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  • Now and Not Yet! - December 21, 2025

    Now and Not Yet! - December 21, 2025
    2025/12/22
    Dennis R. Wiles 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????
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    33 分
  • Identity Gift - December 14, 2025

    Identity Gift - December 14, 2025
    2025/12/15

    Dennis R. Wiles

    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!

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    30 分
  • Born The King, Ne’er a Prince! - December 7, 2025

    Born The King, Ne’er a Prince! - December 7, 2025
    2025/12/08

    Dennis R. Wiles

    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!
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    37 分
  • Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus! - November 30, 2025

    Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus! - November 30, 2025
    2025/12/01
    Dennis R. Wiles 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!
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    33 分
  • Missional Ambitions - November 23, 2025

    Missional Ambitions - November 23, 2025
    2025/11/24

    Cindy Wiles
    November 23, 2025

    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
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    39 分
  • The Engaged Church - November 16, 2025

    The Engaged Church - November 16, 2025
    2025/11/17

    Dennis R. Wiles

    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!
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    37 分
  • The Growing Church - November 9, 2025

    The Growing Church - November 9, 2025
    2025/11/10
    Dennis R. Wiles 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!
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    24 分
  • The Wide, Wild World - November 2, 2025

    The Wide, Wild World - November 2, 2025
    2025/11/03

    Dennis R. Wiles

    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!
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    39 分