Dennis R. Wiles
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
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????
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!
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!
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!
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
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
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!
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!
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!
Dennis R. Wiles
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!
Dennis R. Wiles
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!
Dennis R. Wiles
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
Dennis R. Wiles
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
Every human being needs to:
-Know God: Be saved!
-Experience God: Be shepherded!
Be shaped!
-Serve God: Be sent!
Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
September 28, 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
Why Can’t We Be Friends?
1 Samuel 18-20
Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and social health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality rate of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.
-US Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek H. Murthy
God designed us as relational creatures who are to flourish in community. We have the capacity for and the need of friendships.
LOVE – Friendships are forged through love.
UNITY OF SPIRIT – Friends share a sense of unity and companionship.
The essence of Christian spirituality is following Christ on a journey of personal transformation. The distant land to which we are called is not heaven; it is the new creature into which Christ wishes to fashion us, the whole and a holy person that finds his or her uniqueness, identity, and calling in Christ. Spiritual friends accompany each other on that journey.
-David Benner, Sacred Companions
ACT LIKE FRIENDS! Friends take time to express their commitment to their friendship!
LOYALTY – There is an underlying loyalty expressed in true friendships.
INTIMACY – True friends share and confide in each other in healthy ways.
Ryan Chandler
Home is Where It All Begins
Deuteronomy 6:1-12
The idea of the introduction has to be, “Do you want a happy, healthy, whole home?” Everyone does, but how do we create that? Then the rest of the sermon is how to create that home. The ultimate answer is you need the Lord\
A healthy home begins with a healthy individual. “These commands are to be on your heart (Deut. 6:6).” You can’t pass along what you don’t have. You need to love God and listen to His commands.\
LISTEN
These three words are all connected. There is no Hebrew word for obey. The word they would use is shema – hear or listen.\
LOVE
Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, and strength. What does that mean? Let’s dig into each one just for a bit.\
HEART
In our culture, the heart is often regarded as the seat of emotion. Not so in the ancient world. In the ancient world, it was the seat of reason and will. It’s the seat of decision-making. \
SOUL
Soul means your whole person. It’s your personality. It’s your body. It’s who you are in your entirety. \
STRENGTH
Strength is not only physical, but also encompasses your resources. It’s economic strength. Social strength. Wherever you are strong, use that gifting to love God.\
Loving God requires all of my inner being (all that I think and feel), my whole person (all that I am), and all that I can claim as my own (all that I have).
Transition: It begins within you, but it doesn’t stay within you. God calls you to share it with all those closest to you. \
Impress them upon your children. How?
Discuss it. Talk about the word of God with them. (What is a good tool that parents can use to talk about our faith with their children?) Grandparents, sometimes the best thing you can do for your grandchildren is to ensure they have a copy of the Bible. Discuss the stories in the Bible, focusing on biblical literacy. As they grow older, you can get into more advance conversations about difficult passages and theology.\
Get creative. Keep it in front of them in visible/tangible ways. In the Israelite and later Judaic religion, they took verses eight and nine seriously. Ancient Israelites would etch the Shema on the doorframes of their home. Today, Orthodox Jews take these verses literally by wearing the Torah on their foreheads and hands.\
What does that look like today?\
Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
September 14, 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
What Happened?
Genesis 3
Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ
Theme for Fall 2025: It is Not Good to be Alone
HUMAN FLOURISHING: One of the domains currently being researched in the Global Flourishing Study is Close Social Relationships
Flourishing Measure Questions
I am content with my friendships and relationships.
My relationships are as satisfying as I would want them to be.
PARADISE LOST: In Genesis 3, we read the account of how humanity’s fundamental relationship—our relationship with God—was damaged.
In Israel, while there was undoubtedly a recognition of the inherent nature of sin, the biggest problem of the Fall was not concentrated in the change in human nature or the heart condition but in the loss of access to the presence of God and the reduced ability to participate in the blessing.
-John H. Walton, NIV Application Commentary: Genesis
PARADISE LOST: Genesis 3 provides the narrative that undergirds the Christian theological view regarding the pervasive effects of sin on all of humanity.
