Matthew 5:13-20, 43-48: Salt, Light, Fulfillment, and Enemies Houstons First 2026-09-20 | Matthew 5:13-20, 43-48: Salt, Light, Fulfillment, and Enemies
The Pride of Prayerless Living Houstons First 2025-10-02 | "There is nothing more prideful than prayerless living." When we try to navigate life without seeking God's wisdom, we're essentially saying we don't need Him. #PrayerChangesEverything #GodlyWisdom #HumbleHeart
Fear and Friendship Houstons First 2025-10-01 | The fear of God and friendship with Him are not contradictory but complementary concepts. Biblical fear involves regarding God's holiness, revering His presence, and responding to His Word—as exemplified by Isaiah, Moses, and David. These same individuals who feared God also experienced deep friendship with Him. While none of us have feared God as we should, Christ's sacrifice reconciles us to God, allowing us to approach Him with both reverence and intimacy. By increasing our fear of God through recognizing His holiness, taking His presence seriously, and responding to His Word, we can cultivate a deeper friendship with Him.
Numbers 22:22-35: Balaam, the Talking Donkey, and the Lord of Creation Houstons First 2025-10-01 | Our lesson today involves, Balaam, a talking donkey, and the Lord of creation. It’s a story that many may dismiss as foolishness. Paul said, “God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise” (1 Corinthians 1:27) Balaam has gifts and is indeed used by God, but his problem is his heart. Through what may seem like "foolishness," God opens his eyes and instructs His people for thousands of years since this happened. A study of Number 22 2-35 based on “Explore the Bible: Fall 2025” from Lifeway. This is the sixth lesson from Numbers prepared by Gary Stieber for Houston's First Baptist Church. To learn about a relationship with Jesus Christ, contact us:houstonsfirst.org/about/discover-christ Prior Lessons in Numbers:Numbers 9:15-23 youtu.be/Njlv-aJirmYNumbers 11:1-17 youtu.be/7dNPRlLD364Numbers 13:1-33 youtu.be/TZrbxgOknEcNumbers 14:1-25 youtu.be/QJ97NXIjlAcNumbers 20:1-13 youtu.be/9ciexjbRr7U Our YouTube Bible Study Playlist:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXdSpiRu_4_ScfVxAx91-GlwVRK0opCvI If you follow the Explore the Bible study schedule, we give away our study materials free of charge, with no obligations. We publish every week, 7-10 days prior to the lesson’s scheduled date. If you would like to get the complete study notes and the PowerPoint presentation to use as your needs require, click the link below and give us the email address you would like to have notified. Each week we’ll send you the link to the church website where you can download the materials. Sign up here:form.jotform.com/211116902364144
Disciples of the Internet Houstons First 2025-09-30 | Are we disciples of Jesus or disciples of the Internet? When we consume the 24-hour news cycle more than Scripture, we develop an appetite for commentary on the world rather than the truth of Christ. Let's hunger for the straight line of Jesus, not just the analysis of our crooked world. #FaithOverFear #BiblicalTruth #DiscipleshipMatters
Reading the Owners Manual - Giving: Seen or Secret Houstons First 2025-09-29 | Jesus teaches that generosity reveals the true condition of our hearts and our relationship with God. When we give privately, we demonstrate that God's approval is enough, and He promises to reward us - often in ways that transcend material blessings. Our giving honors God and changes lives through the gospel. By practicing regular, cheerful generosity for God's glory rather than personal gain, we store up treasures in heaven and show which master truly sits on the throne of our hearts.
Reading the Owners Manual Part 3 - Giving: Seen or Secret Houstons First 2025-09-29 | Our relationship with money directly impacts our spiritual condition. Where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Christians should give regularly, happily, and for God's glory, recognizing that before we ever gave to God, He gave everything for us through Jesus Christ. Generous giving doesn't just change others' lives; it transforms our hearts from fearful to faithful and shifts our loyalty from money to God.
