A Solid Foundation

When an unbeliever turns to Jesus, they are made new. Everything about them is now different. Some changes are gradual, some are immediate, but nothing is the same. The changes should mark them. These changes are radical. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

There is no distance grace through Jesus Christ will travel to save you. No sin too great. No life too troubled. No race, no ethnicity, no country that He is not for. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

When God invites us to join Him, He's already working. When God shows us where He's working, that's our invitation to join Him. Look for where God is working and join Him there. These three statements from Experiencing God describe Phillip. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Often, a negative situation will lead us to make positive changes. That happened to First Church. God uses suffering in our lives to push us to be obedient to what He has already told us to do. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Decisions are hard. And decisions have consequences. We decide daily if we will follow Christ or if we will follow the devil. Those are the only two choices. Some choose well and some choose poorly. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Most of the persecution and turmoil that a church faces will not come from outside, but from inside. That is Satan's preferred method to attack the body of Christ. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

For believers, persecution will come. How will we handle it? Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Satan tries, but Satan can't win. He may win battles, but he can't win the war. God will use everything Satan does for His own glory. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Satan gets into the church, and most often he gets in through believers. The account of Ananias and Sapphira show us that the First Church dealt with it early. And decisively. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

A steady dose of prayer can radically change your situation and that of your church. The First Church saw the fruit of their constant prayer. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

How was the First Church so effective? They focused on two things: mutual care and the mission. They did it as a group, and they had men and women who stepped up and led out. That church changed the world. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

First Church was told they couldn't preach Jesus. Their response was a very specific prayer, and God answered their prayer in a very specific manner. May we have such boldness. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

When the First Church went out into the community, they faced opposition from those in power. We, too, will face opposition if we lead our church to change the community, and that opposition will come from inside the church and out. We have our model response, though. We cannot be quiet. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The First Church didn't have a lot, materially, to give. When asked for money by the lame man in our passage from Acts, Peter and John didn't have any. But that didn't mean the church didn't have anything to give. They used what they had to share Jesus with this man God loved. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Why do we worship? Ultimately, what should be our driving motive for why we praise God? Psalm 4 tells us. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

To raise our children well, and to send them into adulthood scripturally prepared, we must start as children. But our Christ-like example must continue. We should model the gospel to our children, no matter their age. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

To have compassion on people means to fight for justice and show mercy. The bible is clear in our calling. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This is Pastor Michael's testimony of saying "no" to God, but learning to be obedient (some times) and watching to see where God is working. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

If you want to truly experience God in daily, it begins, with a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ, and then is a result of regular fellowship with the Body of Christ in local churches. Time with other believers is where we get our best worship, discipleship, theology, growth, and encouragement. There is no true growth in Christ outside of regular fellowship with a local church. Michael Li...

Isaiah gave us a beautiful picture of the work of Jesus on the cross. That's my Jesus. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Unity in diversity. That's the call for the church. Different components, working in different ways, to accomplish the same goal. When one part varies from the goal, problems are created, so each member must use their gift for the kingdom. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

We can, and do, have many encounters with God. When we read scripture, when experience His creation, when we pray, or when he speaks to us to guide us. However, we will not truly experience God, in relationship and power, until we are obedient to Him. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

When you join God in what He is doing, you will come to a point where you have to choose to believe Him or yourself. Always believe Him. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

We can know exactly what God wants us to do the same way Jesus did. It requires no special abilities, only what Jesus had: scripture, prayer, and a love relationship with God. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This soul-convicting passage of scripture. The devastating message is that you can call yourself a believer, but your actions and your response to God's words prove otherwise. This is a call for a significant heart-check for us all. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA