Southern Heights Baptist Church El Reno

12/16/2024

What a great honor for us to have Lance share his testimony and bring the message today. Sorry, the camera died toward the end, but if you want to know then rest of the story, we would love to tell you. Thank you again Lance.

12/10/2024

Please join us this Sunday, December 15th at 10:30 AM as we welcome a special guest, Lance Wendling, who will be sharing his personal testimony of living with a disability in a message titled “The Cry of Desperation through Life’s Challenges.” out of Mark 10:46-52 on Blind Bartimaeus. Excited to have him and excited to have you.

Send a message to learn more

06/04/2024

‭Philippians 1:9-11, 14, 21-23, 29-30 NIV‬
[9] And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, [10] so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, [11] filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ—to the glory and praise of God.
[14] And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
[21] For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain. [22] If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! [23] I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
[29] For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, [30] since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.1.9-30.NIV

‭Philippians 2:12-13 NIV‬
[12] Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, [13] for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.2.12-13.NIV

‭Philippians 3:7-10, 13-14 NIV‬
[7] But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. [8] What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ [9] and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. [10] I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death,
[13] Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.3.7-14.NIV

‭Philippians 4:8-9 NIV‬
[8] Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. [9] Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.
https://bible.com/bible/111/php.4.8-9.NIV

We should consider whether there are things in our lives that prevent us from fully knowing Christ. Are we prepared to deem these things as detrimental and discard them to enhance our relationship with the Lord and seek the righteousness of Christ? Attaining Christ-likeness is not possible without enduring suffering, which molds us into the pattern of His death. Fortunately, we can face trials and suffering with joy, knowing they bring us nearer to our ultimate goal of Christ-likeness and the reward of resurrection.

Paul's teachings serve as a powerful reminder to live with a singular focus and devotion to God's purposes. Regardless of the trials we may face in life, we can move forward, sustained by the hope that the fruits of our faith await us. We are called to live confidently in God's steadfastness, to make Christ the cornerstone of our lives, to behave in ways that honor the gospel, and to wholeheartedly accept the journey with its full spectrum of joys and hardships. Let the joy evident in Paul's words echo in our hearts, assuring us that, irrespective of our situations, we can discover profound and enduring happiness in our communion with Christ.

As Christians, our ultimate aim is to imitate Him. We should walk humbly with others and in obedience to our heavenly Father. Our faith in His work for us should inspire our actions, thoughts, and behaviors. Through this, God molds us into the likeness of His Son. Knowing Christ is invaluable, striving to be like Him is our greatest goal, and the resurrection is our most treasured reward. We must seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to keep this mindset, particularly during trials, and to remain steadfast in proclaiming the gospel of Christ.

Our identity and purpose are solely found in Christ. As we journey through the Christian life, we are encouraged to strive toward the goal of deepening our knowledge of Him, getting rid of distractions and worldly endeavors. Paul's steadfast dedication to Christ inspires us to evaluate what is truly significant in our lives. We must seize the transformative power of faith, considering all else as loss in light of the immense value of knowing Jesus. On our path to heavenly citizenship, let the joy of the Lord be our strength, and may we discover genuine satisfaction in a life dedicated to His glory. We ought to run the race with perseverance, focusing on the Author and Finisher of our faith.

Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about

06/03/2024

Titus 1:15-16 NIV‬
[15] To the pure, all things are pure, but to those who are corrupted and do not believe, nothing is pure. In fact, both their minds and consciences are corrupted. [16] They claim to know God, but by their actions they deny him. They are detestable, disobedient and unfit for doing anything good.
https://bible.com/bible/111/tit.1.15-16.NIV

‭Titus 2:7-8, 15 NIV‬
[7] In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness [8] and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us.
[15] These, then, are the things you should teach. Encourage and rebuke with all authority. Do not let anyone despise you.
https://bible.com/bible/111/tit.2.7-15.NIV

‭Titus 3:3-5, 14 NIV‬
[3] At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. [4] But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, [5] he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit,
[14] Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

https://bible.com/bible/111/tit.3.3-14.NIV

Gandhi once famously said: “I like your Christ, but I do not like your Christians. Your Christians are so unlike your Christ.” Gandhi’s scathing assessment was that far too often, Christians don’t represent Christ. They are nothing like Christ. They don’t do Christ justice. They actually repel people from Christ.

