First Baptist Arlington 

April 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 

EASTERTIDE 2026: Shaped by The Spirit 

April 12, 2026 – May 30, 2026 

The Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 

-Jesus (John 14:25) 

Pentecostal People 

Acts 2:42-47 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for Eastertide 2026:  Shaped by The Spirit 

Eastertide is the liturgical season that begins on Easter and culminates on Pentecost Sunday. Originally, it seems that Eastertide was a 40-day commemoration that focused on the 40 days in Jesus’ life between Easter Sunday and the Ascension. Over time, in the Western Church, the period was extended to 50 days to include Pentecost Sunday.  

www.fbca.org/biblereadings 

Flourishing Together 

Following The Jesus Way 

Knowing God Experiencing God Serving God 

   Saved    Shepherded      Sent 

   Shaped 

A Disciple: A person being formed by Jesus as they follow Him in accomplishing His mission.  

SALVATION HISTORY: Creation, Fall, Judgment, Call of Abram, Covenantal People of God, Revelation of God, Redemption, Missional Call, Revelation of God, Messianic Prophecy, Eschatological Hope, Messianic Fulfillment, Kingdom of God, Inaugurated Eschatology, Pentecost, Gifts of the Spirit, Missional Call, Consummation! 

THE HOLY SPIRIT: We believe the HOLY SPIRIT IS THE SPIRIT OF GOD! He convicts people of sin and draws them to Jesus. He indwells the life of each believer. He guides us into truth and seals us for eternity. He gifts each follower of Jesus to be useful in God’s hands in service to the church and world. He empowers the people of God to face the rigors of life on earth. 

(John 14:5-15; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 12:1-11; Ephesians 1:13-14) 

Without the Holy Spirit, Christian discipleship would be inconceivable, even impossible. There can be no life without the life-giver, no understanding without the Spirit of truth, no fellowship without the unity of the Spirit, no Christlikeness of character apart from his fruit, and no effective witness without his power. As a body without breath is a corpse, so the church without the Spirit is dead. 

-John Stott 

REDEMPTION: Pentecost is a vital part of God’s saving activity through Jesus Christ.  

PRESENCE AND POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT: Pentecost marks the gift of the Holy Spirit to the New Covenantal People of God (The Church). God’s people are now enabled to accomplish His Mission in His world. 

We are Pentecostal People!

First Baptist Arlington 

Easter Sunday 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 

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd 

Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

-Jesus (John 10:11) 

He Lives! 

John 20:1-10 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for Eastertide 2026: Shaped by The Spirit 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026:  The Good Shepherd 

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 

THE LAMB OF GOD: In a moment of prophetic clarity beyond his own full understanding, John the Baptist boldly said of Jesus, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! (John 1:29) 

Then one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, spoke up, “You know nothing at all! You do not realize that it is better for you that one man die for the people than that the whole nation perish.” He did not say this on his own, but as high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for the Jewish nation, and not only for that nation but also for the scattered children of God, to bring them together and make them one. 

-John 11:49-52 

Surely he took up our pain and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
 stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
 he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
 and by his wounds we are healed. 

We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
 each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
 the iniquity of us all. 

He was oppressed and afflicted,
 yet he did not open his mouth;
he was led like a lamb to the slaughter,
 and as a sheep before its shearers is silent,
 so he did not open his mouth. 

-Isaiah 53:4-7 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

-Romans 5:8 

THE LAMB OF GOD TODAY! 

Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne, encircled by the four living creatures and the elders. The Lamb had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 

-Revelation 5:6 

Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they were saying: 

“Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain,
 to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength
 and honor and glory and praise!” 

Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: 

“To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb
 be praise and honor and glory and power,
for ever and ever!” 

-Revelation 5:11-13 

After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.
And they cried out in a loud voice: “Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 

-Revelation 7:9-10 

WHAT HAPPENED? 

EASTER SUNDAY! 

The death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ signals the fact that the Age to Come has been victoriously inaugurated on earth. Although sin still defiles, it has been defeated. Although death remains, it no longer reigns. 

He lives!

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

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd 
Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 
-Jesus (John 10:11)

Designed to Flourish! 
John 15:1-17 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026:  The Good Shepherd 

Psalm 23  
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, 
I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: 
thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: 
and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 

THEOLOGY: This section of John is rich in theological truth and imagery. Jesus used the familiar imagery of the vine/vineyard to convey the profound theological truth that He is now The True Vine and His Father is the Divine Gardener! 

OLD TESTAMENT CONTEXT: For background on this prophetic claim from Jesus – refer to passages like: Psalm 80:8-16; Isaiah 5:1-7; 27:2-6; Jeremiah 2:21; Ezekiel 15; 19:10-14; Hosea 10:1. 

INAUGURATED ESCHATOLOGY: Jesus established The Age to Come on earth. In this new era, people no longer are called to join Israel in its privileged position ------ but all people are invited to join the new Messianic Community created by Jesus Himself! 

PERSONAL: This text is rich in personal application for all followers of Jesus. 

What does it mean to be truly human? 

Our deepest human needs regarding attachment are met in our life with Jesus! 

How can we answer the fundamental desire to be productive? 

In our life with Jesus, we can discover the beauty of a fruitful life. 

Jesus offers us the only path to fulfill God’s original design for us. 

First Baptist Arlington 

March 22, 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 

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd 

Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

-Jesus (John 10:11) 

The Jesus Way! 

John 14:1-14 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026:  The Good Shepherd 

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 

FOCUS: Disciples of Jesus live a lifetime of focusing on . . . Jesus! 

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 

-Hebrews 12:1-2 

FAITH: Disciples of Jesus live a lifetime of faith!  

