A Solid Foundation

This is the first of a three message series looking at big-picture church fundamentals. We will take a negative view, as in what is not needed, and then show through the course of the message the positive, what is needed. This message rejects a weak gospel and shows why a strong, pure, well-presented gospel is exactly what all churches need. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX

Following on the heels of His teaching about possessions is Jesus' teaching about worry. The two go hand-in-hand: if we have set up our possessions as god, and placed our heart there, then we will be in constant fear of their failure because of their fragility and inability to satisfy. We thus set up another idol: worry. Jesus has words of comfort to replace our worry. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC N...

Stuff can get in the way of our relationship with God. People, like our family, can, too. And these often do. But we must be determined not to let that happen. Only the good we do in obedience to the Father will last. Everything else goes away. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX

Once we have placed our faith Jesus Christ for salvation, we are then told to follow in obedience by being baptized. Why? What does it do? Why is it important? This passage from Romans helps explain why we are Baptists. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX

When you accept the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ, your life is radically changed. You are a new creation with the purpose of good works. You don't have to clean yourself up before you come to Jesus. Come to Jesus and let Him clean you up. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX

Tomorrow is no guarantee for any of us. The rest of this day is no guarantee for any of us. There is an urgency in the decision we will make about Jesus, and it will affect our eternity. What we do with Jesus matters today and forever, and you aren't promised another day to make that decision. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX May 15, 2016

In order to receive the salvation that the gospel provides, one must make a personal response to the free offer. That response involves, first and foremost, faith in Jesus Christ. This message examines that personal response. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX May , 2016

The third message of our series "The Gospel" focuses on the sufficiency of Christ. He was exactly what was needed for our salvation, uniquely fit for providing atonement. This message briefly explains what we mean. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX May 1, 2016

The second component of the gospel is the offensive of sin. While our culture has rendered the term 'offensive' nearly meaningless, our sin is nevertheless an offense to God and the reason for His wrath and our condemnation. But there is hope. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX April 24, 2016

This is the first message in a series where we break down The Gospel into six components. This first component is the 'g' of gospel, God's Character. In it, we see not just what God is like, but what God is, and what dynamic that creates in our relationship with Him. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX April, 17, 2016

Often, the most profitable prayer we can pray is to pray scripture back to God. Is it biblical? Is it useful? How is it done? These are all questions that are answered in this message. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX April 3, 2016

Jesus' final instruction in modeling prayer for us is that we must forgive those who have wronged us. As a matter of fact, our desire to forgive others is a direct indication of our salvation. And on this day, when forgiveness was bought for everyone on the cross of Calvary, we must examine ourselves to see if we forgive, and to see if we have received the forgiveness God offers through Jesus. Mic...

The last request of The Model Prayer is one for protection, both from and in temptation. It exposes our weakness in combating temptation, and our need for rescue by God from temptation. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX March 20, 2016

In our prayers, there must be a recognition that God provides everything we need: from daily food to forgiveness. Jesus models that recognition for us in this passage. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX March 6, 2016

In our prayers, we must trust God. We can trust Him to know what is best, but we also must trust Him enough to do what He says. Our prayers should reflect that trust. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX February 21, 2016

This is the eighth message in the series "The Church's Report Card", the third where we look at the church at Smyrna. In this message we find out the reward for perseverance and courage: no judgment. Just what does no judgment mean? And is that worth all that the church will have to endure? Jesus answers these questions for us. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX September 9, 2012

This is the sixth message in the series "The Church's Report Card", the first where we look at the church at Smyrna. In this message we see what the Christians in Smyrna had to endure for their faith. Are we willing to endure the same? Are we living in such a way that we would even come close to these persecutions? Do we get an A+ in perseverance? Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX August 26, 20...

This is the seventh message in the series "The Church's Report Card", the second where we look at the church at Smyrna. In this message we see that the church is to have courage in the face of persecution - even persecution that ends in death. Do we have the courage enough to face the persecution of name-calling? We have to be a church of courageous Christians. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX...

This is the fifth message in the series "The Church's Report Card", the third where we look at the church at Ephesus. In this message we understand the reward for those that heed the message and repent. The question is, though, do we have ears to hear? Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX August 19, 2012

This is the third message in the series "The Church's Report Card", the first on the church at Ephesus. In this message we see what Jesus had to say about the right and wrong kind of tolerance in the church at Ephesus. We'll also see how we as the church today grade on the same issue. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX August 5, 2012

This is the second message (first message unavailable) in the series "The Church's Report Card". In this message we see who Jesus is and His authority to 'grade' the church. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX July 15, 2012

This is the fourth message in the series "The Church's Report Card", the second where we look at the church at Ephesus. In this message we see what Jesus had to say about the love that was, or wasn't, shown at the church at Ephesus, and exactly what kind of love it was. It may surprise you. Michael Linton, Pastor FBC Nixon, TX August 12, 2012

In this message, we look at whether we have belief in Jesus that leads to salvation and life-change, or do we have belief that leads to little more than a questioning acknowledgement of Jesus. Our passage clearly tells us that the belief that we claim in Jesus can be partial and not a saving faith. We compare the encounters of Jesus with Nicodemus and the Samaritan woman and see which exemplifies...

This is the fourth and final message of the series "Know What's Coming". The series is part of a 5-month theme called "On Mission With God" that ends with this message. In this 4-part series, we'll see that when we respond to the calling of God--even though we know He'll provide all we need, and we've set our priorities to line up with the call--there will be trouble. In the message "Hope", we'll...

This is the first message of the series "Know What's Coming". The series is part of a 5-month theme called "On Mission With God." In this 4-part series, we'll see that when we respond to the calling of God--even though we know He'll provide all we need, and we've set our priorities to line up with the call--there will be trouble. In the message "Trials", we'll take a quick walk through the life of...