First Baptist Church - Barron

05/29/2026

Today’s Bible Word Study
Provided by His servant, Mark Sheppard
Building Up Christ In Others

Not Willing to Come to Me That You May Have Life
John 5:36-40

Welcome, Barron Church, my fellow believers in the One True Faith — “God’s Inspired Word Study on Life.”

In John 5:36-40, Jesus highlights that his miraculous works and the Scriptures themselves provide undeniable testimony from the Father that He is the Messiah. He rebukes the religious leaders for studying the scriptures to gain life while refusing to come to Him—the very subject of those scriptures—to actually receive it.

Key Commentary Points:

The Testimony of Works (verse 36): Jesus states that the miracles and works the Father gave Him to accomplish are a greater witness than John the Baptist, proving His divine authority and mission.

The Father's Testimony (verses 37-38): The leaders did not hear God’s voice or see His form, which indicates they did not truly know God, as they refused to believe the One He sent (Jesus).

The Failure of Scriptural Study (verses 39-40): The Jewish leaders studied the Scriptures diligently, believing that knowledge of the law brought eternal life. Jesus points out the profound irony: the Scriptures testify about Him, yet they refuse to come to Him for the very life they seek.

Application: True spiritual life comes not from merely studying the Bible, but from coming to Jesus, who is the focus of the Bible.

Today’s Bible verse
John 5:36-40 But I have a greater witness than John's; for the works which the Father has given Me to finish—the very works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. And the Father Himself, who sent Me, has testified of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time, nor seen His form. But you do not have His word abiding in you, because whom He sent, Him you do not believe. You search the Scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life; and these are they which testify of Me. But you are not willing to come to Me that you may have life.

05/28/2026

Today’s Bible Word Study
Provided by His servant, Mark Sheppard
Building Up Christ In Others

To the Resurrection of Life
John 5:25-29

Welcome, Barron Church, my fellow believers in the One True Faith — “God’s Inspired Word Study on Life.”

In John 5:25-29, Jesus declares his divine authority to grant spiritual life now and initiate the physical resurrection of all humanity later, acting as both Savior and Judge. He highlights two resurrections: a present, spiritual awakening of those who hear his voice, and a future, physical resurrection for judgment, determining eternal destiny.

Key Themes and Commentary:
Spiritual Resurrection Now (verses 25-26): Jesus refers to a present reality where those "dead in sins" hear his voice, believe, and receive eternal life immediately. This is a "spiritual resurrection," where the Son, having life within himself, imparts it to those who respond to the gospel.

Physical Resurrection Later (verses 28-29): Jesus describes a future hour when "all who are in the graves" will hear his voice and come forth. This indicates a universal resurrection, not just for the righteous, but for all.

The Two Destinies (verse 29): The resurrection leads to two outcomes based on their earthly lives and response to Jesus:

Resurrection of Life: For those who have done good (believed and followed God), leading to eternal life.

Resurrection of Judgment/Condemnation: For those who have done evil (rejected God), leading to damnation.

The Authority of the Son (verse 27): The Father has entrusted all judgment to Jesus because he is the "Son of Man," fulfilling Daniel's prophecy of a divine, eternal judge.

Context: Jesus makes these claims to the Jewish leaders, asserting his equality with God, his power over life, and his role as the final arbiter of human destiny.

Commentary suggests this passage is about Jesus demonstrating his power over death and judgment, calling for immediate faith to ensure a favorable resurrection.

Today’s Bible verse
John 5:25-29 Most assuredly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God; and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself, and has given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of Man. Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice and come forth—those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation.

05/27/2026

Today’s Bible Word Study
Provided by His servant, Mark Sheppard
Building Up Christ In Others

Even So the Son Gives Life to Whom He Will
John 5:19-24

Welcome, Barron Church, my fellow believers in the One True Faith — “God’s Inspired Word Study on Life.”

In John 5:19-24, Jesus defends His healing on the Sabbath by declaring absolute unity, equality, and shared authority with God the Father. He asserts that the Son does nothing independently, but only what He sees the Father doing, holding the power to grant life and execute judgment, demanding equal honor as the Father.

Key Themes and Commentary:
Divine Unity and Equality (verses 19-20): Jesus claims that "whatever the Father does, that the Son does likewise". This shows perfect, synchronized action rather than mere imitation. Jesus is stating He is not breaking God’s law, but working in alignment with God’s purpose, as He shares the same divine nature.

