The Foundation of Faith

/ Bob / Leave a comment

“God’s plan for salvation is not about how good you are nor is it about what you do and it’s most certainly not about how good you are at what you do.”

Meritocracy is is heralded in our country as the American way. You earn what you get and get what you earn. Self-reliance and self-sufficiency are drilled into young Americans from birth on. My father taught me to pull myself up with my own bootstraps any and every time I faced adversity. Other common phrases in our culture that highlight that same attitude are:

”If it’s to be – it’s up to me.”

“If you want something done right, do it yourself.”

“Fortune favors the bold.”

“God helps those who help themselves.”

All world religions beside Christianity are based on a system of self-justification – what we do to earn our own salvation. Only Christianity is based on grace and justification by an outside source (Jesus) which we do not and cannot earn. Paul didn’t understand it then and he wouldn’t understand it now. We are so busy trying to be good that we ignore the grace of God and at the same time ignore the Holy Spirit within us Who will empower us to be better than we could ever be on our own.  And to make matters worse, we listen to things that align with what our itching self-righteous ears want to hear.  (2 Timothy 4:3)  Paul dealt with the Judaizers; Martin Luther dealt with the hierarchy of the Church; must deal with those who would seek to impose on us their “new-and-improved brand” of Christianity which can sound quite reasonable and even Biblical – but it’s not.

Meritocracy is a good and, at times, essential plan for the marketplace and public arena, but it is not God’s plan for salvation.  His plan is not about how good you are nor is it about what you do and it’s most certainly not about how good you are at what you do – it’s about His mercy and grace offered freely to us through His Son, Jesus.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, February 22, 2026. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons, which covers the Book of Galatians, is A Cry for Freedom: Grace that Is Still Amazing. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/a-cry-for-freedom-galatians-study-guide/ . Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 02.22.2026 – Lesson 5 – The Foundatiion of FaithDownload

Behind the Mask and Beyond the Hypocrisy

/ Bob / Leave a comment

Galatians 3 opens with a conflict between Peter and Paul.  It seems that Peter – who had been shown by God in a vision and in an encounter with a Gentile family that being a Gentile with Gentile ways was not a barrier to faith – was a little wishy-washy in living out those new found beliefs around his Jewish friends and James in particular.  Paul called him out on it, called him a hypocrite, and then began to explain to the Galatians that legalistic living is not for the one who professes faith in Christ.  He detailed how we have been crucified with Christ so that living by the legal system of the Jews was not just pointless, it was a slap in the face of Christ Himself.  We must all be careful not to hide behind a mask of self-righteousness but rather live in the freedom and honesty of Christ Who has redeemed us and Who lives within and through us.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, February 15, 2026. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons, which covers the Book of Galatians, is A Cry for Freedom: Grace that Is Still Amazing. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/a-cry-for-freedom-galatians-study-guide/ . Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Circumcised or Not?

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Circumcision is a major theme of both the Old and New Testaments. And circumcision is definitely a point of discussion and contention in the Book of Galatians. It was contentious because of the importance placed on circumcision by the Judaizers with whom Paul had a serious objection. In order to understand the arguments on both sides, we take a look at the concept of circumcision from both sides of the argument.

The ultimate conclusion is that traditional circumcision is not required for salvation. As we read in Colossians 2:12 “You were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead.” It’s not because you were circumcised or not. It’s not because you were baptized or not. It’s not because you go to church or not. It’s not because you pray or not. It’s not because you read the Bible or not. It’s not because you do good things. These things you do because you were raised to New Life in Jesus!

When we accept Jesus as Savior, He changes us from the inside out. He “cuts off” (circumcises) our sins and our fleshly nature and makes us a new creation – a whole new person who wants to honor Him and bring glory to His name in all we say and do. Hallelujah!

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, February 8, 2026. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons, which covers the Book of Galatians, is A Cry for Freedom: Grace that Is Still Amazing. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/a-cry-for-freedom-galatians-study-guide/ . Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 02.08.2026 – Lesson 3 – Circumcised or NotDownload

Journey to Faith

/ Bob

Paul’s teaching was being challenged and questioned by the Judaizers who had invaded the churches of Galatia. They even challenged his authority as an apostle and as a teacher. The entire book of Galatians addresses the problems caused by these interlopers who thought they and they alone had the true moral high ground. Paul confronts them head on and addresses their fallacious claims concerning his background, authority, and the faith which he had instilled in the Galatians converts.

In Galatians 2:11-24 Paul reminds them of his personal journey to faith. He told them that his faith was not man-made – that his faith came straight from the heart of God. He showed them how his entire life had been planned by God so that he could be the one to deliver the Gospel message to the Gentiles. He reminded them that being Jewish wasn’t the gold standard for faith and that, if it was, he would run circles around them with his Jewish zeal.