For we live by faith, not by sight. 

-2 Corinthians 5:7 

FOLLOWING: Disciples of Jesus live a lifetime of following Jesus.

FUTURE: Disciples of Jesus life a lifetime with hope because of our future. 

After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. 

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them.“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” 

-Acts 1:9-11 

FLOURISHING: God’s desire for Disciples of Jesus is for us to . . . flourish! 

Glorifying God by Following The Jesus Way!

First Baptist Arlington 

March 15, 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 

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd 

Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

-Jesus (John 10:11)  

Sheep With a Shepherd 

John 10:1-18 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026:  The Good Shepherd 

Psalm 23 (We will read this text together as a congregation) 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 

CONTEXT: The events of John 10 are connected to both the Feast of Tabernacles and the Feast of Dedication (3 months later) in Jerusalem. The healing of the blind man (John 9) and the response of Israel’s leaders are in the minds of the original hearers of Jesus’ teachings (John 10:21). 

CRITIQUE: The Biblical context for the teachings of Jesus seem to be found in passages like: 

Woe to the worthless shepherd, who deserts the flock! May the sword strike his arm and his right eye! May his arm be completely withered, his right eye totally blinded. 

-Zechariah 11:17 

Woe to you shepherds of Israel who only take care of yourselves! Should not shepherds take care of the flock? You eat the curds, clothe yourselves with the wool and slaughter the choice animals, but do not take care of the flock . . . I will place over them one shepherd, my servant David, and he will tend them and be their shepherd. 

-Ezekiel 34:2-3. 23 

CLAIM: Jesus declares boldly, “I am the Good Shepherd!” 

COMPETENT: Jesus is a competent Shepherd! 

He chose David his servant and took him from the sheep pens; from tending the sheep he brought him to be the shepherd of his people Jacob, of Israel his inheritance. And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them. 

-Psalm 78:70-72 

COMPASSION: Jesus is a compassionate Shepherd! 

-He knows us! 

-He has died for us!  

CENTER: He is at the very center of God’s redemptive activity in all of creation! 

First Baptist Arlington 

March 1, 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 

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd 

Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

-Jesus (John 10:11) 

Our Guiding Light 

John 8:12-20 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026:  The Good Shepherd 

Psalm 23

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 

CHRISTOLOGY: John records several instances where Jesus engages with a ritual, an institution, or some tradition in Judaism and expresses His Messianic fulfillment for those who are paying attention! 

• Wedding in Cana (2:1-12) 
• The Temple in Jerusalem (2:13-25) 
• Nicodemus (3:1-21) 
• Jacob’s Well (4:1-42) 
• Sabbath (5:1-47) 
• Passover (John 6) 
• Feast of Tabernacles (John 7-8) 
• Hanukkah (John 10) 

-Gary Burge, NIV Application Commentary, John 

CONTEXT: Jesus is in Jerusalem during the Feast of Tabernacles.  

CLAIM: Jesus is The Light of the World! He is The Light shining in the darkness. He is our Guiding Light!

First Baptist Arlington 

March 1, 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 

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd 

Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

-Jesus (John 10:11) 

Bread from Heaven 

John 6:30-35 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026:  The Good Shepherd 

Psalm 23 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. 

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. 

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. 

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. 

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER 

Passover in Capernaum in the 1st century  

We can’t help it – We are hungry! 

I can’t get no satisfaction! 

Jesus cannot be taken by force! 

Jesus is The Bread of Life, come down from Heaven – only He can satisfy!

First Baptist Arlington 

February 22, 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 

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd 

Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026 

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. 

-Jesus (John 10:11) 

Jesus is The Word of God! 

John 1:1-18 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026:  The Good Shepherd 

INCARNATION: At the very heart of Christianity is the truth that Jesus Christ is the Word of God, the Son of God—namely, He is God in the flesh! 

The Word of God (The Son of God) is eternal.

“In the beginning.” Immediately we are introduced to the vast scope of the Evangelist’s mind with regard to his Gospel. Mark began his account on the banks of the Jordan river. Matthew takes us back to Abraham. Luke in his genealogy looks back to the creation, to “Adam, which was the son of God” (3:38). But John sweeps back behind creation into the eternities. “In the beginning,” whenever that was. 

-Herschel Hobbs, An Exposition of the Gospel of John 

The Word of God (The Son of God) is equal with God. 

The Word of God (The Son of God) is God! 

The Word of God (The Son of God) is the Creative Agent of God. (For reference, compare Colossians 1:15-17.) 

The Word of God (The Son of God) became flesh. The Word of God became Jesus of Nazareth! 

The Word of God (The Son of God) resided (tabernacled) with human beings for a season on earth. 

The Word of God (The Son of God) reflected the glory of God. 

The Word of God (The Son of God) was full of grace and truth. 

The Word of God (The Son of God) reveals God. 

The prologue to John is not about a message that offers hope, but about The Message that is the only hope. 

-Gary M. Burge, NIV Application Commentary: John

Romans 12:1-2 (Gospel Guide: John)
WINTER 2026: Designed to Flourish
January 1 – February 17, 2026
Psalm 92:12-15

Faithful Witness
John 1:19-28

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026: The Good Shepherd

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP
KNOWING GOD: Saved
EXPERIENCING GOD: Shepherded Shaped
SERVING GOD: Sent

Theme for Winter 2026: Designed to Flourish

JOHN THE BAPTIST:
· In fulfillment of prophecy, he was sent from God as a witness to The Light.
· Prepared the way for the Lord!
· Acknowledged the preeminence/preexistence of The Word.
· Testified that Jesus is The Light.
· Testified that Jesus is The Chosen One.
· Baptized repentant Jewish sinners to prepare them for the coming of the Kingdom of God in Christ.
· Baptized Jesus Christ!
· Testified that Jesus was anointed by the Holy Spirit and that Jesus baptized His followers with the Holy Spirit.
· Boldly declared that Jesus Christ is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

Then Jesus went back across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing in the early days. There he stayed, and many people came to him. They said, “Though John never performed a sign, all that John said about this man was true.” And in that place many believed in Jesus.
-John 10:40-41

“Truly I tell you, among those born of women there has not risen anyone greater than John the Baptist.”
-Jesus (Matthew 11:11)

EVANGELISTIC SENSITIVITY

God is calling us to be faithful witnesses to our generation.