In our journey, nothing is as crucial as how we teach and preach Christ. The most significant method of doing so is through the way we live our lives, our actions, and our responses to the world. If our teachings are narrow and petty, we portray God as such. Similarly, if our actions and responses are devoid of understanding and compassion, we depict God as lacking these qualities.

Adopting a legalistic approach can reflect on our perception of God as being legalistic. Actions that contradict common sense can portray God as opposed to it. Simply put, when Christians engage in foolish behavior, we make God look stupid.

Frederick Douglas, an American social reformer, abolitionist, and writer, and statesman, was quoted in Time magazine:

“Between the Christianity of this land and the Christianity of Christ, I recognize the widest possible difference — so wide that to receive the one as good, pure, and holy, is of necessity to reject the other as bad, corrupt, and wicked. To be the friend of the one is of necessity to be the enemy of the other. I love the pure, peaceable, and impartial Christianity of Christ; I, therefore, hate the corrupt, slave-holding, women-whipping, cradle-plundering, partial, and hypocritical Christianity of this land. Indeed, I can see no reason but the most deceitful one for calling the religion of this land Christianity…”

It's clear that the Church, along with much of contemporary Christianity, faces a significant image issue, which is unfortunately somewhat justified. As Christians, it's crucial for us to revisit the fundamental truths imparted and exemplified by a humble carpenter from the first century, who gave his life to make God as accessible as possible to everyone. Yet, we often find ourselves making this same God seem inaccessible to many.

At one time we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. But when the kindness and l

05/31/2024

Fun, Food and Fellowship, oh, did I mention FREE!

Come join us tonight at 6:30 PM at Southern Heights Baptist Church in El Reno for Family games and fun.

Free spaghetti dinner tonight.

Last Friday of every month, next month we will break out the water games and sports.

Hope to see yall there!

05/29/2024

Ephesians 1:4-10 NIV‬
[4] For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love [5] he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will— [6] to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. [7] In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace [8] that he lavished on us. With all wisdom and understanding, [9] he made known to us the mystery of his will according to his good pleasure, which he purposed in Christ, [10] to be put into effect when the times reach their fulfillment—to bring unity to all things in heaven and on earth under Christ.
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.1.4-10.NIV
‭Ephesians 2:12-19 NIV‬
[12] remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. [13] But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. [14] For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility, [15] by setting aside in his flesh the law with its commands and regulations. His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, [16] and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility. [17] He came and preached peace to you who were far away and peace to those who were near. [18] For through him we both have access to the Father by one Spirit. [19] Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household,
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.2.12-19.NIV
‭Ephesians 3:6-13, 20-21 NIV‬
[6] This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. [7] I became a servant of this gospel by the gift of God’s grace given me through the working of his power. [8] Although I am less than the least of all the Lord’s people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the boundless riches of Christ, [9] and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. [10] His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, [11] according to his eternal purpose that he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. [12] In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence. [13] I ask you, therefore, not to be discouraged because of my sufferings for you, which are your glory.
[20] Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, [21] to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.
https://bible.com/bible/111/eph.3.6-21.NIV
If the who we WERE is not the who we ARE, then why do we pray, but with so little passion?
If the who we WERE is not the who we ARE, then why do we sing, but just mere words and with little conviction and expressions?
If the who we WERE is not the who we ARE, then why are our hearts not breaking for the lost people around us?
If the who we WERE is not the who we ARE, then why is half-hearted love for Jesus so common and on-fire devotion so rare?
Maybe its because we are reading Ephesians 2:10, skip verses 11 and 12 and then move to verse 13. Part of the “heating element” that God uses to intensify our affection and deepen our devotion is the command, "Remember! Remember! Remember that we were hopeless!"
We must remember that we were once “separated from Christ.” Have we forgotten who we were?
We must remember that we were once “excluded from citizenship in Israel and foreigners to the covenant of promise.” We flew the flag of an enemy territory and wore the colors of a defiant and rebellious people. We had no portion in His inheritance. Have we forgotten who we were?
We must remember that we were once “without hope and without God in this world.” Even though we may have had a desire for a better life now, there was no real hope or confident expectation of one. Outside of Christ, hope is little more than wishful thinking. It has no grounds or assurance. Have we forgotten who we were?
We must remember that we were once “afar off.” This is our existence outside of Christ. God was not near to us. Spiritually, we lived in a far country, far away from God. God did not know us. There was no immediate relationship where we could call upon Him because we knew Him and He knew us. Have we forgotten who we were?
The fact that these WERE our realities should not be forgotten so that they are not repeated. The Bible reminds us that though this WAS our condition, now we have a new reality, which was accomplished by the perfect blood of Christ.
The blood of Christ gives us a home.
The blood of Christ becomes the flag and color under which we now stand.
The blood of Christ takes those who were once strangers and makes them family. “…we are no longer strangers and aliens, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” (2:19).
Ephesians 3:6-21 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospe | New International Version...
BIBLE.COM
Ephesians 3:6-21 This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospe | New International Version...
This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospe

