First Baptist Church of Hardy

06/23/2026

06/23/2026

Paul preached the true gospel in Galatians: salvation comes through Jesus Christ alone, by grace through faith, not by Jesus Christ plus human effort or religious works. In Galatians, Paul warns that adding anything to Christ changes the gospel itself.

Think of the Galatian believers like children who had been invited to a royal banquet, but then someone tried to hand them a list of rules and said, “You must earn your seat.” Paul steps in and says, “No, the King already opened the door through His Son.” The feast is Christ, and the invitation is grace.
Paul’s own story makes this clear. He was once a persecutor of the church, but God called him by grace and revealed Jesus Christ to him, so the message Paul preached came from Christ Himself, not from man . That is why he fought so strongly against any gospel that added law-keeping, ritual, or self-righteousness as a requirement for acceptance with God.

“I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you” — 1 Corinthians 15:1, a fitting summary of Paul’s message.

“I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ” — Galatians 1:6.

“If righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose” — Galatians 2:21.

“For by grace you have been saved through faith... not a result of works” — Ephesians 2:8-9.

A key Galatians passage says Paul did not receive his gospel from any person, but through a revelation of Jesus Christ. Another central verse says the only thing that counts is “faith working through love” . That is the gospel without add-ons: Christ alone, received by faith, producing a changed life.

Lord Jesus, thank You for the gospel of grace. Keep me from trying to add my own works, my own goodness, or my own effort to what You have already finished at the cross. Help me rest in Christ alone, trust in Your mercy, and walk in the freedom of faith. Let my life show the fruit of Your Spirit and not the pride of self-righteousness. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Tina)

06/22/2026

God calls us to protect what shapes our thoughts, choices, and relationships. The heart is the center of our inner life, and Scripture reminds us that what fills it will eventually show in how we live.

A good example is Samson in Judges 13–16. Samson was set apart for God, but he repeatedly let his desires lead him instead of wisdom and obedience, and that opened the door to downfall. His story shows that when we do not guard our hearts, even gifts and strength can be misused.

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” Proverbs 4:23

You can also meditate on Philippians 4:6–7, which says God’s peace will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.

Lord, Thank you so much for helping me guard my heart with diligence like you do. Keep me from bitterness, temptation, and anything that pulls me away from You. Fill my heart with Your truth, Your peace, and Your love so that my words and actions honor You. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Tina)

06/18/2026

There is a quiet danger that can settle into the heart of even sincere believers: the feeling that we already know enough. But in the kingdom of God, growth begins where pride ends, and wisdom begins with humility. A teachable spirit keeps us soft before the Lord, ready to listen, ready to learn, and ready to change.

Acts 18:24–26 gives us a beautiful picture of this truth. Apollos was eloquent, knowledgeable, and mighty in the Scriptures. Yet when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained “the way of God more accurately.” Apollos did not resist correction. He received it, and because he remained teachable, God used him even more powerfully. His strength was not diminished by learning; it was deepened.

That is a needed reminder for all of us. No matter how much we know, there is always more of God to discover. A teachable heart does not see correction as an insult, but as a gift.

“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” — Psalm 86:11

“The way of fools seems right to them, but the wise listen to advice.” — Proverbs 12:15

A person can know facts and still miss wisdom. They can quote Scripture and still refuse instruction. But the Lord blesses the one who keeps learning, keeps listening, and keeps surrendering their understanding to Him. When we stay teachable, we stay usable.

Lord, keep my heart humble before You. Deliver me from the pride that thinks it already knows enough. Teach me to listen with grace, to receive correction with peace, and to grow in wisdom every day. Help me remain soft, obedient, and willing to be led by Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
(Tina)

06/17/2026

God never designed the Christian life to be lived alone. When believers gather, encourage one another, and seek the Lord together, faith grows stronger and hearts are refreshed. Scripture shows that fellowship is not optional; it is one of God’s gifts for our growth and protection. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us not to neglect meeting together, but to encourage one another as we wait for the Lord’s return.

In Acts 2:42-47, the early church devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. They met together regularly, shared with one another, and praised God with glad hearts. Because of their unity and devotion, the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

This picture reminds us that spiritual strength often grows in community. Bible believing Christians help us stay focused on truth, pray with faith, and remain encouraged when life feels heavy. Proverbs 27:17 says, “Iron sharpens iron,” showing that godly relationships help shape and strengthen us.

“And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” — Hebrews 10:24-25

Meeting with Bible believing brothers and sisters gives us more than friendship. It gives us accountability, encouragement, and shared faith. When we worship, pray, and listen to God’s Word together, we are reminded that we are part of one body in Christ. God uses fellow believers to lift us up, correct us gently, and help us keep moving forward.

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of fellowship with other believers. Help me value the people You place in my life who love You and seek to follow Your Word. Give me a humble heart to receive encouragement, correction, and prayer from my brothers and sisters in Christ. Teach me to be the same kind of encouragement to others, so that together we may grow in faith, love, and obedience. In Jesus’ name, Amen. (Tina)