Houstons First Online | 4p | Live from the Loop Campus Houstons First 2025-09-29 | Welcome to The4 worship service! We are excited to see you here. For more info please go to houstonsfirst.org/sundaytoolkitCCLI #21129545
Worry Is Worthless Houstons First 2025-09-29 | Worry doesn't work. It can't change your past or control your future—it only makes your present miserable. Stop letting worry exaggerate your problems and steal your joy! #FaithOverWorry #AnxietyFree #TrustGod
11:00 AM Service | Live from the Loop Campus Houstons First 2025-09-28 | Welcome to our 11:00AM live stream from the Loop Campus. For more information please visit houstonsfirst.org
9:15 AM Service | Live from the Loop Campus Houstons First 2025-09-28 | Welcome to our 9:15AM live stream from the Loop Campus. For more information please visit houstonsfirst.org
The Relationship Between Good and Evil Houstons First 2025-09-27 | Evil does not exist on its own; it is a contradiction and a perversion of good. The existence of one validates the existence of the other. We know where that line is. #goodandevil #biblicaltruth
Jesus Never Compromised Houstons First 2025-09-26 | Jesus never censored Himself for you—He boldly claimed to be the Son of God and died for our sins. What's truly 'inappropriate' is that a holy God would sacrifice Himself for unholy people. His courage changes everything, making us both unashamed of others' opinions and unafraid of future suffering. #CourageousFaith #Unashamed #NoFear
Guatemala | Adoption Ministry Houstons First 2025-09-25 | We've all been adopted by God, and we are glad to help those who are modeling that love here on Earth.
We Never Suffer Alone Houstons First 2025-09-25 | When everything is falling apart but you remain unshaken, people notice. It's not because we're strong on our own, but because we belong to an unshakable kingdom. Though we suffer, we never suffer alone or without hope. This temporary life may be hard, but eternity with our King awaits. #CourageousChristian #UnshakableFaith #HopeInHardTimes
Wisdom Houstons First 2025-09-24 | Wisdom is far more valuable than any earthly treasure, yet many of us fail to pursue it with the intensity it deserves. True wisdom comes from God through His Scripture, His Spirit, and His Saints (fellow believers). Unlike material possessions, wisdom protects us from harm and leads us to life rather than destruction. The pursuit of wisdom isn't merely about gaining knowledge but applying it—transforming information about Jesus into intimacy with Him.
It Is Well With My Soul Houstons First 2025-09-24 | Inspired by the rendition from Austin Stone. Join us online every Sunday at 9:15a, 11a, and 4p.
Numbers 20:1-13, Exodus 17:1-8: Two ‘Water From the Rock’ Stories Side by Side Houstons First 2025-09-23 | Two stories in the Bible involve God providing water from a rock through Moses. One is in Exodus 17:1-8. Our study will focus primarily on the account in Numbers 20:1-13. After reviewing that, we will place both accounts side by side to get a deeper understanding of the symbolism they represent.We’ve seen plenty of failures by the Israelites as a whole, and now, unfortunately, we’ll see it from the leadership. Moses is one of the most remarkable leaders in history, yet he experiences tragic failure here. This shows that he is human, like the rest of us, and we all encounter failures. A study of Number 20 1-13 based on “Explore the Bible: Fall 2025” from Lifeway. This is the fifth lesson from Numbers prepared by Gary Stieber for Houston's First Baptist Church. To learn about a relationship with Jesus Christ, contact us:houstonsfirst.org/about/discover-christ Prior Lessons in Numbers:Numbers 9:15-23 youtu.be/Njlv-aJirmYNumbers 11:1-17 youtu.be/7dNPRlLD364Numbers 13:1-33 youtu.be/TZrbxgOknEcNumbers 14:1-25 youtu.be/QJ97NXIjlAc Our YouTube Bible Study Playlist:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXdSpiRu_4_ScfVxAx91-GlwVRK0opCvI If you follow the Explore the Bible study schedule, we give away our study materials free of charge, with no obligations. We publish every week, 7-10 days prior to the lesson’s scheduled date. If you would like to get the complete study notes and the PowerPoint presentation to use as your needs require, click the link below and give us the email address you would like to have notified. Each week we’ll send you the link to the church website where you can download the materials. Sign up here:form.jotform.com/211116902364144
Prayer Changes Our Eyes Houstons First 2025-09-23 | Prayer doesn't just change our circumstances—it changes our perspective. When we align our hearts with God through prayer, we begin to see His activity everywhere. #PrayerLife #SpiritualVision #FaithJourney
How to Grow Faith and Shrink Fear Houstons First 2025-09-22 | In times of evil and tragedy, Christians are called to recognize the spiritual battle at hand, pray for both victims and aggressors, and stand boldly in faith. Trusting in God's sovereignty, we should not be consumed by worry but seek His kingdom first. Jesus' teachings remind us of God's provision and the futility of anxiety, urging us to cast our cares on Him and live with an eternal perspective.
