First Baptist Church Thomson, GA

In this message, Dr. Matt Ward continues Dr. Lambert's theme of Ephesians through some of Paul's other letters, helping us see that our faith in Jesus is more than mere belief, but a trust in Jesus that produces results--new behaviors, actions, and attitudes, that changes us from who we were to who we are in Christ.

In this message, Dr. Matt Ward continues Dr. Lambert's theme of Ephesians through some of Paul's other letters, helping us see that our faith in Jesus is more than mere belief, but a trust in Jesus that produces results--new behaviors, actions, and attitudes, that changes us from who we were to who we are in Christ.

Ephesians 4:1–16 marks the great turning point from what we believe to how we live, calling us to “walk worthy” of the grace we have received in Christ. That worthy walk is something we do together: protecting our unity through humility, gentleness, patience, and love; embracing our diversity as Christ gives different gifts and equips every believer for ministry; and moving together toward maturit...

Ephesians 4:1–16 marks the great turning point from what we believe to how we live, calling us to “walk worthy” of the grace we have received in Christ. That worthy walk is something we do together: protecting our unity through humility, gentleness, patience, and love; embracing our diversity as Christ gives different gifts and equips every believer for ministry; and moving together toward maturit...

In Ephesians 3:14–21, Paul’s second prayer stands at a crucial turning point in the letter, between Growing Deep in the truth of who we are in Christ and Walking Worthy of our calling. Paul reminds us that it is not enough simply to know what is true; we need God to transform us so that we can live what is true. He prays that believers would be strengthened by the Spirit’s power in the inner perso...

In Ephesians 3:14–21, Paul’s second prayer stands at a crucial turning point in the letter, between Growing Deep in the truth of who we are in Christ and Walking Worthy of our calling. Paul reminds us that it is not enough simply to know what is true; we need God to transform us so that we can live what is true. He prays that believers would be strengthened by the Spirit’s power in the inner perso...

At the halfway point of our three-year "For All Generations" campaign, we pause to celebrate God’s faithfulness and the generosity of His people, recognize the tremendous progress already made in renewing our campus for ministry, and honestly evaluate the work still ahead. Like a team at halftime, we will celebrate the wins, look at the scoreboard, make needed adjustments, and prepare for the seco...

At the halfway point of our three-year "For All Generations" campaign, we pause to celebrate God’s faithfulness and the generosity of His people, recognize the tremendous progress already made in renewing our campus for ministry, and honestly evaluate the work still ahead. Like a team at halftime, we will celebrate the wins, look at the scoreboard, make needed adjustments, and prepare for the seco...

In Ephesians 3:1–13, Paul pauses to marvel at the mystery once hidden but now revealed: through Jesus Christ, God has brought Jews and Gentiles together as equal members of one body—the Church. Paul, who considered himself “less than the least” of the saints, was entrusted by grace with proclaiming the incalculable riches of Christ and making this mystery known. Now God displays His multi-faceted...

In Ephesians 3:1–13, Paul pauses to marvel at the mystery once hidden but now revealed: through Jesus Christ, God has brought Jews and Gentiles together as equal members of one body—the Church. Paul, who considered himself “less than the least” of the saints, was entrusted by grace with proclaiming the incalculable riches of Christ and making this mystery known. Now God displays His multi-faceted...

In this message, we are invited to remember how far we once stood from God—cut off from His people, His promises, and any real hope—so that we can more deeply rejoice that Jesus has brought us near by His own blood and made Himself our peace. Through the cross He tore down the walls that divided us from God and from one another, creating one new family in Himself. Now we are no longer outsiders bu...

In this message, we are invited to remember how far we once stood from God—cut off from His people, His promises, and any real hope—so that we can more deeply rejoice that Jesus has brought us near by His own blood and made Himself our peace. Through the cross He tore down the walls that divided us from God and from one another, creating one new family in Himself. Now we are no longer outsiders bu...

