Fridays at First

FBC OAK GROVE
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"Fridays at First" is a weekly podcast from FBC Oak Grove where we take a deeper dive into Sunday’s sermon, exploring key themes, answering questions, and discussing how to apply biblical truths to everyday life. Whether you missed the message or want to dig deeper, join us each Friday for practical insights and meaningful conversations.

  1. 1d ago

    What Does Spiritual Maturity Actually Look Like?

    What does spiritual maturity actually look like? Being older, attending church for years, or knowing more about the Bible doesn’t automatically mean we’re becoming more like Jesus. In this episode of Fridays at First, the podcast from First Baptist Church Oak Grove, we discuss how Christians at different stages of faith can grow together as one church family. From new believers learning to follow Jesus to longtime Christians helping others grow, every stage brings opportunities for discipleship. We explore the difference between being young in faith and resisting growth, why Christlike character matters, and how to pursue maturity without falling into shame, comparison, or pride. In this conversation: • Why spiritual maturity isn’t simply a matter of age or Bible knowledge • How humility, teachability, and obedience help us grow • What to do when you don’t feel spiritually fed at church • How the fruit of the Spirit helps us examine our growth • Why serving and discipling others are part of becoming more like Jesus • How a church family can care for believers at different stages Whether you’re new to Christianity or have followed Jesus for decades, this conversation invites you to consider your next step—and how you can help someone else take theirs. Scripture discussed includes: Hebrews 5:12–14 — Moving from milk to solid food Galatians 5:22–23 — The fruit of the Spirit 1 John 2:12–14 — Children, young men, and fathers 1 Timothy 3:6 — Spiritual maturity in church leadership Matthew 28:19–20 — Making disciples and teaching obedience What is one way another person has helped you grow in your faith? Share your experience in the comments. Subscribe for more biblical teaching and future Fridays at First episodes. Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=AAQIwwgIHZfxjOAA Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/sleSMjfu408 TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Opening 0:40 One church, different stages of faith 4:33 Why different believers need different care 7:23 Does age equal spiritual maturity? 13:45 Young in faith vs. spiritually immature 20:20 Grace and a next step for stalled growth 22:20 What if you don’t feel spiritually fed? 26:09 Growing through teaching and serving 28:58 Helping believers express what they need 31:11 What spiritual maturity actually looks like 37:16 Examining the fruit of the Spirit 38:33 Responding without shame or pride 40:31 Why mature believers serve others 45:11 Growing through community and mentoring 48:19 There is always more room to grow 50:33 Every believer’s role in discipleship Learn more about our church: https://firstbaptistog.org/ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove #ChristianGrowth #SpiritualMaturity #FridaysAtFirst

  2. Oct 23

    Can You Trust the Bible? Pastors Answer Students’ Questions

    Can you trust the Bible? How can you understand what you read—and share your faith when it feels awkward? In this episode of Fridays at First, our pastors answer Bible questions submitted by youth students at First Baptist Church Oak Grove. The conversation moves from trusting Scripture and building consistent Bible-reading habits to deeper questions about people who have never heard the gospel, infants and accountability, and Jesus staying behind at the temple. We also discuss honoring parents, Israel’s dietary laws, and glorifying God through fitness. Whether you’ve followed Jesus for years or you’re exploring Christianity, these questions offer an opportunity to think carefully about what you believe and how it shapes everyday life. In this episode: • Learn three simple questions to ask while reading Scripture. • Consider why Jesus is central to trusting the Bible. • Hear the pastors’ perspective on salvation, accountability, and God’s justice. • Explore practical ways to start conversations about your faith. • Think about caring for your body without making fitness an idol. Scripture referenced or discussed includes: Romans 1–2; Psalm 19:1; Acts 10; Genesis 18:25; Luke 2:41–52; Galatians 1:10; Leviticus 11; 1 Corinthians 6:19–20; and 1 Timothy 4:8. What question about the Bible have you found yourself coming back to? Share it in the comments—we welcome honest questions and respectful conversation. Subscribe for more biblical teaching and future episodes of Fridays at First. Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=Cts5WykYktXA2jSQ Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/ZswonwQxSO0?si=Ifwb9Euu31XlnhvA TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Opening 0:41 Welcome: Answering Students’ Questions 1:36 Why Should I Trust the Bible? 7:43 How Can I Understand the Bible Better? 17:53 What About People Who Never Hear the Gospel? 22:11 Infants, Salvation & Accountability 25:34 Trusting God’s Justice 26:54 Did Jesus Disobey His Parents? 30:40 Honoring Parents & Obeying God 35:22 Sharing Your Faith When It Feels Awkward 41:57 Why Couldn’t Israelites Eat Pork? 47:01 How Can Fitness Glorify God? 53:17 Favorite Books of the Bible & Closing Learn more about our church: https://firstbaptistog.org/ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove #ChristianFaith #BibleQuestions #FridaysAtFirst

