JANUARY 5, 2025 IN-PERSON SERMON

Dr. Ronny Raines

Lessons from the Psalms: Behaviors that Lead to a Blessed Life

Psalm 1:1-6

1 Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers; 2 but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night. 3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. 4 The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous; 6 for the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.

I. Handle Relationships with Care (Psalm 1:1) 
1. Don't Listen to the Wrong People
2. Don't Linger with the Wrong People
3. Don't Learn from the Wrong People

II. Study Scripture with Consistency (Psalm 1:2-3) 
1. Know the Word
2. Practice the Word

III. Reach Nonbelievers with Conviction (Psalm 1:4-6) 
1. The Unsaved are Warned
2. The Gospel is Powerful
3. The Righteous are Called 

JANUARY 5, 2025 STUDY GUIDE

Lessons from the Psalms: Behaviors that Lead to a Blessed Life

Psalm 1:1-6

It's a new year. What are you asking God to do in your life, marriage, family, or church over the next twelve months?   

Are you happy with your life? How do you navigate the twists and turns of life? Have you ever asked the question, "How did I end up here?" 

The Psalms are real and relevant to life. The Psalmist was honest with God. Do you believe many believers are wearing masks, pretending that life is better than what it is? Are you honest with God? What are your priorities? In your study group, discuss your answers to these questions. It's healthy to be honest with God and other people. 

Do you desire to live a blessed life? In Psalm 1, the Psalmist gives insights into behaviors that lead to a blessed life. May 2025 be a year of blessings, growth, and maturity!         

1. Handle Relationships with Care (Psalm 1:1). How do you hold a baby? How do you help a person who has fallen and sustained injuries? You handle those people with care. Relationships can be a blessing or a burden. What does the Psalmist mean by the words, "Walks, stands, and sits?" Give examples of how relationships can draw you near the Lord or pull you away from Him.    

2. Study Scripture with Consistency (Psalm 1:2-3). How often do you read and study God's Word? God commanded Joshua to be in the Word daily. The Psalmist challenged God's people to be in the Book every day. If you're going to live a blessed life, you must invest time in the Bible. Share with your study group how, when, and where you study the Bible. His Word changes lives. 

3. Reach Nonbelievers with Conviction (Psalm 1:4-6). In your city, some people are lost without Jesus. How do you reach them with the gospel? The Psalmist contrasted the lives of the wicked with the godly. Take a moment and identify the differences. As you begin this new year, whom are you praying for by name to be saved? How does the Lord want to use you to reach him or her?

Living a blessed life is possible in 2025! 

In your study group, before you pray together, answer the following three questions.         

1. How do you develop relationships that draw you near the Lord? 

2. In what ways has your time in the Word changed your life? 

3. How do you turn an everyday conversation into a gospel conversation?

We hope you'll worship with us on Sunday. We're praying for you in 2025. 

Thank you for connecting with FBC Clarksville. Our prayer is to worship God, love people, share Jesus, and make disciples. 

Have a blessed first Sunday of 2025!  

View all of the "Lessons from the Psalms" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/psalms.

THE FORGE MOVIE NIGHT

POSTPONED (Stay tuned for more details and date coming soon)

Join us at a later date from 4-6pm in the Laida Fellowship Hall to watch “The Forge.” This will be a great night for families of all ages! Popcorn will be served! There is no cost for this event!

WEDNESDAY NIGHT GROWTH GROUPS

BEGIN JANUARY 8, 2025

Growth Groups kick off Wednesday, January 8, from 6:00 to 7:15 p.m. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow in Christ together!

FIRST STEPS CLASS

UPCOMING CLASS: JANUARY 12, 2025, 12-2 pm

LOCATION: Grace BUILDING, Third Floor Steeple Landing

Our First Steps class is designed for new members and guests. We invite you to join our Senior Pastor, Dr. Ronny Raines, and our ministry team for our next membership class. We'll treat you to a delicious lunch and then help you discover how God wants to use you at First Baptist Church. As you attend the class, we'll cover the following subjects:

• A personal relationship with Jesus Christ

• Meaning of church membership

• Biblical baptism

• The Lord's Supper

• The church's beliefs and vision

• Opportunities to give

• Ways to serve in the church

• Ministries at First Baptist Church 

• Meet our ministry team

• Time for Q&A

• Tour our church facilities

We hope you'll join us for our next First Steps class. You can register by filling out the online form HERE or contacting Dana in the pastor's office at 931.245.0000 or dana.abee@fbct.org.

MARRIAGE MATTERS MARRIAGE CONFERENCE

Join us on Sunday evening, March 30 from 4-6pm in the Laida Fellowship Hall for our “Marriage Matters” Marriage Conference where we will welcome our Guest Speaker: Bob Russell.

SCHEDULE:
3:00 - 4:00pm: Session 1
4:00 - 4:15pm: Cookie and Coffee Break
4:15 - 5:00pm: Session 2

LOCATION: Fellowship Hall

CHILDCARE: Provided upon reservation

COST: Free (reservation for event not required)

FIRST BAPTIST MUSIC

Check out all of the First Baptist Worship Team videos from our online worship services at fbct.org/music.

THE VOICE - MONTHLY NEWSLETTER

Stay up to date with all that is going with our monthly newsletter, the Voice! Visit fbct.org/voice!

MEMBERSHIP AND GIVING TOOLS

Fellowship, Worship and Discipleship are fundamental to an obedient life in Christ. First Baptist Church maintains several tools to help us stay connected, share and offer the sacrifice of praise, and grow together. Scroll to the bottom of the home page at fbct.org and click on "app" to see options for adding these tools to your phone or other device. You can use these tools to stay connected to your discipleship group, contact the church, watch past worship services and sermons, as well as support the FBC financially as the Lord directs for you and your family. There are even instructions for how to access these tools using your web browser.

Using these apps, updating your profile information to share with the church is easy. When changes occur in your family life such as a move to a new home, change in email address, etc. you can update your information to be sure that our communication with you is efficient. You can even add a picture to make it easier for your church family to put a name with a face!

Information about any groups that might be of interest to you, such as Connect Groups, teams, committees, etc will be available as well.  Group Leaders can use the tools to take attendance online and access other features.  You can contact the church through the app, read messages from group members/leaders and browse the church directory.

Check out fbct.org/app  for instructions on how to get the app and reach the membership and giving website.

LOVE the time of worship through song today? You can follow us on Spotify and listen to our playlist each week! Follow us on Spotify “First Clarksville” and sing along!