NOVEMber 16, 2025 SERMON NOTES

Contagious: He Calls Us to be His Witnesses

Colossians 4:2-4

2 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. 3 At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— 4 that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.

I. Engage in Prayer (Col. 4:2) 
1. Deepens Our Relationship with God 
2. Changes Our Perspective 
3. Fills Us with Peace 
4. Decreases Our Anxiety
5. Equips Us for Service 

6. Positions Us for Witness  

II. Ask for Sensitivity (Col. 4:3)
1. Perseverance (Continue Steadfastly)
2. Alertness (Stay Watchful) 
3. Thankfulness (Remain Grateful) 
     i. Find a Time for Prayer
     ii. Choose a Place for Prayer
     iii. Follow a Plan for Prayer
     iv. Craft a Goal for Prayer 

III. Persevere through Hardships (Col. 4:3)
1. Sit in God's Classroom (Learn from Trials) 
2. Trust in God's Faithfulness (He Never Leaves) 
3. Overcome the Enemy's Schemes (Stand Firm in Faith) 

IV. Share with Clarity (Col. 4:4) 
1. One Another (Support Each Other) 
2. Open Doors (Seize Opportunities) 
3. Clear Speech (Make the Message Plain) 

NOVEMBER 16, 2025 STUDY GUIDE

CONTAGIOUS: HE CALLS US TO BE HIS WITNESSES

Colossians 4:2-4

It's great to be a witness. You witnessed a marriage proposal between two people in love. You observed the "Hail Mary" pass in the last seconds to win the game. You overheard a conversation that troubled you and caused you to fall to your knees in prayer. Being a witness comes with joys and sorrows. 

You can be an everyday witness to life events, and you can be a spiritual witness as Jesus commands (Acts 1:8). You need the Holy Spirit to be His witness. Your field of responsibility is the world. You must share about what you've experienced...grace, forgiveness, freedom, salvation, and deliverance. Your witness is about the person and work of Jesus Christ. 

Paul was a devoted servant and witness. Following his conversion, Paul labored and prayed for open doors to share the gospel. He faced threats, beatings, and sleepless nights to witness for the Lord. While lodging in a cold, damp, small prison cell, Paul asked God's people to pray for him. He didn't request to be released from prison; he asked for opportunities to share the gospel with conviction and clarity. Paul was a bold, contagious gospel witness. 

Take a few moments and read Colossians 4:2-4. What are the keys to being His witness? 

1. Engage in Prayer (Col. 4:2). Jesus prayed with consistency and passion. Paul was a man of prayer, too. He was humble enough to ask other people to pray for him. The enemy doesn't want you to pray. Here are two questions for you to consider: (1) What does it mean to "continue steadfastly" in prayer? (2) What are the spiritual benefits of prayer? 

2. Ask for Sensitivity (Col. 4:3). Paul was sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leadership. He asked for doors to open to share Jesus. When tempted, you need to be sensitive and discover God's way of escape (1 Cor. 10:13). A witness for Jesus needs to be sensitive. The Lord opens doors for gospel sharing. Share a time when you were sensitive to the Lord's guidance. 

3. Persevere through Hardships (Col. 4:3). Paul knew firsthand the experience of being in prison. As he asked for prayer, he didn't request to be released. Paul wanted to share the gospel with people who needed forgiveness, hope, and salvation. Are hardships woven into the story of your life? Are you asking God to use your story for His glory? What hardships are you facing currently? 

4. Share with Clarity (Col. 4:4). Paul was specific when he asked people to pray for him. He wanted to share the gospel with clarity. As you pray, what are your requests? Physical healing? Mental health counseling? Spiritual revival? Opportunities to share Jesus? God moves when His people pray. Talk and pray in your group with clarity. 

As you review the four points, what are your strengths and weaknesses? Your group is a great place to share your thoughts. You can praise and pray with one another. God's people are better together.

Here are a few final questions to discuss: 

• How do you need to grow in your prayer life? 

• How have you been sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leadership?

• Who are you praying for by name to be saved?

• How are you sharing your story with other people?

• When was the last time you shared the gospel with someone?   

You're being prayed for at FBC Clarksville. 

We'd love for you to join us in person on Sunday. It's Mission Sunday. Lunch will be served after the worship gathering in the gym. It'll be a special time to meet mission leaders and other people. Activities for kids will be available, too. 

Have a blessed weekend. 

View all of the "Contagious" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/contagious. 

OPERATION CHRISTMAS CHILD

October 5-November 16

Operation Christmas Child mission project has officially begun! You can pick up a shoebox now! There are display boxes in the church concourse near Missions Landing entrance. Packing instructions are available. The last day to return boxes will be Sunday, November 16. Remember, each child who receives a shoe box will hear the gospel. The shoebox recipients will also have the opportunity to enroll in a 12-lesson follow-up discipleship program. 

