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On the show
Recent episodes
God is Up to Something: Whatever Happened to Ol Joe?
May 24, 2026
56m 59s
God is Up to Something: Hello Holy Spirirt
May 10, 2026
43m 29s
God is Up To Something - What Now?
Apr 26, 2026
50m 09s
Unchanging Christ: Jesus Remains the Same
Apr 5, 2026
37m 14s
Unchanging Christ: Built on the Cornerstone
Mar 15, 2026
33m 11s
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5/24/26 | ![]() God is Up to Something: Whatever Happened to Ol Joe?✨ | Holy Spiritearly church+4 | — | FBC | Independence, MO | Holy SpiritActs 1:8+5 | — | 56m 59s | |
| 5/10/26 | ![]() God is Up to Something: Hello Holy Spirirt✨ | Holy Spiritearly church+3 | — | Acts 1:8 | — | Holy SpiritActs 1:8+7 | — | 43m 29s | |
| 4/26/26 | ![]() God is Up To Something - What Now?✨ | perspectivefaith+3 | — | Acts | Independence, MO | Godlife perspective+5 | — | 50m 09s | |
| 4/5/26 | ![]() Unchanging Christ: Jesus Remains the Same✨ | EasterResurrection+3 | — | FBC App | IndependenceMO | Jesusalive+2 | — | 37m 14s | |
| 3/15/26 | ![]() Unchanging Christ: Built on the Cornerstone✨ | church foundationJesus Christ+2 | — | FBC AppFoundation+1 | IndependenceMO | unchangingfirmly planted+1 | — | 33m 11s | |
| 3/8/26 | ![]() Unchanging Christ, Renewed Hope 3-8-26✨ | leadership changePsalm 23+3 | — | FBC AppUnchanging Christ, Renewed Hope+1 | IndependenceMO | unchanging Christrenewed hope+1 | — | 33m 10s | |
| 3/1/26 | ![]() God Speaks through Situations✨ | prayerministry+3 | — | — | IndependenceMO | Godhospital+3 | — | 43m 59s | |
| 2/22/26 | ![]() God Speaks through Christ's Example 2-22-26✨ | GodChrist's example+3 | — | YouTubefactory manual+1 | IndependenceMO | learningYouTube+3 | — | 37m 44s | |
| 2/15/26 | ![]() God Speaks: God Speaks through His Written Word✨ | God speaksChristianity+2 | — | BibleII Timothy 3:15- | — | moneywallet+2 | — | 40m 18s | |
| 2/8/26 | ![]() Purposes of the Church: Growing and Changing People✨ | church ministrychange in church+2 | — | — | Ephesus | young ministercongregation+3 | — | 48m 30s | |
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| 2/1/26 | ![]() Purposes of the Church: A Communal People✨ | churchcommunity+3 | — | LAPDJohn 13 | IndependenceMO | Rodney KingLAPD+3 | — | 55m 13s | |
| 1/18/26 | ![]() Purposes of the Church: A Worshipping People✨ | worshipchurch+1 | — | Discipleship | Rome | worship leadermusician+2 | — | 41m 44s | |
| 1/11/26 | ![]() Purposes of the Church: A Proclaiming People✨ | ChurchDiscipleship+2 | — | Church | Colossae | Matthew 28:18-20Feast of Weeks+2 | — | 45m 56s | |
| 1/4/26 | ![]() Purposes of the Church: An Intentional People | 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 small, rural Baptist church, and my dad was a Deacon. We went to church all the time – in my young mind, it was a crazy way to mess up a perfectly good Sunday! I smile now when I think of that morning; I was blessed that my parents were unrelenting in our church attendance. We prayed over our meals at home, we went to church, seemingly "all the time," and, before I knew it, I was in our church's Youth Group in High School, pursuing a cute little brown-eyed cheerleader that eventually became my wife, now of over 46 years. That was fast! I smile because my parents' insistence on church attendance, "as long as you're living under my roof!" my Father roared, led me to a life I now see as orchestrated by our loving God. I first received Christ as my Savior. That simple decision of my 12-year-old self led to me to follow God's call into ministry; marry that cute little Baptist girl who shared the same values and experiences in the faith; and now, after over 45 years in ministry, have discovered that I have been blessed with wonderful, faithful, daughters and sons-in-law, and grandchildren who are all on the path to faith. I cannot imagine a better life for my family and me! I have been forced to grow and mature in the faith, not just to lead others in ministry, but to survive what has been, at times, terribly difficult. And because of our shared experiences as a family, my daughters' own families are involved in ministries, serving others, and, even now, are calling me from time to time to ask questions about spiritual matters. We sometimes pray together; we celebrate our faith together, and we share concerns for our nation as 'fellow believers.' Almost without thinking, our choices in life and faith have led us to be "The Church," together as a family. Again, I cannot imagine a better life for me and my family! We have lived the truth declared in the preaching of every generation since Moses: "God has a plan for your life." The Prophet Jeremiah, writing to God's people who were living in exile after being conquered by the Babylonians, spoke of "God's Plan." He told them to build their lives, have families, raise them in faith, and seek the welfare of the cities where they lived. He summed up the instructions with the mention of God's plan: "For I know the plans that I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11 God has a plan for your life, and it is the very best life you can imagine! It will not be perfect or necessarily easy, and there will be challenges and losses, as well as good days and bad. But as you live your life with faith and trust in God's teachings and leadership, you will be able to say, with this old preacher, "I cannot imagine a better life for my family and me!" The best way you can support our ministry is by sharing this video with your friends and family! 💰 Give Online: Your contributions make our ministries possible. Give here 📲 Download our App: Stay up to date on all things FBC.Download the App 👍 Like our Page: Follow us on Facebook 📍 Visit Us: Join us every Sunday at 10:30 AM, 500 W. Truman Road, Independence, MO Thank you for watching. We will see you next week! | 37m 23s | ||||||