How to Grow Faith and Shrink Fear Houstons First 2025-09-22 | In a world marked by evil, Christians are called to respond with biblical wisdom rather than fear. We must recognize that we live in a fallen world where spiritual battles rage, yet remain steadfast in prayer—even for our enemies. God calls us to stand strong and bold while maintaining love and trusting Him rather than worrying about circumstances beyond our control. By prioritizing God's kingdom daily, dwelling on Scripture, and surrounding ourselves with trusted believers, we can find peace. Though evil exists now, we take comfort knowing Jesus will return, Satan will be defeated, and believers will experience a new heaven and earth.
Differences in Marriage Houstons First 2025-09-21 | God often brings together opposites in marriage for a divine purpose. Those differences that drive you crazy? They might be exactly what God is using to shape your character. When you embrace your spouse's differences as opportunities for growth rather than sources of frustration, you discover the beautiful sanctification process happening in your marriage. #MarriageWisdom #GodsPurpose #RelationshipGrowth
The Biblical Heart Houstons First 2025-09-19 | Your heart isn't just a physical organ—it's the inner part of who you are that you can't hide from God. As much as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.' Romans 12:18 #HeartCheck #InnerTransformation #ChristianLiving
Praying For The Enemy Houstons First 2025-09-17 | Jesus challenges us to go beyond the easy path of loving friends and hating enemies. He calls us to the radical, Spirit-empowered love that prays for those who hurt us. It's not about trusting them again or becoming best friends—it's about allowing God to transform our hearts toward genuine love. #LoveYourEnemies #SermonOnTheMount #HeartTransformation
Its Your Turn Now Houstons First 2025-09-17 | God calls us to kindle a spirit of courage in a world filled with fear. Through Paul's words to Timothy, we learn that believers are gifted with power, love, and self-control rather than fear. Cultivating courage means saying 'yes' when God calls, whether in small daily acts or life-changing decisions. A courageous faith remains uncensored and unashamed, embracing the possibility of suffering while maintaining hope. Our confidence comes from knowing Jesus does the saving work, has conquered death, and walks with us as a person, not a theory.
Numbers 14:1-25: Rebellion and Judgment Houstons First 2025-09-17 | It's been said that it took about 40 hours to get Israel out of Egypt, and it took 40 years to get Egypt out of Israel. We’ll see how that came about in our passage today. A study of Number 14 1-25 based on “Explore the Bible: Fall 2025” from Lifeway. This is the third lesson from Numbers prepared by Gary Stieber for Houston's First Baptist Church. To learn about a relationship with Jesus Christ, contact us:houstonsfirst.org/about/discover-christ Prior Lessons in Numbers:Numbers 9:15-23 youtu.be/Njlv-aJirmYNumbers 11:1-17 youtu.be/7dNPRlLD364Numbers 13:1-33 youtu.be/TZrbxgOknEc Our YouTube Bible Study Playlist:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXdSpiRu_4_ScfVxAx91-GlwVRK0opCvI If you follow the Explore the Bible study schedule, we give away our study materials free of charge, with no obligations. We publish every week, 7-10 days prior to the lesson’s scheduled date. If you would like to get the complete study notes and the PowerPoint presentation to use as your needs require, click the link below and give us the email address you would like to have notified. Each week we’ll send you the link to the church website where you can download the materials. Sign up here:form.jotform.com/211116902364144
The Root of Anger Houstons First 2025-09-16 | Jesus challenges us to address the root of our anger instead of just managing its symptoms. Anger is often a secondary emotion hiding deeper hurts, fears, and insecurities. In a world where outrage is the default, Christ calls us to examine our hearts at a deeper level. #HeartCheck #AngerManagement #SermonOnTheMount #EmotionalHealth
Praying and Fasting God’s Way Houstons First 2025-09-15 | Jesus teaches us to approach prayer and fasting with sincerity rather than for show. For prayer, He encourages finding a private space, praying thoughtfully through the Lord's Prayer template, and allowing regular prayer to help us see God's activity in our lives. Regarding fasting, Jesus emphasizes selecting a meaningful fast that helps us reset and refocus on God. Whether it's a traditional food fast or abstaining from modern distractions, the purpose is dependence on God, not deprivation. Both disciplines aim to cultivate genuine intimacy with God, rather than seeking the approval of others.
Praying and Fasting God’s Way Houstons First 2025-09-15 | Jesus teaches us to pray and fast in ways that cultivate genuine intimacy with God rather than seeking the approval of others. He instructs us to find a private place for prayer, addressing God as our loving Father while praying for His kingdom to come and His will to be done. Jesus emphasizes daily dependence on God, the importance of forgiveness, and seeking protection from temptation. To deepen our prayer lives, we should embrace slowness, practice God's presence throughout the day, and allow prayer to sensitize our spiritual vision. Biblical fasting, done in secret rather than for show, creates space for us to hunger more deeply for God.
