Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

March 23, 2025 

Flourishing Together 

First Baptist Arlington 

2025 – 2030 

2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ 

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew) 

LENTEN EASTER 2025: The Real Story 

Gospel of Matthew 

March 5 (Ash Wednesday) – April 26, 2025 

Heavenly Construction Instructions 

Matthew 7:24-29 

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season: The Real Story 

Matthew records 5 major sermons from Jesus: 

• Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) 
• Commissioning of the Disciples (Matthew 10) 
• Parables of Salt and Light (Matthew 13) 
• Community of Faith (Matthew 18) 
• Olivet Sermon – Eschatology (Matthew 24-25) 

Matthew presents Jesus of Nazareth as the King who has come to establish the Kingdom of Heaven (God) on earth. He is the Messiah (Christ), Savior, Son of Abraham, Son of David, Son of Man, and Son of God. He has come to redeem and restore all that is broken in creation. He was born a King and He will return as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! 

What is Jesus really after regarding your life? 

Jesus Christ desires to absolutely, completely, and holistically redeem every part of you, transform you by the power of the Holy Spirit at work within you and through His redeemed community, to conform you to His image. 

AUTHORITY: Does Jesus have the authority to demand such a complete transformation of human beings?

When Jesus concluded his address, the crowd burst into applause. They had never heard teaching like this. It was apparent that he was living everything he was saying—quite a contrast to their religion teachers! This was the best teaching they had ever heard. 

-Matthew 7:28-29 (The Message) 

MEANS: How can Jesus accomplish such a transformation in a person’s life? 

WILLINGNESS: How willing are you to partner with Jesus to experience all He would like to accomplish in you? 

Jesus Christ desires to absolutely, completely, and holistically redeem every part of you, transform you by the power of the Holy Spirit at work within you and through His redeemed community, to conform you to His image.