FBC Independence Podcast

In this episode, we continue our series "God Is Up To Something!" by diving into the transition from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the birth of the early church. We explore why Jesus told His disciples it was actually to their advantage that He leave so that the Holy Spirit could come. What We Cover: The Promise of Power: Understanding Acts 1:8 and how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be w...

In this episode, we continue our series "God Is Up To Something!" by diving into the transition from the earthly ministry of Jesus to the birth of the early church. We explore why Jesus told His disciples it was actually to their advantage that He leave so that the Holy Spirit could come.   What We Cover: The Promise of Power: Understanding Acts 1:8 and how the Holy Spirit empowers believers to be...

Feeling like life is a whirlwind? The early disciples felt the same way in Acts 1. The answer isn't a new plan; it’s a new perspective. God is up to something! Stop trying to be His consultant and start living in His Kingdom today. #Acts #WhatNow #KingdomLiving   The best way you can support our ministry is by sharing this podcast with your friends and family!   💰 Give Online: Your contributions...

Easter is the ultimate reminder that change doesn't mean "the end." Because Jesus is alive, our hope is renewed and our future is bright. David Scott concludes our series with a powerful look at the Resurrection, proving that with a living Christ, every ending is just a new beginning.   The best way you can support our ministry is by sharing this podcast with your friends and family!   💰 Give Onl...

What keeps a church standing when the faces on stage change? It isn’t a personality—it’s a Foundation. This week, Mr. Dave walks us through why our church remains "firmly planted" because it is built on the only Cornerstone that matters: Jesus Christ.   Text: Ephesians 2:19–22; 1 Corinthians 3:11   The best way you can support our ministry is by sharing this podcast with your friends and family!  ...

In the wake of leadership change, it’s easy to feel uncertain about the future. In this first installment of our "Unchanging Christ" series, David Scott explores the comforting truth of Psalm 23 and John 10: The Good Shepherd is still leading, still protecting, and still present. The best way you can support our ministry is by sharing this podcast with your friends and family!   💰 Give Online: Yo...

Throughout my formal ‘preacher’ education, I was privileged to take all sorts of classes; biblical studies, histories of various churches and groups, and, especially interesting, were the classes that dealt with the ethical situations one might encounter in the ministry.  These helped this young minister greatly, of course, but my classes did not prepare me for everything.             About 15 yea...

Several years ago, I had purchased an old pickup with engine problems; the plan was to do a quick repair and sell it, and make some profit.  I read a few articles about the process, and a couple mentioned a ‘trick’ that would save me quite a bit of time when replacing an internal engine part.  Thinking I understood what the article meant and confident I could figure it out if I needed to, I jumped...

I recently came across a story, told by a college professor, about an experience she had in which she believed God had clearly directed her in a specific situation.   The Professor (Joan) told the story of a young woman (Sherry) in one of her classes who was dressed poorly and looked a little ‘shabby’; she also kept to herself and dropped her eyes when she spoke to the teacher and others in the cl...

I recently had a conversation with a young minister about the ministry of a church in the area.  The church was struggling to reach young people, even though they offered a variety of good, bible-centered ministries in the community.  The organization was ‘off’ in some ways, and there were those in the congregation who were resistant to change, particularly younger members who were unlikely to mak...

After a long, high-speed chase early one morning in March of 1991, Rodney King was dragged out of his car and severely beaten by 4 LAPD officers.  His beating was a horrendous abuse of police power, and, when the videotape of the beating was made public, it caused massive unrest.  Ultimately, there erupted 6 days of rioting when it was announced that the 4 officers who beat Mr. King were all acqui...

I was talking to a young man at a Christian ministers’ gathering a few weeks ago, and I asked him what position he held in the church where he served.  He said he was a “worship leader.”  I asked him what he meant, which seemed to throw him off a little bit.  He hesitated as he explained his position, and I said, to clear up the discussion, “You mean you’re a musician?”  He breathed a sigh of reli...

The last time they were together, Jesus instructed his disciples, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.  “God therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20             Just 5...

