First Importance
By First Baptist Church
"For I delivered to you as of FIRST IMPORTANCE what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures..." 1 Corinthians 15:3-4
First ImportanceMay 16, 2022
Because we Belong to Him (1 Peter 2:9-10)
“If…” (1 Peter 2:1-3)
“The House of the Lord” (1 Peter 2:4-8)
“Faith Produces Love” 1 Peter 1:18-25
“Andrew”
“Meet Pete”
“Two Thieves” Luke 23:32-43
“A King’s Ransom” 1 Peter 1:18-25
Twelve Ordinary Men Introduction
Responding to the Gospel (1 Peter 1:13-17)
Centennial Worship Service (Bryan Smith)
“Our Grand and Glorious Salvation” (1 Peter 1:10-12)
“Three Essentials to a Saving Faith” (1 Peter 1:8-9)
“Look to the Hill” (Psalm 121:1-2)
“A Tested and Genuine Faith” (1 Peter 1:6-7)
“Our Living Hope” (1 Peter 1:3-5)
Purpose in Suffering
“This World is Not Our Home”
"Humility" - Philippians 2:1-11 (January 3, 2024)
Pastor Josh Hall continues this Wednesday evening study, "So You Want to Be Like Christ," based on Charles Swindoll's book by the same title. In this episode, he looks at the discipline of "Humility."
1. The Motivation - vv. 1 - 2
2. The Method - vv. 3 -4
3. The Model - vv. 5 - 11
"Finishing Well" - 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 (December 31, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall wraps up 2023 with this challenge for us to "Finish Well." From this passage in 1 Corinthians, he shares 8 habits for finishing well:
1. Seek
2. Study
3. Meditate
4. Pray
5. Praise
6. Practice What You Preach/Believe
7. Show Up
8. Share the Gospel
"The 'Why' of the Gospel" - John 3:16 (December 24, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall shares this Christmas Eve message from John 3:16 entitled, "The 'Why' of the Gospel."
1. The Initiator - "For God..."
2. The Motivator - "...so loved..."
3. The Gift - "...His only Son..."
4. The Recipients - "...whoever believes in Him..."
"Marvel at the Manger" - Luke 2:6-20 (December 17, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall shares this message from Luke 2:6-20, “Marvel at the Manger.”
1. A FIlthy Manger
2. A Lowly Manger
3. A Tiny Manger
4. A Glorious Manger
"The Theological Significance of the Birth of Christ" - John 1:14-19 (December 6, 2023)
Dr. Jimmy Millikin leads this Wednesday evening study on "The Theological Significance of the Birth of Christ" from the first chapter of the Gospel of John.
"The Saints" - Philippians 4:20-23 (December 3, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall wraps up his CHOOSE JOY series from the epistle of Paul to the Philippians with this message, "The Saints." He begins by reminding us that saints are not super-spiritual or extremely good people, but that ALL born-again believers are SAINTS! From this passage, Philippians 4:20-23, he makes the following 3 points:
1. The Worship of the Saints - v. 20
2. The Welcome of the Saints - vv. 21 - 22
3. The Wealth of the Saints - v. 23
"Silence and Solitude" - Psalm 46 (November 29, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall continues this Wednesday evening study, "So You Want to Be Like Christ," based on Charles Swindoll's book by the same title. In this episode, he looks at the discipline of "Silence and Solitude."
1. The Example Set - Mark 1:35-39; Luke 5:12
2. A Pattern to Be Followed - Psalm 46
In verse 1, the Psalmist acknowledges God as our "refuge and strength." Then each of 3 sections ends with a "Selah," perhaps indicating a pause to reflect.
1) When the world is upside down (vv. 1 - 3)
2) When the world turns against us (vv. 4 - 7)
3) "Be still and know that I am God" (vv. 8 - 11)
3. A Goal to Be Pursued - Philippians 3:10-14
"Phases of Crisis" - Luke 22 (November 26, 2023)
NextGen Associate Pastor Lee Beaumont shares this message from Luke 22, identifying 4 Phases of Crisis:
1. Your Adversary Will Sift You - v. 31
2. Your Abilities Will Sabotage You - vv. 44 - 46
3. Your Actions Will Surprise You - vv. 54 - 62
4. Your Advocate Will Secure You - vv. 31 - 32
"What's In Your Wallet?" - Philippians 4:14-19 (November 19, 2023)
In this, the penultimate message in his CHOOSE JOY series, Pastor Josh Hall asks the question: "What's In Your Wallet?" From Philippians 4:14-19, he shares the things in the Philippians' wallet that every believer should have in theirs.
