First Baptist Church Longview

Have you ever felt overwhelmed by anxious thoughts, unsure if God is present in the chaos? Looking at Psalm 22 alongside moments like Jesus in Gethsemane, Pastor Ty Gist shows that anxiety can draw us toward God rather than away from Him. Even when feelings shift, God remains faithful and near. Bring your struggles openly to Him, lean on others, and remember His past faithfulness as you learn to t...

Do you feel isolated in your sorrow? Engaging Psalms 42–43, Pastor Collin presents lament as a faithful response to suffering, bringing honest struggles before God instead of hiding them. Lament opens the door to both divine comfort and communal support. Seek help, share your burdens, and find hope in God’s presence with others.

How often have you looked back and realized the wrong voice or influence quietly shaped your decisions? In Psalm 1, Rev. LaDarian Brown contrasts the path of those shaped by worldly counsel with those rooted in God’s Word, showing how influence moves from casual exposure to deep entanglement. True and lasting happiness comes from delighting in and meditating on Scripture, which anchors and sustain...

What does a Christ-shaped church look like? Drawing from Galatians 6:1–10, Pastor Collin emphasizes restoration, humility, and bearing one another’s burdens. A healthy church reflects the gospel through practical care. Step into that calling within your community.

Is your freedom producing the life God intends? In Galatians 5:13–25, Pastor Collin contrasts self-indulgence with the fruit produced by the Spirit. True freedom leads to Christlike character. Pursue the Spirit’s work in your life.

What unites believers despite differences? In Galatians 3:26–4:7, Pastor Collin shows that all who belong to Christ share the same identity as children and heirs. Unity flows from that relationship. Live as part of one family.

Do you still try to earn what has already been given? In Galatians 3:1–14, Pastor Collin points to justification by faith as the foundation of grace. Standing with God comes through Christ, not performance. Live in that freedom.

How does being united with Christ change everything? In Galatians 2:11–21, Pastor Collin highlights what it means to be crucified with Christ and to live by faith in Him. Your old identity no longer defines you. Embrace the freedom that comes through trusting His work.

Where does the gospel truly come from? Looking at Galatians 1:11–2:10, Pastor Collin emphasizes that it is revealed by Christ, not created by people. Its authority rests in Him. Build your faith on that foundation and resist cultural distortions.

What happens when the gospel becomes distorted? In Galatians 1:1–10, Pastor Collin confronts the danger of adding human ideas to God’s grace. The gospel must remain rooted in Christ alone. Test what you hear against Scripture and hold firmly to the truth of grace.

What does it look like for your life to be truly anchored rather than scattered? Returning to John 14:15–27, Dr. Dennis Tucker emphasizes that spiritual order grows from loving Jesus, obeying Him, and living in the Spirit’s presence. God Himself dwells with His people. Let that truth bring both direction and peace.

Have you ever felt weighed down by judgment—from others or from yourself? In John 8:2–11, Dr. Jeffrey Quiett reflects on the woman brought before Jesus to show how condemnation misses the heart of grace. Only God judges rightly, yet He chooses to forgive and restore. Put down your stones and receive that grace.

How often do we plan as though everything depends on us? Drawing from Acts 18:21, 1 Corinthians 4:19, and James 4:13–15, Dr. Todd Still emphasizes living with a posture of “Lord willing.” True direction flows from dependence on God, not control. Surrender your plans and trust Him to guide both your path and your character.

Have you ever felt like your schedule leaves no space for what matters most? Drawing from Haggai 1, Nehemiah’s example, and Psalm 90, Cam Reynolds shows how easily life becomes consumed by busyness. Meaning is found by prioritizing God’s presence over urgency. Reevaluate what you are building and invest in what lasts.

Have you ever faced something that made you feel completely inadequate? In Exodus 31, alongside passages like Ephesians 2:10 and Hebrews 4, Dr. Steven Mason shows that God equips those He calls. Your insufficiency is met by His provision. Move forward confidently, relying on His strength instead of your own.

What if the moments you consider random are actually intentional? Reflecting on Mark 14:12–16, Dr. Joel Gregory highlights how Jesus arranged unseen details for the Passover. God is active behind the scenes, guiding circumstances with purpose. Stay attentive and trust that He is leading you step by step.

What does it really mean to be free? In 1 Peter 2:13–17, Dr. David English shows that true freedom is not self-direction but living under Christ’s authority. Freedom is expressed through humility, obedience, and love. Use it to honor God and serve others in a way that reflects the gospel.

Why do we cling so tightly to control, even when it wears us down? Reflecting on Mark 8:27–35, Dr. Vicki Johnson points to Peter’s misunderstanding as a mirror for our own resistance to surrender. Following Jesus means releasing control and embracing the way of the cross. Trust God’s will and discover the freedom that comes through surrender.

Have you ever tried to hold everything together until you realized you couldn’t anymore? Through Mark 5:21–43, Katie Yoder connects the stories of Jairus and the woman who reached for Jesus in desperation. Both find themselves met by the same compassionate Savior. Come to Him honestly, trust His timing, and rest in the truth that you are fully known and deeply loved.

When life feels overwhelming, are you quiet enough to actually hear God’s voice? In 1 Kings 19, Dr. Tim Watson reflects on Elijah’s exhaustion and despair, where God meets him not through dramatic events but in a gentle whisper. Fatigue and discouragement can dull our awareness, but God still speaks faithfully. Slow down, care for your life, and make space to listen.

How much evidence would it take for you to truly believe Jesus is who He claimed to be? In Matthew 27:45–54, Dr. Tim Watson highlights the supernatural signs surrounding the crucifixion—the darkness, the torn veil, the earthquake, and the opened tombs—as witnesses pointing to Christ’s identity. God has already provided testimony, yet belief still calls for a response. Let that reality shape both w...

Do you ever feel like your life is scattered, even as you try to follow God faithfully? Drawing from John 14:15–27, Dr. Dennis Tucker explains that a well-ordered life begins with loving Jesus deeply, being shaped by His commands, and walking in step with His Spirit. True spiritual order flows not from control, but from being anchored to Christ and transformed by His presence. Live intentionally—l...

Who are you when no one else is watching? In Psalm 139:13–24, Pastor Collin emphasizes that identity is shaped by God’s careful creation and knowledge. Your life is known and formed by Him. Live in light of that truth.

Have you ever felt pursued by God’s presence? In Psalm 139:1–12, Pastor Collin reflects on how God knows and surrounds every person. His nearness is not distant but personal. Rest in His presence and respond with trust.

Do you long for Christ’s return? In Revelation 22, Pastor Collin points to Scripture’s closing invitation to hope and readiness. This promise shapes present faithfulness. Live expectantly as you wait for Him.