Discover FBC 5y625e

6-1-2025 Isaiah 58:13-14 The sermon focuses on the concept of Sabbath as a sacred rhythm rooted in creation and a revolutionary act of resistance against a culture that values people solely by their productivity and consumption. ​ Drawing from biblical texts like Genesis, Exodus, and the teachings of Jesus, WIll Dyer emphasizes that Sabbath is not about restrictions but an invitation to rest, delight in God's presence, and one's intrinsic worth as an image-bearer of God. ​ The sermon critiques modern societal pressures to "make more bricks" and challenges listeners to trust in God's goodness by intentionally practicing Sabbath—disconnecting from work, technology, and consumerism to embrace rest, prayer, and meaningful connection with loved ones. ​ It concludes by encouraging the congregation to view Sabbath as a gift from God and a transformative practice that redefines their value beyond worldly achievements. ​

5-25-2025 The sermon reflects on the promises Jesus made to his disciples in John 14, offering hope and encouragement for both their journey and ours today. ​ It highlights four key promises: Jesus prepares a place for us in the Father's house, symbolizing redemption and belonging; He sends the Holy Spirit as a helper, teacher, and reminder of His words; He assures us we will not be left as orphans, restoring the way to life and truth lost in Eden; and He grants us divine peace that sures worldly peace. ​ Mark Hampton connects these promises to the struggles and distractions of life, likening them to a road trip where the ultimate destination is the Father's house. ​ The sermon encourages listeners to cling to these promises, find hope in the journey, and live in anticipation of being welcomed into God's eternal household. ​

5-18-2025 The message emphasizes living in the light of Jesus' teachings, particularly as graduates embark on new chapters in life. ​ It highlights the Great Commission from Matthew 28:16-20, where Jesus declares His authority over heaven and earth, calls His followers to make disciples, and assures them of His constant presence. ​ Will Dyer encourages graduates and all listeners to recognize Jesus as the most brilliant teacher, embrace His counter-cultural values of grace, humility, and sacrifice, and live as His disciples by embodying His teachings in daily life. ​ Ultimately, the message underscores the importance of worshiping Jesus with the whole of one's life, trusting in His guidance, and sharing His love with the world. ​

The sermon reflects on the story of the road to Emmaus, emphasizing the transformative power of radical hospitality and the recognition of Jesus in unexpected moments. ​ It highlights how Cleopas and another traveler, despite their grief, invited a stranger (Jesus) into their home, embodying the ancient Jewish value of welcoming strangers. ​ Through the breaking of bread, their eyes were opened, shifting from fear to joy, symbolizing new creation and life through Christ. ​ The message challenges Christians to embrace empathy, generosity, and kindness, countering the self-centeredness of modern culture. ​ It calls for a renewed perspective, urging believers to see the world through Jesus' eyes, filled with grace and possibility, and to extend radical hospitality to others. ​ The sermon concludes with a prayer for spiritual awakening and the courage to follow Jesus into a life of hope and transformation.

The message explores the story of Thomas, often labeled "doubting Thomas," to challenge the notion that doubt is the opposite of faith. ​ Instead, it argues that indifference, not doubt, is the true opposite of faith. ​ Doubt is presented as a divine invitation to deeper understanding and connection with God. ​ Using examples from scripture, including Thomas, David, Moses, and even Jesus, the speaker emphasizes that questioning and wrestling with doubt are integral to the journey of faith. ​ Jesus does not reprimand Thomas for his doubt but invites him to experience and believe, leading Thomas to proclaim Jesus as "My Lord and my God." ​ Will Dyer encourages embracing doubt as an opportunity for growth and joy, urging believers to bring their questions and struggles to God, who is big enough to meet them in their uncertainties. ​

4-28-2025 Will Dyer The sermon reflects on the post-resurrection story from John 20:19-31, emphasizing the disciples' transition from fear to joy through Jesus' presence. ​ Despite their initial fear and isolation, Jesus appears among them, offering peace and breathing new life into them through the Holy Spirit. The message highlights the distinction between being scared and living in fear, urging listeners to trust in Jesus' transformative power to overcome fear and anxiety. ​ It underscores the biblical command "Don't be afraid," repeated 365 times, and invites individuals to reflect on areas in their lives where they need Jesus to bring renewal and flourishing. ​ The sermon concludes with a call to embrace the new life offered by Christ, moving from fear to hope and living as God intended. ​

The Challenge of Acts N.T. Wright In this session, Will Dyer reflects on the significance of the resurrection as the central tenet of Christian faith, emphasizing its revolutionary implications for the church and creation. ​ They provide a detailed overview of Acts chapters 25-28, highlighting Paul's trials before Festus and Agrippa, his journey to Rome, and his unwavering commitment to spreading the gospel despite challenges. Key themes include the resurrection's transformative power, the call for large-scale reconciliation, the inevitability of opposition when advancing the gospel, and the innocence and worthiness of the gospel message. Will Dyer concludes by underscoring that the story of Acts is not about Paul but about Jesus' continued work through the gospel, challenging listeners to prioritize faithfulness to the gospel over personal achievements. ​ The session ends with a prayer for strength, trust in God's guidance, and gratitude for Jesus' resurrection.

