Dennis R. Wiles

First Baptist Arlington

September 6, 2026

2026: Flourishing Together:

Transformed on The Jesus Way

Gospel Guide: John

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

-Romans 12:1-2

FALL 2026: Gone Fishing!

September 6 – October 31, 2026

“Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.”

-Jesus (Matthew 4:19)

Gone Fishing!

Mark 1:16-20

Theme for Fall 2026: Gone Fishing!

CONTEXT: The setting for the calling of the disciples was the initiation of the earthly ministry of Jesus. The time had come to establish the Kingdom of God on earth! It called for a response: repent and believe!

CALLING: Jesus issued an invitation to these men to become His disciples. There are at least 3 aspects to this calling:

-Personal – Notice Jesus said, “Come, follow me!

-Powerful – The force of the call from Jesus compelled these men to immediately and unconditionally follow Him.

-Purposeful – Jesus called these men to join Him in establishing the Kingdom of God on earth.

COMMITMENT: These men were invited by Jesus to join Him in His mission. The invitation called for a holistic commitment to Jesus.

CONCLUSIONS: What do we learn about discipleship?

1. Jesus Christ is the Messiah, Savior, Son of God!

2. We must repent and believe the Gospel.

3. We must surrender in obedience to the calling of Jesus on our own lives.

4. We must join Him in His mission.

Prayer:

Father, place someone on my heart who needs to hear the Good News of Jesus. Give me the opportunity to share with them. Amen.

Todd D. Still, PhD
Charles J. and Eleanor McLerran DeLancey Dean
Holder of the William M. Hinson Chair of Christian Scriptures, George W. Truett Theological Seminary

Partnership in The Gospel
Philippians 1:3-6

• The gospel is the tie that binds Christian fellowship, ministry partnerships, and the life of the local church together across generations
• Paul's letter to the Philippians uses the word euangelion nine times, with five occurrences in the first chapter alone, making the gospel the central thread of the entire letter
• Partnership in the gospel, as modeled by the Philippians and the Wiles' ministry, expresses itself through giving, praying, and winsome witness to a wounded world
• The progress of the gospel is not dependent upon any individual messenger; God advances his purposes even through imperfect instruments
• Paul's call to the Philippians to live as citizens of the gospel -- standing firm, striving together in one spirit -- remains a timely charge to the local church
• The power of the gospel, as described in Romans 1, is God's own power unto salvation for all who believe, grounded in the truth of Habakkuk 2:4 that the righteous live by faith
• Long, faithful pastorates are a rare and profound blessing, and the 25-year ministry of Dennis and Cindy Wiles reflects the kind of steadfast gospel partnership Paul celebrated in Philippians
• The church's labor in the Lord is never in vain, and the work accomplished in a faithful ministry echoes into eternity

Dennis R. Wiles

First Baptist Arlington

August 23, 2026

2026: Flourishing Together:

Transformed on The Jesus Way

Gospel Guide: John

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

-Romans 12:1-2

AUGUST 2026: Prayer for Believers

August 2 – September 5, 2026

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.

-Ephesians 6:18

Prayer for . . . More Believers!

John 17:20-26

Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers

Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.

- Max Lucado

Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between his will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer.

- Elisabeth Elliot

If your day is hemmed in with prayer, it is less likely to come unraveled.

- Cynthia Lewis

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.

-Ephesians 6:18

HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER OF JESUS

This prayer is marked by its depth – theologically, ecclesiologically, soteriologically, and eschatologically.

PRAY FOR THE LOST!

The ultimate test of our prayer life is our concern for the lost. If we do not pray for them, it proves we do not care if they perish.

-J. Oswald Sanders

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.

-Jesus (Luke 19:10)

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.

-Jesus (Luke 10:2)

PRAY FOR THE LOST

-Jesus to draw them to Himself

-God to open their hearts and minds

-Holy Spirit to convict them

-God to orchestrate circumstances

-Faithful believers to cross paths

-Courage to accept Jesus

ADOPT GOD’S PERSPECTIVE!

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.

-1 Timothy 2:1-4

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.

-2 Peter 3:8-9

PROCLAIM THE GOSPEL!

PRAYER

Lord, I pray for lost friends, family members, and colleagues. May they hear Your call to salvation in fresh new ways this week and give their lives to Jesus. Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles

First Baptist Arlington

August 16, 2026

2026: Flourishing Together:

Transformed on The Jesus Way

Gospel Guide: John

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

-Romans 12:1-2

AUGUST 2026: Prayer for Believers

August 2 – September 5, 2026

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.

-Ephesians 6:18

Prayer for Believers!

John 17:6-19

Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers

The men upon whose shoulders rested the initial responsibility of Christianizing the world came to Jesus with one supreme request. They did not say, “Lord, teach us to preach”; “Lord, teach us to do miracles,” or “Lord, teach us to be wise” . . . but they said, “Lord, teach us to pray.”

-Billy Graham

Mastering the art of prayer, like any other art, will take time, and the amount of time we allocate to it will be the true measure of our conception of its importance.

-J. Oswald Sanders

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire?

-Corrie Ten Boom

INTERCESSORY PRAYER

Intercessory prayer is an act of communion with Christ, for Jesus pleads for the sons of men.

-Charles Spurgeon

HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

-Hebrews 4:14-16

INTERCESSORY PRAYER LESSONS FROM THE HIGH PRIESTLY PRAYER

1. Knowing God is eternal life!
2. God is intimately involved in our everyday life.
3. Obedience to God’s Word is essential for a fruitful life.
4. Fellowship with fellow believers pleases God.
5. God’s glory is to be on display through us.
6. We need God’s strength and protection.
7. We can experience the true joy of the Lord.
8. We are called to live holy lives.
9. We have been sent by Jesus on mission.

