First Baptist Church Muncie Indiana

Creating Woman

Sun, 13 May 2012 13:14:38 -0400

On this Mother's Day, we turn to Genesis 2; Eve is created. We learn from this text the purpose for woman and God's design for sexuality. As we enter into this text, may we celebrate the women in our lives. Genesis 2:18–25

Longing for Eden

Sun, 06 May 2012 14:42:27 -0400

After God created the world, he crafted a place for the first humans. It was a beautiful place providing all that they needed. As we explore this environment, may we yearn to return to this place. The story of God promises that we will one day return to a similar place as God will restore all creation. Genesis 2:4–17

What Jesus Thinks of His Kingdom in Relationship to This World

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 16:01:41 -0400

Matthew 13:1-9; 24-30

Randy Gruendyke, campus pastor at Taylor University, preached on April 29. Randy has preached at first First Baptist Church Muncie several times. We welcome Randy back on this date.

The 7th Day

Sun, 22 Apr 2012 14:55:42 -0400

We discussed the first 6 days of creation in one sermon. We will dedicate an entire sermon to the seventh day of creation. What happens on this day is incredibly important and extremely relevant in our culture. Rest. God takes a break from his work and we are called to model God's action. The story of creation gives us a pattern in life that few enact in today's world. Genesis 2:1–4

In the Beginning

Sun, 15 Apr 2012 13:43:23 -0400

In the beginning . . . How did it all begin? This question is often asked by small children. We long to know the origin of the world in which we live. Scientists have attempted to explain our beginnings with theories of origin. Pagan religions have developed stories throughout the years that explain how our world came to be. We will engage Genesis 1 together to discover what the Bible says about how it all began. Genesis 1:1-25

God's Doorway

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:13:19 -0400

In our final sermon of the Psalms series, we interpret Psalm 118 in light of the resurrection of Jesus. The psalmist proclaims that God has accomplished a mighty work that opens gates. No one anticipated God using a perceived rejected stone as the foundation for salvation history. Yet this is how it all worked out. This Easter, we explore words written nearly 1000 years before the resurrection. Still these words articulately describe what happened on Easter morning.

In the Hand of God

Sun, 01 Apr 2012 22:54:39 -0400

As we enter Holy Week, we explore once again a psalm that Jesus quoted on the cross. Psalm 31 is a statement of trust in God through a dire situation. Can we, like David and Jesus, offer our lives to God? Can we place our times in His hands? Psalm 31:9-16

Repentance

Sun, 25 Mar 2012 14:40:05 -0400

The story of David and Bathsheba would qualify for a TV mini-series or blockbuster movie. We have all the elements; adultery, sex, misuse of power, lying, and murder litter the story. But the Bible records more than just the historical account. We have insight into David's heart during this period. Psalm 51 records his response to God after being confronted by Nathan. As we explore this text, we find characteristics of true repentance and true restoration. Psalm 51:1-12

A Thankful Heart

Sun, 18 Mar 2012 14:54:31 -0400

The psalmist in chapter 107 instructs the reader to thank God for his intense love and marvelous deeds. Too often, we go about our days neglecting to give God credit for who He is and what he has done. As we consider this text, we are challenged to live lives with a thankful heart. Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22

The Wonder of the Lord

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 14:19:30 -0400

As we gather for worship on March 11, we are joined by musicians from Taylor University. As we engage Psalm 19, we are reminded of the power of Creation to reveal God, the beauty of God’s Word, and the intimate interaction that the grand Creator has with you and me.

Remember and Turn

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 14:31:47 -0500

In Psalm 22, the worshiper feels that God has abandoned him. However, by the time we get to verse 23, we are instructed to offer God praise, honor, reverence. Why should we do this? What basis do we have to praise God? As we interpret this psalm, we do so through the lens of the Cross. The psalmist predicts that nations will remember and turn to God. This has happened. We are prompted to continually remember and turn as we face difficult times in our lives. Psalm 22:23-31

Your Ways, Your Paths

Sun, 26 Feb 2012 14:20:09 -0500

For thousands of years, God followers have confessed that God is worthy of their trust. As we explore these ancient words, we are challenged to do the same. As we survey Psalm 25, we are assured that God is faithful. "No one whose hope is in you will ever be put to shame" (Ps. 25:3)

Psalm 25:1-10

Impact

Sun, 19 Feb 2012 15:00:46 -0500

In our final sermon in our mission series, we are reminded that the ultimate goal of our existence is to impact our community with the love of Christ. We will explore Jesus's words in Matthew 5; we are to be salt and light in our world.

