MAY 18, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
First Baptist Church: Where Have We Been?
Joshua 4:19-24
Do you know anything that is 194 years old? People? Animals? Institutions? Trees? Buildings? The United States of America is that old. First Baptist Church (FBC) is that old, too. God's protective hand has been on FBC. The church's deep, long, and vibrant history is about God's plan and glory (1 Corinthians 10:31).
In Joshua 4, God led His people to find and erect stones. Remembrance is a foundational expectation from God. His people observe the Lord's Supper as a way to remember the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. God doesn't want His redeemed people to forget His divine activity.
1. Stones: Gather Them. Joshua asked twelve leaders to pick up and carry twelve stones. Every tribal leader was expected to contribute and participate. How are you praying for your pastor, staff team, and church leaders? How are you participating in the work of God?
2. Stones: Place Them. Joshua gave details about placing the stones in a visible place. The work of God isn't always secretive. He wants people to see His power and glory. What reminders do you see that testify to God's activity? What do you need to display that reminds you and other people about the Lord?
3. Stones: Discuss Them. Joshua challenged people to be ready to tell God stories. When people asked about the stones, they were to share about God's grace and power. How are you sharing faith stories with your kids and grandkids? What are the spiritual consequences when God's people are silent?
As you think about FBC (or your church), what stones do you need to gather, place, and discuss?
Now, let's consider twelve specific stones that represent God's activity at FBC over the years:
1. Vision Statement. Can you state the church's vision statement? If so, praise the Lord. If not, here it is. First Baptist Church exists to worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples. That statement is biblical and memorable. How is FBC fulfilling that vision statement?
2. Church Growth. Growth is measured in two ways: spiritual and numerical. Growth is happening at FBC. New groups are starting. Unity is evident. FBC is a multi-generational church. The Lord is changing lives. FBC is experiencing more people on Sundays and Wednesdays. How are you growing in the faith?
3. Mission Involvement. God is using FBC to expand His kingdom around the world. The church's mission strategy is to pray, give, go, send, and educate. FBC has given millions of dollars to the Cooperative Program, special offerings, and other mission-related causes and partnerships. How are you on mission?
4. Church Partnerships. God is using FBC to plant, replant, and revitalize many churches. Kirkwood Church was a replant. FBC has planted other local churches over the years. FBC is currently helping revitalize Trinty Baptist Church. Will you stop and pray for these churches and partnerships?
5. One Day. October 24, 2021, is a historic date for FBC. A vision was cast to eliminate the church's indebtedness in one day. It was a big ask. Everyone, no matter the size of the gift, was able to participate. A special offering was received that day, and the debt was eliminated. Do you remember that morning?
6. Faith Buildings. What would FBC do with the Faith Buildings? Refurbishing the buildings would require millions of dollars. On a Sunday in October 2023, the church voted by 96% to tear down the chapel and education building. That happened on August 19, 2024. Did you watch the buildings being removed?
7. Former Pastors. God has blessed FBC since 1831 with godly, visionary pastors. These men have led FBC through many valleys and mountaintops. You've loved and prayed for them. God called and used many staff members over the years, too. Have you looked at the historical wall in the concourse?
8. Leadership Development. FBC has a reputation for raising up and sending out pastors, missionaries, and ministry leaders. God has used FBC to call out the called. Can you name individuals who are in ministry today because of the development and opportunities that FBC offers?
9. God's Protection. You don't have a 194 history as a church without God's protection. God's hand has been on FBC through tornadoes, economic downturns, and the enemy's attacks. How have you seen God protect His church? Would you pause now and thank God for His protection?
10. Digital Platforms. Covid changed FBC. That season of life required FBC to offer Bible studies and worship services online. God gifted many individuals to make that happen. As a result, thousands of people from around the world watch FBC every week. How have the digital platforms blessed you?
11. Church Facilities. FBC has a large campus. The church has the Grace, Hope, and Faith Buildings. Hundreds of events happen on the campus every month. The church is blessed with dedicated individuals to clean, maintain, and manage the facilities. What memories do you have of the facilities?
12. God's Glory. The past, present, and future of FBC will always be about God's glory. The Lord's used many individuals over the years and generations. However, all the glory has gone to the Lord. How is the Lord being glorified at FBC currently? Will you stop and praise the Lord now?
Take a few minutes and discuss the final three questions:
1. Looking at the twelve stones of FBC's history, which one resonates most with you and why?
2. In what specific way can you better participate in the "gather them" aspect of FBC, whether through prayer or action?
3. Think about the idea of "discuss them." What's one story of God's activity in FBC that you could share with someone this week?
You're being prayed for this week. We hope you'll join us for Bible study and worship this weekend.
View all of the "First Baptist Church" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fbc.
MAY 25, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
First Baptist Church: Where Are We Now?
Acts 2:42-47
Pastors are asked many different types of questions. For example, people ask, "Can you help me know God's will for my life? As a pastor, do you like living in Clarksville, and what do you do all week? Who controls the thermostat in the worship center?" That last question is asked a lot.
First Baptist Church is an active, large, and historic faith fellowship. As you look backward, you see the fingerprints of God on His church. Take a few moments in your study group and prayerfully read Acts 2:42-47. After reading God's Word, discuss the following four questions:
1. What encourages and convicts you about the early church?
2. Do you see any resemblance of today's church to the early church?
3. What should FBC be doing now based on this biblical text?
4. How are you praying for FBC?
What is God doing in FBC currently?
