What began as a small movement in a little known Roman province grew into a worldwide, history-defining, eternity-changing group of people we call the church. This happened because the Word of God fell on good soil in the hearts of people. In 2019, the Word of God can permeate your life and this community. The question is, “Will it fall on good soil?”
Bigger than your biggest. Deeper than your darkest. Greater than your grandest. One week defines them all. You might describe what's happening in our world today as monumental. You would be right. Yet it's still not as world-defining or life-changing as what happened that one week in a small Roman province thousands of years ago. — with Chad Balthrop, Brad Aylor, Chris Wall and Keith E. Davis at First Baptist Owasso. ...
Chris Wall • 1 John 1:1-4 How many Christmas stories have you heard? There is Scrooge, It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Story, Elf, Diehard, and don’t even try to walk through the Hallmark Channel lineup. Christmas time is chalked full of incredibly creative made-up stories. However, we recognize that real life is better than fiction. So, when it comes to the real life version of Christmas, the details are more remarkable than any of the made up tales. However, when it comes to the uniqueness of the Christmas story, it is not fiction. Jesus actually entered human history in real time occupying real space. The Christmas message is not just a bunch of nice stories or an interesting legend; it is actually true. Because it is true, fellowship with God is possible. ...
Chris Wall • 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Ending 2020 with a call to remain alert seems to be an appropriate ending to an unforgettable year. This passage in I Thessalonians 5 has been written as an encouragement to the church to live in the light. In all honesty, light has been a constant theme throughout the entire Christmas season. This passage first of all points to the reality of the second coming of Christ and the inevitable end of days of grace on the earth. The world is groaning like the pains of childbirth speaking to the inevitable Day of the Lord inescapable for everyone. With this reality in view, God’s people have a clear responsibility to wake up, think, and be alert all the way to the moment of His return. ...