First Baptist Church

09/07/2026

Devotional Reading for September 7, 2026

John 8 Should 7:53-8:11 be here? Consider these facts: It’s in about 1500 manuscripts. It’s also in 500 lectionary texts (daily reading manuscripts in the early church). It’s missing in 269 manuscripts, sometimes because they were copied off an earlier manuscript that omitted it. Augustine though that it was “omitted because of the prudish fear that it would encourage adultery.”...

John 8 Should 7:53-8:11 be here? Consider these facts: It’s in about 1500 manuscripts. It’s also in 500 lectionary texts (daily reading manuscripts in the early church). It’s missing in 269 manuscr…

09/06/2026

Sermon video from 9/6/26 -- "Faith"

Sermon video from 9/6/26 -- "Faith"

09/06/2026

Sermon outline for 9/6/26 (Radio broadcast 9/13/26)

Faith Mark 7:24-30 I) A mother reaches out in her ___________ A) Her child is _____________________ B) She has heard about ____________ C) She’s not going to let this _____________ get away II) The mother displays ____________ A) She is a ____________ B) She recognizes Jesus as ___________ III) The mother is _____________ A) She is ____________ B) Could reflect their current _____________…...

Faith Mark 7:24-30 I) A mother reaches out in her ___________      A) Her child is _____________________      B) She has heard about ____________   …

09/06/2026

Devotional Reading for September 6, 2026

John 7 Some find a moral conundrum in this passage. How could Jesus say definitively that He wasn’t going, then turn around and go? Well, there is a variant reading that may shed some light on the passage. The vast majority of manuscripts say, "I am not yet going" (7:8). I believe that properly summarizes the intent here. Jesus is saying, "You can go up the feast now because no-one is trying to kill you....

John 7 Some find a moral conundrum in this passage. How could Jesus say definitively that He wasn’t going, then turn around and go? Well, there is a variant reading that may shed some light on the …

09/05/2026

Devotional Reading for September 5, 2026

John 6 Because of John’s repeated mention of the Passover, we understand that Jesus’ ministry lasted a few years rather than a few months (6:4). John also emphasizes Jesus’ foreknowledge and understanding (6:6). When Jesus asks a question there is a specific reason, and much of the time it is actually a test. We have a verification here of what was mentioned yesterday....

John 6 Because of John’s repeated mention of the Passover, we understand that Jesus’ ministry lasted a few years rather than a few months (6:4). John also emphasizes Jesus’ foreknowledge and unders…

09/04/2026

Devotional Reading for September 4, 2026

John 5 Isn’t it interesting that this man doesn’t come to Jesus for healing? He doesn’t even know who Jesus is! What a perfect example of grace. The man wants to be healed, and apparently believes that when the water is stirred it’s an indication that the first one in will be cured (this is made even more explicit in 5:4, which some newer translations don’t include)....

John 5 Isn’t it interesting that this man doesn’t come to Jesus for healing? He doesn’t even know who Jesus is! What a perfect example of grace. The man wants to be healed, and apparently believes …

09/03/2026

Thursday Morning @ Prayer (9/3/26)

09/03/2026

Devotional Reading for September 3, 2026

John 4 There is a lot to unpack here, but I’ll try to be brief (and some are saying, "That'll be a first!): This is a significant place in Jewish history. This land was not only owned by Jacob, it was given to Joseph and he was buried there (Joshua 24:32). That Jesus is willing to talk to a Samaritan woman tells us something about how we should be willing to reach out....

John 4 There is a lot to unpack here, but I’ll try to be brief (and some are saying, “That’ll be a first!): This is a significant place in Jewish history. This land was not only owned b…

09/02/2026

Devotional Reading for September 2, 2026

John 3 The phrase so often translated as "born again" can also be translated "born from above." Nicodemus obviously understands it one way, and Jesus accommodates his understanding, but also tries to get him to think more spiritually. To be born again is to be born from above, i.e. born of the Spirit. And to be born of the Spirit means to believe in Jesus Christ....

John 3 The phrase so often translated as “born again” can also be translated “born from above.” Nicodemus obviously understands it one way, and Jesus accommodates his unders…

09/01/2026

Devotional Reading for September 1, 2026

John 2 The wedding at Cana records Jesus’ first miracle in the gospel of John (1-11). Did you notice that Jesus’ mom expects Him to help, even after His seeming rebuke of her? What an insight into human relationships! Jesus’ comment to Mary is easily explained because He isn’t trying to be noticed at this point. He does a miracle, albeit quietly....

John 2 The wedding at Cana records Jesus’ first miracle in the gospel of John (1-11). Did you notice that Jesus’ mom expects Him to help, even after His seeming rebuke of her? What an insight into …