  3. Oct 16

    What Is Truth? A Biblical Response to “My Truth”

    What is truth—and how can we know what is true when everyone has a different opinion? In this episode of Fridays at First, the podcast from First Baptist Church Oak Grove, we explore “my truth,” the limits of our feelings, and why Christians look to Jesus and Scripture as the foundation for truth. We also welcome Lincoln, our new young adult and outreach pastor, to the podcast conversation! From everyday decisions to conversations with people who disagree with us, what we believe about truth shapes how we live. Together, we discuss what Jesus meant when He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life,” and how following Him calls us to both conviction and compassion. In this episode: • Why objective truth matters for faith and morality • How to distinguish truth from something that simply feels true • How to respond when someone says, “That’s your truth” • How our lives can point people toward Jesus in suffering and success • What it means to stand for truth with patience, gentleness, and respect • How following Jesus shapes our decisions, relationships, and purpose Scripture discussed includes: John 14:6; John 18:37–38; Matthew 7:24–27; Psalm 34:8; John 6:68; John 1:14; 1 Corinthians 13:4–6; 1 Peter 3:15–16; John 8:31–32; Matthew 28:19–20. Whether you follow Jesus or are exploring Christianity, you’re welcome in this conversation. What helps you remain open to truth when it challenges something you already believe? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments. Subscribe for more biblical teaching and future Fridays at First episodes. Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=ctJz0jnjTpoisvY7 Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/gJdy5wYAeWc?si=OVFRM5CTgH-B0YaZ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Welcome and introducing Lincoln 2:28 What is truth? 7:34 Why truth matters 10:07 Truth vs. feelings 14:28 God’s design and the purpose of truth 16:27 Responding to “That’s your truth” 21:14 Seeking Jesus and living out the truth 24:03 Your witness in suffering and success 27:15 Jesus: the way, the truth, and the life 35:17 Standing for truth with grace 41:56 Discernment in difficult conversations 44:54 How truth changes everyday life 50:07 Closing thoughts and viewer questions Learn more about our church: https://firstbaptistog.org/ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove #ChristianFaith #BiblicalTruth #FridaysAtFirst

