JUNE 28, 2026 SERMON NOTES

Dr. Ronny Raines, Senior Pastor

Acts: Let the Will of the Lord Be Done

Acts 21:10-14
10 While we were staying for many days, a prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And coming to us, he took Paul's belt and bound his own feet and hands and said, “Thus says the Holy Spirit, ‘This is how the Jews at Jerusalem will bind the man who owns this belt and deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 When we heard this, we and the people there urged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be imprisoned but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And since he would not be persuaded, we ceased and said, “Let the will of the Lord be done.”

Matthew 6:9-13 - "Our Father which art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen”

I. You Need God's Word (Acts 21:1-9)

Romans 12:1-2 - "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." 

1. Exposure
2. Endurance
3. Evaluation    

II. You Need God's Courage (Acts 21:10-16) 
1. People's Advice
2. God's Assignment 

III. You Need God's People (Acts 21:17-26)
1. Physical
2. Relational
3. Financial
4. Mental
5. Spiritual  

JUNE 28, 2026 STUDY GUIDE

ACTS: LET THE WILL OF THE LORD BE DONE

Acts 21:10-14

Can you state in a few sentences what the will of the Lord is for your life? Take a few minutes to discuss. It's a complex and highly relevant question. 

Open this week's group time by reading Acts 21 now. You'll read the phrase, "Let the will of the Lord be done." The will of the Lord isn't always comfortable or convenient. In many ways, knowing and doing His will is costly. 

Take a few moments and discuss these two questions:

• How has the Lord revealed His will to you?

• What is it costing you to follow His lead in life?         

Mary, the mother of Jesus, surrendered to doing God's will (Luke 1:38). She was a servant. You know that Mary's obedience cost her tremendously. Jesus, in the Garden of Gethsemane, prayed for the Father's will to be done (Matthew 26:39). The Father's will meant pain, rejection, humiliation, and crucifixion. What great examples of knowing and doing God's will!  

As you dive into Acts 21, the following three biblical principles are related to God's will.    

1. You Need God's Word (Acts 21:1-9). A necessity in the Christian life is listening to God. Do you know how to hear His voice? Paul's life and decisions were saturated with God's Word. He heard people speaking through the Spirit, and he listened as Philip's daughters prophesied. How does God speak today? How is God's Word shaping your life and decisions? 

2. You Need God's Courage (Acts 21:10-16). A priority in the Christian life is having a courageous spirit. God told Joshua to be strong and courageous (Joshua 1:9). Paul knew that obedience would demand pain and possible death. He was ready to face both. How has God equipped you with a courageous spirit? If God's will meant pain or possible death, how would you respond? 

3. You Need God's People (Acts 21:17-26). A blessing in the Christian life is relating to God's people. Paul refused to live and serve alone. He needed God's people. Paul knew how to communicate God's activity and his needs with the Lord's people. The Bible is clear that the church isn't optional (Hebrews 10:25). How are you involved in a local church? How are you blessed by God's people? 

Take a few minutes now and read the following Bible verses. What do these Bible verses teach about redemptive and moral God's will? How do you practice these verses in your life?                   

• Personal Salvation: 

2 Peter 3:9 - "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."  

• Sexual Purity:

1 Thessalonians 4:3 - "For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that you abstain from sexual immorality."    

• Godly Living: 

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."   

As you wrap up this week's discussion, take the time now to pray together and for one another. 

• Wisdom: To know God's will.

• Obedience: To do God's will.

• Rejoice: To complete God's will.    

Thank you for studying God's Word this week. You're always welcome to join us in person or online at FBC Clarksville. God is working in His church. The church is about worshipping God, loving people, sharing Jesus, and making disciples.

We hope to see you this weekend. 

Grace and Peace!   

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

LEGACY VBS

July 27-29 | 9:00-11:40am | fbct.org/legacyvbs

Are you 55 or older and seeking a wonderful way to connect, learn, and have a blast? We invite you to our FREE Legacy Adult Vacation Bible School!

Get ready for three days packed with joy and inspiration! Dive deep into Bible study each day that will enrich your spirit, participate in engaging breakout sessions where you can share and grow together, and savor delicious snacks that will keep you energized. But most importantly, come and enjoy fellowship and fun with a community of amazing people just like you! This is a golden opportunity to strengthen your faith, create lasting memories, and forge new friendships in a warm, welcoming environment. Don't miss out on being part of this incredible journey.

Theme: Heaven 

SCHEDULE

• 9:00–9:05 AM: Welcome & Hymn 

• 9:05–9:55 AM: Bible Study on Heaven – James Sanders (50 min)

• 9:55–10:05 AM: Break 

• 10:05–10:45 AM: Breakout #1 (40 min) 

• 10:45–10:50 AM: Switch Rooms (5 min) 

• 10:50–11:30 AM: Breakout #2 (40 min) 

• 11:30–11:40 AM: Wrap-Up & Dismiss (10 min) 

MONDAY BREAKOUTS 

• Pat Van Dyke singing Old Hymns

• Bible Trivia Game

TUESDAY BREAKOUTS 

• Breakout #1: Connie Burchett - Move Well, Staying Strong & Mobile

• Breakout #2: Pam Carter - Live Well, Staying Mentally Strong 

WEDNESDAY BREAKOUTS 

• Breakout #1: Pastor Ronny - "Heart-to-Heart with Pastor Ronny”

• Breakout #2: Bro. Erdie - Understanding the Bible Translations, which ones to use.

Connect Group Leader Training

August 2 | 3:00–5:00 PM

Every Sunday, God places opportunities around us that extend far beyond the walls of our classroom. Join us on Sunday, August 2, from 3:00–5:00 PM for our Connect Group Leader Training, "Seeing Beyond Sunday Morning." Together, we will explore practical ways to identify and engage the people God has placed within our reach, strengthen connections with those already in our groups, and develop a greater vision for ministry beyond weekly attendance. Whether you are a seasoned leader or new to leading a Connect Group, this training will equip and encourage you to move from simply teaching a class to intentionally reaching people. Come ready to be challenged, inspired, and equipped to make a greater impact for the Kingdom. Childcare registration is required. Childcare registration closes on Thursday, July 30. Regsiter at fbct.org/training or scan the QR Code.

GROWTH GROUPS

NEW Growth Groups are available, and we’d love for you to get connected! Check out all of the new 2026 Growth Groups and sign up today at fbct.org/growthgroups.

FIRST STEPS CLASS

UPCOMING CLASS: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

DINNER: 4:30-5:40PM FELLOWSHIP HALL

CLASS: 6:00PM Grace BUILDING, 3rd 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 meal in the Laida Fellowship Hall, 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 at fbct.org/firststeps or by 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!