PRAY FOR YOUR FELLOW BELIEVERS

-To know God!

-To sense God’s presence

-To obey God’s Word

-To live in community with fellow believers

-To reflect God’s glory

-To experience God’s provision

-To discover real joy

-To live holy lives

-To live sent!

You can do more than pray after you’ve prayed, but you can’t do more than pray until you’ve prayed!

PRAYER:

Lord, I come before You on behalf of my fellow believers here at our church. Make Yourself known to them and draw them to Yourself. Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles

First Baptist Arlington

August 9, 2026

2026: Flourishing Together:

Transformed on The Jesus Way

Gospel Guide: John

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

-Romans 12:1-2

AUGUST 2026: Prayer for Believers

August 2 – September 5, 2026

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.

-Ephesians 6:18

The Effectual Prayer of a Righteous Person

1 Kings 18

Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers

Come near to God and he will come near to you.

-James 4:8

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

-James 5:16

Intimacy leads to fruitfulness, not the other way around. Those who prioritize a loving relationship with God, meeting with him in prayer through stolen moments throughout the day, long stretches of disciplined contemplation, and fiery pleas of intercession, are those with whom he shares his divine power.

-Tyler Staton, Praying Like Monks, Living Like Fools

ELIJAH – The prophet Elijah is considered to be a successor to Moses in prophetic authority. Though not equal with Moses, he figures prominently in Biblical and theological reflection for both Jews and Christians.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

-James 5:17-18

PRAY EARNESTLY!

PRAY EXPECTANTLY!

PRAY EVERY DAY, EVERYWHERE, ABOUT EVERYTHING!

PRAYER:

Father, I’m asking you to meet specific needs in my life this week in tangible and recognizable ways. I’ll give you the glory. Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles

First Baptist Arlington

August 2, 2026

2026: Flourishing Together:

Transformed on The Jesus Way

Gospel Guide: John

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.

-Romans 12:1-2

AUGUST 2026: Prayer for Believers

August 2 – September 5, 2026

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people.

-Ephesians 6:18

Everything Starts with God!

Psalm 46

Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers

Of all the Spiritual Disciplines prayer is the most central because it ushers us into perpetual communion with the Father. Meditation introduces us to the inner life, fasting is an accompanying means, study transforms our minds, but is the Discipline of prayer that brings us into the deepest and highest work of the human spirit. Real prayer is life creating and life changing.
-Richard Foster, Celebration of Discipline

The most powerful force on earth is not nuclear, atomic, military-based, or government-led. The most powerful force on earth is God’s power in answer to the prayers of His people.
-Chris Hodges, Pray First

Who one believes God to be is most accurately revealed not in any credo but in the way one speaks to God when no one else is listening.
-Nancy Mairs, Ordinary Time

What do you believe about God?

Everything starts with God!

SHELTER – God is our refuge, our security, our “place” of protection!

STRENGTH – We need power to live this life in a manner that pleases God. He provides the enabling strength we need to reflect His glory.

SALVATION – We cannot save ourselves! We need help. God is our very present help!

PRAYER:

Lord, open my eyes to see Your presence, recognize Your work, and respond with gratitude and praise. Amen.

Dennis R. Wiles

First Baptist Arlington

July 26, 2026

2026: Flourishing Together:

Transformed on The Jesus Way

Gospel Guide: John

SUMMER 2026: Making a Difference

May 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

-Jesus (John 15:8)

Self-Control: Joseph

Genesis 42

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

Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers

Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference

SELF CONTROL: Self-control (engkrateia) denotes the Spirit-enabled mastery of desires, impulses, and habits so that they serve rather than rule the believer. It is not mere human asceticism but a grace-driven capacity to bring every faculty under the lordship of Jesus Christ for holy living and effective service.

Like a city whose walls are broken through is a person who lacks self-control.

-Proverbs 25:28

For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

-Romans 7:18

JOSEPH: Joseph demonstrated his ability to control himself when confronted with the opportunity to avenge his brothers’ evil actions.

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.

-Galatians 5:22-23

FRUIT: Fruit is an outward manifestation of an inner reality.

By their fruit you will recognize them.

-Jesus (Matthew 7:16)

So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.

-Galatians 5:16

JESUS: The greatest example of self-control is Jesus! His self-control was fully on display during the crucifixion! (Luke 23:27-43)

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP

• Knowing God
• Experiencing God
• Serving God

Dennis R. Wiles

First Baptist Arlington

July 19, 2026

2026: Flourishing Together:

Transformed on The Jesus Way

Gospel Guide: John

SUMMER 2026: Making a Difference

May 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

-Jesus (John 15:8)

Gentleness: Ruth

Ruth 1

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

Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference

DIFFERENCE MAKERS: In order for us to “make a difference” in our world, we have to become difference makers!

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: God’s Spirit is at work in us and through us, in partnership with us, to accomplish His Kingdom’s mission.

GENTLENESS: Gentleness or meekness expresses interior strength under Holy Spirit control. Far from timidity, it is the poised disposition that gladly submits to God’s will and channels power for another’s good. It therefore belongs to the cluster of virtues labeled “the fruit of the Spirit” standing in needed contrast to human anger, rivalry, and self-assertion.

INCARNATION: God’s decision to personally visit planet earth through the Person of His Son is an example of His gentleness!

I am gentle and humble in heart.

-Jesus (Matthew 11:29)

This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’”

-Matthew 21:4-5

JESUS: Jesus demonstrated His gentleness in His exchange with the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4).

STRENGTH: The attitude and ensuing actions associated with gentleness actually emerge from an inner strength made possible through the presence of the Holy Spirit.

SUBMISSION: Gentleness manifests itself in the absolute submission to the will of God.

SERVICE: Gentleness seeks the good of others and is the antithesis of self-centered, anger-laced behavior.