Three kinds of disorder, covering the greater part of human suffering, make their germinal appearance in this chapter . . . In personal relations . . . In the spiritual realm . . . and on the physical plane . . . This multiple disarray is, from one aspect, his punishment, pronounced by God; from another, it is the plain outcome of his anarchy. Leaderless, the choir of creation can only grind on in discord.
-Derek Kidner, Genesis
PARADISE LOST: Genesis 3 recounts how sin leads to shame.
PARADISE LOST: Genesis 3 recounts how sin leads to blame.
PARADISE LOST: Genesis 3 recounts how sin leads to domination.
PARADISE LOST: Genesis 3 recounts how sin leads to separation.
Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
September 7, 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
God’s Plan
Genesis 2:18-25
Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ
Theme for Fall 2025: It is Not Good to be Alone
HUMAN FLOURISHING: One of the domains currently being researched in the Global Flourishing Study is Close Social Relationships
Flourishing Measure Questions
I am content with my friendships and relationships.
My relationships are as satisfying as I would want them to be.
COMMUNION: As Christians, we gather at the Lord’s Table in community with our God and with each other.
Loneliness is far more than just a bad feeling—it harms both individual and social health. It is associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, stroke, depression, anxiety, and premature death. The mortality rate of being socially disconnected is similar to that caused by smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day, and even greater than that associated with obesity and physical inactivity. And the harmful consequences of a society that lacks social connection can be felt in our schools, workplaces, and civic organizations, where performance, productivity, and engagement are diminished.
- U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek H. Murthy
In Eden, Adam had the one thing you would think he needed, right? You would think that God was sufficient, right? But God himself said, “No, it is not good” . . . It is crucial to see that our capacity to be lonely with God is not a sign of God’s insufficiency or lack. It is a sign of his unfathomable generosity: God designed us to need people. You cannot experience God the way you were made to until you experience him alongside others . . . Our fullest spirituality is only possible with others. Our intended existence only works in community. Our highest call is only realized when we pursue it alongside others.
-Justin Whitmel Earley, Made for People
CREATOR: Our God exists in plurality and in perfect community in eternity.
COMMUNITY: Since human beings have been created in the Image of God, we have been designed by God to live in community with other human beings. This is God’s plan!
CONNECTIONS: Across the spectrum of our lives, we have the opportunity to develop meaningful connections with our fellow human beings.
Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
August 31, 2025
Flourishing Together
First Baptist Arlington
2025 – 2030
2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew)
AUGUST 2025: Gold’s – God’s Gym
August 3 – September 6, 2025
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)
Keep Living!
Colossians 2:6-7
Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ
Theme for August 2025: Gold’s – God’s Gym
WHAT HAVE WE LEARNED SO FAR?
-We live in a broken and fallen world.
-Life is harder than we expected.
-No matter how things seem, God cares deeply for us!
-Control the controllables, leave the uncontrollable to our loving God!
TODAY’S LESSON: No matter what, keep on living!
EXEGESIS OF COLOSSIANS 2:6-7
-Plural verbs (ye, we)
-Progress
-Pre-eminence of Christ Jesus
-Passive participles
-Participatory participle
-Pupils
CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES!
CHRIST JESUS IS LORD! We must continue to submit ourselves to the Lordship of Jesus in our lives.
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
-Philippians 2:9-11
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
-Romans 10:9
CONTINUE TO LIVE! No matter what, we keep living!
All these people were still living by faith when they died.
-Hebrews 11:13
But my righteous one will live by faith.
-Hebrews 10:38
For we live by faith, not by sight.
-2 Corinthians 5:7
COMMUNITY: We must stay connected to the Body of Christ – the Church.
Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.
-Hebrews 10:24-25
CULTIVATION: Allow God to till the soil of your souls so that the roots of your faith grow deeper and deeper.
But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out is roots by the stream.
-Jeremiah 17:7-8
CONSTRUCTION: Keep trusting God to build and shape your life through your hardships.
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.
-Ephesians 4:14-16
CONDITIONED: Trust God to strengthen you in every facet of your life as you learn to be more resilient in the face of challenges.
So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
-Isaiah 41:10
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
-Ephesians 6:10
I can do all this through him who gives me strength.
-Philippians 4:13
COMPREHENSION: Remember that God is always teaching us more and more about Him, His will, His ways, and His Kingdom.
“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways may ways,” declares the LORD. As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.