PRAY!

PREPARE!

PROCLAIM!

First Baptist Arlington 

February 8, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together: 

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Romans 12:1-2 (Gospel Guide: John) 

WINTER 2026: Designed to Flourish 

January 1 – February 17, 2026 

Psalm 92:12-15 

Worship God! 

Isaiah 6:1-8 

Worship is the submission of all our nature to God. It is the quickening of conscience by his holiness; the nourishment of mind with his truth; the purifying of imagination by his beauty; the opening of the heart to his love; the surrender of will to his purpose – and all of this gathered up in adoration. 

-William Temple 

SETTING: Isaiah began his ministry at the end of the reign of King Uzziah.  

SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD: God was revealed as the Sovereign, holy God of Israel.  

SEEING GOD: Isaiah was given a glimpse of God. 

SEEING OURSELVES: Isaiah’s experience of God’s presence led him to a realistic understanding of himself. 

SANCTIFIED BY GOD: God can cleanse us of our sin and sanctify us for His purposes. 

SERVING GOD – Worshiping God should lead us to a humble response of obedience, rooted in love.

True Confession
Psalm 51

True Confession
Re-Creation
God's Hessed Love

“To confess your sins to God is not to tell God anything God doesn't already know. Until you confess them, however, they are the abyss between you. When you confess them, they become the Golden Gate Bridge.” 
-  Frederick Buechner

First Baptist Arlington 

January 25, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together: 

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Romans 12:1-2 (Gospel Guide: John) 

WINTER 2026: Designed to Flourish 

January 1 – February 17, 2026 

Psalm 92:12-15 

Pathway to Purpose 

Exodus 3-4 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for Winter 2026:  Designed to Flourish 

CALL OF GOD – Moses answered the call of God, and he discovered the pathway to purposeful living. 

MOTIVATION – At the heart of the human existence is a desire for purpose and meaning. 

Life is never made unbearable by circumstances, but only by lack of meaning and purpose. 

 – Viktor Frankl 

The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why. 

 – Mark Twain 

That need is for meaning. In trying to solve the fertility puzzle, thinkers have cited people’s concerns over finances, climate change, political instability, or even potential war. But in listening closely to people’s stories, I’ve detected a broader thread of uncertainty—about the value of life and a reason for being. Many in the current generation of young adults don’t seem totally convinced of their own purpose or the purpose of humanity at large, let alone that of a child. It may be that for many people, absent a clear sense of meaning, the perceived challenges of having children outweigh any subsidy the government might offer. 

-Christine Emba, The Atlantic 

INVITATION – God is at work in His world, and He invites us to join Him in His purposeful endeavor. 

The purpose of your life is far greater than your own personal fulfillment, your peace of mind, or even your happiness. It’s far greater than your family, your career, or even your wildest dreams and ambitions. If you want to know why you were placed on this planet, you must begin with God. You were born by his purpose and for his purpose. 

-Rick Warren, The Purpose Driven Life 

REALIZATION – One key in discovering our pathway to purpose is to realize that God equips us for His Kingdom endeavors.

REVELATION – The journey into a purposeful and meaningful life is dependent upon the continued revelation of God’s will in our lives.

First Baptist Arlington 

January 18, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together: 

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Romans 12:1-2 (Gospel Guide: John) 

WINTER 2026: Designed to Flourish 

January 1 – February 17, 2026 

Psalm 92:12-15 

Radical Obedience 

Genesis 22:1-18 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for Winter 2026:  Designed to Flourish 

TREK: Abraham’s life with God was a long journey characterized by calling, connection, and commitment. 

TEST: The story of Abraham and Isaac begins with God’s plan to test Abraham’s faith. 

The test, instead of breaking him, brings him to the summit of his lifelong walk with God. 

-Derek Kidner, Genesis  

In all this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that the proven genuineness of your faith—of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed. 

-1 Peter 1:6-7 

TRUST: Abraham learned to trust God completely. 

Faith has to do with marrying Invisible and Visible. When we engage in an act of faith we give up control, we give up sensory (sight, hearing, etc.) confirmation of reality; we give up insisting on head-knowledge as our primary means of orientation in life. The positive way to say this is that when we engage in an act of faith we choose to deal with a living God whom we trust to know what he is doing, we choose a way of life in which bodily senses and physical matter are understood as inseparable and organic to vast interiorities (soul) and immense beyond (heaven), and we choose to no longer operate strictly on the basis of hard-earned knowledge, glorious as it is, but over a lifetime to embrace the mystery that must dazzle gradually/ Or every man go blind. 

-Eugene Peterson, The Jesus Way 

For we live by faith, not by sight. 

-2 Corinthians 5:7 

When our life is illogical, we must become theological. 

-Skip Heitzig 

By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had embraced the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, even though God had said to him, “It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.”Abraham reasoned that God could even raise the dead, and so in a manner of speaking he did receive Isaac back from death. 