1. Kindness - v. 14
2. Willingness - vv. 15 - 16
3. Generosity - v. 18
4. Provision - vv. 17 - 19
"Contentment: Can I? I Can!" - Philippians 4:10-13 (November 12, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall continues his CHOOSE JOY sermon series from Philippians. This message examines the topic of "Contentment." True contentment is characterized by:
1. An Unusual Joy - v. 10
2. An Impractical Perspective - v. 11
3. An Uncoveted Lesson - vv. 11 - 12
4. In the Lord Jesus - v. 13
"Intimacy" - Revelation 2:1-5 (November 8, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall continues this Wednesday evening study, "So You Want to Be Like Christ," based on Charles Swindoll's book by the same title. In this episode, he begins discussing the discipline required and introduces the subject of "Intimacy." From the text in Revelation, he draws out 3 actions for one who has "lost your first love" (v. 4).
1. Remember
2. Repent
3. Return
"Ponder and Practice" - Philippians 4:8-9 (November 5, 2023)
In v. 1 of chapter 4, Paul exhorts believers to "stand firm." Pastor Josh Hall points out that it takes 3 things to stand firm:
- Hands (vv. 2 - 3)
- Heart (v. 4)
- Head (v. 8 - 9)
In this continuation of his CHOOSE JOY sermon series from Philippians, Pastor Josh describes how our heads are involved.
1. Ponder - v. 8
From this verse, we see 7 questions to ask as we "ponder," or
think about the Lord:
1) Is it True?
2) Is it Honorable?
3) Is it Just?
4) Is it Pure?
5) Is it Lovely?
6) Is it Commendable?
7) Is it Excellent?
2. Practice
Practicing these things in our lives requires striving and
discipline.
"The Lord Is Near" - Philippians 4:5-7 (October 22, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall continues his CHOOSE JOY sermon series from Philippians 4:5-7. With v. 5 (Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand) as the key, he goes on to share the results of recognizing the nearness of (at hand) God.
Recognizing God's Nearness Will...
1. Adjust Your Attitude - v. 5
2. Alleviate Your Anxiety - v. 5
3. Avert Your Attention - v. 6
4. Affirm your Assurance - v. 7
"Train Yourself for Godliness" - 1 Timothy 4:6-7 (October 18, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall begins a new Wednesday evening study, "So You Want to Be Like Christ," based on Charles Swindoll's book by the same title. In this episode, he introduces the study with the premise found in 1 Timothy 4:6-7: "Train Yourself for Godliness."
1. Training Requires Discipline
2. Training Requires Pain
3. Training Requires Perseverance and Consistency
4. Training Requires a Goal
"Rejoice in the Lord Always" - Philippians 4:4 (October 15, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall resumes his CHOOSE JOY sermon series from Philippians. Stating that in this letter Paul makes mention of "joy" or "rejoice" 13 times, he goes on the share the following:
1. Benefits of Rejoicing
1) It is good for your sanctification (Gal. 5:22; Ps. 64:10)
2) It is good for your satisfaction (John 4:13-14)
3) It is good for your strength (Neh. 8:10)
2. Practical Tips for Rejoicing
Citing Psalm 37:4, he states, "Rejoicing is the God-given, defiant determination to be contented, satisfied, and happy in the Lord."
1) Set some reminders:
a) Time alone daily in God's Word (Ps. 63:1; 19:7-11)
b) Time alone with God in prayer
c) Time together with God's people
2) Rehearsals to attend
a) Meditate on God's Word (Ps. 1:1-2)
b) Worship the Lord in private
c) Worship together in public
d) Practice rejoicing in rough times (Job 1:21)
"The Blessed Life" - Psalm 119:1-16
Next-Gen Associate Pastor Lee Beaumont shares this message from Psalm 119 entitled, "The Blessed Life." In this message, he discusses...