As we look at Paul’s exposition of his journey to faith, we would all do well to reflect on our own personal journey of faith. Just as Paul’s journey began in infancy, so did ours. The events from our birth to the time we accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord were orchestrated by God to prepare us for his service. Even those occasions when we veered off of God’s path for us as Paul did, God was guiding us back to the path He wanted us to walk. And He will continue working in us and through us to accomplish His good will until the day we reach the ultimate destination in our journey – our glorification in Heaven.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, February 1, 2026. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons, which covers the Book of Galatians, is A Cry for Freedom: Grace that Is Still Amazing. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/a-cry-for-freedom-galatians-study-guide/ . Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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It’s Your Turn – Esther

/ Bob

Esther was the Queen of Ancient Persia even though she was of Jewish descent. She did not seek the position, but through an improbable turn of events she became queen, and also became the source of salvation for the Jewish people living in Persia.

Being duped by an evil and vengeful Haman, the King agreed to and ordered the execution of all of the Jews living in Persian at that time. Mordecai, Esther’s elder cousin and adoptive father, went to her as queen to seek her help in delivering her people. In Esther 4:13-14 we read his plea, “Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king’s palace any more than all the other Jews. For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Even though approaching the King without his summons could lead to her death, she chose to act. A trap was set by Esther for Haman in the King’s presence and it was successful in not only eliminating Haman, but in saving her people as well. To this day Purim is celebrated by Jews around the world as a remembrance of Mordecai’s faithfulness, Esther’s courage, and God’s deliverance of His people.

At that point in time it was Esther’s turn to step up, speak out, and take action for the sake of God’s Kingdom. In Hebrews 12:1-2 we are reminded that someday it will be our turn to run our race. May we be found faithful and courageous when our turn comes around.

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

~Hebrews 12:1-2~

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, January 11, 2026. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is How Great Is Our God: Passing the Faith Along. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/how-great-is-our-god-old-testament-digital-study-guide/. Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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class Notes – 01.11.2026 – Lesson 13 – It’s Your TurnDownload

When Life Blows Up In Your Face – From Smackdown to Smacked Down – 1 Kings 19

/ Bob

King Ahab with the strong influence of Queen Jezebel had led Israel into idolatrous sin. This led to God using the prophet Elijah too bring judgment on Israel in the form of a drought. At the appointed time Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal and Asherah to a contest to determine which god was the strongest. Elijah (by the power of THE GOD ALMIGHTY) won the Smack Down at Mt. Carmel leading to the execution of the pagan prophets. When Ahab reported this to Jezebel, she put out an execution order – a hit on Elijah.

Upon hearing of the contract on his life, the great and mighty, bold and outspoken, victorious challenger, Elijah, turned tail and ran. . . .and ran . . . and ran all the way to Beersheba on the southern border of Judah. However, God did not scold him. Instead, He sent an angel to to mister to Elijah – to get him strong enough to make a trip to Mt. Horeb (Mt. Sinai) where Elijah saw firsthand the glory of God and where he worshiped in response.

Our response to the times when life blows up in our faces should be the same as that of Elijah. 1. Retreat. 2. Establish a healthy routine to give us the physical strength to face the issue. 3. Worship personally – just you and God. 4. And God’s never ending question, “What are you doing here?” 5. Get busy doing the next thing on God’s agenda for you.

Whether in times of great victory (Mt. Carmel) or times of great fear (the road to Beersheba) God is with you. Trust Him!

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, January 4, 2026. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is How Great Is Our God: Passing the Faith Along. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/how-great-is-our-god-old-testament-digital-study-guide/. Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 01.04.2026 – Lesson 12 – When Life Blows Up In Your FaceDownload

Fact Checking Christmas – Answers to Christmas Questions and Queries

/ Bob

Joseph took Mary to Bethlehem on a donkey – well, maybe she rode a donkey, maybe not – who knows. It was in the dead of winter, or maybe summer or early fall or perhaps even in the spring. Upon their arrival they found lodging in a barn, in a cave, or maybe the home of a relative, but definitely not in the guest room. At the time of Jesus’ arrival a whole bunch of angels appeared to some shepherds and told the shepherds what had happened – OK one angel spoke to shepherds and then a bunch of angels showed up and ignored the shepherds because they were praising God – not singing, just praising God.