A Match Made in Heaven Houstons First 2025-09-10 | God designed marriage with specific purposes in mind, emphasizing character over chemistry when seeking a spouse. True companionship in marriage involves six key aspects: embracing differences that develop us, delighting in one another, a lifelong commitment, unity of purpose, vulnerability without shame, and a focus on multiplication for kingdom impact. For those who are single, God provides the church as a place to experience these same relational elements. Whether married or single, we're called to prioritize spirit-produced character in ourselves and others, cultivate deep companionship, engage fully in biblical community, and remember that our relationship with Jesus forms the foundation for all other relationships.
Antes lo externo, ahora lo interno Houstons First 2025-09-09 | El Señor nos pide que analicemos más allá de nuestras acciones para descubrir lo que encierra nuestro corazón. Nos presenta maneras de manejar nuestra ira, eliminar la lujuria, luchar por nuestros matrimonios, decir la verdad, evitar la venganza y amar sin límites. La verdadera virtud no sale de aparentar que seguimos a Dios, sino de corazones transformados por su presencia.
Numbers 13:1-33: Spies in the Land Walking by Sight, Not by Faith Houstons First 2025-09-09 | This is the familiar story of the spies investigating the Promised Land.It’s easy to read this as one of the most tragic historical stories in the Bible, and it is that, but it’s more than that. This story is as relevant to our lives today as any passage in the Bible. Paul uses the events here to encourage the Corinthians in their own journey in the wilderness by saying, “Now these things took place as examples for us, that we might not desire evil as they did… [they] happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction.” (1 Corinthians 10:6, 11) God delivered His people from Egypt that they might enter the Promised Land and enjoy the blessings prepared for them. Today it’s showtime! A study of Number 13 1-33 based on “Explore the Bible: Fall 2025” from Lifeway. This is the third lesson from Numbers prepared by Gary Stieber for Houston's First Baptist Church. To learn about a relationship with Jesus Christ, contact us:houstonsfirst.org/about/discover-christ Prior Lessons in Numbers:Numbers 9:15-23 youtu.be/Njlv-aJirmYNumbers 11:1-17 youtu.be/7dNPRlLD364 Our YouTube Bible Study Playlist:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXdSpiRu_4_ScfVxAx91-GlwVRK0opCvI If you follow the Explore the Bible study schedule, we give away our study materials free of charge, with no obligations. We publish every week, 7-10 days prior to the lesson’s scheduled date. If you would like to get the complete study notes and the PowerPoint presentation to use as your needs require, click the link below and give us the email address you would like to have notified. Each week we’ll send you the link to the church website where you can download the materials. Sign up here:form.jotform.com/211116902364144
Joy Over Worry Houstons First 2025-09-09 | Stop trying to make your partner fulfill needs only Jesus can satisfy! When worry becomes your disposition, you'll claw and manipulate to get what you need from others. True joy comes from a heart anchored in Christ—not a personality trait, but the fruit of a genuine, daily relationship with Him. #faithoverfear #womeninchrist #biblicalwomanhood
The Lord Will Provide Houstons First 2025-09-08 | Inspired by the rendition from Passion. Join us online every Sunday at 9:15a, 11a, and 4p.
Living Upside Down: Part 3 - Heart First, Actions Second Houstons First 2025-09-08 | True spiritual maturity comes when we address the root issues in our hearts, make deliberate choices to eliminate sin at its source, and love even our enemies. This counter-cultural approach ensures that when people see us, they see God in us.
Living Upside Down: Heart First, Actions Second Houstons First 2025-09-08 | Jesus challenges us to look beyond our actions to examine our hearts in the Sermon on the Mount. He presents six examples contrasting the letter of the law with its spirit while addressing anger, eliminating lust, fighting for marriage, telling the truth, refraining from retaliation, and loving without limits. Jesus emphasizes that true righteousness comes from a transformed heart, not just outward compliance.