-Isaiah 55:8-9
I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.
-Psalm 32:8
CHECK YOUR ATTITUDE! So often we need to be reminded to just be grateful for all God has done and is doing for us!
Praise the LORD, my soul; all my inmost being, praise His holy name. Praise the LORD, my soul, and forget not all His benefits — who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
-Psalm 103:1-5
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus.
-1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
CONTROL THE CONTROLLABLES!
-Keep surrendering to the Lordship of Christ Jesus!
-No matter what, keep living!
-Stay connected to your church!
-Keep your soul “soft” in God’s hands!
-Look for how...
Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
August 24, 2025
Flourishing Together
First Baptist Arlington
2025 – 2030
2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew)
AUGUST 2025: Gold’s – God’s Gym
August 3 – September 6, 2025
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)
You Can’t Control Everything, But You Can Control Some Things!
Matthew 11:28-30
Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ
Theme for August 2025: Gold’s – God’s Gym
ACCEPTANCE: Life is often beyond our control.
JOURNEY: When we encounter the crises of our lives, we will embark on a journey that may include stages or seasons: dismay, disorientation, discouragement, despair, and desperation.
REDEMPTION: God can work redemptively in and through your journey to lead you to stages or seasons: encouragement, enlightenment, edification, and example.
RESPONSE: You can control how you respond to the crises and the various stages of your journey.
ENCOURAGEMENT
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
-Jesus (Matthew 11:28)
When anxiety was great within me, your consolation brought me joy.
-Psalm 94:19
Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor; If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up.
-Ecclesiastes 4:9-10
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
-Galatians 6:2
Hear my cry, O God; From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.
-Psalm 61:2
Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him. Truly he is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
-Psalm 62:1-2
ENLIGTENMENT
By faith these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting they were foreigners and strangers on earth. People who say such things show that they are looking for a country of their own. If they had been thinking of the country they had left, they would have had opportunity to return. Instead, they were longing for a better country—a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared a city for them.
-Hebrews 11:13-16
These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
-Hebrews 11:39-40
EDIFICATION
Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.
-Romans 5:3-4
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. Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him and are filled with an inexpressible joy, for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.
-1 Peter 1:6-9
EXAMPLE
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.
-2 Corinthians 1:3-4
SERENITY PRAYER
God, give me grace to accept with serenity
the things that cannot be changed,
Courage to change the things
which should be changed,
and the Wisdom to distinguish
the one from the other.
Living one day at a time,
Enjoying one moment at a time,
Accepting hardship as a pathway to peace,
Taking, as He did,
This sinful world as it is,
Not as I would have it,
Trusting that He will make all things right,
If I surrender to His will,
That I may be reasonably happy in this life,
And supremely happy with Him forever in the next.
Amen.
SUMMARY – WE CAN CONTROL THESE THINGS!
I can always run to God in my crises!
I can always share my burden with others!
I can keep worshiping God!
I can allow God to change my perspective!
I can let God strengthen me through my pain!
I can let God use me in the lives of others!
Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
August 17, 2025
Flourishing Together
First Baptist Arlington
2025 – 2030
2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew)
AUGUST 2025: Gold’s – God’s Gym
August 3 – September 6, 2025
Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.
Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)
God Cares!
Romans 8:31-39
Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ
Theme for August 2025: Gold’s – God’s Gym
ACKNOWLEDGE: Life can be hazardous to our health!
LOVE AND CARE: Never doubt God’s love and care for us
“NOTHING” . . . will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.
-Romans 8:38-39
PRESENCE: God never abandons us!
Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee your presence?
-Psalm 139:7
INTERCESSION: God is at work on our behalf in the midst of our struggles and pain.
In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans.
-Romans 8:26
Who then is the one who condemns? No one. Christ Jesus who died – more than that, who was raised to life – is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us.
-Romans 8:34
POWER: God is not just available to us; He is able to equip us and empower us to face our challenges.
If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me and the light become night around me,” even the darkness will not be dark to you; the night will shine like the day, for darkness is as light to you.
-Psalm 139:11-12
My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.
-2 Corinthians 12:9
HOPE: God will continue to guide us through our suffering and grace us with hope!
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed . . . so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
-1 Thessalonians 4:13
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 15:13
In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.
-Romans 8:37