-Hebrews 11:17-19 

TRUTH: God demonstrated that He could be trusted, and He provided a sacrifice in the place of Isaac. 

TRACE: In this story, we recognize that it points to a greater sacrifice in Jerusalem (Mt. Moriah) that culminates in the redemption of humanity!

First Baptist Arlington 

January 11, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together: 

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Romans 12:1-2 (Gospel Guide: John) 

WINTER 2026: Designed to Flourish 

January 1 – February 17, 2026 

Psalm 92:12-15 

The Path of Life 

Psalm 16 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for Winter 2026:  Designed to Flourish 

FORMATION: All human beings are being formed and shaped! The process of formation is inevitable in all human experience. The question is, “Who – or What – is forming you?”  

FORMED, INFORMED, CONFORMED, TRANSFORMED: These concepts are all inter-related 

With the rise of social media empires and their spooky digital algorithms, these powerful forces now have direct access to our flows of consciousness every time we slide our thumbs across our phones. What we are led to believe are just ads, news links, retweets, and random digital flotsam are, in reality, mass behavior modification techniques intentionally designed to influence how we think, feel, believe, shop, vote, and live. To quote the tech philosopher Jaron Lanier, “What might once have been called advertising must now be understood as continuous behavior modification on a titanic scale.” The “world” (as it’s called in the New Testament) is forming us, constantly. 

-John Mark Comer, Practicing The Way 

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: This phrase captures what we often refer to as spiritual formation. 

PERSON: For Christians, our spiritual formation (intentional discipleship) is centered on the PERSON of JESUS CHRIST! 

A Disciple: A person being formed by Jesus as they follow Him in accomplishing His mission.  

The Church is a purposeful community of gathered believers following The Jesus Way together in the fulfillment of His mission. 

PATH OF LIFE: God has provided a path for His people that leads to life – abundant life, meaningful life, purposeful life, ------ eternal life! 

“Way” is a stock metaphor in both our Scriptures and the traditions that have developed from them. At the entrance to our prayer book, the Psalms, the opening meditation uses this metaphor to set two ways of life before us. Will you live a solid life of prayer, listening to and answering God, rooted in the soil of God’s revelation, your life growing like God’s Torah, a tree with fruit-laden branches? Or will you live an insubstantial life of chatter and gossip, using words without God-context, oblivious of God, your life reduced to a pile of incoherent syllables, leaves blown every which way by the wind? Choose your way. 

-Eugene H. Peterson, The Jesus Way 

Whoever heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. 

-Proverbs 10:17 

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

-Jesus (John 14:6) 

Abraham will surely become a great and powerful nation, and all nations on earth will be blessed through him. For I have chosen him, so that he will direct his children and his household after him to keep the way of the Lord by doing what is right and just, so that the Lord will bring about for Abraham what he has promised him. 

-Genesis 18:18-19 

PROCESS FOR FLOURISHING: God has revealed a process that leads us to a life that flourishes. The journey towards flourishing includes these three vital steps: 

-Knowing God  

-Experiencing God -  

-Serving God 

KNOWING GOD: 

We must be saved from our sins! 

EXPERIENCING GOD: 

We need to be shepherded into community. 

We need to be shepherded past our past. 

We need to be shepherded through the challenges of life. 

We need to be shaped into disciples. 

SERVING GOD: 

We need to be sent into purposeful places of service and ministry. 

PERSPECTIVE: As we follow Jesus and we are formed into disciples, God provides us with a new, profound, meaningful, and eternal perspective. 

Now all has been heard; here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the duty of all mankind. 

-Ecclesiastes 12:13

First Baptist Arlington 

January 4, 2026 

2026: Flourishing Together: 

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Romans 12:1-2 (Gospel Guide: John) 

WINTER 2026: Designed to Flourish 

January 1 – February 17, 2026 

Psalm 92:12-15 

Designed to Flourish! 

Psalm 92:12-15 

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Theme for Winter 2026:  Designed to Flourish 

God’s first words to human beings: Be fruitful! 

FLOURISH: This Hebrew word (parach) is used 36 times in the Old Testament. It means to “break forth as a bud” – to “bloom” – “to blossom” – to “break forth in life” – and it is consistently connected to the truth that God and God alone initiates and sustains true life. 

God has designed us to flourish in every season of life! 

Six Domains of Human Flourishing 

• Happiness and Life Satisfaction 
• Mental and Physical Health 
• Meaning and Purpose 
• Character and Virtue 
• Close Social Relationships 
• Material and Financial Stability 

PATH TO FLOURISHING: We cannot choose any path and expect to flourish the way God has designed us to flourish. 

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death. 

-Proverbs 14:12 

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand. 

-Psalm 16:11 

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. 

-Jesus (Matthew 7:13-14) 

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. 

-Jesus (John 14:6) 

PROCESS FOR FLOURISHING: God has revealed a process that leads us to a life that flourishes. The journey towards flourishing includes these three vital steps: 

-Knowing God 

-Experiencing God 

-Serving God 

PROVISION FOR FLOURISHING: God has not left us alone to find our way. He is the Divine Gardener Who provides for us in every season of life. 

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. 

-Jesus (John 15:1) 

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. 

-Jesus (John 16:13) 

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, as whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples. 

-Jesus (John 15:7) 

www.fbca.org/Biblereadings

First Baptist Arlington 

December 28, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

ADVENT 2025: The King! 

November 30 – December 31, 2025 

Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. 

Matthew 2:2 

Go Now! 

Matthew 9:35-38 

Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

Theme for Advent 2025: The King! 

K --- December 7: Born The King, Ne’er a Prince!  

I ---- December 14: Identity Gift  

N --- December 21: Now and Not Yet! 

