The Growing Church - November 9 2025
Dennis R. Wiles
First Baptist Arlington
November 9, 2025
Flourishing Together
First Baptist Arlington
2025 – 2030
2025: Flourishing Together: Rooted in Christ
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (Gospel Guide: Matthew)
ENGAGEMENT 2025: Call to the Wild
November 2 – 29, 2025
As you go, proclaim this message: “The kingdom of heaven has come near.”
Matthew 10:7
The Growing Church
Acts 2:42-47
HEAVEN AND EARTH
The Bible contains the story of how heaven and earth have been connected since creation and will be connected in eternity. Since the beginning of time, the Triune God has been revealed through this dynamic and incredible reality. God, His Word, and His Spirit – all are on display since creation.
In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.
-Genesis 1:1
See, I will create new heavens and a new earth.
-Isaiah 65:17
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.
-Revelation 21:1
INCARNATION: God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself. The ministry of Jesus marks the launching of a new era – Heaven has come to earth! This is also known as Inaugurated Eschatology.
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made . . . the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
-John 1:1-3, 14
ASCENSION: Jesus ascended to the Father in Acts 1. This is a significant event in the dawning of the Age to Come. God’s original plan for humanity and creation now has become a reality. Heaven and earth have merged together, and a Human Being (Jesus Christ) is now enthroned with the Father. Jesus is Lord over all the earth!
PENTECOST: The Spirit of God was given after the Ascension of Jesus as a demonstration that God always desires to dwell with His people. His presence guarantees the manifestation of His power so that His purposes will be accomplished.
This is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: “In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people.”
-Acts 2:16-17
CHURCH: This is the new global community of God’s people. The Church is the new Temple of God – God is present with His people! As members of the Church, we have been commissioned to the task of making disciples of all nations and filling the earth with His glory!
All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.
-Matthew 28:18-20
INTENTIONAL DISCIPLESHIP: The Church must be intentionally engaged in making disciples! The first church was committed to discipleship: Instruction, Worship, Community, Generosity, Engagement.
Flourishing Together
Following The Jesus Way
Knowing God Experiencing God Serving God
Saved Shepherded Sent
Shaped
CONGREGATIONAL COMMISSIONING
Leader: Jesus said, “As you go, proclaim this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven has come near.’”
Congregation: Amen.
Leader: There are people in our families who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim.
Leader: There are people in our neighborhoods who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim.
Leader: There are people among the nations who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim.
Leader: There are people missing from the table who need to know the Good News about the Kingdom of Heaven.
Congregation: As we go, we will proclaim.
Leader: Amen. May you be filled with the Spirit of God, empowered to proclaim the Good News about the Kingdom of God. As you go, proclaim!