| 12/21/25 | ![]() Pictures of Advent: Shepherds 12-21-25 | 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 react to the miracle of Jesus' birth. They didn't let logic or doubt stop them; they went "straight to Bethlehem" to see what the Lord had made known to them. The Challenge: If God were to do something outside of a normal event in your life, would you reject it or believe? This Christmas, we invite you to live in faith and trust in the God who works miracles to save us. Simply believe. 🙏 Ways to Give & Connect: 💰 Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ 📲 Download our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence 👍 Like our Page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/ See you next week! | 28m 30s | ||||||
| 12/14/25 | ![]() Pictures of Advent: Herod | 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 the cost, humble yourself, and place your faith in Jesus? The life you can live in Christ is the best life! Support Our Ministry: Your financial support provides funding for outreach, upkeep, and essential resources. Thank you for your generosity! Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ Stay Connected:Download our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence Like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/ We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week! | 36m 20s | ||||||
| 12/7/25 | ![]() Pictures of Advent: The Wise Men | 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, delivering toys to kids around the world. Others think it’s just a clever marketing strategy by business owners, hoping to sell record numbers of toys, dolls, and children's clothing for children of every age. And, not so surprisingly, there are a faithful number who remember the ‘reason for the season,’ which is, of course, the birth of the Christ Child, Jesus. Jesus was the prophesied Messiah, who was God’s ‘cure’ for the fatal disease of the sin of humanity. We were created in purity and innocence by the hand of God, and he intended that we would live with him into eternity, in a loving, nurturing relationship. He would bless us and teach us the wonders of the universe, and we would all, literally, “live happily ever after!” Unfortunately, it was not too long before man rejected God’s leadership and chose to disobey God, thus causing a separation between man and God. Mankind was cast out of the Garden of Eden and was destined to live apart from God, struggling for an existence on a now-unfriendly planet. There was nothing man could do to ‘fix’ the problem, no matter how hard he tried. It was over almost as soon as it began! The ways of sin consumed us all, and we as a people have struggled for joy in this life ever since. But God wasn’t finished with us! In his wisdom, he set in motion a plan to save sinful man: There would come an anointed one, Jesus the Messiah, who would be born through a miraculous conception, by a young woman, Mary, and her husband, Joseph. This special child would grow to live a perfect life and give himself up as the perfect sacrifice for our sin when he was crucified on the cross. This sacrifice would cover the stain of our sin and would, once again, enable all mankind to walk with God. God’s plan was that man might come to him and confess his sin, and turn over the leadership of his life to the God who created us all. In this ‘gift’ of the Messiah, and what came to be called the Salvation of God, He began to work, re-creating man in the image of his son, the Messiah, Jesus. By this process, God would cleanse us of sin, give us a new heart, and create within us the desire and ability to live a new life, which is the old life that God originally planned. This is the “reason for the season;’ which is a truly outrageous gift! Let me encourage you to celebrate this outrageous season by receiving the wonderful gift of Salvation through the Christ Child, the One who grew to become Jesus, the Savior of the World. God loves you, desires to save you and give you a new life, and uses you to bless those in your life. This is the very best life for you, because it is the life you were created to live! Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, providing funding for outreach, facility upkeep, and essential resources. Your generosity fuels our mission and makes a real impact. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week! | 38m 17s | ||||||