G --- December 28: Go Now! 

MODEL: The ministry of Jesus was characterized by going, teaching, preaching the Good News of the Kingdom, and healing the sick. 

MOTIVATION: People need the Lord! 

MANDATE: Pray to the Lord of the Harvest for workers to be sent into the fields! 

9:38 PRAYER – I’ll be praying each Monday and Saturday at 9:38 for workers to be sent into the harvest. 

MISSION: Pray! Go! Send! Allow God to use you to BLESS others! You can be the chaplain of your neighborhood, your family, your workplace, your school, your friend group, your child’s classroom, your networks, etc. 

We all have primary gifts that God uses in the Harvest: 

PRAY – We must all pray! 

PREPARE – Some of us are gifted at cultivation. 

PLANT – Some of us are more gifted at sowing the seeds of the Gospel. 

PRODUCE – Some of us are more gifted at gathering the produce of the harvest.
 

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow. The one who plants and the one who waters have one purpose, and they will each be rewarded according to their own labor.For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 

-1 Corinthians 3:6-9

First Baptist Arlington 

December 21, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

ADVENT 2025: The King! 

November 30 – December 31, 2025 

Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. 

Matthew 2:2 

Now and Not Yet! 

Matthew 4 

Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

Theme for Advent 2025: The King! 

K --- December 7: Born The King, Ne’er a Prince! 

I ---- December 14: Identity Gift 

N --- December 21: Now and Not Yet! 

G --- December 28: Go Now! 

MIRACLE– For God so . . . loved – that He gave His One and Only Son!! 

But after he (Joseph) had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.” 

-Matthew 1:20 

MILLIEU - The context surrounding the birth, life, and ministry of Jesus was characterized by spiritual, religious, political, and cultural dynamics. 

Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 

-Matthew 4:1 

When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zubulun and Naphtali—to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah . . . 

-Matthew 4:12-14 

 MESSAGE – The message of Christmas (and Christianity) is the Good News that the Messiah, the Savior, the King has been born! 

 She (Mary) will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. 

-Matthew 1:21 

 From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 

-Matthew 4:17 

METHOD – The method of the expansion of God’s Kingdom on earth is not dependent on military or political expressions of power. 

 Jesus went throughout Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom, and healing every disease and sickness among the people. 

-Matthew 4:23 

 “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali,
 the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan,
 Galilee of the Gentiles—
the people living in darkness
 have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of the shadow of death
 a light has dawned.”  

-Matthew 4:15-16 

 The message of the Kingdom of Heaven is to be “lived out through” and “shared by” disciples of Jesus! 

 The power and authority Jesus displayed was neither militaristic nor political. But his authority and power were staggering nonetheless. Jesus was powerful enough to conquer the devilish ruler of this world, universal enough to include both Jews and Gentiles in his messianic gospel, authoritative enough to transform simple men into leaders of a movement that has changed the course of history, and effective enough to attend to the basic needs of the people—body, soul, and spirit. This is the kind of messianic deliverer that advances the kingdom of God. 

-Michael J. Wilkins, Matthew 

MEANING – The Kingdom of Heaven has a dual dynamic that creates a real tension that has existed since its inception. There is a “now—and not yet” dynamic at work. Inaugurated Eschatology is the theological phrase that captures this truth. 

All is Well????

First Baptist Arlington 

December 14, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

ADVENT 2025: The King! 

November 30 – December 31, 2025 

Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. 

Matthew 2:2 

Identity Gift 

Matthew 16:21-28 

Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

Theme for Advent 2025: The King! 

K --- December 7: Born The King, Ne’er a Prince! 

I ---- December 14: Identity Gift 

N --- December 21: Now and Not Yet! 

G --- December 28: Go Now! 

JOY – One of the signs of human flourishing is the presence of true joy! At the heart of Advent is the declaration, “Joy to the world! The Lord has come! 

IDENTITY: Who is Jesus? What is His mission? 

Matthew 16 records 4 episodes from the life of Jesus where He reveals that the Kingdom of Heaven cannot be fully understood from an earthly perspective. The Kingdom of Heaven is a different kind of Kingdom and Jesus is a different kind of King! 

The true identity of Jesus must be revealed by God and discerned through spiritual sensitivity to God’s revelation. 

IDENTITY: Mistaken, Forged, Stolen! 

IDENTITY: Who are we? What is our mission? 

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be His disciples! He invites us to a lifetime of intentional discipleship! It is a personal journey! Our perspective on everything changes as we join Jesus in His purpose! 

A Disciple: A person being formed by Jesus as they follow Him in accomplishing His mission.  

As disciples, our identity is no longer rooted in our earthly perspective or earthly purposes. We have denied ourselves, taken up the cross, and we now follow Jesus! 

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! 

-2 Corinthians 5:17 

Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will find it. What good will it be for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father’s glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done.  

-Matthew 16:24-27 

0 I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. 

-Galatians 2:20 

 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory. 

-Colossians 3:1-4 

It’s Christmas – unwrap your personalized gift from Jesus, the King! Let Him save you! Let Him shepherd you! Let Him shape you! You will find true life as you serve Him! 

First Baptist Arlington

December 7, 2025

Flourishing Together

First Baptist Arlington

2025 – 2030

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew)

ADVENT 2025: The King!

November 30 – December 31, 2025

Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.

Matthew 2:2

Born The King, Ne’er a Prince!

Matthew 2:1-12

PEACE: God’s peace is available to His people!

Theme for Advent 2025: The King!

K --- December 7: Born The King, Ne’er a Prince!

I ---- December 14: Identity Gift

N --- December 21: Now and Not Yet!

G --- December 28: Go Now!

