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Gary StidhamDirector of Training, Texas BSM October 18, 2026 Sharing The Good News!Romans 1:16-17 "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.” - Romans 1:16-17 1. Posture towards the Gospel: Not Ashamed2. Power of the Gospel: Salvation to Anyone3. Particulars of the Gospel: A Message about Jesus4. Personal Response to the Gospel: Repent and Believe Our Response - Have you truly believed? - Will you courageously share?

Dennis R. Wiles  First Baptist Arlington  October 11, 2026    2026: Flourishing Together:   Transformed on The Jesus Way  Gospel Guide: John  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  -Romans 12:1-2    FALL 2026: Gone Fishing!  September 6 – October 31, 2026    “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  -Jesus (Matthew 4:19)    Divine Appointments  Acts 8:26-40    Theme for Fall 2026: Gone Fishing!   SETTING: After persecution arose towards believers in Jerusalem, they began to take the message of Jesus throughout Judea and beyond. Luke provides accounts of both mass evangelism and personal evangelism.  READY – Be ready to be used by God in His service.  But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect . . .   -1 Peter 3:15  AVAILABLE – God uses people who make themselves available to Him. OBEDIENT – God is at work in His world, and He invites us to join Him in what He is doing.  My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.  -Jesus (John 5:17)  COURAGEOUS – Sharing the Gospel takes courage – but you can do it!  Prayer:  Father, help me to be sensitive to your leadership in my everyday life. Amen.

Oza JonesDirector of Evangelism One Size Fits All: The Universal Call to Share the GospelJohn 4:39-42 “One-Size-Fits-All” The gospel Euangelion (combining eu meaning “good” and angellia meaning “news” or “announcement”) the King would send Heralds or Ambassadors to proclaim the good news of the King “ITS ONLY GOOD NEWS IF IT GETS THERE on TIME”  TEXAS 32 million people16 million unchurched/lostTARRANT COUNTY 2 million people1200 churches60 average membership1700 per church 1.9 million lost/unchurchedThis MATH ain't MATHIN!!! “SLOW IS THE Privilege OF THE SAVED” MATTHEW 28:16-20 He Got uphe didn’t go upso he could pop upthen break upholy spirit would show upso the gospel could blow upAct 1:8 We have changed the Great Commission from a go “yonder” assignment to a “come hither” arrangement…. “in rescuing others from an unnecessary death, we rescue ourselves from a meaningless life”evangelism FOUND PEOPLE FIND PEOPLE

Guest Preacher: Dr. Raphaël AnzenbergerGeneral Secretary, French Baptist Union of Canada Speed Dating Non-Christians to Jesus: The Seven Signs of John Sermon Summary: This sermon presents a practical and reproducible evangelism method called "Seven Signs of John in Seven Weeks," in which a believer reads one of the seven miraculous signs recorded in the Gospel of John with a non-Christian friend each week, allowing Scripture itself to draw the unbeliever toward faith in Christ. The speaker argues that John recorded these signs specifically so that readers would come to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and receive life in his name (John 20:31). Moving through each sign rapidly, the preacher draws out a distinct theological truth from each miracle, building a progressive case for faith. The sermon emphasizes that true saving faith is not about seeking signs or escaping the consequences of sin, but about trusting Christ, submitting to his lordship, and receiving healing from sin itself. The method is presented as simple enough for a thirteen-year-old to use, and the speaker urges every believer to have confidence that Scripture, not the evangelist, does the work of drawing people to God. Key Points:- The seven signs in the Gospel of John were written specifically so that readers would believe Jesus is the Christ and have life in his name- The first sign, water turned to wine, teaches that obedience to Christ -- even when it seems absurd -- is the pathway to witnessing his miraculous work- The second sign, the healing of the official's son, demonstrates that genuine faith means trusting Christ's word without requiring visible proof first- The third sign, the healing at the pool of Bethesda, reveals that Jesus is more concerned with healing people from sin than from the consequences of sin, and that sin begins with refusing personal responsibility- The fourth sign, the feeding of the five thousand, shows that impossible situations are often divine tests, and the right question is not "how" but "where" -- pointing to Christ as the source- The fifth sign, Jesus walking on water, illustrates that Christ is sovereign over every domain, including what people consider their area of greatest mastery or security- The sixth sign, healing the man born blind, presents three progressive confessions -- "a man," "a prophet," "my Lord" -- and calls the unbeliever to make an informed, personal declaration about who Jesus is- The seventh sign, the raising of Lazarus, addresses disappointment with God's apparent delay and calls for belief in Christ as the resurrection and the life even when circumstances seem hopeless- Christian moralism applied before regeneration is ineffective; ethical transformation follows new birth, not the other way