Wickliffe First Baptist Church

06/17/2026

Sharing in Jesus' Suffering

“Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: but rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭4‬:‭12‬-‭13‬ ‭KJV‬‬

The apostle Peter wants us to think of suffering as participation in Christ's experience rather than punishment. This helps us find meaning in the midst of pain. Sufferings can actually draw us closer to Jesus. Sufferings can help deepen our relationship with Him. The question is, will we allow our sufferings to do this?

06/16/2026

Suffering

Suffering is a reality of life in a fallen world. God uses suffering to deepen our faith and character. Through suffering, we can experience God's comfort and then develop the ability to comfort others.

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”(Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬) This verse doesn't minimize our current pain but it does give us an eternal perspective. It transforms how we understand suffering in our spiritual journey.

06/15/2026

Obedience

“Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him. He that loveth me not keepeth not my sayings: and the word which ye hear is not mine, but the Father's which sent me.” John‬ ‭14‬:‭23‬-‭24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Obedience is the real expression of love for God. This involves both knowing and doing God's will. We need both knowledge of God's will and commitment to doing it. Are you obeying out of love or duty? Look for ways to demonstrate your love for God through joyful obedience. True obedience flows from a heart transformed by His love.

06/14/2026

Love and Obedience

“If ye love me, keep my commandments.” John‬ ‭14‬:‭15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus establishes the fundamental connection between love and obedience in this verse. This verse radically changes our understanding of obedience. It transforms it from duty to devotion. True obedience comes from real love for God rather than just rule-keeping.

06/12/2026

Trusting God

Trusting in God is the practical response to God's proven character and faithful promises. Our trust grows through experiencing His faithfulness. Our trust leads to peace in life's storms. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NIV‬‬) This is the foundation of Biblical trust. This trust isn't blind faith. This trust is confidently relying on God. Trust Him with all your heart. He is worthy of it all!

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

06/08/2026

God is Faithful

“Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.” (Joshua‬ ‭21‬:‭45‬ ‭NIV‬‬) God's Word in Joshua 21:45 provides concrete evidence of God's faithfulness. Looking back on Israel's history, Joshua confirmed that every one of God's promises had proved true. God has a flawless track record. His historical faithfulness strengthens our trust in His current promises.

06/07/2026

God's Promises

God's promises form the foundation for our faith and hope. His promises reveal His faithfulness throughout history. They give us the confidence we need for present challenges and future glory. "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us.”(2 Corinthians‬ ‭1‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬) Paul tells us that all of God's promises are in Christ. Every promise is fulfilled and confirmed in Christ. Jesus validates every promise God has made.

06/02/2026

Jesus Prays For Unity

“Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word; that they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me. And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.” John‬ ‭17‬:‭20‬-‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Jesus' prayer for believers "that all of them may be one" shows that unity among believers was one of His highest priorities. Unity is a powerful testimony to the world about God's transforming love. Our unity shows to skeptics that God's power can truly transform human relationships. Reflect oneness in Christ in every relationship and interaction. God calls us to!

05/31/2026

Unity

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is For brethren to dwell together in unity!”
‭‭Psalm‬ ‭133‬:‭1‬ ‭KJV

Unity is the supernatural bond that connects believers together through their shared life in Christ. It testifies to the world about the reality of God's transforming power and the authenticity of our faith. Unity creates an atmosphere where God's blessings flow. Genuine unity brings life to the community of faith.

05/30/2026

Loving God

A life that loves God with all their heart, soul, mind, and strength is a life fully surrendered. That leads to a life fully fulfilled. Will we love God perfectly all of the time? No. But every day will be an opportunity to lay our life before Him again. A life fully surrendered is fulfilling because we were created to live fully and faithfully. The abundant life He has for us is marked by a relationship with Him. True love that goes both ways. Surrender to the Lord daily. Trust His way is better. Let your life reflect a deep, surrendered love that brings Him glory.

“I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.”
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭2‬:‭20‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭23‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬-‭18‬ ‭KJV‬‬

“The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John‬ ‭10‬:‭10‬ ‭KJV‬‬