  4. Oct 9

    How to Read the Bible and Actually Understand It

    How do you read the Bible, understand what it means, and apply it to your life? Whether you are a new Christian, returning to Scripture after some time away, or struggling to maintain a consistent reading habit, this conversation offers practical guidance for approaching God’s Word. In this episode of the Fridays at First podcast, Brett and Pastor Nick discuss where to begin reading the Bible, how much to read at one time, and why starting small can be healthier than forcing yourself through an overwhelming reading plan. They also explore how to read the Bible in context, why the original audience matters, how biblical genres affect interpretation, and the difference between passages that describe what happened and passages that prescribe how believers should live. Most importantly, they explain why reading Scripture should lead to obedience—not merely more biblical knowledge. In this episode, you’ll learn: • Where a new Bible reader can begin • How much Scripture to read at one time • Why the Old Testament still matters for Christians • How to avoid taking individual verses out of context • How to use study Bibles, commentaries, and videos wisely • What to do when you encounter a confusing passage • How to move from hearing God’s Word to living it Scripture discussed includes John 16:13, Philippians 4:13, 2 Chronicles 7:14, and James 1:22, along with examples from throughout the Old and New Testaments. What has helped you understand and apply the Bible more consistently? Share your experience or questions in the comments. We welcome thoughtful perspectives from longtime Christians, new believers, and those who are still exploring Christianity. Subscribe for more biblical conversations, practical Christian teaching, and future episodes of Fridays at First. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Welcome to Fridays at First 0:22 How Do You Actually Read the Bible? 2:18 Where Should You Start Reading? 4:04 The F-260 Bible Reading Plan 5:01 Why the Old Testament Still Matters 9:24 How Much Should You Read at One Time? 13:29 Start Small and Build the Habit 17:21 Read Slowly and Spend Time With God 19:04 Study Bibles, Commentaries, and Other Resources 23:03 What Does It Mean to Read in Context? 25:33 Philippians 4:13 in Context 31:30 Why Biblical Genre Matters 33:39 Descriptive vs. Prescriptive Passages 36:08 The Original Audience and Today’s Application 43:09 Don’t Get Stuck on What You Don’t Understand 45:29 Why Can the Bible Be Difficult to Read? 49:42 Spiritual Opposition to Reading Scripture 50:22 What Should You Do When You Don’t Understand? 53:25 Ask God What You Need to Know 58:04 How Do We Apply the Bible? 61:34 Stop Just Reading the Bible 64:21 Knowing God’s Word Is Not the Same as Living It 68:09 Final Encouragement Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=c72i4Qj3JgsTzY8G Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/2Vljvs91Bno?si=k6xMMAC7eJ8owmla Learn more about our church: https://firstbaptistog.org/ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove #Christianity #HowToReadTheBible #FridaysAtFirst

  5. Oct 2

    Do Churches Just Want Your Money?

    Do churches just want your money? It’s an understandable question—especially when some churches and religious leaders have used guilt, false promises, or spiritual manipulation to pressure people into giving. In this episode of the Fridays at First podcast, we examine what the Bible actually says about giving to the church. We discuss the difference between healthy biblical teaching and financial manipulation, whether Christians are still required to tithe 10%, why pastors may biblically receive compensation, and how giving can become a joyful act of worship rather than an empty religious obligation. A healthy church should not be focused merely on getting your money. It should point you toward Jesus and teach you to obey everything God has said—including what He says about generosity, stewardship, and supporting the work of the gospel. In this conversation, you’ll learn: • How to recognize manipulative giving appeals • Whether tithing applies to Christians today • What it means to give cheerfully and sacrificially • What to do when you don’t trust how a church uses money • Why pastors and ministry staff may biblically be paid • How giving reveals what we treasure • How generosity supports gospel ministry locally and around the world Scripture and biblical teachings discussed include Genesis 14, Matthew 5–6, Acts 20:35, 1 Corinthians 9:9–14, 2 Corinthians 9:7, Ephesians 4:11–12, 1 Timothy 3:3 and 5:17–18, and Hebrews 10:25. What helps you distinguish biblical teaching about giving from financial manipulation? Share your thoughts in the comments. We welcome respectful perspectives from committed Christians and those still exploring Christianity. Subscribe for more biblical teaching, practical conversations, and future Fridays at First episodes. Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=_yJVnrUj2fAGs_Zo Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/KKfnAMDa56c?si=UnfZwmV5bdx8JWiZ Learn more about our church: https://firstbaptistog.org/ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction 1:44 Do Churches Just Want Your Money? 5:41 Healthy Churches and Financial Red Flags 7:16 Giving Is About Obedience 11:16 How Churches Have Abused Money 14:12 When Giving Appeals Become Manipulative 20:30 Are Christians Required to Tithe? 24:19 What Does Cheerful Giving Mean? 32:13 Giving When You Don’t Trust Churches 37:19 What If You Don’t Trust Your Church? 40:18 Evaluating How Churches Use Money 46:02 Should Pastors Be Paid? 53:30 Financial Accountability and Church Staff 59:17 Making Giving an Act of Worship 1:04:59 What Your Money Reveals About Your Heart 1:06:59 Final Encouragement #ChristianLiving #BiblicalGiving #FridaysAtFirst

  6. Sep 25

    How Do You Know When Something Has Become an Idol?

