coronation psalm for the new king. As the people sang, they celebrated an earthly king. As this message shows, God had an even greater King in mind. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This series through Jonah talks specifically about how today's churches act a lot like Jonah in our attempts at outreach, and our responses mirror his toward people that we deem 'undesirable' for our church. The doors must be open and the Gospel must be preached. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Those books of the Old Testament known as the writings give us a wonderful glimpse into the daily lives of God's people. Through these testimonies, we see God's walk with His people as they worship, as they display God-given wisdom, and as they suffer. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This series through Jonah talks specifically about how today's churches act a lot like Jonah in our attempts at outreach, and our responses mirror his toward people that we deem 'undesirable' for our church. The doors must be open and the Gospel must be preached. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The prophets tell us of God shaping and forming, molding and reforming, His people. It is a constant process for anyone Living Called Out. It may be the result of sinfulness or the result of God preparing His people for what's coming, but it is always up to the Potter to do the making. We must be malleable clay in His hands. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

When God calls His people, He doesn't leave them alone to fend for themselves. He walks with them, even when they sin. He provides help, comfort, care, and instruction along the way. In this message, we see God's walk with His people through the first five books of the Bible, the law, the Pentateuch, or the Torah. God is providing a way for His people to keep their part of the covenant and walk wi...

When we are faithless, God is faithful. When we break the covenant, God keeps the covenant. It is His character to do so, His character to forgive, but also His character to punish sin. God does not change, and His character is consistent even as we are so totally inconsistent. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This series through Jonah talks specifically about how today's churches act a lot like Jonah in our attempts at outreach, and our responses mirror his toward people that we deem 'undesirable' for our church. The doors must be open and the Gospel must be preached. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This message is a bit of a continuation of last week's. Here in 1 Peter, we see that the same description given of, and challenge to, the Jewish people newly rescued from Egypt is now given to the New Testament church. Not only that, but 6 different Old Testament descriptors for Israel are used for the Church. We see in clear instruction that the job for the people of God has not changed in over 3...

This series through Jonah talks specifically about how today's churches act a lot like Jonah in our attempts at outreach and our responses mirror his toward people that we deem 'undesirable' for our church. The doors must be open and the Gospel must be preached. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA