Chris Wall • Nehemiah 8 ESV
During the time of Nehemiah, God's people CAME TOGETHER to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem in 52 days. In just over two months, this group accomplished more than many communities of faith accomplish in a lifetime. How did they do it? The answer is found in the historic call of God's people: They CAME TOGETHER.
This “next to me” mindset repurposed their relationships and ultimately changed the world. Through these relationships they restored the city from rubble to repaired. These relationships provided security and safety against opposition as families became protectors of their community. These relationships gave tithes and forgave debts. These relationships provided the context for spiritual growth and commitment to the Lord.
When you step back and look at Nehemiah 8, this is the type of community you and I need in our lives. We need to be a part of a fully devoted, ever-committed group of people who are sold out to God's word and God’s purposes. God provides key people to play key roles in life to ensure spiritual growth. God is using His Word and the gift of our church family to help us live today as the people of God.
Chris Wall • Ezra 8 Seeking the Lord helps us recognize how God’s hand moves for our good. When God’s people repent, it is remarkable to see how God brings His blessing. In this passage, you see God’s people coming with a heart to seek the Lord. There is fasting. There is focus. This is an example for us regarding how to live. Living our lives focused on seeking the Lord produces a tremendous amount of fruit in our lives. Let’s lean into the example of seeking the Lord. At every point in our lives, it is critical for us to seek the Lord. As the people of Owasso’s First Baptist Church, turning our face to the next seventy-five years will require us to seek the Lord today so we can be ready for all that lies ahead tomorrow. ...
Chris Wall • Revelation 3:1-6 ESV First Baptist Owasso is a church committed to community. We are living life together walking through the ups and downs of life. As we build a church living in AUTHENTIC BIBLICAL COMMUNITY, we get close enough to one another to confront, serve, and face adversity side by side. Sardis was a church that was on the verge of death because they failed to live together authentically. Let's learn from this dying church. ...
A story is told of a man who was fully surrendered to God. With determined purpose, he chose a mission that would give the gospel to an empire. The cost? His life. Without regret, he followed God. He expressed his faith like this, “I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith.” For the Apostle Paul, the battle that costs everything is the victory that changes eternity. In the last few chapters of Acts, discover your mission and learn to win the Good Fight. ...
