Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
March 16, 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
A Servant King
Matthew 3:13-17
Theme for 2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ
Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season: The Real Story
FLOURISHING – Living life as God intended!
EXAMPLE – The best example of human flourishing is the Lord Jesus!
SERVICE – Jesus was completely committed to serving the Father and obeying His will.
For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.
-John 6:38
HUMILITY – Through His baptism, Jesus identified with all humanity – thus demonstrating His humility as the Son of God.
HISTORY – The Baptism of Jesus is the inauguration of the public ministry of Jesus, and it marks a significant moment in salvation history. The righteousness of God will be on display through Jesus – His life, teachings, example, death, burial, and resurrection.
Then Jesus said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
-Matthew 28:18-20
BAPTISM – Baptism is an ordinance of the church (ordained by God, communicated through Christ) to be performed by an agent of the local church. Baptism is an outward sign of an inward reality. It points the congregation and the candidate to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. It is reserved for believers only as it is a public profession of faith that ushers the believer into the regenerate church. It is not salvific nor is it necessary for salvation. However, it is a sign of obedience, humility, and discipleship.