First Baptist Church of Ojai, California

Message Rewind

Series: Ephesians

Part 2:  "He Chose Us"

Ephesians 1:3-14 is one long run-on sentence in the Greek.  Paul catches a glimpse of all the spiritual blessings that are ours in the heavenly realms and cannot contain his excitement.  These verses catalog these blessings that are ours in Christ.  These blessings equip us to be successful in our calling as saints (those set apart) and apostles (those sent out).

The first blessing is being chosen.

Ephes. 1:4 (NIV) 
    For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight.

Every human being has the desire to be valued, to be chosen.  Some of life's greatest pains come from not being chosen.  God values us so much that He chose us--even when we didn't deserve it.  What is truly remarkable is when He chose us--before the creation of the world.  In the NFL draft, the most valuable players are taken earliest in the draft.  How early did God choose us?  Even before He created the world.  That's early.  The best part of being chosen is that I am on God's team and He is the only truly undefeated champion of the world.  If God is for us, who can be against us?

This Week's Bible Reading Schedule

Thursday, April 30th
Judges 11:1-12:15
John 1:1-28
Psalm 101:1-8
Proverbs 14:13-14

Friday, May 1st
Judges 13:1-14:20
John 1:29-51
Psalm 102:1-28
Proverbs 14:15-16

Saturday, May 2nd
Judges 15:1-16:31
John 2:1-25
Psalm 103:1-22
Proverbs 14:17-19

Sunday, May 3rd
Judges 17:1-18:31
John 3:1-21
Psalm 104:1-23
Proverbs 14:20-21

Monday, May 4th
Judges 19:1-20:48
John 3:22-4:3
Psalm 104:24-35
Proverbs 14:22-24

Tuesday, May 5th
Judges 21:1-Ruth 1:22
John 4:4-42
Psalm 105:1-15
Proverbs 14:25

Highlights From Today's Bible Reading

Psalm 101:3 (NIV) 
    I will set before my eyes
        no vile thing.

   

New Session of "Discover First Baptist" Begins This Sunday, May 3rd

"Discover First Baptist" is an 8 week class about the mission, vision, history, and polity of First Baptist Church.  It is the perfect place to have your questions answered about the church. 

The class begins this Sunday, May 3rd at 9:30 AM at the Zaucha's (313 Oriole St.). 

While there is no pressure to become a member of the church for those who take the class, "Discover First Baptist" is a prerequisite for becoming a member. 

Ironworks Men's Breakfast This Saturday

Saturday at 8 AM at First Baptist.

Pancakes and John Eldredge "Wild At Heart" DVD. 

This Week's Bible Reading Schedule

Wednesday, April 22nd
Joshua 24:1-33
Luke 21:1-28
Psalm 89:38-52
Proverbs 13:20-23

Thursday, April 23rd
Judges 1:1-2:9
Luke 21:29-22:13
Psalm 90:1-91:16
Proverbs 13:24-25

Friday, April 24th
Judges 2:10-3:31
Luke 22:14-34
Psalm 92:1-93:5
Proverbs 14:1-2

Saturday, April 25th
Judges 4:1-5:31
Luke 22:35-53
Psalm 94:1-23
Proverbs 14:3-4

Sunday, April 26th
Judges 6:1-40
Luke 22:54-23:12
Psalm 95:1-96:13
Proverbs 14:5-6

Monday, April 27th
Judges 7:1-8:17
Luke 23:13-43
Psalm 97:1-98:9
Proverbs 14:7-8

Highlights From Today's Bible Reading

Joshua 24:14-15 (NIV) 
    "Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. [15] But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your forefathers served beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord."

Luke 21:14-15 (NIV) 
    But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. [15] For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

Proverbs 13:20 (NIV) 
    He who walks with the wise grows wise,
        but a companion of fools suffers harm.

Coffee Hours

Coffee Hours are hopping!  Thanks for signing up to spend an hour with your pastor.  Coffee hours are Tuesday - Friday from 9:10 AM - 10:00 AM at Full of Beans in Mira Monte.  Please sign-up on the sheet in the lobby for your day.  It has been great to get to know you better.

Message Rewind

New Series in Ephesians

Part 1:  Identity - Who We Are in Christ

Ephes. 1:1 (NIV) 
    Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God,

    To the saints in Ephesus, the faithful in Christ Jesus:

Who We Are In Christ:  Two Introductory Words Relating to Our Identity

1. Saints - those set apart

2. Apostles -those sent out

Are we living up to our calling?

Highlights From Today's Bible Reading

Luke 18:27 (NIV) 
    Jesus replied, "What is impossible with men is possible with God."

Psalm 86:7 (NIV) 
    In the day of my trouble I will call to you,
        for you will answer me.

Psalm 86:11 (NIV) 
    Teach me your way, O Lord,
        and I will walk in your truth;
    give me an undivided heart,
        that I may fear your name.

Proverbs 13:9 (NIV) 
    The light of the righteous shines brightly,
        but the lamp of the wicked is snuffed out.