1. Blessing Described - vv. 1 - 8
The blessed life is one that is "blameless."
2. Blessing Desired - vv. 9 - 16
9 Steps to a Blameless, Blessed Life:
• Guard His Word - v. 9
• Seek Him with all your heart - v. 10
• Treasure His Word - v. 11
• Let the Lord teach you - v. 12
• Proclaim the Lord's wisdom with His Word - v. 13
• Rejoice in His decrees - v. 14
• Meditate on His precepts - v. 15
• Delight in His statutes - v. 16a
• Don't forget His Word - v. 16b
"The Ascension of Christ" - Acts 1:9-12 (October 4, 2023)
Dr. Jimmy Millikin Is our guest speaker for this Wednesday evening service. This study from Acts 1:9-12 examines "The Ascension of Christ."
1. The Historical Event
1) The Manner
2) The Time
3) The Place
4) The Blessing
2. The Significance of the Event
1) Christ's Earthly Ministry is Concluded
2) Christ's Heavenly Ministry has Begun - 3 Positions
a. Seated
b. Standing
c. Walking
"Living Out the Justified Life" - Galatians 6:1-10 (October 1, 2023)
Dr. Jimmy Millikin, retired professor at Mid-America Baptist Theological Seminary, is our guest preacher for this episode. He shares a message from Galatians 6:1-10 on "Living Out the Justified Life," stating that, as those who have been justified by faith in Christ, believers should:
1. Be Involved in a Ministry of Restoration - v. 1
2. Be Involved in Burden Bearing - v. 2
3. Be Fulfilling Personal Responsibility - v. 5
4. Remember and Abide by the Law of the Harvest - vv. 6 - 10
PSALM 51 (September 27, 2023)
Pastor Josh hall looks at David's cry for mercy and forgiveness in Psalm 51.
"How to Stand Firm: UNITY" - Philippians 4:1-3 (September 24, 2023)
Continuing his CHOOSE JOY series, Pastor Josh Hall introduces "How to Stand Firm." In this, the first of several installments, he highlights the importance of UNITY. He says:
"I am passionate and committed...
- To the Word of God,
- To the Gospel,
- To the church being doctrinally sound,
- To unity."
Unity was also the passion of Jesus. (John 17:11, 20-23)
1. The Basis of Unity - v. 1
- The Gospel
2. The Passion of Unity - v. 1
- Sincere Love
3. The Pursuit of Unity - vv. 2 - 3
- Worth Pleading For
- Worth Confrontation
- Worth Collaboration
4. The Pitfalls of Division - v. 3
- Distraction from the Mission
- Distraction from the Destination
"Blessings of Forgiveness" - Psalm 32 (September 20, 2023)
In this Wednesday night study, Pastor Josh Hall takes a look at "Blessings of Forgiveness" from Psalm 32.
1. The Blessings of Forgiveness - vv. 1 - 2
2. The Need for Forgiveness - vv. 3 - 4
3. The Cry for Forgiveness - V. 5
4. The Wisdom of Forgiveness - vv. 6 - 11
"Patterns and Promise" - Philippians 3:17-21 (September 17, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall continues his CHOOSE JOY series with this message from Philippians 3:17-21, "Patterns and Promise." Reminding us that the overarching theme of this Epistle is JOY, he highlights the patterns and a promise given to us by Paul to aid in its pursuit.
1. PATTERNS - vv. 17 - 19
1) A Pattern to Imitate - v. 17
2) A Pattern to Avoid - vv. 18 - 19
a) Their Destination: Destruction
b) Their Deity: Desire
c) Their Delight: Disgrace
d) Their Direction: Here and Now
2. PROMISE - vv. 20 - 21
1) We Have a citizenship
2) We Have a Savior Who is Returning
3) We Have a Savior Who is Powerful
"I Can't Get No Satisfaction" - Ecclesiastes 1:1-3 (ONE DAY, September 10, 2023)
Guest speaker for our ONE DAY Service, Pastor Bob Hall (father of our pastor, Josh Hall), shares this message from Ecclesiastes entitled, "I Can't Get No Satisfaction." Picking up on the idea that "all is vanity," he discusses 3 areas in which King Solomon tried to find satisfaction in life.