Later three Wise Men – {OK maybe it was 3, maybe 2, maybe 22 – who knows – and they were “Magi” which means magicians, astrologers, astronomer, scientists – probably wise, but . . . } rode in on camels or maybe they walked, who knows. They were guided by a star or a planet or a conjunction of planets (they would have called them wandering stars) or some other celestial light. When they arrived the baby had just been born, or maybe he was a few weeks old, or maybe he was 2 and going through that stage of life known as the “terrible twos” – Ok that went too far – Jesus did NOT put His parents through the terrible twos – I have no proof, but some things you just know. End of discussion.

My aim in this class session was not to tear down any preconceived notions about Christmas, but moreover to see that the truth of Christmas far exceeds all of the trappings and stories and events that seem to occupy this time of the year. You see, it doesn’t really matter if He was born in a cave, a barn, or a house – what matters is that He came. When we “Fact Check” Christmas we must remember that the most significant fact is that, while we were still sinners, the Father sent His only begotten Son to redeem us to Himself. Merry Christmas!

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday December 14, 2025. Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .

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No King But A King After God’s Own Heart

/ Bob

In 1 Samuel 13:14 we read,  “But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for himself a man after his own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be captain over his people, because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.”  The reference was spoken to King Saul about the soon-to-be King David.  But the history of God’s opinion of human kings began before this pronouncement of Saul’s failure as king and David’s rise to kingship.

In I Samuel 8 we see the people of Israel demanding a human king.  God was displeased that they had rejected Him as king.  God warned them as to what would happen if they pursued this passion for an earthly king, but He agreed to give them what they wanted.  What’s truly amazing is that 350 years earlier in Deuteronomy 17 God had outlined the responsibilities and duties of an earthly king.  He knew then what would happen when Samuel was serving as Israel’s judge and prophet.  

Most of the Kings of Israel and Judah failed to do what God required, but David was different.  David showed his character by humbly subjecting himself to King Saul even after Samuel had anointed David as king. Even so must we as children of the king – joint heirs with Christ – humbly submit to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – the One Whose authority exceeds all earthly king, leaders, and rulers.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, November 9, 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is How Great Is Our God: Passing the Faith Along. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/how-great-is-our-god-old-testament-digital-study-guide/. Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Class Notes – 11.09.2025 – Lesson 8 – A King After God’s Own HeartDownload

Where Do You Get Your Strength? – A Study of Samson – Judges 13-16

/ Bob

The People of Israel were led for several centuries by Judges. They were not what we think of today when we think of Judges unless you consider the County Judges we have here in Texas. They are in the judging business, but their main focus is on administering the affairs of the county. So it was in the Book of Judges although thee judges we find there also had military and combat duties as well. That’s where Samson comes in.

He was set apart by God before he was even conceived and certainly before he ever drew a breath. In addition to being set apart as a Nazarite, he was also endowed with superhuman strength. With that strength he was able to wage a personal war against the Philistines who were rulers over the Israelites and also their tormentors. Samson led a morally compromised life even though he was God’s chosen leader. His immorality and lack of judgment caused him to succumb to the wiles of a prostitute named Delilah.

His final act as a Judge was to kill over 3,000 Philistine revelers as they partied and proclaimed their joy over the defeat of God’s chosen Judge.

The message for us today is that God still calls us to be his servants and He prepares and strengthens us for the tasks at hand. He doesn’t abandon use when we do stupid things, but He might allow those stupid things to defeat us temporarily so that we turn back to Him and find ultimate victory in His strength.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, November 2, 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is How Great Is Our God: Passing the Faith Along. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/how-great-is-our-god-old-testament-digital-study-guide/. Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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Secret Sin to Devastating Downfall

/ Bob

After the resounding victory at Jericho the City of Ai seemed like an easy win. Joshua sent out his reconnaissance team and they came back with a report of easy pickings so Joshua sent a much smaller force to take Ai. However, Joshua was unaware that Israel had violated God’s command of total destruction of Jericho. It was only one soldier who did the deed, but the entire camp suffered the consequences.

God demands total destruction when it comes to the sin in our lives. We tend to play fast and loose with the sin in our lives. With a wink and a nudge we excuse those little insignificant sins that we think are basically harmless. But God ain’t playing that game. We must address the sin that separates from our Lord. We must address it and exterminate it. Only total destruction is acceptable.

This Bible study was presented to the Agape Life Bible Study Class of the First Baptist Church in Brenham, Texas, on Sunday, October 26, 2025. It is part of a series in a Bible study curriculum called Connect 360, published by the GC2 Press of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. The overall title of the current set of lessons is How Great Is Our God: Passing the Faith Along. You can find print and digital versions of this series online at https://gc2press.org/how-great-is-our-god-old-testament-digital-study-guide/. Handouts with class presentation content can be requested at: fromthebackporchintexas@gmail.com . Handouts are also available at: fromthebackporch.org .


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