The Son Gives Life (verses 21, 24-25): Just as the Father raises the dead, the Son grants eternal life to those who hear His voice. Verse 24 provides a promise of assurance: anyone who hears Jesus' word and believes the Father has sent Him "has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life".

The Son as Judge (verses 22-23): The Father has entrusted all judgment to the Son. This highlights that Jesus is not only the Savior but also the final Judge of humanity.

Honor to the Son (verse 23): Because of this union, honoring the Son is synonymous with honoring the Father. Rejecting the Son is rejecting the Father.

Contextual Understanding:
This discourse follows Jesus healing a man on the Sabbath, which angered religious leaders. Instead of backing down, Jesus uses this opportunity to explain His identity as the divine Son of God, affirming His authority over life, death, and judgment.

Today’s Bible verse
John 5:19-24 Then Jesus answered and said to them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner. For the Father loves the Son, and shows Him all things that He Himself does; and He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. For as the Father raises the dead and gives life to them, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. For the Father judges no one, but has committed all judgment to the Son, that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent Him. "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life.

05/26/2026

Today’s Bible Word Study
Provided by His servant, Mark Sheppard
Building Up Christ In Others

Gathers Fruit for Eternal Life
John 4:34-38

Welcome, Barron Church, my fellow believers in the One True Faith — “God’s Inspired Word Study on Life.”

In John 4:34-38, Jesus redefines sustenance as doing God's will and finishing His work, urging disciples to view the spiritually ready Samaritan crowd as a "white" harvest. He emphasizes that, unlike agriculture, gospel sowing and reaping happen simultaneously, allowing both laborers to rejoice together in the immediate harvest.

Key Themes and Commentary:
Spiritual Sustenance (verse 34): Jesus tells his disciples that doing the will of God is more nourishing than physical food. His mission to seek and save the lost is what drives Him, fulfilling his purpose rather than satisfying physical hunger.

Urgency of the Harvest (verse 35): Jesus corrects the disciples’ focus on the future ("four months") by pointing to the immediate need for action. The Samaritans, likely in white robes, were approaching Jesus, representing a field "ripe" for reaping.

Cooperative Ministry (verses 36-38): Jesus explains that while some sow (like John the Baptist or Jesus Himself) and others reap (the disciples), both share in the reward. The disciples are encouraged to embrace the fact that they are reaping a harvest they did not labor for, benefiting from the groundwork laid by others.

Call to Action: This passage encourages believers to look beyond physical circumstances, recognize the readiness of people to hear the Gospel, and to work together in sharing the message.

Key Takeaways:
Find purpose in God's work: Like Jesus, our primary motivation should be completing God's work.

See the opportunities now: The world is often more ready for the gospel than we think.

Rejoice in teamwork: There is no competition in the kingdom; sowers and reapers celebrate together.

Today’s Bible verse
John 4:34-38 Jesus said to them, "My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me, and to finish His work. Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest! And he who reaps receives wages, and gathers fruit for eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. For in this the saying is true: 'One sows and another reaps.' I sent you to reap that for which you have not labored; others have labored, and you have entered into their labors."

05/25/2026

05/25/2026

Today’s Bible Word Study
Provided by His servant, Mark Sheppard
Building Up Christ In Others

Whoever Believes in Him Should Not Perish But Have Eternal Life
John 3:9-15

Welcome, Barron Church, my fellow believers in the One True Faith — “God’s Inspired Word Study on Life.”

In John 3:9-15, Jesus challenges (Pharisee) Nicodemus’s intellectual pride, asserting that spiritual rebirth is essential to understanding the kingdom of God. Jesus contrasts earthly understanding with heavenly truth, declaring himself the authority who descends from heaven. He fulfills the Old Testament type of the lifted bronze serpent (Numbers 21), prophesying his crucifixion to bring eternal life to all who believe.

Key Themes and Commentary:

The Teacher’s Failure (verses 9-10): Despite being a Pharisee and expert in the law, Nicodemus struggles with the concept of spiritual, rather than nationalistic, rebirth. Jesus chides him for not understanding these foundational concepts.

Earthly vs. Heavenly Things (verses 11-13): Jesus distinguishes between "earthly things" (the experience of regeneration, repentance, and the Spirit's work on earth) and "heavenly things" (the mechanics of redemption, Trinity, and God's glory). He emphasizes that he is the only one qualified to speak on heavenly matters because he descended from heaven.

