Dennis R. Wiles

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!