THANKSGIVING DINNER AND WORSHIP SERVICE

NOVEMBER 19 | 4:30-7:00PM | LAIDA FELLOWSHIP HALL

Join us on Wednesday, November 19th, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM in the Laida Fellowship Hall for a Thanksgiving Dinner followed by a Thanksgiving Worship Service that will begin at 6:00 PM immediately after dinner.

While reservations are suggested, they are not mandatory. However, making a reservation will help us better plan for the dinner. The cost for dinner is $10 per person, and children aged 10 years and under eat for free. Childcare will be provided for children aged 2 years and under upon request. Please RSVP by November 16th to secure your spot.

You can purchase tickets and register for childcare online at fbct.org/thanksgiving or in the Grace concourse.

CHRISTMAS DINNER AND FELLOWSHIP

DECEMBER 17 | 4:30-7:00PM | LAIDA FELLOWSHIP HALL

Join us on Wednesday, December 17 from 4:30-6:00pm in the Laida Fellowship Hall for Christmas Dinner. At 6pm Preschool, Kids, and Studets will meet in their areas, and Adults will remain in the Fellowship Hall for a time of Worship.

Reservations are suggested but not required. This will help us get a head count for dinner! Dinner will be $10 per person (kids 10 years old and under eat free).

You can purchase tickets online at fbct.org/christmasdinner or you can also call the church office at 931.245.0000 or email info@fbct.org.

FALL GROWTH GROUPS

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUPS

6:00-7:15pm  |  Cost: $10

GROWTH GROUPS

• A Jesus Shaped Life (Women’s Study): Pam Carter- Original Fellowship Hall (Mark Briggs’ Classroom)

  In this 7-session Bible study, Lisa Harper invites you to explore the depths of God's character, God's love for you, and how your relationship with Him transforms you. Ultimately, you will experience how biblically sound theology deepens your relationship with God and each other.

  Unpack rich theological concepts, like:

  • Imago Dei—what it means to be made in God's image

  • Hypostatic union—Jesus as fully God and fully human

  • Christ's Transcendence—that He is above and beyond all creation. He is holy, eternal, and sovereign.

  • Christ's Immanence—that He is present with and near to His creation.

  • Coram Deo—living every moment in the presence of God.

  • Pneumatology—the Holy Spirit, His role, and His work in our lives

  . . . and so much more!

• When God Speaks (Co-ed Study): Scott Moncrief - Room 2230

  When God Speaks by Dr. Henry Blackaby is an extensive study of the important truths concerning God's speaking to His people. God does speak to His followers. He gives clear, personal instructions that enable you to experience fully His power, presence, and love. When God Speaks will help you understand the ways God speaks and be obedient to His voice.

Learn more at fbct.org/growthgroups.

FIRST STEPS CLASS

UPCOMING CLASS: JANUARY 11, 2026, 12-2pm

LOCATION: hope BUILDING, original fellowship hall

Our First Steps class is designed for new members and guests. We invite you to join our Senior Pastor, Dr. Ronny Raines, and our ministry team for our next membership class. We'll treat you to a delicious lunch and then help you discover how God wants to use you at First Baptist Church. As you attend the class, we'll cover the following subjects:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• Meaning of church membership

• Biblical baptism

• The Lord's Supper

• The church's beliefs and vision

• Opportunities to give

• Ways to serve in the church

• Ministries at First Baptist Church 

• Meet our ministry team

• Time for Q&A

• Tour our church facilities

We hope you'll join us for our next First Steps class. You can register by filling out the online form HERE or contacting Dana in the pastor's office at 931.245.0000 or dana.abee@fbct.org.

FIRST BAPTIST MUSIC

Check out all of the First Baptist Worship Team videos from our online worship services at fbct.org/music.

THE VOICE - MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Stay up to date with all that is going with our monthly newsletter, the Voice! Visit fbct.org/voice!

MEMBERSHIP AND GIVING TOOLS

Fellowship, Worship and Discipleship are fundamental to an obedient life in Christ. First Baptist Church maintains several tools to help us stay connected, share and offer the sacrifice of praise, and grow together. Scroll to the bottom of the home page at fbct.org and click on "app" to see options for adding these tools to your phone or other device. You can use these tools to stay connected to your discipleship group, contact the church, watch past worship services and sermons, as well as support the FBC financially as the Lord directs for you and your family. There are even instructions for how to access these tools using your web browser.

Using these apps, updating your profile information to share with the church is easy. When changes occur in your family life such as a move to a new home, change in email address, etc. you can update your information to be sure that our communication with you is efficient. You can even add a picture to make it easier for your church family to put a name with a face!

Information about any groups that might be of interest to you, such as Connect Groups, teams, committees, etc will be available as well.  Group Leaders can use the tools to take attendance online and access other features.  You can contact the church through the app, read messages from group members/leaders and browse the church directory.

Check out fbct.org/app  for instructions on how to get the app and reach the membership and giving website.

LOVE the time of worship through song today? You can follow us on Spotify and listen to our playlist each week! Follow us on Spotify “First Clarksville” and sing along!