First Missionary Baptist Church

10/05/2026

Be merciful to those who doubt

10/05/2026

Mercy in Doubt

In the book of Jude, we come across a simple yet profound instruction: "Be merciful to those who doubt” (Jude 1:22). These words remind us of the importance of extending God's mercy and compassion to those who may be struggling in their faith. This includes ourselves!

Doubt is a common experience in the journey of faith. It can arise from various sources, such as intellectual questions, personal struggles, or the influence of the world around us. When we encounter people who are wrestling with doubt, it is crucial that we respond with mercy and understanding.

Being merciful means showing kindness, compassion, and patience towards others. It involves listening without judgment, offering support, and providing a safe space for honest conversations. When we extend mercy to those who doubt, we create an environment where they can openly express their questions and concerns, without fear of rejection or condemnation.

As followers of Christ, we are called to imitate His example. Jesus was always compassionate towards those who were struggling in their faith. He met people where they were, offering understanding and guidance. He never turned away those who sought Him, even if they had doubts or uncertainties.

When we extend mercy to those who doubt, we not only help them on their journey but also reflect the heart of our loving Savior. We can even be merciful to ourselves when we experience doubt.

There’s room for the questions. There’s room for the uncertainties. Doubt doesn’t intimidate Jesus, and it doesn’t need to intimidate us either.

10/05/2026

09/30/2026

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

09/30/2026

Limitless Riches

Writing from prison to the believers in Philippi, the apostle Paul divulged that he’d learned the secret to being content no matter the situation.

Because of the faithfulness of God and the generosity of the Philippians, Paul’s needs had been met—even while in jail. He went on to say:

“And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus.”
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4:19‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

What an incredible perspective from captivity—where Paul was placed for spreading the truth about Jesus.

God had given Paul peace, his friends had sent supplies, and Paul’s joy was unapologetically obvious—despite his imperfect circumstances.

Paul knew that the same God who was taking care of Him would also take care of his friends. He knew that—because Jesus had already made a way—they could access the storehouses of heaven. He knew that—because of God’s generous character—they were covered in His grace.

Have you ever considered what a treasure trove of riches God has? And it’s not just what He has, but also who He is. God’s glorious riches, never-ending resources, and both visible and invisible qualities are limitless, bottomless, boundless, and inexhaustible.

Think about that for a moment.
The amazing thing is: He’s granted us access.

In His kindness, God fashioned raspberries and puppies. In His brilliance, He crafted the human eye and hung the earth on nothing. By His creativity, He made hammerhead sharks and sparkling fireflies. By His power, He designed galaxies that even the smartest of scientists are just now discovering.

The same God who cares for His creation will also provide for you.

When we become His children, we are given the key to eternal riches, to incorruptible goods, and to traits of His Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

Do you need peace? You have a God who brings peace. Do you need provision? You have a God who offers provision. Do you need rest? You have a God who extends rest.

The ways in which God shows up are literally countless, and it’s all because of His gloriously limitless riches.

09/28/2026

And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you.