Dennis R. Wiles

First Baptist Arlington

May 31, 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

SUMMER 2026: Making a Difference

May 31, 2026 – August 1, 2026

This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.

-Jesus (John 15:8)

Love: Jonathan

1 Samuel 18:1-4

DOOMSCROLLING

To scroll continuously and compulsively through large quantities of upsetting or worrying online news, or content on a social media platform. Also transitive: to read or view upsetting or worrying content on (a social media or news platform) continuously and compulsively.

TO TOUCH GRASS

to engage with the real world, esp. as contrasted with being online.

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

Theme for Summer 2026: Making a Difference

DIFFERENCE MAKERS: In order for us to “make a difference” in our world, we have to become difference makers!

INTENTIONAL DISCIPLES: Difference Makers are intentional disciples who follow Jesus in every area of their lives. Disciples who are being shaped by the Spirit – in whom the character of Christ is being formed – through whom fruit is being borne – these are the people God uses to make a difference in the world.

This fruit that the disciples bear is not what they do, but the life of Jesus in them. It is His character reproduced within them and shared with others in love. This cannot come to pass without the disciple abiding in Jesus, making his home in Him as Jesus makes His home in the disciple. His life is shared with the disciples as their life is given to Him.

-Roger Fredrikson, The Communicator’s Commentary: John

CROWN PRINCE: Jonathan, son of Saul, was the Crown Prince of Israel. He was a victorious military warrior who eventually acknowledged that God’s hand was no longer on his father, but on the future King David.

COVENANTAL LOVE: Jonathan expressed a deep love and respect for David by surrendering his claim for the crown and declaring his allegiance to David.

LOVE: God is love! His love for us brings healing, hope, perspective, and a profound ability to share His love with others.

EXAMPLE OF JESUS: Jesus loved deeply! In John 11:32-26, we see the love Jesus had for His friends on display at the tomb of Lazarus.

Love is a steady direction of the will toward another’s lasting good.

-Bishop Stephen Neil

FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: LOVE

-Experienced through our relationship with God (Romans 5:5)

-Healthy

-Sacrificial

-Expressed through actions towards others