around- Scripture itself is more qualified than any evangelist to lead people to faith; confidence in evangelism must rest in the power of God's word Scripture Reference:- John 2:1-11 -- the wedding at Cana, water turned to wine (first sign)- John 4:46-54 -- the healing of the royal official's son (second sign)- John 5:1-15 -- the healing of the invalid at the pool of Bethesda (third sign)- John 6:1-14 -- the feeding of the five thousand (fourth sign)- John 6:16-21 -- Jesus walking on water (fifth sign)- John 9:1-38 -- the healing of the man born blind (sixth sign)- John 11 -- the raising of Lazarus, with Christ's declaration as the resurrection and the life (seventh sign) Stories:- Raphaël describes the servants at the wedding at Cana walking toward the master of the feast carrying jars filled with water, not wine, and contemplating that they are likely about to lose their jobs -- yet choosing to obey in the face of absurdity, which serves as an illustration of active, obedient faith- Raphaël recounts personal experiences using the Seven Signs method with non-Christian friends and observing that by the third week, those friends had developed their own conviction of needing healing from sin, even before coming to faith- A humorous parenting anecdote is used to illustrate humanity's tendency to bargain over the consequences of sin rather than address sin itself, with the speaker describing a child negotiating the number of weeks without video games after hitting a sibling, while the underlying issue of sin goes unaddressed- Raphaël references his own son leading a thirteen-year-old friend through the Seven Signs of John, presenting it as evidence that the method is accessible to any believer regardless of age or experience- Chuck Swindoll is quoted to the effect that people are constantly faced with incredible opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations, applied to the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand

Dennis R. Wiles  First Baptist Arlington  September 20, 2026    2026: Flourishing Together:   Transformed on The Jesus Way  Gospel Guide: John  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  -Romans 12:1-2    FALL 2026: Gone Fishing!  September 6 – October 31, 2026    “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  -Jesus (Matthew 4:19)    Looking for The One!  Luke 15:1-7    Theme for Fall 2026: Gone Fishing!  “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  -Jesus (Matthew 4:19)    Evangelism emerges from a partnership with THE Evangelist!    THEOLOGY: God loves sinners! God has a heart for lost people! God is seeking after lost people. He cares enough about lost people to go looking for them. He sent His Son to find them!  Why did Christ come? Why was He conceived? Why was He born? Why was He crucified? Why did He rise again? Why is He now at the right hand of the Father? The answer to all these questions is, “In order that he might make worshippers out of rebels.”  -A.W. Tozer  TRAINING: Jesus is the best teacher!   TECHNIQUE:  S – See lost people!  H – Heart for lost people  A – Ask God to bring people before you  R – Ready!  E – Evangelize!  TIP: Looking for the one!    SALVATION POEM  Jesus, You died upon a cross And rose again to save the lost Forgive me now of all my sin Come be my Savior, Lord, and Friend Change my life and make it new And help me, Lord, to live for You  -Matt and Sherry McPherson    Prayer:   Father, please place someone in my path who needs to know you truly love them and are seeking after them. Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles  First Baptist Arlington  September 13, 2026    2026: Flourishing Together:   Transformed on The Jesus Way  Gospel Guide: John  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  -Romans 12:1-2    FALL 2026: Gone Fishing!  September 6 – October 31, 2026    “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”  -Jesus (Matthew 4:19)    For God So Loved!  John 3:16    Theme for Fall 2026: Gone Fishing!  CONTEXT: John is sharing the story of Jesus in a unique yet profound manner. He will go on to present Jesus Christ as both fulfillment of Messianic prophecy, but also as one who overwhelms the traditional institutions and expressions of Judaism.  CHRIST: In the encounter between Jesus and Nicodemus, John’s point is not that Jesus can outwit the esteemed Pharisee regarding Biblical interpretation. No, John is providing more raw material to demonstrate that Jesus of Nazareth is . . . THE CHRIST!  CONVERSION: Jesus deepens our understanding of conversion by utilizing the metaphor of a new birth.  CRUX: At the very heart of the possibility of conversion for humans is . . . THE LOVE OF GOD! For God so loved!  John 3:16 tells of the greatest reason for divine love (for), the original source of love (God), the greatest degree of love (so), the greatest emotion of love (loved), the greatest object of love (the world), the greatest relation of love (that), the greatest expression of love (he gave), the greatest gift of love (his only begotten Son), the greatest demand of love (that), the greatest recipients of love (whosoever), the greatest response to love (believeth in him), the greatest deliverance of love (should not perish), the greatest alternative of love (but), the greatest possession of love (have), the greatest quality and extent of love (everlasting), and the greatest fruit of love (life).  -Herschel Hobbs Prayer:   Lord, You have placed a lost person on my heart. Please make them aware of how much You love them. Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles First Baptist Arlington September 6, 2026 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way Gospel Guide: John Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. -Romans 12:1-2 FALL 2026: Gone Fishing! September 6 – October 31, 2026 “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” -Jesus (Matthew 4:19) Gone Fishing! Mark 1:16-20 Theme for Fall 2026: Gone Fishing! CONTEXT: The setting for the calling of the disciples was the initiation of the earthly ministry of Jesus. The time had come to establish the Kingdom of God on earth! It called for a response: repent and believe! CALLING: Jesus issued an invitation to these men to become His disciples. There are at least 3 aspects to this calling: -Personal – Notice Jesus said, “Come, follow me! -Powerful – The force of the call from Jesus compelled these men to immediately and unconditionally follow Him. -Purposeful – Jesus called these men to join Him in establishing the Kingdom of God on earth. COMMITMENT: These men were invited by Jesus to join Him in His mission. The invitation called for a holistic commitment to Jesus. CONCLUSIONS: What do we learn about discipleship? 1. Jesus Christ is the Messiah, Savior, Son of God! 2. We must repent and believe the Gospel. 3. We must surrender in obedience to the calling of Jesus on our own lives. 4. We must join Him in His mission. Prayer: Father, place someone on my heart who needs to hear the Good News of Jesus. Give me the opportunity to share with them. Amen.

Todd D. Still, PhDCharles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey DeanHolder of the William M. Hinson Chair of Christian Scriptures, George W. Truett Theological Seminary Partnership in The GospelPhilippians 1:3-6 The gospel is the tie that binds Christian fellowship, ministry partnerships, and the life of the local church together across generationsPaul's letter to the Philippians uses the word euangelion nine times, with five occurrences in the first chapter alone, making the gospel the central thread of the entire letterPartnership in the gospel, as modeled by the Philippians and the Wiles' ministry, expresses itself through giving, praying, and winsome witness to a wounded worldThe progress of the gospel is not dependent upon any individual messenger; God advances his purposes even through imperfect instrumentsPaul's call to the Philippians to live as citizens of the gospel -- standing firm, striving together in one spirit -- remains a timely charge to the local churchThe power of the gospel, as described in Romans 1, is God's own power unto salvation for all who believe, grounded in the truth of Habakkuk 2:4 that the righteous live by faithLong, faithful pastorates are a rare and profound blessing, and the 25-year ministry of Dennis and Cindy Wiles reflects the kind of steadfast gospel partnership Paul celebrated in PhilippiansThe church's labor in the Lord is never in vain, and the work accomplished in a faithful ministry echoes into eternity

Dennis R. Wiles  First Baptist Arlington  August 23, 2026    2026: Flourishing Together:   Transformed on The Jesus Way  Gospel Guide: John  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  -Romans 12:1-2    AUGUST 2026: Prayer for Believers  August 2 – September 5, 2026    And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.  -Ephesians 6:18    Prayer for . . . More Believers!  John 17:20-26     Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers  Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.   - Max Lucado    Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between his will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer.  - Elisabeth Elliot    If your day is hemmed in with prayer, it is less likely to come unraveled.  - Cynthia Lewis    And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.   -Ephesians 6:18    HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER OF JESUS  This prayer is marked by its depth – theologically, ecclesiologically, soteriologically, and eschatologically.    PRAY FOR THE LOST!    The ultimate test of our prayer life is our concern for the lost. If we do not pray for them, it proves we do not care if they perish.  -J. Oswald Sanders    For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.  -Jesus (Luke 19:10)    The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.  -Jesus (Luke 10:2)   PRAY FOR THE LOST           -Jesus to draw them to Himself           -God to open their hearts and minds           -Holy Spirit to convict them           -God to orchestrate circumstances           -Faithful believers to cross paths           -Courage to accept Jesus   ADOPT GOD’S PERSPECTIVE!    I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  -1 Timothy 2:1-4  But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.  -2 Peter 3:8-9    PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL!   PRAYER Lord, I pray for lost friends, family members, and colleagues. May they hear Your call to salvation in fresh new ways this week and give their lives to Jesus. Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles  First Baptist Arlington  August 16, 2026    2026: Flourishing Together:   Transformed on The Jesus Way  Gospel Guide: John  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  -Romans 12:1-2    AUGUST 2026: Prayer for Believers  August 2 – September 5, 2026    And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.  -Ephesians 6:18    Prayer for Believers!  John 17:6-19    Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers    The men upon whose shoulders rested the initial responsibility of Christianizing the world came to Jesus with one supreme request. They did not say, “Lord, teach us to preach”; “Lord, teach us to do miracles,” or “Lord, teach us to be wise” . . . but they said, “Lord, teach us to pray.”  -Billy Graham    Mastering the art of prayer, like any other art, will take time, and the amount of time we allocate to it will be the true measure of our conception of its importance.  -J. Oswald Sanders    Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?  -Corrie Ten Boom    INTERCESSORY PRAYER    Intercessory prayer is an act of communion with Christ, for Jesus pleads for the sons of men.  -Charles Spurgeon    HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER     Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.  -Hebrews 4:14-16    INTERCESSORY PRAYER LESSONS FROM THE HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER  Knowing God is eternal life! God is intimately involved in our everyday life. Obedience to God’s Word is essential for a fruitful life. Fellowship with fellow believers pleases God. God’s glory is to be on display through us. We need God’s strength and protection. We can experience the true joy of the Lord. We are called to live holy lives. We have been sent by Jesus on mission.   PRAY FOR YOUR FELLOW BELIEVERS  -To know God!  -To sense God’s presence  -To obey God’s Word  -To live in community with fellow believers  -To reflect God’s glory  -To experience God’s provision  -To discover real joy  -To live holy lives  -To live sent!    You can do more than pray after you’ve prayed, but you can’t do more than pray until you’ve prayed!    PRAYER:  Lord, I come before You on behalf of my fellow believers here at our church. Make Yourself known to them and draw them to Yourself. Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles  First Baptist Arlington  August 9, 2026    2026: Flourishing Together:   Transformed on The Jesus Way  Gospel Guide: John  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  -Romans 12:1-2    AUGUST 2026: Prayer for Believers  August 2 – September 5, 2026    And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.  -Ephesians 6:18    The Effectual Prayer of a Righteous Person  1 Kings 18    Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers   Come near to God and he will come near to you.   -James 4:8  The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.  -James 5:16    Intimacy leads to fruitfulness, not the other way around. Those who prioritize a loving relationship with God, meeting with him in prayer through stolen moments throughout the day, long stretches of disciplined contemplation, and fiery pleas of intercession, are those with whom he shares his divine power.  -Tyler Staton, Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools  ELIJAH – The prophet Elijah is considered to be a successor to Moses in prophetic authority. Though not equal with Moses, he figures prominently in Biblical and theological reflection for both Jews and Christians.  Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.  -James 5:17-18    PRAY EARNESTLY!   PRAY EXPECTANTLY!  PRAY EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE, ABOUT EVERYTHING!  PRAYER:  Father, I’m asking you to meet specific needs in my life this week in tangible and recognizable ways. I’ll give you the glory. Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles  First Baptist Arlington  August 2, 2026    2026: Flourishing Together:   Transformed on The Jesus Way  Gospel Guide: John  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  -Romans 12:1-2    AUGUST 2026: Prayer for Believers  August 2 – September 5, 2026    And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.  -Ephesians 6:18    Everything Starts with God!  Psalm 46    Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers  Of all the Spiritual Disciplines prayer is the most central because it ushers us into perpetual communion with the Father. Meditation introduces us to the inner life, fasting is an accompanying means, study transforms our minds, but is the Discipline of prayer that brings us into the deepest and highest work of the human spirit. Real prayer is life creating and life changing. -Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline  The most powerful force on earth is not nuclear, atomic, military-based, or government-led. The most powerful force on earth is God’s power in answer to the prayers of His people. -Chris Hodges, Pray First  Who one believes God to be is most accurately revealed not in any credo but in the way one speaks to God when no one else is listening. -Nancy Mairs, Ordinary Time What do you believe about God?  Everything starts with God!  SHELTER – God is our refuge, our security, our “place” of protection! STRENGTH – We need power to live this life in a manner that pleases God. He provides the enabling strength we need to reflect His glory.  