A Solid Foundation

This is our final message from the series "Jesus' Church," and it wraps up our look at "The Prayer" in John 17. In this portion of scripture, Jesus prays for His church - believers today. Here, we see an earthly prayer, a heavenly prayer, and an eternal vow from Jesus. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Jesus prayed for three different aspects of his disciples' (our) relationships in this passage: our relationship to God, our relationship to other believers, and our relationship to unbelievers. All must be worked on and active. These relationships are what power a church that is Living Called Out. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

In John 17, Jesus prayed for three different people or groups: Himself, His disciples, and His church. However, as we see in this message, even when Jesus prayed for Himself, He still prayed for His church. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Does God forget our sins? Does God forget anything? Good questions. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

There's one unifying factor in the church, one answer to the question of what is the obedience that Jesus requires: love. Even when we aren't sure what our response or action should be in a certain situation, we can always safely answer with love. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Does the Bible really tell Christians not to judge? Really? Really? Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Your relationship with Jesus should produce fruit in your life. That fruit is obedience to Him. When you're obedient, your love for Jesus is obvious and increases. As your love for Him increases, you grow in your relationship with Him. And you produce more fruit. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

This series looks at the Bible verses that are most abused and misused by both believers and unbelievers alike. It's necessary to know what the verse is actually saying before we quote it in our situations. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

What else does the church look like? Many branches, attached to Jesus the Vine, with God the Vinedresser tending and pruning. This is both painful and rewarding, and it will move the church into a position where she can be most effective at Living Called Out. 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

Why is Jesus The Good Shepherd? The reasons are to numerous to count and to beautiful to express. However, this passage gets to a few of them, and the attempt is made to do them justice with this message. Michael Linton, Pastor February 12, 2017

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

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

There is only one Good Shepherd: depend on Him. There are many good shepherds, but they will fail you: only depend on them as they depend on the Good Shepherd. The hired hands leave at the first sign of trouble and are no leaders: don't depend on them at all. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Jesus, the Shepherd, is also Jesus, the Door. That Door is the provider of salvation, protection, and profusion. The Shepherd has all we need and more. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

Throughout the Bible, the called out church is referred to as a flock of sheep. While not always a flattering comparison, it captures well the believer's relationship to and with Jesus. This passage looks specifically at that relationship. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

A gift's benefits can never be experienced until the gift is received. Salvation, the Remarkable Gift given through the birth, life, and death of God's only Son, must likewise be received. The gift is given. Will you accept it? Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

The Magi, looking for the newborn King, are a model for us today of what it means to seek something of value. The signs around us point us to our greatest need: a Savior to whom we offer everything. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Sulphur, LA

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...