| 11/23/25 | ![]() The Path to Life: An Encouraging Life 11-23-25 | 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 mythical place, to be sure, but it showed how desperately everyone needs to be encouraged! It’s been close to 70 years since that song became popular, but it still makes sense to us today. I learned of the need for “an encouraging word” many years ago, during my time at one of my earlier churches, where I served as Pastor. I had begun to complain about everything, almost every day; at some point, my wife merely suggested that we might be better off if I quit complaining all the time! She was right, of course; I needed to hear encouraging words, and I needed to speak encouraging words – my wife needed to listen to them! Interestingly, the Bible teaches us this very thought: “Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, that it may give grace to those who hear.” Ephesians 4:29 Here are a few emphases of the larger passage, which contains verse 29: Encouraging words build others up. “That it may give grace to those who hear.” v.29 People need to be built up by fellow Christians . Encouraging words reflect Christian experience. “Just as God in Christ has forgiven you.” v. 32 Our faith in Jesus gives us the joy of forgiveness and salvation, and a reason for hope in life. Encouraging words please God. “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit.” v.30 Out of love and respect towards God, we are to speak in ways that will honor God and bring glory to Him. God feels the pain of our sin and depravity! So here is an obvious way God wants us to relate to others: Let us all speak an encouraging word, seeking the best in life. When we are obedient to God’s teachings in scripture, we build others up, encourage them in the hard times of this life, and serve to give people hope, based upon the truth that God is always at work in every situation. There is a reason to be encouraged! Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, providing funding for outreach, facility upkeep, and essential resources. Your generosity fuels our mission and makes a real impact. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week! | 40m 06s | ||||||
| 11/16/25 | ![]() The Path to Life: Spirit-Guided Emotions | 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 determine the course of your life! Let me explain, by telling you a true story from my own life: I grew up in a small midwestern town, where it seemed like everyone worked on their own cars; changing tires and sparkplugs, oil and air filters, and the like. We would work on our cars over the weekend, and then talk about our experiences all week at school; it was always fun! One week a good friend of mine, who drove a very nice, white, Ford Thunderbird, came in and told us a story that brought down the house with laugher. He had been working on his car, and was replacing some of the old, rusted suspension parts on the front of his car, and there was a large nut that was stuck on a piece of his frontend. This large nut resisted all his efforts to come loose. He banged on it, first with a hammer, and then a sledge hammer; when that didn’t work, he got his dad to light up a torch with a very hot flame, and heated the bolt to loosen it; nothing happened! This went on for a couple of hours, and my friend was getting increasingly frustrated with every minute. He continued to pound and heat and twist the stubborn piece of metal, until finally, it came loose. Except for the fact that it did not come loose – he broke the bolt, which wasn’t a bolt at all – it was a piece of a larger part of the car, and it could not be repaired. What this meant is that the simple and inexpensive repair he had begun, had suddenly turned into a very expensive nightmare. It was going to take another day, and a fairly large sum of money, to get his car drivable; He was furious! This is where the lesson on our emotions comes in. My good friend, who was intelligent and normally ‘under control,’ lost control of his emotions; in a rage, he picked up the large hammer laying next to the car, and beat the front fender of the car into a shredded, crumpled mess! So not only did he still have to fix the suspension, now he had to purchase a new fender, and paint it and put it on the car, before the car would be ready to drive. It was another week before he could drive that prized Thunderbird! This is just an example of what can happen when we let our emotions get out of control. The details of any situation make no difference. When we allow our frustrations and anger to dictate our actions, we will exacerbate the problem. Christian or not, this truth applies to everyone, regardless of their social status. At one point, the Apostle Paul wrote about the way our emotions can affect our lives and actions, and provided us with a couple of truths that, when applied, can guide our actions and transform our lives for the better. In Philippians 4, Paul wrote, “Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice! Let your forbearing spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your request be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, shall guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:4-8 What Paul was saying is that one’s faith in Jesus is more than just concern for salvation; it is also an understanding that, in Christ, one’s way of thinking about life and experiences, and our feelings about those experiences, can be a function of our faith, too! In our modern culture, there is much talk about one’s emotions and one's mental health. Here is what Paul might add to the discussion: First, if we can develop a “forbearing spirit,” we can face life’s challenges with patience and self-restr | 42m 36s | ||||||
