Dennis R. Wiles

First Baptist Arlington

February 22, 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

LENTEN/EASTER 2026: The Good Shepherd

Ash Wednesday (February 18) – Easter Sunday (April 5), 2026

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

-Jesus (John 10:11)

Jesus is The Word of God!

John 1:1-18

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

Theme for the Lenten/Easter Season 2026: The Good Shepherd

INCARNATION: At the very heart of Christianity is the truth that Jesus Christ is the Word of God, the Son of God—namely, He is God in the flesh!

The Word of God (The Son of God) is eternal.

“In the beginning.” Immediately we are introduced to the vast scope of the Evangelist’s mind with regard to his Gospel. Mark began his account on the banks of the Jordan river. Matthew takes us back to Abraham. Luke in his genealogy looks back to the creation, to “Adam, which was the son of God” (3:38). But John sweeps back behind creation into the eternities. “In the beginning,” whenever that was.

-Herschel Hobbs, An Exposition of the Gospel of John

The Word of God (The Son of God) is equal with God.

The Word of God (The Son of God) is God!

The Word of God (The Son of God) is the Creative Agent of God. (For reference, compare Colossians 1:15-17.)

The Word of God (The Son of God) became flesh. The Word of God became Jesus of Nazareth!

The Word of God (The Son of God) resided (tabernacled) with human beings for a season on earth.

The Word of God (The Son of God) reflected the glory of God.

The Word of God (The Son of God) was full of grace and truth.

The Word of God (The Son of God) reveals God.

The prologue to John is not about a message that offers hope, but about The Message that is the only hope.

-Gary M. Burge, NIV Application Commentary: John