First Baptist Church Longview

What if mountaintop moments with God were meant to prepare you for everyday life? Moving through moments in Matthew’s Gospel, Pastor Collin highlights how Jesus balances revelation and mission. Encounters with God are not meant to stay private. Step into the world around you with His truth and compassion.

Why do powerful encounters with God often occur alongside hardship? In Luke 9:28–36, Pastor Collin shows how Jesus’ transfiguration is connected to the coming cross. Glory and suffering are intertwined in God’s work. Seek Him through prayer, even in difficulty, and allow challenges to draw you closer.

Have you ever felt close to God one season and distant the next? In Matthew 17:1–8, Pastor Collin explains that both clarity and struggle are part of the journey of faith. High points and valleys serve to deepen trust. Remain faithful in every season, trusting God’s presence through both.

What happens when your hopes collapse and nothing seems to make sense? In Luke 24, Pastor Collin walks alongside the disciples on the road to Emmaus, showing how Jesus was present even when unrecognized. The resurrection transforms despair into hope. Trust that He is near, even in confusion.

Have you ever wished you could undo something deeply broken? Tracing from Genesis 2–3 to John 18–19, Pastor Collin shows how Jesus begins reversing the effects of the fall through His obedience and sacrifice. Redemption reaches even into the deepest brokenness. Trust Him to restore what seems beyond repair.

What would you do if you knew your time was short with those you love? In John 13, Pastor Collin reflects on Jesus washing His disciples’ feet, showing that true greatness is expressed through humble service. His love reaches even to those who betray Him. Receive that grace and live it out by serving others selflessly.

What happens when you can no longer remain neutral about Jesus? In Luke 23, Pastor Collin presents the cross as the decisive moment where each person must respond. Jesus bore sin willingly, offering forgiveness and life. Surrender control, trust His sacrifice, and follow Him fully.

What do you do when you fail in a crucial moment? Tracing Peter’s denial and restoration across John 13, 18, and 21, Dr. Kip Salser shows that failure does not cancel God’s purpose. Jesus restores those who return to Him. Face failure honestly, trust His grace, and step forward again with humility.

Why do we want God’s grace but resist His authority? Through the confrontations and parables in Matthew 21–22, Pastor Collin shows that Jesus’ authority is inseparable from His grace. Receiving Him means embracing both. Respond with surrender, allowing His love to shape both belief and obedience.

Have you ever appeared spiritually strong on the outside while something felt off within? In Mark 11:12–21, Pastor Collin points to Jesus’ interaction with the fig tree as a picture of outward religion lacking inward life. Appearances without transformation are empty. Turn honestly to Christ and remain connected to Him so real fruit grows from within.

What would it look like to give something truly costly to someone you love? In John 12:1–11, Pastor Collin contrasts Mary’s devotion with Judas’s self-interest, showing how differently people respond to Jesus. He alone is worthy of sacrificial love beyond what feels reasonable. Offer your life to Him fully, seeing devotion not as loss but as joy.

Why does the central symbol of Christianity look like weakness instead of strength? In 1 Corinthians 1, Pastor Collin explains how the cross—seen by the world as foolish—reveals God’s true wisdom and power. Humanity’s need is not improvement, but rescue through Christ’s sacrifice. Lay aside confidence in your own understanding and embrace the transforming power of the gospel.

What do you instinctively believe would make your life better—more wisdom or more money? Drawing from Proverbs’ repeated comparisons, Pastor Collin shows that while money is useful, it is temporary and ultimately unable to satisfy the deeper needs of the soul. True value is found in wisdom, which leads to peace, contentment, and a life aligned with God. Pursue Him first, live with gratitude, and h...

What would change if every word you spoke reflected complete honesty? Drawing from Proverbs, Pastor Collin shows that truthfulness extends beyond avoiding lies to include motives and everyday speech. Genuine integrity begins within the heart. Bring your life before God and commit to speaking truth with love.

How can we tell the difference between what seems right and what truly leads to life? Walking through Proverbs 9, Pastor Collin contrasts the invitations of wisdom and folly, showing that both may appear appealing but lead to very different outcomes. Lasting life flows from submitting to God’s truth. Examine your desires and follow the path that leads to Him.

Why do we have so much knowledge but still struggle to live wisely? In Proverbs 1, Pastor Collin explains that wisdom begins not with information but with reverence for God and a teachable spirit. Self-reliance blocks true understanding. Slow down, listen to God, and allow His truth to guide your decisions.

What if the story of Jesus’ birth points to something far greater than tradition? In Matthew 2, Dr. Kip Salser highlights how the Magi’s journey and fulfilled prophecies reveal Jesus as the promised Messiah. God’s plan unfolds with intentional detail across history. Respond with humility, worship, and trust in His guidance.

What does the angelic announcement mean for us today? In Luke 2:8–14, Pastor Collin reflects on how the message first reached ordinary shepherds, emphasizing that Jesus’ birth brings peace to all people. God’s grace is both personal and far-reaching. Receive that good news and carry it into the world around you.

Is there a reason to rejoice even in difficult seasons? Based on Psalm 98, Pastor Collin points to God’s saving work as the foundation for joy. His faithfulness calls for praise that extends beyond circumstances. Respond with worship and share that hope with others.

How does a small, overlooked place change history? In Micah 5:1–4, Pastor Collin shows how God brings salvation through humble and unexpected beginnings. His ways often overturn human expectations. Celebrate humility and welcome Christ into the ordinary areas of life.

Do you long for God to come near in a weary world? Drawing together Psalm 80, Isaiah 64, Gospel accounts, and 1 Peter, Pastor Collin reflects on the hope of Emmanuel. God’s coming brings both comfort and anticipation. Prepare your heart through repentance and live with expectation of His presence.

What difference does Christ’s kingship make in your life? Centered on Colossians 1:13–20, Pastor Collin highlights Jesus’ supreme authority and reconciling work over all creation. His rule brings both cosmic restoration and personal hope. Live under His authority with gratitude and a sense of mission.

Are you running on empty and in need of rest? Drawing from Matthew 11:28–29 and Sabbath principles, Pastor Collin points to Jesus as the source of true renewal. God invites His people into rhythms that restore both body and soul. Embrace rest as an act of trust and practice habits that lead to lasting refreshment.

How should Christians think about alcohol and conscience? In Romans 14, Pastor Collin explores how believers navigate gray areas by prioritizing love over personal preference. Decisions should be guided by care for others and their spiritual well-being. Live with humility, aiming to build up rather than harm those around you.

Are hidden sins stealing your joy? Addressing 1 Corinthians 6:18–20 and Romans 7–8, Pastor Collin focuses on the pathway from struggle to restoration through confession and grace. Freedom begins when sin is brought into the light and faced in community. Take honest steps toward accountability and experience the healing God provides.