1. How is God Moving at First Baptist Church? The early church was growing spiritually, numerically, and relationally. The Spirit of the Lord was at work. God's people were in the Word, they shared life together, they remembered the Lord's sacrifice, and they prayed as it mattered. What do you see God doing currently at FBC? Take time to discuss and pray about the following questions:
Is God's Word being preached and taught?
Is the church praying as God commands?
Is the Lord the heart of worship?
Is the church family united?
Are God's people generous with one another and in the community?
Do church members take care of one another in all seasons of life?
Is the church seeing people saved and baptized?
2. What Areas Need Attention at First Baptist Church? The early church was amazing. The Lord was at work, and His glory was on display. The early church was healthy and vibrant. As with any church, issues in the fellowship needed to be addressed and solved. What areas need attention at FBC? Take a few moments and answer the following questions:
Is God pleased with people's attendance?
Why is it hard to enlist workers for ministry?
Is the church seeing people saved and baptized?
What facility improvements need to be made?
3. What's Happening In Specific Ministries at First Baptist Church? A study of the early church reveals insights about specific areas of ministry. God's people worshiped the Lord in spirit and truth. Believers turned everyday conversations into gospel conversations. People were being saved. The Great Commission was obeyed because disciples were being made. What do you see God doing in specific ministries at FBC? Spend time discussing the following questions:
How do you see the church worshiping the Lord in spirit and truth (English, Spanish, and Korean)?
Can you describe how the church is making disciples (kids, students, and adults)?
How is God using FBC to advance His kingdom in the community and around the world?
Do you believe the church is organized and efficient when it comes to administrative details?
Is the operational side of the church (cleanliness, deferred maintenance, facility use) in a healthy place?
As you finish this week's study, would you pause and pray for the church? Here are five specific ways to pray:
1. Unity
2. Growth
3. Vision
4. Generosity
5. Faith
Thank you for taking the time to study God's Word this week. You're invited to join us on Sunday for Connect groups and the worship gathering. If you're unable to do so, you can still join us on one of our digital platforms.
Have a blessed weekend. You're being prayed for by the FBC leaders and family.
View all of the "First Baptist Church" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fbc.
JUNE 1, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
First Baptist Church: Where Are We Going?
Habakkuk 2:1-4
How many times has someone asked you, "Where are you going?" In most cases, you know. However, someone can ask you that question, only for you to say, "I'm not sure." In your group, as it relates to your life, marriage, or family, let's explore this idea of direction by answering the question, "Where are you going?"
In your group, someone can read Habakkuk 2:1-4. Take a moment and discuss these three questions:
1. Why is God's vision important?
2. What does it mean to be a visionary leader?
3. What is God's vision for your life, marriage, family, and church?
Habakkuk was in a position to receive and share God's vision. He wanted God's people to experience a new day of freedom, forgiveness, and faith. The idea of vision is powerfully explained in Proverbs 29:18. What does this verse mean, and how does it relate to God showing you His preferred future? God doesn't play hide-and-seek. He reveals His vision. Complacency is dangerous for God's people. Many people say, "Been there, done that, and there's nothing else left for God to do." What does God want to do new in your life, marriage, family, and church in the days ahead?
What do you need to know about God's vision?
1. Seek God's Vision. Why was Habakkuk standing watch? He wasn't just waiting passively; he was actively seeking God's vision. Habakkuk positioned himself to hear what God would say to him. Are you actively seeking God's vision for your life, marriage, family, or career? Take a few moments and talk about the various ways God speaks to people now.
2. Receive God's Vision. Habakkuk heard God's voice and received His vision. You must spend time with God to receive His vision. Accountability, with God and a few selected people, is essential. Here are a few accountability questions to discuss in your group. (1) Are you reading God's Word every day? (2) Do you have a special devotional place? (3) What is God teaching you currently?
3. Write God's Vision. Habakkuk was to write down God's vision on tablets, allowing people to read it. You probably write down many things. The discipline of writing expands your influence and preserves your legacy. What do you need to write down? Your salvation testimony in your will? Your life plan after retirement? Your vision for your kids/grandkids? Your prayers for the church?
4. Share God's Vision. Habakkuk shared God's vision. He couldn't keep God's preferred future to himself. How do you communicate God's vision to other people? Visionary leaders are gifted at communication. As you share God's vision, you're helping people see what God sees, you're allowing people to take ownership and be involved, and you're building unity among His people.
5. Obey God's Vision. Habakkuk didn't just receive and write God's vision, he obeyed what God asked him to do. What does the phrase, "The righteous shall live by faith" mean? Where is that theological truth used in the New Testament? Are you obeying God's vision for your life, marriage, and family? Talk about times God showed you His vision and you obeyed Him.
Here are a few vision questions related to your church:
How is your church seeking God's vision?
How has God revealed His vision to your church?
Is the vision for your church written down?
How is God's vision being shared in your church?
How is your church obeying God's preferred future?
God is working at First Baptist Church. Take a moment and pray. Thank God for His revelation (vision), for His leaders who share the vision, and for His Holy Spirit to empower you and your church to obey His vision.
As you conclude the discussion on God's vision, consider these questions:
1. What is one specific step you can take this week to more intentionally seek or obey God's vision for your life, marriage, or family?
2. How will you share God's vision with someone in your life, whether at home, work, or church?
3. Looking ahead, what is one area where you're trusting God to do something new as you pursue His vision?
You're being prayed for by the First Baptist family. If possible, please join us for Bible study and worship this weekend.
View all of the "First Baptist Church" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fbc.
JUNE 8, 2025 STUDY GUIDE
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH: AN EXAMPLE FOR US TO FOLLOW
Preacher: Erdie Carter, Associate Pastor
Acts 11:19–30