Luke 24:1-12 The sermon emphasizes the central message of Easter: the resurrection of Jesus Christ and its transformative power. ​ It challenges cultural distractions that dilute the significance of Easter, such as focusing on traditions like egg hunts or family meals, and instead calls attention to the profound truth that Jesus' resurrection signifies victory over death, hope, and new life. ​ Will Dyer highlights that Easter is not merely about individual salvation or escaping this world but about God's restoration and renewal of creation, starting here and now. ​ Through the resurrection, Jesus is affirmed as the King, offering joy, purpose, and grace. The sermon invites listeners to reflect on where they seek life and challenges them to embrace the resurrection as an objective reality that changes the world and their lives. ​

4-13-2025 Philip Hedgecoth The sermon reflects on the story of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, emphasizing the contrast between his humble arrival on a donkey and the Roman governor's intimidating procession with soldiers. It explores the hope and courage of the crowd proclaiming Jesus as the Messiah, despite the risks of opposition from religious and political powers. ​ Jesus' mission is portrayed as one of love, justice, and comion, challenging oppressive systems without violence. The narrative connects this to modern struggles for justice, such as the civil rights movement, and calls readers to embody Jesus' humility and love in facing today's challenges. It concludes by highlighting Jesus' ultimate sacrifice on the cross and the transformative power of God's love, urging followers to proclaim his name and his mission of peace and restoration.

4-6-2025Will DyerThe message reflects on the story of Mary and Judas from John 12:1-8, contrasting their actions and motivations. ​ Mary is portrayed as a model of devotion, risking social norms and personal cost to worship Jesus by anointing his feet with expensive perfume and wiping them with her hair, symbolizing her deep love and commitment. ​ In contrast, Judas is depicted as a tragic figure who followed Jesus for selfish reasons, initially hoping for a violent revolution and later for personal gain. ​ The message challenges readers to examine their own motivations for following Jesus, emphasizing that true faith is not about personal benefit but about being in the presence of Jesus and aligning with his teachings. ​ The goal of faith, as exemplified by Mary, is to wholeheartedly seek Jesus for who he is, not for what one might gain. ​

April 2 2025 The discussion focused on the latter chapters of the Book of Acts, highlighting Paul’s journey to Jerusalem despite repeated warnings of persecution. ​ Paul’s unwavering commitment to the gospel, even at great personal cost, was emphasized as a model of faithfulness. Will Dyer contrasted modern Western Christianity’s focus on prosperity with Paul’s willingness to suffer for his mission. Key themes included the challenges of proclaiming the gospel in a changing cultural landscape, the importance of embracing God’s timing, and the need for churches to avoid inward-focused preservation and instead boldly embrace God’s movement. The session also touched on Paul’s interactions with Jewish and Roman authorities, his imprisonment in Caesarea, and his proclamation of the resurrection as the foundation of Christian hope. Will Dyer encouraged the audience to reflect on their own faithfulness and ion for the gospel.

3-30-2025 Will Dyer The message is reflecting on the parable of the prodigal son from Luke 15:11-32. ​ It emphasizes the themes of grace, forgiveness, and the unconditional love of God. ​ Will Dyer. discusses how both the younger and older sons represent different aspects of human nature and our relationship with God. ​ The younger son symbolizes those who stray and return, while the older son represents those who follow rules but struggle with accepting grace for others. ​ The sermon challenges listeners to consider their own attitudes and encourages them to embrace the inclusive love and celebration that God offers to all, regardless of their past. ​ The message concludes with an invitation to communion, highlighting the importance of recognizing God's love and grace in our lives. ​

3-26-2025 The study discusses Acts chapter seventeen verses sixteen through thirty-four, focusing on Paul's speech in Athens before the Areopagus. ​ Will Dyer explains that Paul's speech was not merely a philosophical conversation but a legal defense against the accusation of introducing foreign divinities, which could lead to his execution. ​ Paul uses the altar to the unknown God to argue that he is not introducing new gods but explaining the true nature of the God they already acknowledge in ignorance. ​ The discussion highlights the pervasive idolatry in ancient Athens and draws parallels to modern-day idolatry, such as the worship of money, sexuality, and power. Will Dyer emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the idols in our own lives and understanding the nearness of God and His promise to restore the world through Jesus' resurrection.