I remember the question I asked my mother one morning, "Do we have to go to church?  I was sick of going to church all the time!  I had things to do:  bikes to ride, pigs in the barnyard to tease, creeks to fish, and brothers and sisters to play with – and here I was, being forced to clean up and dress up, and go to church – again!  I was all of 4 years old; my mother was the church pianist in our...

Do you believe in miracles? ✨   This week, Pastor reflects on the supernatural origins of life. He recalls a conversation with his daughter while she was studying biology. Looking at the complexity of the "Krebs Cycle," she was breathless with excitement—not just because she understood the science, but because she saw it as "obvious proof" of God's handiwork.   In Luke 2, we see the Shepherds rea...

Christmas is about Jesus, the "reason for the season," but not everyone responds with joy. In this message, we look at the reaction of King Herod, who became enraged at the thought of a new "King of the Jews" and sought to destroy Him (Matthew 2:16).   Jesus said, "He who is not with me is against me" (Luke 11:23). Herod rejected Christ violently. How will you respond to the Gospel? Will you count...

I love Christmas!  It is an outrageous celebration, outrageously expensive, and, without a doubt, absolutely distorted from the real ‘reason for the season.’  The truth is, many in America and around the world don’t have a clue about the real reason for this season of celebrations, decorations, donations, and gift-giving!  Some think it’s all about the myth of Santa Claus and his sleigh, deliverin...

The old country song closes with the words, “Where seldom is heard,  a discouraging word, and the skies are not cloudy all day.”  Many of you will remember the song “Home on the Range,” written by Daniel Kelley and Dr. Brewster Higley back in the 1940s, which became a classic.  It sang of a place in time where everything was good, and the only words one heard were supportive and encouraging.  A my...

Suppose you spend a lot of time watching social media these days. In that case, you will encounter a practice and value system that is leading many to choose paths that promise to make their lives and the lives of those they love more difficult.  It’s not hard to understand, but if you’ve grown accustomed to it, it is tough to change.  What am I talking about – it is allowing your emotions to dete...

When I was in college, studying to become a minister, I came across a Bible tract titled something along these lines: “How to witness for the wrong side.”  In the picture was a smiling, John Denver look-alike young man, casually dressed.  He had the word “Jesus” in large letters across the front of his exaggerated cowboy hat; additionally, there were Bible Tracts in his hands, and falling out of h...

Over the last few years, I’ve watched one of my granddaughters develop into a competitive distance runner – her races are often very exciting!  Just as interesting to me, though, is how she ‘follows’ one of her coaches.  This young woman, a gifted runner herself, is careful to guide my granddaughter in developing effective strategies for running long distances, as well as teaching her specific app...

I recently read an article in a Christian publication featuring a young woman in her 20s with a bright smile and confident presence. Expecting a testimony of faith, I was surprised to learn she was a successful porn star, earning over $40 million in just two years. Despite her profession, she claimed a strong Christian faith, saying, “I have a close relationship with my church, and I love God. I b...

What does it truly mean to be the Church? This week, we explore our calling to Go into the world with purpose, Love like Jesus with compassion, and Belong as one united Body of Christ. Whether in our workplaces, neighborhoods, or everyday routines, God is sending us to make a difference. Let’s step into the mission together!   Your support is invaluable in spreading our ministry. By sharing our vi...

When I was a student back in ‘Preacher School,” I was having a difficult time in one of my classes, which dealt with interpreting the Old Testament.  I didn’t like what the teacher was teaching. I disagreed with his interpretation of a great story from the days of the Hebrew people before Jesus.  At one point in his lecture, the teacher stopped and asked for questions;  I immediately shot up my ha...

One of my friends from my early years in school was a red-headed boy named Mike.  Mike and I were pretty good friends, and we got along well – no arguments or fussing, as far as I can remember.  My family was relatively mild in behavior. Dad was a Deacon in our church, and my mother was the church organist. Still, Mike's family was different than mine!  His dad was a known 'fighter' in our small c...