    How do you know when something has become an idol in your life? Idolatry is not limited to bowing before a statue. Anything—even something good—can become an idol when it takes the place in our hearts, priorities, and lives that belongs to God. In this episode of the Fridays at First podcast, Brett and Pastor Nick discuss how to identify idols in your life, why they can be difficult to recognize, and what it practically looks like to remove them or return them to their proper place. They examine several questions that can reveal misplaced priorities: • What receives the best of your time, energy, abilities, and resources? • What consumes your thoughts and emotions? • What are you afraid to lose? • What would you refuse to surrender if God asked you to give it up? • When God and another priority conflict, which one regularly wins? The conversation also explores common modern idols, including sports, academics, family, children, work, money, politics, comfort, social approval, nostalgia, and our plans for the future. Many of these things can be good gifts from God, but good gifts become idols when we worship the gift rather than the Giver. Most importantly, Brett and Pastor Nick explain why Christians can honestly confront their sin without being destroyed by shame: our identity and justification are found in Jesus Christ. Scripture discussed includes Exodus 20:3, Psalm 139:23–24, Matthew 7:3–5, Matthew 15:8–9, Galatians 6:1–2, Colossians 3:5, Philippians 4:11–13, 1 John 5:21, Joshua 4, and Jeremiah 1:10. What is one area of life that Christians should regularly examine for the danger of idolatry? Share your thoughts in the comments. We welcome respectful perspectives from longtime Christians and those who are still exploring Christianity. Subscribe for more biblical conversations, practical Christian teaching, and future Fridays at First episodes. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 How Do You Know Something Is an Idol? 1:32 Why We Must Examine Our Hearts 3:23 Accountability and Christian Community 7:45 Recognizing Potential Idols 11:23 What Is an Idol? 18:46 How to Identify Idols in Your Life 26:51 What Your Budget Reveals 27:56 What Are You Unwilling to Give Up? 32:28 Can Good Gifts Be Important Without Becoming Idols? 40:56 Common Idols in Modern Life 47:02 How to Remove Idols from Your Life 55:02 Why Removing an Idol Is Painful 58:18 When Family and Children Become Idols 1:01:31 Uproot Before You Rebuild 1:03:15 Closing and Future Podcast Questions Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=1NSl7hQRZ9Q0BTaZ Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/pdL1jjZGy_4 Learn more about our church: https://firstbaptistog.org/ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove #ChristianLiving #Idolatry #FridaysAtFirst

  7. Sep 18

    Who Holds Pastors Accountable? A Biblical Answer

    Who holds pastors accountable, and what does biblical pastoral accountability actually look like? In this episode of the Fridays at First podcast, Pastor Nick and Brett discuss pastoral authority, church governance, spiritual abuse, and the responsibility churches have to hold their leaders accountable to the Word of God. Pastors are called to lead and shepherd the church, but they are never above Scripture or beyond accountability. At the same time, disagreement with a pastor does not automatically mean that the pastor is domineering, abusive, or unbiblical. How can Christians recognize the difference? In this conversation, we discuss: • Why God’s Word is the ultimate standard for pastors and church members • The roles of elders, deacons, personnel committees, and the congregation • Why deacons’ primary biblical role is service • The difference between biblical concerns and personal preferences • Warning signs of leaders who resist accountability • What to do when accountability structures exist on paper but fail in practice • How to approach a pastor when you believe he is in sin • When legal authorities should be contacted • When a pastor’s conduct may disqualify him from ministry • Why accountability must apply to both leaders and church members Scripture discussed or referenced includes Matthew 7:3–5, Matthew 18:15–17, 1 Corinthians 11:3, Galatians 1:10, 1 Timothy 3:1–7, 1 Timothy 5:19, Hebrews 13:17, James 3:1, and 2 Timothy 1:7. What do you believe healthy, biblical accountability should look like in a local church? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments. Subscribe for more biblical conversations, practical Christian teaching, and future Fridays at First episodes. Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=RgKQjh3HcJhUfQBx Watch a related episode or video: https://youtu.be/JuhTx10lbi8 Learn more about our church: [https://firstbaptistog.org/](https://firstbaptistog.org/) Connect with us: Facebook: [https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove](https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove) Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/](https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/) TikTok: [https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove](https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove) TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Who Holds Pastors Accountable? 3:01 Church Governance and Accountability 5:17 Are Deacons Responsible for the Pastor? 9:12 The Congregation’s Role 12:17 Scripture as the Standard 13:59 Church Hurt and Spiritual Abuse 18:40 Accountability Goes Both Ways 20:59 Examine Your Own Heart 22:59 The Limits of Pastoral Authority 27:56 Warning Signs in Church Leadership 30:06 Accountability Prevents Greater Failure 32:02 The Roles of Church Leaders 37:08 When Accountability Exists Only on Paper 41:19 What to Do When a Pastor May Be in Sin 43:56 Biblical Concern or Personal Preference? 49:53 Disqualifying Sins and Pastoral Ministry 52:35 Healthy Leadership Seeks Counsel 55:39 Final Encouragement #Christianity #PastorAccountability #FridaysAtFirst