SALVATION – We cannot save ourselves! We need help. God is our very present help!  PRAYER:  Lord, open my eyes to see Your presence, recognize Your work, and respond with gratitude and praise.  Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles  First Baptist Arlington  July 26, 2026    2026: Flourishing Together:   Transformed on The Jesus Way  Gospel Guide: John    SUMMER 2026: Making a Difference  May 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026    This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.  -Jesus (John 15:8)    Self-Control: Joseph  Genesis 42    Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way    Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers    Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference    SELF CONTROL: Self-control (engkrateia) denotes the Spirit-enabled mastery of desires, impulses, and habits so that they serve rather than rule the believer. It is not mere human asceticism but a grace-driven capacity to bring every faculty under the lordship of Jesus Christ for holy living and effective service.  Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.  -Proverbs 25:28    For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.  -Romans 7:18   JOSEPH: Joseph demonstrated his ability to control himself when confronted with the opportunity to avenge his brothers’ evil actions.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  -Galatians 5:22-23   FRUIT: Fruit is an outward manifestation of an inner reality.  By their fruit you will recognize them.  -Jesus (Matthew 7:16)    So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.  -Galatians 5:16   JESUS: The greatest example of self-control is Jesus! His self-control was fully on display during the crucifixion! (Luke 23:27-43)  INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP  Knowing God Experiencing God Serving God

Dennis R. Wiles  First Baptist Arlington  July 19, 2026    2026: Flourishing Together:   Transformed on The Jesus Way  Gospel Guide: John    SUMMER 2026: Making a Difference  May 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026    This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.  -Jesus (John 15:8)    Gentleness: Ruth  Ruth 1    Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way    Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference    DIFFERENCE MAKERS: In order for us to “make a difference” in our world, we have to become difference makers!    INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: God’s Spirit is at work in us and through us, in partnership with us, to accomplish His Kingdom’s mission.  GENTLENESS: Gentleness or meekness expresses interior strength under Holy Spirit control. Far from timidity, it is the poised disposition that gladly submits to God’s will and channels power for another’s good. It therefore belongs to the cluster of virtues labeled “the fruit of the Spirit” standing in needed contrast to human anger, rivalry, and self-assertion.  INCARNATION: God’s decision to personally visit planet earth through the Person of His Son is an example of His gentleness!  I am gentle and humble in heart.  -Jesus (Matthew 11:29)    This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”  -Matthew 21:4-5    JESUS: Jesus demonstrated His gentleness in His exchange with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4).    STRENGTH: The attitude and ensuing actions associated with gentleness actually emerge from an inner strength made possible through the presence of the Holy Spirit.  SUBMISSION: Gentleness manifests itself in the absolute submission to the will of God.  SERVICE: Gentleness seeks the good of others and is the antithesis of self-centered, anger-laced behavior.

Dennis R. Wiles  First Baptist Arlington  July 12, 2026    2026: Flourishing Together:   Transformed on The Jesus Way  Gospel Guide: John  Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.  -Romans 12:1-2    SUMMER 2026: Making a Difference  May 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026    This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.  -Jesus (John 15:8)    Faithfulness: Mary Magdalene  Luke 8:1-3    Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way    Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference    DIFFERENCE MAKERS: In order for us to “make a difference” in our world, we have to become difference makers!  Text: Luke 8:1-3 John 10:11-18  INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: God’s Spirit is at work in us and through us, in partnership with us, to accomplish His Kingdom’s mission.  But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.  -Galatians 5:22-23  Mary Magdalene is mentioned 12 times in the New Testament. She provided financial support for the ministry of Jesus. She also personally witnessed His death, burial, and was the first witness of the resurrected Lord! She was the first preacher of The Good News!  Jesus was completely faithful to His Messianic role. He demonstrated His love for us through His death on the cross!  FAITHFULNESS: Faithfulness is a fruit of God’s Spirit at work within the individual believer.  FAITHFULNESS: Faithfulness manifests itself in the life of an individual believer through action.  QUESTION: How is your faithfulness to God on display through your actions?