Being Salt and Light Houstons First 2025-09-07 | As children of the light, we do not ignore dark corners. It's not about being judgmental—it's about tactfully bringing light through respectful engagement. Don't let fear of conflict stop you from making a difference where God has placed you! #BeTheLight #SaltAndLight #FaithInAction
Defending Truth Houstons First 2025-09-05 | When we replace God with government, we confuse theological truth with political opinion. As Christians, we're called to be the salt of the earth—standing for biblical truth in every sphere of influence. It's not about being partisan; it's about honoring God's Unchanging Word above human ideas. #SaltOfTheEarth #BiblicalTruth #ChristianInfluence
To Have and To Hold Houstons First 2025-09-04 | Jesus elevates our understanding of marriage by returning to God's original design in Matthew 19. When confronted by the Pharisees about divorce, Jesus emphasizes that marriage unites one man and one woman as a single flesh, joined by God Himself. The strength of marriage depends on three commitments: submitting to God's authority rather than cultural opinions, engaging with God's heart instead of hardening our own, and enduring in God's calling despite difficulties. While Jesus acknowledges limited biblical grounds for divorce, He calls us to a higher standard of forgiveness and reconciliation, reflecting God's own faithfulness.
Divorce in The Bible Houstons First 2025-09-04 | God never designed divorce—it was a concession to human brokenness, not a command. The certificate of divorce in Deuteronomy wasn't permission to discard a spouse, but protection for the vulnerable in a world of hardened hearts. God wasn't endorsing divorce; He was limiting its damage. #MarriageMatters #GodsPlan #BiblicalTruth
A Proverbs 31 Man and Woman Houstons First 2025-09-03 | Finding a godly marriage partner isn't about discovering perfection, but about two people individually pursuing God while growing closer together. For men, being marriage material means cultivating wisdom, speaking up as a protector, honoring women, being respectable, and offering encouragement. For women, it involves maintaining joy instead of worry, speaking with wisdom, working diligently, prioritizing important relationships, and finding reward in living according to God's design. The journey to becoming marriage material focuses on progress rather than perfection, with each person developing these qualities as they pursue Christ.
Una vida que brilla Houstons First 2025-09-03 | La mayor recompensa llega cuando la gente aplaude a Jesús. Él nos llama a vivir diferente a los demás mientras preservamos las enseñanzas de nuestro creador. En nuestras vidas y en nuestros trabajos debemos ser ejemplos de lo que significa vivir con Dios en el corazón.
Reading the Bible Changes Lives Houstons First 2025-09-03 | The power of reading the Bible 4 times a week is STAGGERING! Less drinking, less pornography, less bitterness, and a 407% increase in scripture memorization! God's Word doesn't just change your habits—it transforms how you see yourself in His eyes. You ARE pleasing to God! #BibleReading #SpiritualGrowth #TransformationJourney
Numbers 11:1-17: Complaints About Manna Houstons First 2025-09-02 | Chapter nine emphasized resting in the camp to draw close to God. Food and sharing a meal are a big part of how fellowship is demonstrated. After final instruction are made the cloud lifted from over the tabernacle and moved towards the wilderness of Paran. For the first time, the Israelites are on their way beyond Mount Sinai.It should be a time of incredible excitement and anticipation. But after three days, chapter eleven brings a crisis of ingratitude in the camp. A study of Number 11 1-17 based on “Explore the Bible: Fall 2025” from Lifeway. This is the second lesson from Numbers prepared by Gary Stieber for Houston's First Baptist Church. To learn about a relationship with Jesus Christ, contact us:houstonsfirst.org/about/discover-christ Link to Exodus 16-17 Lesson on Manna and Dew youtu.be/FFxNiSFTVNI Prior Lessons in Numbers:Numbers 9:15-23 youtu.be/Njlv-aJirmY Our YouTube Bible Study Playlist:youtube.com/playlist?list=PLXdSpiRu_4_ScfVxAx91-GlwVRK0opCvI If you follow the Explore the Bible study schedule, we give away our study materials free of charge, with no obligations. We publish every week, 7-10 days prior to the lesson’s scheduled date. If you would like to get the complete study notes and the PowerPoint presentation to use as your needs require, click the link below and give us the email address you would like to have notified. Each week we’ll send you the link to the church website where you can download the materials. Sign up here:form.jotform.com/211116902364144
Living Upside Down: Part 2 - Living With Purpose Houstons First 2025-09-02 | Jesus calls His followers to be salt and light in a dark world, as described in Matthew 5:13-16. Being salt means preserving goodness, preventing decay, adding flavor to life, and living distinctly as valuable members of God's kingdom.
Living Upside Down: Shine Houstons First 2025-09-02 | Jesus calls believers to live differently as salt, earth and light of the world. As salt, Christians preserve, purify, and prevent decay in society through moral influence. Throughout history, Christianity has elevated the value of life, promoted sexual morality, dignified women and labor, and established charity. As light, believers guide, grow, warm, and push back darkness through good works. This dual calling applies especially in workplaces, where we spend 90,000 hours of our lives. Salt works secretly while light works openly, but both are essential for Christian influence in a dark world.