JEWISH EXPECTATION: Some of the Jews returned from the Exile to Israel about 540 years before the birth of Jesus, while many Jews remained in the Babylonian/Persian area. Even though many of them had returned to Israel, the Jews had no King, no army, and no national identity. However, they had a hope and an expectation that God would send a new “Son of David” to rule over them and deliver them from their oppressors.

I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.

-Numbers 24:17

The Anointed One (Messiah), the ruler . . .

-Daniel 9:25

EASTERN GENTILE CONTEXT: Eventually, the Parthians conquered Babylon, re-established Iranian rule in Persia and became the rival empire to Rome. The Parthian priests and astrologers became familiar with the Jewish Messianic prophecies from the writings of Daniel and the prophets – as well as through personal interactions with the Jewish population remaining in the area.

ROMAN GENTILE CONTEXT: By the first century, even the Romans had come to believe that some sort of “special” ruler would arise from the region of Judea.

“There had spread over all the Orient an old and established belief, that it was fated at that time for men coming from Judaea to rule the world.”

-Suetonius

KING HEROD: Julius Caesar appointed Herod’s father, Antipater, as the Governor of Judea. Upon his father’s death, Herod became one of the two rulers of Judea/Galilee. The Parthians attacked Israel and Herod fled to Rome in 40 BC. Mark Antony appointed Herod as King of the Jews, and he returned to Israel and defeated the Parthians.

MAGI: Many scholars believe the Magi were from the priestly class in Parthia who had been studying the “signs” of the times and were expecting the birth of a new King in Judea. They arrived with an entourage from Parthia (enemies of Herod), with gifts fit for a King, searching for the new King. Matthew records that Herod was “disturbed” and all of Israel with him!

THE KING! When the Magi found the King, they “rejoiced with and exceedingly great joy!” They worshiped before the King and bestowed Him with precious gifts befitting a king.

Our God is the God of redemptive history – indeed, He is the God of all of history!

Jesus is The King! Even the words in both the Old and New Testaments that can be rendered “prince” actually mean “ruler.” Jesus was truly born a King – actually, He was born . . . The King!

First Baptist Arlington 

November 30, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

ADVENT 2025: The King! 

November 30 – December 31, 2025 

Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him. 

Matthew 2:2 

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus! 

Isaiah 11 

Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

Theme for Advent 2025: The King! 

K --- December 7: Born The King, Ne’er a Prince! 

I ---- December 14: Identity Gift 

N --- December 21: Now and Not Yet! 

G --- December 28: Go Now! 

HOPE!  

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus! 

“I will shake all nations, and what is desired by all nations will come, and I will fill this house with glory,” says the Lord Almighty. 

-Haggai 2:7 

CONTEXT OF ISAIAH 11 – God shares a word of promise and hope amidst the judgment rendered through the power of foreign powers like Assyria. 

HOPE FORETOLD: God promised to bring forth new life from the “stump” and the “root” of Jesse, father of King David. 

Isaiah 11:1 – A shoot from the stump of Jesse and a Branch that will bear fruit! 

Branch – Hebrew – “netzer” – core consonants – n-tz-r 

“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land. In his days Judah will be saved and Israel will live in safety. This is the name by which he will be called: The LORD Our Righteous Savior.” 

-Jeremiah 23:5-6 

Isaiah 11:10 – The Root of Jesse 

HOPE FULFILLED: At Christmas, we celebrate the fulfillment of this hope! Jesus is the Christ, the Son of Jesse, the Son of David, the Root and the Branch! 

Branch – Hebrew – “netzer” – core consonants – n-tz-r – Nazareth! 

But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. 

-Matthew 2:22-23 

For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed 9 and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: 

“Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles;
 I will sing the praises of your name” . . .  

. . . And again, Isaiah says, 

“The Root of Jesse will spring up,
 one who will arise to rule over the nations;
 in him the Gentiles will hope.”  

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. 

-Romans 15:8, 12-13 

I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star. 

-Revelation 22:16 

 
HOPE FOR THE FUTURE: The story continues to be written! God has given us hope for the future. He will send His Son to earth again to make all things right! 

He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes,
 or decide by what he hears with his ears;
4 but with righteousness he will judge the needy,
 with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth.
He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth;
 with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked.
5 Righteousness will be his belt
 and faithfulness the sash around his waist. 

6 The wolf will live with the lamb,
 the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling[a] together;
 and a little child will lead them.
7 The cow will feed with the bear,
 their young will lie down together,
 and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
8 The infant will play near the cobra’s den,
 and the young child will put its hand into the viper’s nest.
9 They will neither harm nor destroy
 on all my holy mountain,
for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord
 as the waters cover the sea. 

-Isaiah 11:3-9 

Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus! 

Missional Ambitions 
Philippians 3:10-14

“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus." Philippians 3:14

Dioko! Press On!

Paul's Refined Calling: "It has always been my ambition to preach the gospel where Christ was not known..."

Paul’s Prize: Knowing and Being Conformed 

to the Person of Christ 

  - Knowing Christ​

  - Experiencing the Power of the Resurrection​

  - The Fellowship of Suffering​

  - Becoming like Christ in His Death​

  - Attaining to the Resurrection from the Dead​

  - Achieving Christ’s Purposes 

“From one man God made all nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out to him and find him.”

-Acts 17:26-27

Form Your Influencers

Respond to the Marginalized

and the Captives

Pursue Communal Groups

and Households

Understand Your Community:​

Needs/Perceived Needs​

Culture(s)​

Worldviews

People

Opportunities​

Follow the Spirit. ​You are not alone. ​

John 15:26-27

First Baptist Arlington 

November 16, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

ENGAGEMENT 2025: Call to the Wild 

November 2 – 29, 2025 

As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” 

Matthew 10:7 

The Engaged Church 

Acts 11:19-30; 13:1-3 

CHURCH: This is the new global community of God’s people. The Church is the new Temple of God – God is present with His people! As members of the Church, we have been commissioned to the task of making disciples of all nations and filling the earth with His glory! 