March 23, 2025 Will Dyer The message focuses on the concept of repentance as central to the teachings of Jesus. Will Dyer reflects on the historical context of Luke 13:1-9, where Jesus calls for repentance in response to the violent actions of Pilate against Galileans. ​ The sermon emphasizes that repentance is not merely about confessing sins for the afterlife but involves a profound change in mindset and direction in one's current life. ​ Will Dyer critiques the modern tendency to view God as a cosmic therapist catering to personal desires, urging the congregation to realign their priorities and ask what God wants from them rather than what they want from God. ​ The call to repentance is presented as an invitation to embody the true gospel of Jesus, live into the fullness of God's creation, and become the people God intends them to be. ​

3-16-2025 Will Dyer The message reflects on the second week of Lent, focusing on Jesus' journey to the cross and the significance of his ministry. ​ It discusses a age from Luke 13:31-35, where Jesus is warned by Pharisees that Herod wants to kill him. ​ Jesus responds by calling Herod a "fox," indicating a fake or fraud, and asserts his commitment to continue his work. ​ The message delves into the historical context of Herod Antipas, his background, and his role as a puppet ruler of Rome. ​ It highlights the revolutionary nature of Jesus' ministry, which challenged the status quo and offered an alternative way of living. ​ Will Dyer emphasizes the importance of recognizing Jesus' kingdom, which is not from this world but is for this world, and encourages readers to reflect during Lent on their own lives and choices, urging them to follow Jesus' path to abundant life. ​

3-12-2025 Will Dyer The Challenge of Acts by N.T. Wright The meeting focused on discussing Acts 17 through 20, highlighting the theological and political issues raised by Paul's central message. ​ The discussion emphasized the tension between Paul's proclamation of Jesus as the true king, which challenged the authority of Caesar, and the resulting opposition and riots. ​ The group examined Paul's experiences in Thessalonica, Corinth, and Ephesus, noting how his teachings stirred controversy among Jews and Romans. ​ In Thessalonica, Paul faced charges of declaring another king, Jesus, which threatened the Roman order. ​ In Corinth, Paul was accused of teaching illegal worship practices, but the Roman governor Gallio dismissed the charges, granting Christians a religious exemption. This led to complacency among the Corinthian church. ​ The discussion concluded with reflections on the implications of these historical contexts for contemporary Christian practice, particularly the need to balance political engagement with ultimate allegiance to Jesus.

3-9-2025 Will Dyer The sermon discusses the temptations Jesus faced in the wilderness, emphasizing that these temptations—appetite, attention, and ambition—are similar to those we encounter in our lives. ​ The primary temptation for Jesus was to doubt his identity as God's son, a challenge that resonates with us today. ​ Will Dyer stresses the importance of knowing our identity as children of God, which is rooted not in our actions but in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ. ​ By understanding and embracing this identity, we can resist the temptations of Satan and live well. ​ The sermon calls for introspection and a reaffirmation of our identity in Christ, urging listeners to that they are beloved children of God. ​

2-26-2024 Will Dyer The Challenge of Acts by N.T. Wright The discussion focuses on Acts chapters 13 through 16, particularly the persecution of Paul and the early church, rooted in historical and sociopolitical contexts. ​ Will Dyer highlights a significant shift in religious trends in America, noting a recent Pew Research study showing a halt in the decline of religious faith, with a slight uptick among late millennials. ​ Will Dyer explains Paul's mission, emphasizing that his teachings about Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel led to conflicts with both Jewish and Roman authorities. ​ The cultural framework of the first century, where Jews had a religious exemption from sacrificing to Roman gods, is crucial to understanding the hostility Paul faced. The Jerusalem conference in Acts 15 is highlighted as a pivotal moment, officially welcoming Gentiles into the Christian faith without requiring them to follow Jewish law, thus expanding the church's inclusivity.

2-23-2025 Matthew 15:29-39 Will Dyer The sermon emphasizes the concept of God's abundant generosity, contrasting it with the common human mindset of scarcity. ​ Using the story from Matthew 15, where Jesus feeds 4,000 people with seven loaves and a few fish, Will Dyer illustrates how Jesus views the world as filled with God's limitless grace and resources. ​ The disciples, despite witnessing Jesus' miracles, still default to a scarcity mindset, suggesting to send the crowd away. ​ The sermon challenges listeners to adopt Jesus' perspective of abundance, both in their personal lives and as a community, and to trust in God's provision. ​ The message concludes with an invitation to partake in communion, symbolizing the abundant generosity of God. ​

2-19-2025 Will Dyer The Challenge Of Acts By N.T Wright The meeting transcript discusses a study session on Acts chapters 9 through 12, highlighting key events and themes. ​ ​ The discussion of Saul (Paul) on the road to Damascus, emphasizing that Paul's experience was not a conversion from Judaism to Christianity but a redefinition of God's people around Jesus. ​ Will Dyer also touches on the importance of suffering in the Christian faith, the role of Ananias in Paul's story, and the growth of the early church despite persecution. ​ Additionally, Peter's vision and encounter with Cornelius are discussed, illustrating the breaking of traditional Jewish boundaries and the inclusion of Gentiles in the Christian community. ​ The session concludes with reflections on the church's mission to embody renewed humanity and the importance of obeying God over societal pressures.