Ephesians 2:1–10 reveals the dramatic transformation God’s grace brings to our lives. Apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead—enslaved by the world around us, the devil against us, and the flesh within us—and unable to save ourselves. But God, rich in mercy and great in love, makes us alive with Christ, raises us to a new position, and displays His grace through us. This salvation cannot be ear...

Ephesians 2:1–10 reveals the dramatic transformation God’s grace brings to our lives. Apart from Christ, we are spiritually dead—enslaved by the world around us, the devil against us, and the flesh within us—and unable to save ourselves. But God, rich in mercy and great in love, makes us alive with Christ, raises us to a new position, and displays His grace through us. This salvation cannot be ear...

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15–23 is that believers would have their spiritual eyes opened to see more clearly what God has already given them in Christ. Thankful for their faith in Jesus and love for one another, Paul prays that they would know God more deeply and understand the blessings that are already theirs: the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance in the saints, and the immea...

Paul’s prayer in Ephesians 1:15–23 is that believers would have their spiritual eyes opened to see more clearly what God has already given them in Christ. Thankful for their faith in Jesus and love for one another, Paul prays that they would know God more deeply and understand the blessings that are already theirs: the hope of His calling, the riches of His inheritance in the saints, and the immea...

Ephesians 1:1–14 reminds us that before God calls us to do anything for Him, He wants us to understand all He has already done for us in Christ. In one sweeping song of praise, Paul celebrates the work of the Triune God in our salvation: the Father chose us, the Son redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit sealed us, guaranteeing the inheritance still to come. Every one of these blessings is ours “in Chri...

Ephesians 1:1–14 reminds us that before God calls us to do anything for Him, He wants us to understand all He has already done for us in Christ. In one sweeping song of praise, Paul celebrates the work of the Triune God in our salvation: the Father chose us, the Son redeemed us, and the Holy Spirit sealed us, guaranteeing the inheritance still to come. Every one of these blessings is ours “in Chri...

As we conclude our Major Truths from the Minor Prophets series, Malachi leaves us with one final, searching question: How will we respond to God's faithful love? Though the people of Judah had returned from exile and resumed worship, their hearts had grown complacent. They honored God with their lips while giving Him their leftovers in worship and obedience. In response, God reminds them, "I have...

As we conclude our Major Truths from the Minor Prophets series, Malachi leaves us with one final, searching question: How will we respond to God's faithful love? Though the people of Judah had returned from exile and resumed worship, their hearts had grown complacent. They honored God with their lips while giving Him their leftovers in worship and obedience. In response, God reminds them, "I have...

As the people of Judah returned from exile, God used the prophet Zechariah to remind them that rebuilding the Temple was not enough—they first needed to return to the Lord. That same invitation remains for us today. In this message from Zechariah 1–4, we'll discover that when we return to God, He restores our relationship with Him through His gracious forgiveness, renews our purpose by calling us...

As the people of Judah returned from exile, God used the prophet Zechariah to remind them that rebuilding the Temple was not enough—they first needed to return to the Lord. That same invitation remains for us today. In this message from Zechariah 1–4, we'll discover that when we return to God, He restores our relationship with Him through His gracious forgiveness, renews our purpose by calling us...

In the book of Haggai, God confronts His people for allowing their own priorities to overshadow His. Sixteen years after returning from exile, the Temple still lay unfinished while the people had become consumed with building comfortable lives for themselves. Through Haggai, God calls them—and us—to "Thank carefully about our ways" and to put Him first in every area of life. Whether in our walk wi...

In the book of Haggai, God confronts His people for allowing their own priorities to overshadow His. Sixteen years after returning from exile, the Temple still lay unfinished while the people had become consumed with building comfortable lives for themselves. Through Haggai, God calls them—and us—to "Thank carefully about our ways" and to put Him first in every area of life. Whether in our walk wi...

When life doesn't make sense, where do we turn? In Habakkuk, we meet a prophet who courageously brings his confusion, doubts, and questions to God as he struggles to understand the injustice and suffering around him. Through an honest dialogue with the Lord, Habakkuk learns that while God doesn't always explain His plans, He always reveals His character. As the book unfolds, the prophet's journey...