First Baptist Arlington Sermons

Dennis R. Wiles 

First Baptist Arlington 

August 23, 2026 

 

2026: Flourishing Together:  

Transformed on The Jesus Way 

Gospel Guide: John 

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. 

-Romans 12:1-2 

 

 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep praying for all the Lord’s people. 

-Ephesians 6:18 

 

John 17:20-26  

 

Theme for August 2026: Prayer for Believers 

Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the one who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference.  

 

Prayer lays hold of God's plan and becomes the link between his will and its accomplishment on earth. Amazing things happen, and we are given the privilege of being the channels of the Holy Spirit's prayer. 

 

If your day is hemmed in with prayer, it is less likely to come unraveled. 

 

And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests.  

 

This prayer is marked by its depth – theologically, ecclesiologically, soteriologically, and eschatologically. 

 

The ultimate test of our prayer life is our concern for the lost. If we do not pray for them, it proves we do not care if they perish. 

 

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. 

 

The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. 

 
PRAY FOR THE LOST

          -Jesus to draw them to Himself

          -God to open their hearts and minds

          -Holy Spirit to convict them

          -God to orchestrate circumstances

          -Faithful believers to cross paths

          -Courage to accept Jesus

 

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day.The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 

 

Lord, I pray for lost friends, family members, and colleagues. May they hear Your call to salvation in fresh new ways this week and give their lives to Jesus. Amen.