DECEMBER 7, 2025 SERMON NOTES

Guest Preacher: Erdie Carter, Associate Pastor

Light of the World: Fear

Luke 1:26–38 (CSB) — 26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in
Galilee called Nazareth, 27 to a virgin engaged to a man named Joseph, of the house of David.
The virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came to her and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you.” 29 But she was deeply troubled by this statement, wondering what kind of greeting this could be. 30 Then the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 Now listen: You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of his father David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and his kingdom will have no end.” 34 Mary asked the angel, “How can this be, since I have not had sexual relations with a man?” 35 The angel replied to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore, the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. 36 And consider your relative Elizabeth—even she has conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called childless. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 “See, I am the Lord’s servant,” said Mary. “May it happen to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her.

1. Fear shows up in ordinary moments (vv. 26–30)

2. Fear grows when God calls us to something we feel unready for (vv. 31–33)

3. Fear fades when we remember we’re not alone (vv. 34–37)

4. Fear loses power when we surrender (v. 38)

CHRISTMAS PARADE AND TOUR OF TREES

Saturday, December 6 @ 5:00pm | Grace Worship Concourse

During and following the Christmas parade our campus will be open to the public for warm beverages and the Tour of Trees in the Grace concourse. We will also have warm drinks and snacks available during the parade! Look for us outside on Franklin Street! For tours of the trees, please enter the Steeple entrance.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS

November 24 - December 30 | Grace Worship Concourse

Over 40 beautifully decorated spiritual Christmas trees will be on display at First Baptist throughout the Christmas season! Each tree will tell a part of the gospel story of Jesus.

SELF-GUIDED TOURS (No Tour Guide)
Monday through Thursday: 9:00am-3:30pm
Friday: 9:00am-11:00am
Sundays during worship hours 9am-noon
(no reservations required for self-guided tours)

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.

CHRISTMAS EVE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE

Wednesday, 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.

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!