  8. Sep 11

    How Can You Know If You’re Really Saved?

    How can you know if you’re really saved? Can Christians actually have assurance of salvation—or should we always wonder whether our faith is genuine? In this episode of Fridays at First, we talk about what the Bible says about genuine saving faith, assurance of salvation, good works, repentance, spiritual growth, and Jesus’ sobering words in Matthew 7: “I never knew you.” We also explore the difference between simply knowing facts about Jesus and actually knowing and following Him. What should change after someone puts their faith in Christ? If good works cannot save us, why does Scripture place so much emphasis on obedience, spiritual fruit, and becoming more like Jesus? In this conversation, we discuss: • How someone can examine whether their faith is genuine • Why salvation is not simply an emotional experience • What Matthew 7 teaches about people who call Jesus “Lord” • The difference between intellectual belief and surrender to Christ • Why good works cannot earn salvation • Why genuine salvation should produce good works • The fruit of the Spirit as evidence of Christ working in our lives • The difference between struggling with sin and willingly living in sin • Justification, sanctification, and spiritual growth • What to do when you are struggling with assurance of salvation Scripture discussed includes Matthew 7:21–23, 2 Corinthians 13:5, James 2, Galatians 5:22–23, Ephesians 2:8–10, Philippians 1:6, 1 Corinthians 6:9–11, Romans 5–6, 1 John 1, and Romans 9. If you are wrestling with whether you genuinely know Jesus, our goal is not to create unnecessary fear but to point you back to Christ and encourage honest biblical self-examination. What has helped you understand the difference between simply knowing about Jesus and truly knowing Him? Share your thoughts in the comments. Subscribe for more biblical conversations, Christian teaching, and future episodes of Fridays at First. TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 How Can You Know If You’re Saved? 2:16 Examining Whether Your Faith Is Genuine 5:25 Did I Really Get Saved—or Just Pray a Prayer? 9:10 Why Would Jesus Say “I Never Knew You”? 12:00 Intellectual Belief vs. Surrender to Jesus 16:24 Following Jesus for the Right Reasons 22:15 Is Jesus Really the Treasure of Heaven? 24:32 Faith, Works, and Evidence of Salvation 25:11 Knowing About Jesus vs. Knowing Jesus 31:35 If Works Don’t Save Us, Why Do They Matter? 39:15 Spiritual Growth and Examining Your Faith 42:28 Struggling With Sin vs. Living in Sin 47:57 Does Grace Mean We Can Keep Sinning? 50:36 How Warning Passages Can Strengthen Assurance 52:08 What to Do If You’re Still Unsure Watch more Fridays at First episodes: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLdFg1in_72AXmbHmWva1AVKvCBrf5XzUt&si=nlbw6B_ymUOpbrDV Watch a related episode or video: https://www.youtube.com/live/h0cJrn6DmPw?si=unmO7_gB4THs5pzx Learn more about our church: https://firstbaptistog.org/ Connect with us: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fbcoakgrove Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fbcoakgrove/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@fbcoakgrove #Christianity #AssuranceOfSalvation #FridaysAtFirst

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"Fridays at First" is a weekly podcast from FBC Oak Grove where we take a deeper dive into Sunday’s sermon, exploring key themes, answering questions, and discussing how to apply biblical truths to everyday life. Whether you missed the message or want to dig deeper, join us each Friday for practical insights and meaningful conversations.

Information

  • Creator
    FBC OAK GROVE
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    82
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © FBC OAK GROVE
  • Show Website
    Fridays at First