This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. I became a servant of this gospe

05/27/2024

Acts 26:5-6, 9, 22-25, 28-29 NIV‬
[5] They have known me for a long time and can testify, if they are willing, that I conformed to the strictest sect of our religion, living as a Pharisee. [6] And now it is because of my hope in what God has promised our ancestors that I am on trial today.
[9] “I too was convinced that I ought to do all that was possible to oppose the name of Jesus of Nazareth.
[22] But God has helped me to this very day; so I stand here and testify to small and great alike. I am saying nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen— [23] that the Messiah would suffer and, as the first to rise from the dead, would bring the message of light to his own people and to the Gentiles.” [24] At this point Festus interrupted Paul’s defense. “You are out of your mind, Paul!” he shouted. “Your great learning is driving you insane.” [25] “I am not insane, most excellent Festus,” Paul replied. “What I am saying is true and reasonable.
[28] Then Agrippa said to Paul, “Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” [29] Paul replied, “Short time or long—I pray to God that not only you but all who are listening to me today may become what I am, except for these chains.”
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.26.5-29.NIV
‭Acts 27:1, 10-11, 15, 20-26, 33-38, 42-43 NIV‬
[1] When it was decided that we would sail for Italy, Paul and some other prisoners were handed over to a centurion named Julius, who belonged to the Imperial Regiment.
[10] “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” [11] But the centurion, instead of listening to what Paul said, followed the advice of the pilot and of the owner of the ship.
[15] The ship was caught by the storm and could not head into the wind; so we gave way to it and were driven along.
[20] When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued raging, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. [21] After they had gone a long time without food, Paul stood up before them and said: “Men, you should have taken my advice not to sail from Crete; then you would have spared yourselves this damage and loss. [22] But now I urge you to keep up your courage, because not one of you will be lost; only the ship will be destroyed. [23] Last night an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I serve stood beside me [24] and said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul. You must stand trial before Caesar; and God has graciously given you the lives of all who sail with you.’ [25] So keep up your courage, men, for I have faith in God that it will happen just as he told me. [26] Nevertheless, we must run aground on some island.”
[33] Just before dawn Paul urged them all to eat. “For the last fourteen days,” he said, “you have been in constant suspense and have gone without food—you haven’t eaten anything. [34] Now I urge you to take some food. You need it to survive. Not one of you will lose a single hair from his head.” [35] After he said this, he took some bread and gave thanks to God in front of them all. Then he broke it and began to eat. [36] They were all encouraged and ate some food themselves. [37] Altogether there were 276 of us on board. [38] When they had eaten as much as they wanted, they lightened the ship by throwing the grain into the sea.
[42] The soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent any of them from swimming away and escaping. [43] But the centurion wanted to spare Paul’s life and kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land.
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.27.1-43.NIV
‭Acts 28:7-10, 20, 27-28, 30 NIV‬
[7] There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. [8] His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him. [9] When this had happened, the rest of the sick on the island came and were cured. [10] They honored us in many ways; and when we were ready to sail, they furnished us with the supplies we needed.
[20] For this reason I have asked to see you and talk with you. It is because of the hope of Israel that I am bound with this chain.”
[27] For this people’s heart has become calloused; they hardly hear with their ears, and they have closed their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts and turn, and I would heal them.’ [28] “Therefore I want you to know that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles, and they will listen!”
[30] For two whole years Paul stayed there in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him.
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.28.7-30.NIV
“Do you think that in such a short time you can persuade me to be a Christian?” Or maybe paraphrased, “Do you think you can win me with just one sermon?” Clearly Agrippa was “moved” but not moved enough to act on what he believed. He would not be persuaded by “one” speech, no matter how well presented it was. This is why it is SO crucial that we continue to preach and plant seeds. We can never do the saving, but we must continue to do the preaching. Paul was persuaded in “just one” meeting the Jesus.
But Paul may have been “one of the reasons” Agrippa would not become a Christian. Paul is standing before him in chains and with scars on his body. Agrippa could see that it would cost him to become a Christian.
Why was Agrippa "almost persuaded", but not all-together? Agrippa was not just sitting there unmoved. There was conviction going on inside of him.
Why did Agrippa get to the point that he didn't want to be saved?
If you really look at Agrippa, it was himself that kept him from becoming a Christian. Agrippa had no one to blame but himself.
Knowing that you need to become a Christian does not make you a Christian. Having a desire to become a Christian does not make you a Christian. You must arise, realize you're a sinner, repent of that sin, and receive Jesus Christ as your Lord and Savior.
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is what makes Christianity different from every other religion. The resurrection is the proof that Jesus was God and that He was and is the Savior who can forgive our sins, give us an inheritance of eternal life and declare us to be holy. But it all starts by believing in Jesus Christ.
“He who is almost persuaded is almost saved, and to be almost saved is to be entirely lost,” were the words with which the Rev. Mr. Brundage ended one of his sermons. P. P. Bliss, who was in the audience, was much impressed with the thought, and immediately wrote one of his most well-known songs, “Almost persuaded.”‹‹