The Son of Man Lifted Up (verses 14-15): Jesus uses the Old Testament analogy of the bronze serpent in Numbers. Just as the Israelites were healed by looking to the elevated serpent, salvation comes from looking to (believing in) Jesus lifted up on the cross.

The Purpose of Salvation (verse 15): The goal is not just temporary safety, but eternal life for all who trust in him, highlighting that salvation is about acceptance of God's grace, not human effort.

This passage acts as a transition from the necessity of the new birth to the mechanism of salvation through Christ's death.

Today’s Bible verse
John 3:9-15 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, "How can these things be?" Jesus answered and said to him, "Are you the teacher of Israel, and do not know these things? Most assuredly, I say to you, We speak what We know and testify what We have seen, and you do not receive Our witness. If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things? No one has ascended to heaven but He who came down from heaven, that is, the Son of Man who is in heaven. And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

05/24/2026

Pastor Sheppard //5.24.2026

05/24/2026

Pastor Matt Sheppard - Spiritual Strength

05/22/2026

Today’s Bible Word Study
Provided by His servant, Mark Sheppard
Building Up Christ In Others

Springing Up Into Everlasting Life
John 4:11-15

Welcome, Barron Church, my fellow believers in the One True Faith — “God’s Inspired Word Study on Life.”

In John 4:11-15, Jesus transcends cultural, gender, and religious barriers to offer the Samaritan woman "living water"—a metaphor (visual example) for the Holy Spirit and eternal life that fully satisfies the human soul. He contrasts the temporal, physical water of Jacob’s well with spiritual salvation, which becomes a self-replenishing spring leading to everlasting life.

Key Commentary Points:
Misunderstanding the Gift (verses 11-12): The woman focuses on physical realities, questioning how Jesus can provide water without a bucket. She represents human shortsightedness, valuing temporary, earthly satisfaction over spiritual needs.

The Nature of Living Water (verses 13-14): Jesus clarifies that physical water only temporarily quenches thirst. The "living water" he offers is the Holy Spirit, which brings permanent spiritual rejuvenation and eternal life, addressing the deepest human insecurities and needs.

The Promise of Lasting Satisfaction (verse 14): The water Jesus gives becomes a "fountain" or "well" within the believer, providing ongoing, internal satisfaction rather than requiring constant, external replenishment.

The Request (verse 15): The woman, still partially misunderstanding, asks for this water to avoid daily labor. Yet, this request shows an opening heart, paving the way for her to receive the deeper truth about her need for salvation.

Key Themes:
Bridge-Building: Jesus breaks social norms by talking to a Samaritan woman, showing the gospel is for all.

True Satisfaction: Only Christ can fill the "well" of the human heart, as all other sources leave us thirsty again.

Grace and Salvation: The offer is based on faith, not on deserving it, as Jesus offers this to a woman with a troubled past.

Today’s Bible verse
John 4:11-15 The woman said to Him, "Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. Where then do You get that living water? Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank from it himself, as well as his sons and his livestock?" Jesus answered and said to her, "Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life." The woman said to Him, "Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw."

05/21/2026

Today’s Bible Word Study
Provided by His servant, Mark Sheppard
Building Up Christ In Others

Who Does Not Believe the Son Shall Not See Life
John 3:35-36

Welcome, Barron Church, my fellow believers in the One True Faith — “God’s Inspired Word Study on Life.”

John 3:35-36 concludes the chapter by highlighting the supreme authority of Jesus as the beloved Son, chosen by the Father to rule over all things. It presents an ultimatum: trust in the Son brings eternal life, while rejecting or disobeying Him results in remaining under God’s wrath

Key Commentary Points:
The Father's Love and Sovereignty (verse 35): The Father's deep love for the Son is displayed by giving Him authority over all things—temporal and eternal—making Jesus the focal point of salvation and judgment.

The Gift of Eternal Life (verse 36): True faith (belief) in Jesus results in possessing eternal life immediately, not just in the future.

The Consequence of Disbelief (verse 36): Those who refuse to obey/believe in the Son will not see life, but exist under the abiding wrath of God, as salvation is exclusively found in Christ.

Connection to Faith and Obedience: The passage links belief with obedience, showing that rejecting Christ's authority is equivalent to rejecting salvation.

This final, sobering summary of John 3 highlights that faith in Christ is the only way to escape judgment and obtain eternal life.

Today’s Bible verse
John 3:35-36 The Father loves the Son, and has given all things into His hand. He who believes in the Son has everlasting life; and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him."