Steward

Sun, 12 Feb 2012 14:43:41 -0500

In this third sermon in our mission statement series, we consider the task of empowering one another in the faith. First Baptist Church Muncie exists to equip this body of believers to walk with Jesus. We do this by engaging Scripture, sharing our stories, praying together, prompting each other in spiritual disciplines, and discerning and using our spiritual gifts. Luke 16:1-13

Empower

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 14:42:11 -0500

Care

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 20:42:09 -0500

As we come to the second sermon in our mission statement series, we explore our calling to care for one another. We open the letter of 1 John; the elder John speaks from tremendous experience to the Christians of the first century. He calls them to the remarkable task of caring, loving one another. As we love one another we complete the work of Christ and reveal to the world God's love for them. 1 John 4

Gather

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 16:44:54 -0500

As we begin a five-week series on our mission as a church, we consider the importance of gathering. A central part of our mission is our gathering together. But, our gathering is not just a social get-together. We are called together physically, to unite our hearts and minds, and to remind ourselves of who we are and who we are called to be as the people of God.

Who is in Control?

Sun, 15 Jan 2012 14:51:36 -0500

We Three Kings

Sun, 08 Jan 2012 13:59:12 -0500

The song Twelve Days of Christmas remind us that Christmas does not happen on one day. In fact, it actually begins on Christmas Day and goes through the evening of January 5. January 6 is the celebration of Epiphany. This celebration marks the events of Matthew 2, the coming of the three kings (wise men). We will explore the story of the wise men, separating myth from reality. The Magi offer insight into Jesus' life and purpose.

Credit to Dr. Charles Cosgrove for research

Christmas Day Worship

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:50:15 -0500

As we gather on Christmas day, we contemplate the story of the Nativity. Jesus' birth was not a snow filled, hot chocolate laced occasion. It was messy, dirty, smelly. As we celebrate Christmas, we are reminded of the reality of Jesus' coming. The circumstances of Jesus' birth communicate God's intention of entering our world, he purposefully came in this manner. Join us on Christmas morning as we reflect on the Nativity. Luke 2:1-14, (15-20)

Christmas Eve Worship

Sun, 25 Dec 2011 12:45:25 -0500

As we come to the final worship celebration of the season of Advent, we light the white Christ candle. We celebrate the fact that God broke into darkness; He came as light into the world to redeem us. This shattering of darkness took the form of a child, a son. As we gather on Christmas Eve, we celebrate this child is the one who fulfills the words of Isaiah, the promises of God from ages past. Isaiah 9:2-7

God's Everlasting Covenant

Sun, 18 Dec 2011 12:44:13 -0500

We gather on December 18 to celebrate the coming of Christ through music. In this combined service, the choir will lead us in worship through the Christmas cantata entitled Heaven on Earth. We will also explore Isaiah 61:8-11. The prophet speaks of the coming Messiah as one who will seal the covenant of God with His people. This covenant is rooted in the character of God and provides a permanence that is beyond our performance. Isaiah 61:8-11

Messiah is Coming

Sun, 11 Dec 2011 13:40:18 -0500

When Jesus addressed those in his hometown for the first time, he quoted Isaiah 61. He told them that he was the fulfillment of these words. What do Isaiah's words mean? How do they describe the purpose of the Messiah? Join us as we explore 7 purposes of the Messiah. In the season of Advent, we long for God to show up. Isaiah reminds us that God gives us exactly what we need at just the right time. Isaiah 61:1-4

The Promise

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 15:12:56 -0500

In this season of Advent, we celebrate the coming of Jesus. In Isaiah 40, the prophet reminds the people that God deeply desires to rescue them. The prophet declares that God is making a highway to rescue us, we are incapable of our own rescue (we are grass), and God's promise is good news for us. Isaiah 40:1-11

The Plea of the Prophet

Sun, 27 Nov 2011 14:06:29 -0500

Advent is the season of waiting, yearning for God to show up. The Old Testament prophets lived in the tension of two truths. God is able to deliver His people. Yet, His people are in terrible shape. Are they beyond repair? Why would God respond to a people so far gone? It is in this tension that Isaiah calls for God to respond. In Isaiah 64, Isaiah pleads for God to do the impossible, to redeem His people. Isaiah 64:1-9

The Bible and Poverty: NT

Sun, 20 Nov 2011 14:20:36 -0500

As we continue our discussion on what the Bible says about poverty, we turn to the New Testament. What does the Bible say about poverty in the Gospels? in Paul's letters? in James? in Revelation? In this second part of a two-part series, we turn to the New Testament to reveal God's heart for those living in need.

The Bible and Poverty: OT

Sun, 13 Nov 2011 15:33:28 -0500

We have been talking a lot about those living in poverty in our community. But what does the Bible say about the poor? How are we to respond to those who are living in poverty in our community? In this first week, we will discuss what the Bible has to say about poverty in the Old Testament. The societal practices that God established in the Old Testament reveal the heart of God toward those who are in need.

Closing Corinthians

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 16:38:04 -0500

As we come to the final chapter in 1 Corinthians, we encounter several practical instructions for the church at Corinth. While the words may seem immaterial for us, they center us in important truths. In the final verses, the scribe hands the pen to Paul. We consider his words as we gather around the Lord's table. 1 Corinthians 16:1–24

If . . .

