FBCWF

The Habits of a Healthy ChurchActs 2:41-471. Reach – Evangelize our mission field.From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more.Luke 12:48 (NASB) 2. Gather – Exalt our Master.Oh come, let us sing to the LORD; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!Psalm 95:1–2 (ESV)3. Develop – Equip for Maturity.All Scripture is inspired by God, and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.2 Timothy 3:16–17 (CSB)4. Serve – Engage in Ministry.Just as each one has received a gift, use it to serve others, as good stewards of the varied grace of God.1 Peter 4:10 (CSB)5. Connect –Encourage our MembersAnd let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.Hebrews 10:24–25 (ESV)

How to keep a fire going?Psalm 119:11-281. The Word guards our hearts from sin.He answered, “It is written: Man must not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.”, Then the devil took him to the holy city, had him stand on the pinnacle of the temple,and said to him, “If you are the Son of God, throw yourself down. For it is written: He will give his angels orders concerning you, and they will support you with their hands so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”, Jesus told him, “It is also written: Do not test the Lord your God.”, Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor.And he said to him, “I will give you all these things if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus told him, “Go away, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve only him.”, Then the devil left him, and angels came and began to serve him.Matthew 4:4–11 (CSB)2. The Word teaches me to find my delight in God.A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.Luke 6:45 (CSB)Your words were found, and I ate them. Your words became a delight to me and the joy of my heart, for I bear your name, LORD God of Armies.Jeremiah 15:16 (CSB)3. The Word opens our eyes to our total dependence upon God.Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.1 Peter 2:11 (NASB95)4. The Word revives us when our soul is dry and our spirit is numb.The Spirit is the one who gives life. The flesh doesn’t help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and are life.John 6:63 (CSB)5. Practical Steps to treasure God’s Word• Set a realistic time and place.• Read “smaller and slower” if necessary.• Memorize strategically.• Obey the next clear thing.

The Search for MeaningEcclesiastes 2:1-26Dr. Bob McCartney, Senior Pastor • February 1, 2026--For more information about First Baptist Church, Wichita Falls, visit our website at fbcwf.org.To give, click here.--1. Amusement cannot fill the emptiness of our souls.Listen to counsel and receive instruction so that you may be wise later in life.Proverbs 19:20 (CSB)“Hedonism”The belief that the highest good in life is personal pleasure and the avoidance of pain.and chose to suffer with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasure of sin.Hebrews 11:25 (CSB)Even in laughter a heart may be sad, and joy may end in grief.Proverbs 14:13 (CSB)2. Achievement cannot fill the emptiness of our souls.“Materialism”The belief that significance, security, and satisfaction are found in what you build, own, accumulate, or accomplish.He then told them, “Watch out and be on guard against all greed, because one’s life is not in the abundance of his possessions.”Luke 12:15 (CSB)3. First Conclusion: Disappointment and Direction• Disappointment in “under the sun” living.• Direction that there must be more.