GREAT PLAN OF REDEMPTION: God is going to accomplish His mission through the Great Plan of Redemption in this world. His purposes will be accomplished! His plan includes the Church! 

PRINCIPLE: When God’s ability intersects with our availability, great things happen! 

Insights/Images/Characteristics of an Engaged Church-- The Church at Antioch 

• Focus on the Gospel of Jesus 
• Presence of the Lord’s hand 
• Acknowledgment of the diversity of the community 
• Grace of God 
• Gladness of God 
• Relational 
• Growth in numbers 
• Receptive to newcomers 
• Responsive to teaching 
• Making disciples 
• Generous 
• Diverse in leadership 
• Sensitive to the Spirit’s leading 
• Adventuresome – respond in faith without knowing everything 

POWER: In order for us to experience the miraculous power of God, we have to answer the call He places on us. The Church at Antioch answered the call! 

POTENTIAL: Since 1871, First Baptist Arlington has been seeking to answer the call of God. Making ourselves available, seeking His guidance, remaining faithful to The Jesus Way, and responding in faith to His call – all of this fosters seasons of potential in the life of our church!

First Baptist Arlington 

November 9, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

ENGAGEMENT 2025: Call to the Wild 

November 2 – 29, 2025 

As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” 

Matthew 10:7 

The Growing Church 

Acts 2:42-47 

HEAVEN AND EARTH 

The Bible contains the story of how heaven and earth have been connected since creation and will be connected in eternity. Since the beginning of time, the Triune God has been revealed through this dynamic and incredible reality. God, His Word, and His Spirit – all are on display since creation. 

In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

-Genesis 1:1 

See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. 

-Isaiah 65:17 

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 

-Revelation 21:1 

INCARNATION: God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. The ministry of Jesus marks the launching of a new era – Heaven has come to earth! This is also known as Inaugurated Eschatology.  

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made . . . the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

-John 1:1-3, 14 

ASCENSION:  Jesus ascended to the Father in Acts 1. This is a significant event in the dawning of the Age to Come. God’s original plan for humanity and creation now has become a reality. Heaven and earth have merged together, and a Human Being (Jesus Christ) is now enthroned with the Father. Jesus is Lord over all the earth! 

PENTECOST: The Spirit of God was given after the Ascension of Jesus as a demonstration that God always desires to dwell with His people. His presence guarantees the manifestation of His power so that His purposes will be accomplished. 

This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.” 

-Acts 2:16-17 

CHURCH: This is the new global community of God’s people. The Church is the new Temple of God – God is present with His people! As members of the Church, we have been commissioned to the task of making disciples of all nations and filling the earth with His glory! 

All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age. 

-Matthew 28:18-20 

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: The Church must be intentionally engaged in making disciples! The first church was committed to discipleship: Instruction, Worship, Community, Generosity, Engagement. 

Flourishing Together 

Following The Jesus Way 

Knowing God Experiencing God Serving God 

   Saved    Shepherded      Sent 

   Shaped 

CONGREGATIONAL COMMISSIONING 

Leader: Jesus said, “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’” 

Congregation: Amen. 

Leader: There are people in our families who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim. 

Leader: There are people in our neighborhoods who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim. 

Leader: There are people among the nations who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim. 

Leader: There are people missing from the table who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim. 

Leader: Amen. May you be filled with the Spirit of God, empowered to proclaim the Good News about the Kingdom of God. As you go, proclaim!

First Baptist Arlington 

November 2, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

ENGAGEMENT 2025: Call to the Wild 

November 2 – 29, 2025 

As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.” 

Matthew 10:7 

The Wide, Wild World 

Acts 1:6-8 

CONTEXT: The earthly ministry of Jesus was concluding. These are His final instructions prior to His Ascension. 

COMMISSION: Jesus commissioned His followers to be His witnesses in the wide, wild world! The Gospel was not to be contained in Israel but was to be proclaimed to the ends of the earth! 

CELEBRATION: Jesus has invited everyone to the table. Who is missing? 

CELEBRATION OF THE LORD’S SUPPER: 

CONGREGATIONAL COMMISSIONING 

Leader: Jesus said, “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’” 

Congregation: Amen.  

Leader: There are people in our families who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim. 

Leader: There are people in our neighborhoods who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim. 

Leader: There are people among the nations who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim. 

Leader: There are people missing from the table who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven. 

Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim. 

Leader: Amen. May you be filled with the Spirit of God, empowered to proclaim the Good News about the Kingdom of God. As you go, proclaim!

First Baptist Arlington 

October 25, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

FALL 2025: It is Not Good . . . to be Alone 

September 7 – November 1, 2025 

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” 

Genesis 2:18 

I Want to Know What Love Is! 

1 Corinthians 13 

Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

Theme for Fall 2025: It is Not Good to be Alone 

Theme for Engagement 2025:  Call to the Wild 

HUMAN FLOURISHING: One of the domains currently being researched in the Global Flourishing Study is Close Social Relationships 

What’s love got to do with it? 

Rare is the person who does not want to love and be loved. Love appears to be intrinsic to our humanity. Sociologists may dissect behavioral mechanics behind the claims of love. Branches of medical research may explore the biochemistry of love. But, however explained, it is almost universally agreed that we need love in order to live and flourish as human beings. 

