First Baptist Church Longview

What does it actually look like to be the church in a divided world? In 1 Corinthians 11, Ryan McDonald examines how early believers struggled with selfishness that distorted their community and worship. True community reflects Christ’s sacrificial love through unity and care for one another. Evaluate your attitudes and pursue relationships that embody that kind of love.

Have you ever held a Bible your whole life but still struggled to see how it fits together? Tracing the unity of Scripture, Pastor Collin highlights how its many authors and centuries of writing all point to one story centered in Jesus Christ. Every promise and prophecy ultimately finds fulfillment in Him. Engage Scripture daily, allowing it to deepen not just your understanding but your relations...

Have you ever wondered how to know when to talk about faith with someone? In John 4, Pastor Collin reflects on Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman, showing how He moved toward people in the middle of their circumstances. Because Jesus meets people where they are, we are called to do the same. Pay attention to moments of need and be ready to respond with prayer and care.

Have you ever experienced something so good you couldn’t keep it to yourself? Looking at John 1 and John 4, Pastor Collin follows the pattern of Jesus’ earliest followers as each person, after encountering Him, immediately invited someone else. The focus isn’t on mastering explanations but on sharing an experience. Make simple, intentional invitations a regular part of your life and watch how God...

Why is it that we're grateful someone told us about Jesus, yet hesitant to share Him ourselves? In Acts 4, Pastor Collin highlights Peter and John standing before powerful leaders with boldness rooted not in confidence, but in trust that God was at work. Their courage came from prayer and conviction, not personality. Ask God to strengthen your faith and give you boldness in the moments He has alre...

What do you do when you get the best news of your life — do you keep it to yourself? Drawing from 2 Kings 7, Pastor Collin points to four unlikely messengers who discovered abundance and realized it was meant to be shared. Following Jesus means participating in that same calling — bringing good news to others. Wherever you are, you are positioned to impact someone’s faith; ask God to use your life...

Have you ever felt like God showed up too late? In John 11, Pastor Collin walks through the raising of Lazarus, showing how Jesus’ delay was part of a greater purpose rooted in love. Even in grief, He is present and working toward restoration. Trust Him, knowing that He is both the resurrection and the life.

Why does suffering exist, and what does it reveal about God? In John 9, Pastor Collin highlights how a man’s blindness becomes an opportunity for God’s work to be revealed. When answers are unclear, trust in who God is rather than demanding explanations. Let His work in your life become a testimony.

Have you ever felt like you were struggling against forces you couldn’t control? In John 6:16–21, Pastor Collin shows how Jesus walking on the water reveals His identity as the God who leads His people through chaos. Being in His will does not remove difficulty but ensures His presence. Trust Him and move forward with courage.

What are you really searching for? Looking at John 1:35–51, Pastor Ty Gist shows how Jesus meets people in their curiosity and invites them to discover who He is. True satisfaction is found in being known and loved by Him. Come honestly and experience that relationship for yourself.

Have you ever approached God focused on what you needed rather than who He is? In John 6:1–15, Pastor Collin connects the feeding of the crowd with the provision of manna, pointing to Jesus as the true source of life. He is not merely one who meets needs but the fulfillment of them. Seek Him for who He is, not just for what He can provide.

What would you do if God offered something you didn’t ask for? In John 5, Pastor Collin highlights Jesus healing a man who had waited for decades, showing that grace is initiated by God, not earned by us. The invitation still requires a response. Don’t ignore what God is offering.

What happens when your faith depends on what you see God do? In John 4:43–54, Pastor Collin follows the royal official’s journey of trusting Jesus before seeing any evidence. Faith that endures is anchored in who Jesus is, not in changing circumstances. Trust His word even when outcomes are uncertain.

Have you ever thought of God’s story as one unfolding act of love? In John 2:1–11, Pastor Collin highlights the wedding at Cana, where Jesus reveals Himself as the true Bridegroom. The miracle points beyond itself to a relationship marked by grace and pursuit. Receive that love and let it reshape how you live.

What will the end of all things look like, and why does it matter now? In Revelation 21:1–8, Pastor Collin points to the promise of complete renewal where God dwells with His people. The future is not escape but restoration. Place your hope in Christ and live in light of that coming reality.

Have you ever struggled to understand how faith moved from rules to relationship? In Luke 22 and Jeremiah 31, Pastor Collin shows how the new covenant centers on an internal transformation rather than external performance. Jesus fulfills what the old system pointed toward, offering new life from within. Let go of striving and receive His grace fully.

What if your strongest desires are quietly leading you in the wrong direction? In Ephesians 4:17–24, Pastor Collin contrasts the old way of living with the renewed life shaped by truth in Christ. Lasting transformation comes as the mind is renewed and desires are realigned. Begin loosening the hold of lesser pursuits and pursue a deeper hunger for God.

Why does effort alone never seem to produce lasting change? In Romans 6, Pastor Collin explains that believers have already been moved into a new reality, no longer under the power of sin. Transformation is not about achieving something new, but living in what Christ has already made true. Offer your life to God daily as an instrument for righteousness.

What if the new year doesn’t require a new version of you, but a renewed focus on love? In John 13:31–38, Pastor Collin highlights Jesus’ command to love others as He has loved us. Because Christ has already secured our relationship with God, we are freed to live lives marked by sacrificial love. Take intentional steps this week to express that love in practical ways.

What if the hardest part of following Jesus is trusting what He will do next? Drawing from Matthew 6 along with promises in 2 Corinthians 9:8 and Lamentations 3:22–23, Pastor Collin emphasizes that anxiety is overcome not by effort but by trusting in God’s future grace. His mercies are perfectly matched to each day. Begin each day grounded in His promises and trust Him with what lies ahead.

What if the Christmas story began long before Bethlehem? Looking at the story of Ruth, Dr. Kip Salser shows how her redemption through Boaz points ahead to Jesus as the ultimate Redeemer. God’s plan unfolds across generations, bringing restoration through Christ. Trust Him to work through every season of your life.

Have you ever felt like God has gone silent? In Malachi 4, Pastor Collin highlights how the Old Testament ends with unanswered questions and a lingering sense of waiting. Yet throughout the silence that followed, God was still preparing the world for Christ. When God seems quiet, trust that He is still at work behind the scenes.

Are you rushing through life while missing the source meant to sustain you? Reflecting on Isaiah 35, Pastor Collin describes a barren desert transformed into a place of life and healing, pointing to the work of Christ. Every image comes together in Jesus, who brings restoration to what is broken. Slow down, make space, and draw from His presence instead of your own strength.

Have you ever tried to look forward to something that has already happened? In Genesis 3, Pastor Collin points to the moment where humanity falls and a promise is spoken that points ahead to Christ. Right in the midst of failure, hope is introduced through a coming Savior. Let that promise reshape how you approach this season, receiving the grace already accomplished in Jesus.