Sun, 30 Oct 2011 13:25:12 -0400

Have you ever watched a movie with an alternate reality? The plot usually includes the main character experiencing an alternate reality through a dream or vision. The encounter often provides new significance for life. In today's text, Paul ventures into an alternate reality where Jesus did not rise from the dead. The ramifications are huge. We will venture with him into this world with no risen Christ. Let me warn you, it is not a pretty picture. 1 Corinthians 15:12-20

Building 1 Another

Sun, 23 Oct 2011 16:16:20 -0400

Like small children watching their siblings open Christmas presents, the church at Corinth is jealous, envying, and competing. Their gatherings have turned into exhibitions of gifts. Paul challenges them to a greater goal, the building up of one another. He lifts this ideal to the center of their understanding of spiritual gifts. 1 Corinthians 14:1–40

The Main Thing

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 14:31:05 -0400

Love is an overused word in our culture today. We use it to describe everything from a particular food, to a movie, to our spouse or children. We are confused about the nature of true love. Paul describes love as the central ingredient for the church of Christ. Without it, we are nothing. With it, we are able to produce eternal results. What does true love look like? How can we live as a community of love? 1 Corinthians 13

Life Together

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 12:15:02 -0400

How do we join together as a congregation when we come from such varied backgrounds, from different generations and with different priorities, political opinions and life circumstances? In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul offers us guidance about how to celebrate our differences, affirm each person's gifts and come together to be the Body of Christ.

RE Member

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:25:46 -0400

Why do we gather for worship? Too often we come for the wrong reasons. At times, we mindlessly go through the motions; we sing, sit, stand, daydream. It is about mechanical routine. Other times, we actively engage worship for our own indulgence. We think that it is about us; we demand an emotional buzz or high. Paul cautions the church at Corinth; their gathering is to remember the work of Christ on the cross. Their dysfunction is serious; Paul calls them back to the central tenet of their gathering. 1 Corinthians 11:17-34

Living Upside Down

Sun, 07 Aug 2011 11:21:50 -0400

Paul uses a series of metaphors to instruct the church at Corinth. He describes what it means to live in the age of Jesus. In many ways, it is a complete reversal of the values of this world. As we explore Paul's words, we find this reversal particularly pertinent in our culture today. 1 Corinthians 3:1–4:21

Sexual Brokenness

Sun, 14 Aug 2011 11:21:04 -0400

As we explore Paul's words regarding sexuality, we struggle to articulate what this means. We, the church, are often seen in a "holier than you" posture of judgment and condemnation. Or we jump to the other extreme of easygoing tolerance. How might Paul's letter to the similar culture of Corinth help us understand God's design for our sexuality. 1 Corinthians 5:1–13; 6:9–20

Clinging to Rights

Sun, 21 Aug 2011 11:20:20 -0400

Paul is astonished at the way that Christians are taking other Christians to court. They have forgotten their true identity and have turned to corrupt officials for guidance. Paul suggests relinquishing their rights in order to save face with unbelievers. 1 Corinthians 6:1–8

Marriage and Divorce

Sun, 28 Aug 2011 22:11:33 -0400

Christians often develop hard lines regarding marriage and divorce. The irony is that the lines are all over the place. So how does Paul respond to the church at Corinth regarding their questions about marriage and divorce? What instructions does he give them and how do we apply his instructions to our world in 2011? 1 Corinthians 7:1–40

Hospitality

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 22:08:49 -0400

What does it mean to show hospitality? What biblical examples do we have to follow? Is it simply good etiquette, or something more? Matt will preach on why and how Christians are to show hospitality.

All for One

Sun, 11 Sep 2011 22:02:58 -0400

We are often told to “look out for number one”, if we want to win in this life. Taking care of ourselves first is an acceptable norm in our culture. Yet, Kingdom living requires the opposite approach. As Paul addresses the particular issue of eating meat sacrificed to idols, he teaches the timeless principle of considering others as we develop our convictions. 1 Corinthians 8:1–13

Whatever It Takes

Sun, 18 Sep 2011 22:02:07 -0400

As Paul’s leadership is questioned by the Corinthians, his words speak of submission, a willing forgoing of his rights. The reason: the gospel. Paul goes to great lengths in order to bring this good news to his world. In fact, he views this endeavor as a race; he is running to win. We are all contenders in this journey. Will we have the same determination to finish strong? 1 Corinthians 9:1–27

Fighting Temptation

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 21:01:42 -0400

Paul reminds the Corinthians that life did not turn out good for their spiritual forefathers. While God redeemed them in incredible ways, temptation pulled them into dangerous places. Their lives warn us that going down the same path will lead to equally destructive ends. However, Paul assures us that God will give us all we need to escape this fate. 1 Corinthians 10:1–13