| 8/31/25 | ![]() Evangelism: New Life in Jesus | 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 his pockets, with all sorts of snarky comments about non-believers, and even obvious insults aimed at those of various political positions that were considered ‘unchristian,’ by many in the Church. The point was clear – When Christians try to proclaim the Gospel message to the world, they need to be sure they are proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus, instead of insulting comments on political issues, or words that have almost nothing to do with the Gospel message! This true story brings me to ask a question: As a believer, does your life proclaim the Gospel of Jesus? Are you sure you understand what is, and is not, the Gospel message? And, finally, how does the Gospel message affect one’s life when it is truly accepted into one’s heart? There is a story in the Bible regarding a “true believer” of the Jewish faith, who, out of religious zeal, had begun to persecute members of the Church. The man was a Pharisee named Saul, who was walking towards the city of Damascus to seek out and persecute Christians. Here is where the story picks up: “And it came about that as he journeyed, he was approaching Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him; and he fell to the ground, and heard a voice saying to him, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? And he said, “Who art Thou, Lord?” and he said, “I am Jesus whom you are persecuting, but rise, and enter the city, and it shall be told you what you must do.” Acts 9:3-6. Those with Saul took him to Damascus, where God led one named Ananias to explain the Gospel message to him and show him the path to life with God. The ‘rest of the story,’ of course, is that of Saul receiving Christ, becoming a traveling evangelist for Jesus, and writing much of what became the New Testament! One of the most interesting elements of this story is that Saul, who later became known as Paul (the Roman version of his name), was an active Pharisee in the Jewish faith. He believed in God, and he fought for what he thought was the true faith – but the true faith included Jesus as the fulfillment of the Law. He didn’t understand that he had been proclaiming and defending what was now the ‘wrong’ faith; the true faith was now Judaism, as fulfilled through Jesus! Saul, before his encounter with Jesus on the road to Damascus, was a witness for the wrong faith, because it was a faith that was not centered on the message of salvation through Jesus. Here’s what we can learn from Saul’s experiences: Let us make sure we correctly understand what the Gospel is that we have been given to proclaim! The Gospel we have been given is the message that Jesus, Son of God, God in the flesh, came and lived a sinless life, died on the cross to pay for our sin, and was risen from the dead to show God’s power over death. Then he ascended into heaven, to be seated with God on the throne of heaven, to reign over all things forever. Salvation comes when we believe the truths of the Gospel and receive Jesus as our Savior, committing our lives to Him. The Gospel is not an opinion one might have on abortion, immigration, or any other political or social topic – it is the message of salvation in Jesus! It is acceptable to express an opinion on any topic, of course, but if the goal is to proclaim the Gospel and lead people to Jesus, then they must focus on the truth of the Gospel and not on one’s opinions concerning the social issues of the day. To live as a Christ-follower involves a change in the direction of our lives! In the s | 36m 56s | ||||||
| 8/3/25 | ![]() Your Life, Your Choice: The Christian and The Discipleship | 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 approaches to exercise, managing injuries, and breathing during extreme exertion. It is incredible to consider the significant impact this coach has on both the running experience and the personal lives of my granddaughter, as well as the other kids on the team. In a very real way, my granddaughter is becoming a ‘disciple’ of this young coach. Fortunately for my family, this coach is a fine, Christian woman who leads in her church and lives a committed Christian life. Interestingly, this is much how one’s Christian faith is worked out as we decide to become' disciples’ of Jesus. As we place our faith in Him and submit to His leadership and teachings, He influences almost every aspect of our lives. In one passage, a crowd had gathered around Jesus to hear him teach; some were interested in becoming ‘disciples’ of Jesus. A question was asked of him, “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus’ answer was insightful and clear: “You shall love the Lord Your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.‘ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.” Matthew 22:36-40 Jesus had taught them what it was to live as his ‘disciple!’ Jesus' words were based on quotations of two Old Testament passages, which were the ‘bedrock’ teachings of the Jewish faith. These teachings were life teachings that would lead one in the ways of God and could guide us in this life, preparing us for the life to come. “Love God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.” This is the greatest commandment, as it is foundational for all the Jewish and Christian faith teachings. Loving God was more than emotional; it involved one’s feelings and passions, to be sure, but it also would lead one to commit oneself to learning the ways of God, and living in a way that would please God, and invite him into one’s life. When mature, this love for God would be absolute and steadfast, adding a profound sense of strength and stability to one’s life. “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Here, Jesus made it clear that living as his disciple involved more than just religious belief; he also expected our faith to impact how we interact with others profoundly. To love another as oneself meant to be sincerely concerned for the well-being of others; too, it means that you would treat others as you would like to be treated – an idea that came to be called “the golden rule.” Apathy towards the sufferings of others, and hatred and rejection of those of different social or ethnic groups, simply had no place in the life of a disciple of Jesus! When applied to our lives and relationships, these teachings will lead us to a life that is quite different from what is commonly seen on this earth. This is exactly as Jesus intended, as it will lead others to know the value of living as a disciple of Jesus and may even draw them into the faith. May we all follow Jesus and live as his disciples! Your support is invaluable in spreading our ministry. By sharing our podcasts, you help build a strong community of believers. We appreciate your contributions and encourage you to inspire others to join our mission. Your involvement keeps our community connected and thriving. Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, providing funding for outreach, facility upkeep, and essential resources. Your generosity fuels our mission, making a real impac | 41m 10s | ||||||
| 6/29/25 | ![]() Our Nation’s Strength - How can I help? | 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 believe He will forgive your sins for anything, and I think He’s happy that I’m successful.” She acknowledged that her work may be sinful but seemed to rely on the idea that God’s forgiveness was automatic. She also claimed to live a moral life, stating that having morals is essential to survive in the industry. This raises serious questions about how we define morality and how we apply God’s Word in our lives. The Bible teaches that our faith must be genuine and lived out through obedience, not just words. Jesus said, “You are the salt of the earth... You are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:13–16). Our lives should reflect Christ and draw others to Him—not cause confusion about what it means to follow Him. Depending on grace while planning to continue in sin is a dangerous spiritual mindset. God calls us to repentance, not selective obedience. True faith involves surrendering our whole lives—not just the parts we’re comfortable giving up. This story reminds us that how we live matters. People around us are watching, and they need to see real faith in action. Our culture is saturated with compromise, but we are called to live set-apart lives rooted in the truth of Scripture. This week, think about your witness. Are you reflecting Christ in a way that leads others toward Him? Are you serious about the spiritual and moral leadership our world so desperately needs? Let your life be salt and light. Someone near you may come to know Jesus because of your example. Your support is invaluable in spreading our ministry. By sharing our podcasts, you help build a strong community of believers. We appreciate your contributions and encourage you to inspire others to join our mission. Your involvement keeps our community connected and thriving. Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, providing funding for outreach, facility upkeep, and essential resources. Your generosity fuels our mission, making a real impact. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week! | 39m 08s | ||||||
| 6/22/25 | ![]() The Church on a Mission: Go, Love, Belong | 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 videos, you help build a strong community of believers. We appreciate your contributions and encourage you to inspire others to join our mission. Your involvement keeps our community connected and thriving. Your financial support is the backbone of our ministry, providing funding for outreach, facility upkeep, and essential resources. Your generosity fuels our mission, making a real impact. Give here: https://firstbaptistofindependence.aware3.net/give/ Stay updated by downloading our App: https://a3a.me/firstbaptistofindependence or liking our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/1stBaptist/. These platforms keep you engaged and connected. Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to this journey with you—see you next week! | 33m 09s | ||||||
| 5/25/25 | ![]() God Uses People: The Apostle John | 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 hand! He called on me, and I said, a little too aggressively, that I disagreed with what he had said about the story. This started a very difficult discussion in front of the class that taught me a lesson I have used almost weekly in my 45 years as a Pastor. My professor was very kind and said, “Ok, Mr. Payne. Tell me your thoughts about our story and why you disagree with what I’ve said. I did so as well as I could. Even though I had held to my beliefs for some time, they had never been ‘tested.’ As the words came out of my mouth, I realized that my answer didn’t seem to make as much sense as before my involvement in this class. (This upper-level class taught us to read and interpret the Old Testament in the original Hebrew language). When I finished, the teacher, still kind and patient with me, began to ask me a series of questions. For instance: “What are the words in the Bible that have led you to reject my interpretation?” Following my answer, another question: “Knowing what you know from our studies in Hebrew, is your interpretation supported by the text?” We had quite a discussion, and he continued to lead me through a thought process that revealed that not only was I wrong in my interpretation, but what I held to be true was completely distorting the passage's meaning! This experience changed my life! The fact that I embarrassed myself in front of the class was bad enough, but that was an easy lesson. The greater lesson that affects me today is that if my beliefs and interpretations contradict the scriptures, I am wrong! As my professor said, pay attention to what the Bible says and what the Bible does not say.’ Many of you who are reading this article may have had experiences in life with similar effects. In the Bible, we can read that John the Apostle had many! For instance, at one point in Mark 5, Jesus raised from the dead a young girl, the child of a Roman soldier. They had argued with Jesus over this because they thought it was too late; also, they were probably resistant to helping a Roman soldier whom they saw as their enemy. Jesus’ actions and kindness to the soldier and the raising of the girl from the dead challenged their understanding of life and death. They taught them that even a Roman soldier’s family was worthy of God’s love. This was one of Jesus’ methods by which he taught his disciples how to live and minister in his name. The disciples who witnessed this miracle were forever changed – their beliefs and practices concerning ministering to people and offering God’s love to them were forever altered! The point of this whole message is that when we follow Jesus and cling to our faith in him, He will change our lives over time! He will teach, correct, and mature us in the faith. The goal is for us to live our lives so that He might use us in ministry to a world that desperately needs what only Jesus can give! Here’s a passage that can help us in our journey: “If then you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not the things on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” Colossians 3:1-3 Your support is invaluable in spreading our ministry. By sharing our podcasts, you help build a strong community of believers. We appreciate your contributions and encourage you to inspire others to join our mission. Your in | 40m 28s | ||||||
| 5/18/25 | ![]() God Uses People: Jacob | 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 community and had several run-ins with the local police. He was nice enough, but would grow violent quickly when tensions or disagreements arose. This trait was passed down to Mike's older brother, who often got into fights after school! As he got older, he had trouble in school because of his temper and violent tendencies. He dropped out before graduating. Mike was a little gentler and slower to anger than his family. Still, he, too, developed a tendency towards violence and fighting with kids after school. Eventually, we drifted away from each other, as our learned behaviors led us in different directions in life. His family influenced him in one direction, and my family influenced me in another direction. That is a lesson we've all learned. If you teach your children to be violent and belligerent, they will turn out that way; if you teach your children to be peaceful and work together, that is the type of life they will choose. Of course, there are exceptions to that rule, but generally speaking, that is how it is! Interestingly, this is precisely what the scriptures teach. The book of Genesis contains a story of Jacob, whose parents taught him to live in a particular way. His name means ‘suppla't'e', which means he would ‘take t'e 'l'ce’ of another, through deceit and trickery. Mom and Dad were good people, but Jacob, a moment-younger twin, was their favorite. They did not teach him good behavior, but instead spoiled him. As the boys aged, this behavior began to have serious implications. For instance, one day, the older twin, Jacob, came in from a long hunt, starving! Jacob had cooked a big pot of stew and worked out a trade with his brother: He would give Esau a bowl of hot stew, for the ‘birthright', that the 'older brother would receive at the appropriate time. Esau, in a fit of hunger and not thinking, agreed, thinking that the birthright was worthless if he were to die of hunger. Jacob worked a scheme on his older brother to get something for something for nothing.’ The steak was inexpensive, of course. Still, the birthright of a firstborn of a wealthy man such as their father, Isaac, was of profound value! There would come a time when Esau would realize what Jacob had done, but it would be too late. Another time, Jacob's brother, when their father was near death. Isaac called Esau to bring him a final meal, and he would give his ‘blessing’ to him. 'This was the firstborn Isaac's sce sce! Jacob’s mother overheard the conversation and devised a scheme for her favorite son, Jacob, to receive the blessing. He dressed up and acted in a way that deceived Isaac, who gave him the blessing. When Esau discovered the deception, he was furious. He swore he would someday kill his brother! Jacob received Esau’s inheritance and fled his homeland to escape Esau. He lived in fear and shame for many years because of the way he had received the blessings from his father and tricked his brother. Finally, years later, they were able to make amends. They both lived long and good lives. Jacob’s life was always troubled because he had followed the deceitful ways of his mother. There is no better example of "We reap what we sow." Indeed, "Jacob's is spoken of to this day and teaches us the consequences of sinful behavior. This is how the New Testament explains the principle: “Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, he will reap. For the one who sows to his flesh shall from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit shall from the Spirit reap eter | 39m 17s | ||||||
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