Dennis R. Wiles

First Baptist Arlington

January 4, 2026

2026: Flourishing Together:

Transformed on The Jesus Way

Romans 12:1-2 (Gospel Guide: John)

WINTER 2026: Designed to Flourish

January 1 – February 17, 2026

Psalm 92:12-15

Designed to Flourish!

Psalm 92:12-15

Theme for 2026: Flourishing Together: Transformed on The Jesus Way

Theme for Winter 2026: Designed to Flourish

God’s first words to human beings: Be fruitful!

FLOURISH: This Hebrew word (parach) is used 36 times in the Old Testament. It means to “break forth as a bud” – to “bloom” – “to blossom” – to “break forth in life” – and it is consistently connected to the truth that God and God alone initiates and sustains true life.

God has designed us to flourish in every season of life!

Six Domains of Human Flourishing

Happiness and Life Satisfaction
Mental and Physical Health
Meaning and Purpose
Character and Virtue
Close Social Relationships
Material and Financial Stability

PATH TO FLOURISHING: We cannot choose any path and expect to flourish the way God has designed us to flourish.

There is a way that appears to be right, but in the end it leads to death.

-Proverbs 14:12

You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.

-Psalm 16:11

For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it.

-Jesus (Matthew 7:13-14)

I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

-Jesus (John 14:6)

PROCESS FOR FLOURISHING: God has revealed a process that leads us to a life that flourishes. The journey towards flourishing includes these three vital steps:

-Knowing God

-Experiencing God

-Serving God

PROVISION FOR FLOURISHING: God has not left us alone to find our way. He is the Divine Gardener Who provides for us in every season of life.

I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener.

-Jesus (John 15:1)

But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.

-Jesus (John 16:13)

If you remain in me and my words remain in you, as whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

-Jesus (John 15:7)

www.fbca.org/Biblereadings