-Patrick Mitchel, The Message of Love 

PRIORITY – Love is foundational to everything in our lives! 

PERSONIFIED – Love is connected to feelings but love itself is not a feeling!  

POWER – Love is a powerful force that can overcome selfishness and hate. 

PERMANENCE – Love is forever!

First Baptist Arlington 

October 19, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

FALL 2025: It is Not Good . . . to be Alone 

September 7 – November 1, 2025 

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” 

Genesis 2:18 

Working 9 to 5! 

Proverbs 6:1-19 

God has designed human beings to live as relational, social, and communal beings. From family, to friends, to acquaintances, to our vocation – we live our lives in relational contexts. It is God’s desire for us to flourish in and through those relationships! 

POTENTIAL: God has created all of us in His image, thus we all have great potential to serve and honor Him. 

PRODUCTIVITY: God has placed within us a desire to be productive and fruitful. 

PERSPECTIVE: As Christians, we should have a Biblical and theological understanding of work! 

The Bible begins talking about work as soon as it begins talking about anything—that is how important and basic it is. The author of the book of Genesis describes God’s creation of the world as work. It fact, he depicts the magnificent project of cosmos intervention within a regular workweek of seven days. 

-Timothy Keller, Every Good Endeavor 

When we hear the word “work,” we often think of what we are paid to do. Of course, getting paid is important to make a living, but work is not limited to what we are paid to do. Work is not defined by its compensation but by its contribution to others. Work is not first and foremost about economic exchange, financial remuneration, or a pathway to wish fulfillment; rather, it is about God-honoring creativity and loving contribution. 

-Tom Nelson, Why Your Work Matters  

Avad – Hebrew word found in the Old Testament in both noun and verb forms (over 430 times). It is translated into English as – service, worship, or work. 

PROFIT: The profit gained through our vocation extends far beyond economic value. God uses us through our work to contribute to the common good, serve others, cultivate fruitful relationships, and extend the Kingdom of God!

First Baptist Arlington 

October 12, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

FALL 2025: It is Not Good . . . to be Alone 

September 7 – November 1, 2025 

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” 

Genesis 2:18 

It’s a Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood! 

Matthew 5:13-16 

God has created all of us with an innate desire for significant and meaningful relationships. We find fulfillment and meaning as we live in relationship with God, with our families, with our friends, and with our church family. 

As believers, we are also called to be disciples and to make disciples. We are to live purposefully in relationships so that we can help others to: Know God, Experience God, and Serve God. 

Each person in our various relational webs needs . . . to be saved, shepherded, shaped, and sent! 

This is for all the lonely people! 

SALT AND LIGHT: Jesus challenges us to live influential, inspirational, and informational lives in the various relational contexts of our lives as disciples. 

BIG PICTURE 

Where and to the extent we are able, faithful presence commits us to do what we can to create conditions in the structures of social life we inhabit that are conducive to the flourishing of all. 

-James Davison Hunter, To Change the World 

INDIVIDUAL/EVERYDAY LIFE 

Through our relational webs (neighborhoods, civic groups, athletic organizations, schools, etc.) we have numerous opportunities to practice faithful presence and Christian hospitality. 

INCLUSIVE AND INVITATIONAL 

We are to learn how to include people into our circles of relationships and invite them to a life with Jesus! 
 

In a world where our neighbors do not understand our language, friendship—not argument—will become the place of evangelism . . . In the West, secularism is not an argument, it is a mood. The functional atheism we experience is not something that most of us have ever thought out, it’s just the way we feel. Anyone who knows relationship knows you cannot disrupt a mood with an argument, you must disrupt it with a presence. 

-Justin Whitmel Early, Made for People

First Baptist Arlington 

October 5, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

FALL 2025: It is Not Good . . . to be Alone 

September 7 – November 1, 2025 

The LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” 

Genesis 2:18 

Your Spiritual Family 

1 Corinthians 12:12-31 

COMMUNION: As Christians, we gather at the Lord’s Table in community with our God and with our fellow sisters and brothers.  

CONTEXT – The Corinthian church was beset with a lack of social cohesion and characterized by breakdowns in relationships. 

Corinthian society was riddled by competitive individualism, and this ethos spilled over into the relationships in the church as wealthier members competed for followers. Socially pretentious and self-important individuals appear to have dominated the church. It is likely they flaunted their symbols of status, wisdom, influence, and family pedigree and looked down on others of lesser status. They appear to have wanted to preserve the social barriers of class and status that permeated their social world but were nullified in the cross of Christ. For some, the Christian community had become simply another arena to compete for status according to the societal norms. 

-David E. Garland, 1 Corinthians: Baker Exegetical Commentary 

CURE – The answer for the brokenness in the local church is for the church to . . . believe and behave like the Lord intended for the local church to believe and behave! 

CHURCH – Paul referred to the church as a field, a building, and a body to help the Corinthians better understand the new family of God known as the church. 

Why is the health of local churches such a huge concern? Because of what is at stake! 

MISSION OF GOD – God is engaged in the redemption of humanity and the restoration of His creation. 

CHURCH – Jesus established the church to serve as His instrument on earth to accomplish the Mission of God (Matthew 16:13-20). 

COMMISSION – Jesus has commissioned the church to fulfill the Mission of God through both the Great Commandment (Matthew 22:37-40) and the Great Commission (Matthew 28:16-20).

CHURCH - The Church is a purposeful community of gathered believers following The Jesus Way together in the fulfillment of His mission. 

DISCIPLE - A Disciple: A person being formed by Jesus as they follow Him in accomplishing His mission.  

How do we make disciples? 

We lead people to: 

-Know God 

-Experience God 

-Serve God