AUGUST 9, 2026 SERMON NOTES

Dr. Ronny Raines, Senior Pastor

Acts: Be Clear About What You Believe

Acts 24:14-21

14 But this I confess to you, that according to the Way, which they call a sect, I worship the God of our fathers, believing everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets, 15 having a hope in God, which these men themselves accept, that there will be a resurrection of both the just and the unjust. 16 So I always take pains to have a clear conscience toward both God and man. 17 Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings. 18 While I was doing this, they found me purified in the temple, without any crowd or tumult. But some Jews from Asia— 19 they ought to be here before you and to make an accusation, should they have anything against me. 20 Or else let these men themselves say what wrongdoing they found when I stood before the council, 21 other than this one thing that I cried out while standing among them: ‘It is with respect to the resurrection of the dead that I am on trial before you this day.’”

I. God is Worthy to be Worshipped (Acts 24:10-14)
1. Biblical Worship is United 
2. Biblical Worship is Unstoppable 

II. Jesus is Faithful to be Followed (Acts 24:14-16)
1. Following Jesus Requires Devotion 
2. Following Jesus Brings Direction 

III. Scripture is Powerful to be Proclaimed (Acts 24:14)
1. The Bible is Alive
2. The Bible is Accurate
3. The Bible is Active 
     i. Calls
     ii. Convicts
     iii. Comforts
     iv. Changes 

IV. Giving is Supposed to be Sacrificial (Acts 24:17-21)
1. Biblical Giving is Courageous
2. Biblical Giving is Consistent
3. Biblical Giving is Cheerful 

AUGUST 9, 2026 STUDY GUIDE

Acts: Be Clear About What You Believe

Acts 24:14-21

"How do you drive from Clarksville to Chattanooga? If you take the new job, what's expected of you in the first two weeks? If you make the real estate transaction, what's required of you as the seller and the other person as the buyer?" You need directions, expectations, and requirements to be clear.

In the Christian life, it's imperative to be clear about what you believe. What do you believe about the following subjects?

- The way of salvation

- The person of Jesus

- The truth of the Bible 

- The second coming of Christ

- The purpose of the church   

Take a few minutes and read Acts 24 together. Paul was clear about what he believed. He was a worshipper; he followed Jesus; he believed in God's Word; and he was a generous, sacrificial giver.  

Today's culture is confusing in many ways. Absolute truths are rare. God's people need to be clear about what they believe and able to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). 

Even while standing trial before Governor Felix, Paul gave a clear defense of his faith. What exactly did he believe in Acts 24?

1. God is Worthy to be Worshipped (Acts 24:10-14). Paul talked about going to Jerusalem. He confessed, "To worship the God of our fathers." Is your personal and corporate worship pleasing to God? Biblical worship unites God's people and is unstoppable around the world. Imagine this: in Heaven, worship is happening at this present moment. The Lord is worthy of praise and worship. 

2. Jesus is Faithful to be Followed (Acts 24:14-16). Paul was a disciple; he was a servant of the Lord Jesus. Paul was a devoted follower of Jesus. Jesus will always be faithful to you. He'll never break a promise, and He'll never abandon or forsake you. How are you following Jesus? As you follow Jesus, He'll lead you to sit at His feet, to serve as His witness, or to forgive your enemies.

3. Scripture is Powerful to be Proclaimed (Acts 24:14). Paul proclaimed that he believed everything laid down by the Law and written in the Prophets. He even shared about the hope and truth of the resurrection. How are you proclaiming God's Word? As you read and study the Bible, you'll experience the sacred Scriptures as being alive, accurate, and active. God's Word is powerful. 

4. Giving is Supposed to be Sacrificial (Acts 24:17-21). Paul was a giver (Acts 24:17). He gave his life, resources, and time to testify about the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "It's more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). Is giving to your local church easy or hard for you? God wants you to be a courageous, consistent, and cheerful giver. You'll never outgive the Lord.            

Before discussing the following questions, are there any other insights from Acts 24 that the Holy Spirit wants you to share? 

Here are four discussion questions for you and your group:   

1. How does your worship participation testify that God is worthy? 

2. Can you share a witness about the faithfulness of Jesus in your life, marriage, family, or career? 

3. How is your time in God's Word deepening and discipling your walk with Jesus? 

4. Is your giving of time and resources faithful and obedient to God's Word? 

It's always inspiring to pray for one another. Here are several prayer prompts for you and your group this week: 

• Worship: Give Jesus your best and be consistent and faithful.

• Follow: Trust Jesus and follow His leadership at all times. 

• Read: Spend time in God's Word because you love the Lord and are hungry for His truth.

• Give: Depend on the Lord and be a cheerful, generous, and sacrificial giver.

FBC Clarksville is grateful for you. Please let us know how we can pray for you. 

As a reminder, the church's vision is to worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples. Thank you for engaging with us in Bible study and worship. 

Grace and Peace!  

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

Backpacks for
Norman Smith Elementary School

Help us bless students in need as they begin a new school year! Our church is filling 50 backpacks for children at Norman Smith Elementary School. The backpacks have already been provided—we just need your help filling them with school supplies.

Supplies needed:
No. 2 pencils, dry-erase markers, glue sticks, Crayola crayons, colored pencils, composition notebooks, wide-rule loose-leaf paper, tissues, and baby wipes.

Please place donations in the collection bins located in the Sanctuary Concourse or on the Missions Landing by Sunday, August 9. Our Student Ministry will stuff the backpacks on Wednesday, August 12.

Questions? Contact rick.thompson@fbct.org or visit fbct.org/backpacks.

Thank you for helping our local students start the school year prepared and encouraged!

NEW GROWTH GROUPS - AUGUST 12

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.

Going Beyond:
Women’s Virtual Event with Priscilla Shirer

Ladies, join us on Saturday, August 29, 2026, from 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m. for a one-day virtual event designed to help you seek and experience Jesus in a powerful, personal way.

Together, we will hear Scripture-based teaching from Priscilla Shirer, be encouraged to walk boldly in faith, participate in intentional moments of prayer, and enjoy meaningful worship led by Anthony Evans.

Whether you come feeling spiritually dry or full of expectation, this event offers space to rest, reconnect, enjoy fellowship with other women, and be reminded of the truth and power of God’s Word.

Cost: $20 per person
Doors open at 8:30 a.m.
A Chick-fil-A Box Lunch will be provided.

Childcare is available for children in 3rd grade and younger with registration by Wednesday, August 26, 2026.

Register today at fbct.org/goingbeyond!

FIRST STEPS CLASS

UPCOMING CLASS: Wednesday, September 9, 2026

DINNER: 5:00-5:45PM Grace BUILDING, 3rd Floor Steeple Landing

CLASS: 5:45PM 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!