JANUARY 19, 2025 IN-PERSON SERMON

Dr. Ronny Raines, Senior Pastor

Lessons from the Psalms: He Loves Us! 
Psalm 136:23-26

23 It is he who remembered us in our low estate, for his steadfast love endures forever; 24 and rescued us from our foes, for his steadfast love endures forever; 25 he who gives food to all flesh, for his steadfast love endures forever. 26 Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever.

John 3:16 - For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Romans 5:8 - But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 

1 John 4:8, 16 - He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God in him.  

Ephesians 2:4-5 - But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved). 

I. Because God Loves Us, Let's Taste His Goodness (Psalm 136:23)
1. Our Need for Christ
2. Our Redemption in Christ

II. Because God Loves Us, Let's Trust His Grace (Psalm 136:24)
1. God Allows Opposition
2. God Still Rescues

III. Because God Loves Us, Let's Treasure His Generosity (Psalm 136:25-26) 
1. God Meets Needs
2. Let's Offer Thanks

JANUARY 19, 2025 STUDY GUIDE

Lessons from the Psalms: He Loves Us! 
Psalm 136:23-26

As you begin your study this week, take a few moments and read the following Bible verses: John 3:16, Romans 5:8, 1 John 4:8, 16, and Ephesians 2:4-5.   

Can one sermon change your life? This week's message is personal and profound. God loves you! Do you believe that statement? Why is it hard for many people to accept that God loves them? How have you experienced God's love this past week? Allow time for group members to share their answers and stories. 

Where would your life be today apart from God's love? The Psalmist was clear in Psalm 136 that God's steadfast love endures forever. God's love is personal, sacrificial, and unconditional. 

1. Because God Loves Us, Let's Taste His Goodness (Psalm 136:23). Why do we observe the Lord's Supper several times a year? That act of obedience allows us to remember the Lord's love and sacrifice for us. When we were dead in our trespasses, God loved us (Ephesians 2:4-5). Share a time when you experienced a profound sense of God's presence and love. 

2. Because God Loves Us, Let's Trust His Grace (Psalm 136:24). How do you handle criticism and opposition? We have an enemy, and his goal is to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). In your group, take a moment and sing or read the words to the great hymn, "Amazing Grace." Why is His grace still amazing? As you rejoice, remember His grace saves, equips, and sustains. 

3. Because God Loves Us, Let's Treasure His Generosity (Psalm 136:25-26). What do you treasure in your life? Antiques? Relationships? Traditions? Let's treasure God's love and generosity. He provides for our needs, not wants (Philippians 4:19). When was the last time you thanked God for His generosity? In your group, praise and thank the Lord for the many ways He has blessed you. 

As you conclude this week's study, here are three questions to discuss: 

1. How do you apply the truth of "God's steadfast love" to your life, marriage, family, or church?

2. Why do many people feel unworthy of the personal, sacrificial, and unconditional love of God?

3. How are you sharing the truth about God's love with other people? 

We hope you'll worship with us this week. Can one sermon make a difference in your life? By the power of the gospel and the Holy Spirit, the correct answer is yes. We're praying for you this week. 

May the Lord show us His glory this weekend!

Blessings!  

View all of the "Lessons from the Psalms" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/psalms.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUPS

Check out our Midweek Growth Groups on Wednesdays from 6:00-7:15pm. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in Christ together!

THE FORGE MOVIE NIGHT

February 16 | 4-6 pm | Laida Fellowship Hall

Join us on Sunday, February 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Laida Fellowship Hall to watch “The Forge.” This will be a great night for families of all ages. Popcorn will be served, and there is no cost for this event!

MARRIAGE MATTERS MARRIAGE CONFERENCE

March 30 | 4-6 pm | Laida Fellowship Hall

Join us on Sunday evening, March 30, from 4-6 pm in the Laida Fellowship Hall for our “Marriage Matters” Marriage Conference, where we will welcome our Guest Speaker, Bob Russell.

SCHEDULE:
3:00 - 4:00 pm: Session 1
4:00 - 4:15 pm: Cookie and Coffee Break
4:15 - 5:00 pm: Session 2

LOCATION: Fellowship Hall

CHILDCARE: Provided upon reservation

COST: Free (reservation for event not required)

FIRST STEPS CLASS

UPCOMING CLASS: April 6, 2025, 12-2 pm

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!