Almost Persuaded, Philip Paul Bliss
“Almost persuaded” now to believe;
“Almost persuaded” Christ to receive;
Seems now some soul to say,
“Go, Spirit, go Thy way,
Some more convenient day
On Thee I’ll call.”

2. “Almost persuaded,” come, come today;
“Almost persuaded,” turn not away;
Jesus invites you here,
Angels are lingering near
Prayers rise from hearts so dear;
O wanderer, come!

3. “Almost persuaded,” harvest is past!
“Almost persuaded,” doom comes at last!
“Almost” cannot avail;
“Almost” is but to fail!
Sad, sad, that bitter wail -
“Almost,” but lost!

There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, sufferi

05/25/2024

Acts 20:22-24 NIV‬
[22] “And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there. [23] I only know that in every city the Holy Spirit warns me that prison and hardships are facing me. [24] However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.20.22-24.NIV

‭Acts 21:13-14 NIV‬
[13] Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” [14] When he would not be dissuaded, we gave up and said, “The Lord’s will be done.”
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.21.13-14.NIV

‭Acts 22:14-16, 22 NIV‬
[14] “Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. [15] You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and heard. [16] And now what are you waiting for? Get up, be baptized and wash your sins away, calling on his name.’
[22] The crowd listened to Paul until he said this. Then they raised their voices and shouted, “Rid the earth of him! He’s not fit to live!”
https://bible.com/bible/111/act.22.14-22.NIV

Hundreds, Thousands, and maybe millions of people around the world will "start" the race. The day comes when they “pray the prayer,” accept Christ, and "become a Christian." They invite Jesus into their lives and the race begins! Then life happens. Marriages, kids, careers, sports, hobbies....................... Twenty-six miles later, you can look around and see the decline, the lack of people. Where are the ones who started so strong and loved the Lord so much? So many people quit, "rested" or "retired" on the Lord and their faith. All that is left is you (maybe) and a small group of believers to endure to the finish line!

Starting the race is the easy part. Staying in the race is the challenge. Finishing the race is for the strong, and finishing the race with joy requires loads of grace!

But why? Why Continue? Why stay strong knowing in the end, they may reject, they may mock, they may persecute you or, as in the case of Paul here, they may "rid to earth of you!"

Ultimately Paul's journey would lead him to Rome to testify before the Roman Emperor. Paul's obedience leads to God's miraculous intervention and the spread of the Gospel to all nations. Though we often don't know what God is doing in our lives and circumstances, God is always working out His plan and He promises to be with us and deliver us!

“Then he said: ‘The God of our ancestors has chosen you to know his will and to see the Righteous One and to hear words from his mouth. You will be his witness to all people of what you have seen and