December 22, 2024 IN-PERSON SERMON

Dr. Ronny Raines, Senior Pastor

JESUS: Sender 
Matthew 28:16-20

16 Now the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain to which Jesus had directed them. 17 And when they saw him they worshiped him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

What Things Never Change? 
1. The Lord (Hebrews 13:8) 
2. The Bible (1 Peter 1:24-25) 
3. The Message of Salvation (John 14:6)
4. The Mission of the Church (Matthew 28:18-20) 

I. Jesus Extends His Invitation
1. Fear
2. Comfort 
3. Success

II. Jesus Explains His Instructions 
1. Reach People
2. Encourage New Believers
3. Teach Christ-Followers

III. Jesus Ensures His Involvement
1. Remain Aware of His Presence
2. Live Under His Protection
3. Serve by His Power 

December 22, 2024 STUDY GUIDE

JESUS: Sender 
Matthew 28:16-20

Christmas is all about Jesus! He's the Savior of the world. He's a servant who washed the feet of His disciples. He's the sender of His church into all nations. 

The Great Commission of Jesus isn't optional for the church. He calls His redeemed people to make disciples of all nations. Read Matthew 28:16-20. His divine mission will be fulfilled. Read Revelation 7:9-10. How is your church involved in fulfilling the Lord's Great Commission?      

Change is happening all around you. The world is changing. Local schools are changing, Your church is changing. You're changing. Do you like or dislike change? Take a few moments and identify people or things that never change. How many items do you have on your list?   

A major theme of Christmas is obedience. Joseph obeyed the Lord's Word. Mary obeyed the Lord's call. The Shepherds obeyed the Lord's leadership. The Wise Men obeyed the Lord's guidance. Jesus obeyed His Father's will. How are you obeying the Lord this Christmas? 

As you study the Great Commission this week, what insights do you need to learn and obey? 

1. Jesus Extends His Invitation. Jesus has all authority, and He invites people to follow Him. Thinking about God's Word, in what ways does He invite people today? He calls His people to take the gospel to all nations. Take a moment and pray for missionaries who have obeyed the Lord and moved overseas. Why do you believe many people are unwilling to fulfill the Great Commission?

2. Jesus Explains His Instructions. Many parents will assemble toys this Christmas. How many of them will have extra parts and pieces left over? It's important to follow the instructions. Studying the Great Commission, what instructions did Jesus give His followers? As you identify them, discuss what they mean and why they're foundational.   

3. Jesus Ensures His Involvement. Matthew's Gospel opens with Jesus receiving the name Immanuel, which means, "God with us." His Gospel ends with a promise that He'll be with us "always to the end of the age." As you fulfill the Great Commission, you can serve under the Lord's protection and power. How does He protect you? How are you serving by His power?       

Christmas is all about Jesus. It's knowing who He is and how He works. Jesus is sending His people out of buildings to the nations. Millions of people need to hear the name and good news of Jesus.

Take a moment and briefly answer these three questions:

• How are you fulfilling the Great Commission? 

• How is your church reaching the nations with the gospel? 

• How can you and your study group pray for and encourage a missionary serving overseas? 

We hope to worship with you on Sunday. 

Merry Christmas!    

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

CHRISTMAS DINNER AND FELLOWSHIP

Wednesday, December 18 | 4:30-6:00 pm | Laida Fellowship Hall

Join us for Christmas Dinner and Fellowship on Wednesday, December 18 from 4:30-6pm. We will enjoy Dinner, a time of Christmas carols, and a wonderful time of fellowship. At 6pm we will enjoy a Christmas Service in the laid Fellowship Hall and Preschool, Kids, and Students will meet for Christmas parties. Tickets for Dinner are just $10 per person, and kids 10 and under eat FREE!

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

Tuesday, December 24 @ 5:00pm | Grace Worship Center

The warmth of Christmas will fill the room by the beautiful glow of candles held by all who attend. The sweet sound of Christmas carols will fill the air. Our hearts will be humbled as we observe the Lord's Supper and hear an uplifting message that reminds us of the greatest gift we have in Christ.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUPS

BEGIN JANUARY 8, 2025

Growth Groups kick off Wednesday, January 8, from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in Christ together!

FIRST STEPS CLASS

UPCOMING CLASS: JANUARY 12, 2025, 12-2 pm

LOCATION: Grace BUILDING, Third Floor Steeple Landing

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!