1. Education - 1:13, 16
2. Degradation - 2:1-8
1) Laughter - vv. 1 - 2
2) Liquor - v. 3
3) Luxury - v. 4
4) Lust - v. 8
3. Restoration - 12:1
PSALM 74 (September 6, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall Shares this message on a Wednesday evening from Psalm 74. In this psalm, he points out that:
1. God's People Declare Their Gratitude - v. 1
2. God Himself Assures His People of His Righteous Judgment - vv. 2 - 5
3. God's People Warn Their Enemies - vv. 6 - 8
4. God's People Declare God's Promises - vv. 9 - 10
"So You Want To Finish The Race" - Philippians 3:12-16 (August 27, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall continues his CHOOSE JOY series with this message from Philippians 3, "So You Want To Finish The Race." From this passage, he highlights 6 things believers need to finish well:
1. Something You Need To Acknowledge - v. 12
2. Something You Need To Own - v. 12
3. Something You Need To Forget - v. 13
4. Something To Aim For - v. 14
5. Someone To Run Alongside - v. 15
6. Something To Hold on To - v. 16
"The Relationship That Saves" - Philippians 3:8-11 (August 20, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall continues his CHOOSE JOY series from Philippians with this message from Philippians 3:8-11, "The Relationship That Saves."
1. A Relationship in Christ POSITIONALLY - vv. 8 - 9
2. A Relationship with Christ PERSONALLY - v. 10
3. A Relationship to Christ POWERFULLY - v. 10
4. A Fellowship with Christ PAINFULLY - v. 10
5. A Fellowship with Christ PERMANENTLY - v. 11
"Salt and Light" - Matthew 5:13-16 (August 16, 2023)
In this brief Wednesday evening study, Pastor Josh Hall talks about the importance of Believers being Salt and Light!
"Jesus Is Greater" - Philippians 3:1-11 (August 13, 2023)
Resuming his CHOOSE JOY series, Pastor Josh Hall picks back up in Philippians 3 and presents "Jesus Is Greater." By way of introduction, he points out 2 commands found in this passage:
- Rejoice (v. 1) - a call to joy
- Look Out (v. 2) - a call to discernment
He then goes on to discuss 5 reasons that "Jesus Is Greater."
1. Worth Rejoicing In - v. 1
2. Worth Reminding - v. 1
3. Worth Guarding - vv. 2 - 3
4. Worth Abandoning Our Status - vv. 4 - 7
5. Worth Abandoning Ourselves - vv. 7 - 8
"A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words" (The Lord's Supper - August 6, 2023)
Pastor Josh Hall Shares how the Lord's Supper is an exquisite picture of the truth of the Gospel.
AN UNEXPECTED GIFT - Part 2: "The King Is Coming" - Isaiah 9:6-7 (July 30, 2023)
Continuing our celebration of Christmas in July, Pastor Josh Hall shares the second in his 2-part series, "An Unexpected Gift." Today's message deals with the coming King.
1. The King HAS Come
2. The King IS Coming Again
"An Unexpected Gift - Part 1" - Luke 2:1-20 (July 23, 2023)
FBC celebrates Christmas in July as Pastor Josh Hall shares the first in a 2-part series, "An Unexpected Gift." Today's message highlights the fact that Jesus' birth was not really all that unexpected. He points out that the gift of Jesus...
1. Was Very Much Expected - vv. 1 - 7
2. Is to Be Enjoyed - vv. 8 - 20
"Paul's Farewell Address" - Acts 20:17-38 (July 16, 2023)
On the 6th anniversary of preaching in view of a call as pastor of First Baptist, Pastor Josh Hall shares the sermon he shared on that day in 2017. Here he shares observations from Paul's ministry that he hopes will be characteristic of our church, as well.
1. Ministry In The Moment - v. 18
2. Service With A Purpose - v. 19
3. Standing On The Scripture - vv. 20 & 26
4. An Obligation To Tell - vv. 21 & 26
5. Laid It All On The Line - vv. 22 - 24