Advancing Word Podcast

In Exodus 3, verses 1 -6, God speaks to Moses from a bush that burned but did not burn up!  Moses is one of the most remarkable characters in the Bible.  His life can be divided into periods of forty years each.  The first forty years were characterized by favor; the second by failure and the third by fulfillment.  Like us, Moses made mistakes and missed the mark more than once but, when we look at the broad expanse of his life, his failure was book-ended by favor and fulfillment.  In other words, his failures were not final nor are ours.    

In Exodus, Chapter 39, four centuries before God leads Moses and the children of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, God manifested His presence in the life of a young Hebrew boy named Joseph who was sold into slavery, estranged from his family and had “to sing the Lord's song in a strange land”.   While Joseph's geographical placement was not of his own choosing, God was with him.  God's presence in the life of Joseph, can encourage us as we face our challenges in life.  

Though they have different last names - Tyus, Middleton, Reed, Simmons, Jarrett, Turner, Vasquez, Foster, Holloway, and Stewart, they are one family.  Scattered in communities across this nation, this family has gathered every Saturday since October 2012 for a prayer teleconference—a true testament to the power of shared faith.  For twelve years, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield has uplifted them each January with an inspiring message to launch the New Year.  Pastor Stubblefield's challenge for 2026 is simple: when you pray, “expect to be moved.” As an added blessing, experience him leading the cherished hymn “Lead Me, Guide Me.” Let the stirring words of this beloved song move you as you embrace the power of prayer and faith in the year ahead.

The dictionary defines “blast” as a “gust of wind” or “strong rush of air.”  Other definitions include “an explosion” or a “launch or takeoff with explosive force.”  A blast is something that shakes and rattles us and those around us.  Spiritually, this is the focus and the force of Psalm 150.  When we worship on blast, sometimes our worship is like the stroke of a gentle breeze or the trickle of a quiet stream.  At other times, worship is like a tumultuous storm or raging tsunami.  What matters most is that our worship is in spirit and in truth. It has vitality, variety and validation.  Listen to this message and learn more!  

From both the Old and New Testaments, we find affirmation that the church is called to be a community of worship.  This calling extends to every person who is born again.  Yet there are moments when it feels as though our worship has been muted and our voices lose their joyful sound.  In Part 2 of the series “Wired for Worship,” based on Psalm 96, stanzas 1- 2, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield explores the boundaries and inner workings of our worship, as well as how the act of telling and the element of timing work together.

The National Football League playoffs are in full swing this Divisional Weekend.  NFL Films, known for wiring energetic players for sound, captures their lively commentary for later broadcast on major sports recap channels.  In Psalm 100, God's people are charged with "making a joyful noise”.  In the Gospel of Mark, Chapter 2, when the people in Capernaum heard that Jesus was in town, the Bible says, “It was noised that He was in the house”.  Every local church and every believer is wired for sound, for worship!  This two-part series, based on Psalm 96:1-2, explains why.

During the 2025 New Year's Eve Worship Celebration at the First Baptist Church of Chesterfield, Missouri, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield, the first Pastor Emeritus in the church's storied history, delivered an uplifting message to attendees from four area churches.  Drawing on 1 Peter 1:5, he emphasized that believers are protected, regardless of what 2026 may hold. We are KEPT because of our priceless pedigree, powerful protection and promising prize!

Lot's actions in Genesis, Chapter 19 is not only a warning to us of the dangers of dwelling on the past but a primer on what we must do in order to move forward and fulfill the purposes of God for our lives.  

Anyone searching for a “nativity narrative” in the Gospel of John or the fourth Gospel, need look no further than John, Chapter One, verse 14.  There is a compelling account of Jesus's nativity compacted in this one verse.  It reaches back into eternity past and reaches forward into eternity future.  It is a key verse in the most magnificent prologue or introduction in all literature.  In this powerful and celebratory Advent message, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield insightfully focuses our attention on three affirmations in this profound verse that reveals Jesus is more than just a man! 

There are two birth narratives in the four Gospels.  Joseph is the focus of the narrative recorded in the Gospel of Matthew.  Mary, the mother of Jesus is the primary character in the narrative in the Gospel of Luke.  This message explores Luke, Chapter 1, verses 26 – 38 and Mary's role in the birth of our Savior.  She is a compelling feminine voice, a woman of faith testifying of the purposes, presence and power of God.  She was favored by God, fruitful for God and focused on God. 

The Gospel writer Mark is not alone in his portrayal of the pivotal role that John the Baptist plays as the forerunner of Jesus Christ.  John the Baptist stood at the intersection of the Old and New Covenant; a true man of conviction that God had shaped and molded in the classical prophetic tradition.  The truth about the coming Messiah concealed in the Old Testament prophecies would be revealed through John's ministry and through the life, death and resurrection of the One John bore witness to.  This message inspires us during this Advent Season to do what John did – stand for the Truth, stand with the Truth and stand by the Truth!  

During Advent, the nativity narratives in the Gospels remind us that God came into this broken world in the person of Jesus Christ.  This “Messianic Migration” culminates in the Book of Revelation, Chapter 3, verses 20 – 21 where Jesus stands at the door and knocks.  The symbolism is an urgent summons to the Church, every child of God and the world to “let Him in!”

While preaching at the Ninety-Seventh Anniversary Celebration of New Salem Baptist Church in Decatur, IL, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield draws insights from 1 Peter 2:9-10, exploring the theme What Makes the Church So Special!  The church, empowered to engage the world, possesses a unique status, vital mission, and invaluable blessing because Jesus lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and rose again.  Before returning to heaven, He entrusted the church to share the Gospel with all nations, promising His continual presence throughout this journey.

British Prime Minister and prominent leader during World War II, Winston Churchill once said, “We make a living by what we get but we make a life by what we give.”  He could have very well been gleaning truth from a passage that King Solomon wrote centuries earlier that is recorded in Proverbs Chapter Eleven, verse twenty-five.  That verse and this sermon addresses the question, “What do we gain when we give?”  

In Psalm 12, David feels isolated and marginalized as a man of faith amid a rising tide of wickedness in his world.  The challenges he faced highlight a harsh reality that echoes across generations and speaks to our own era.  Societies face dire consequences when the faithful falter.  From a spiritual and moral perspective, the dangers of such a collapse are more severe and far-reaching than a nuclear Iran, a global pandemic, or another economic recession.  What unfolds when godly men and women disappear from marriages, families, churches, communities, and nations?  This message dives deep into that pressing and urgent question.

Exodus, Chapter 13, verses 19-22 is one of many biblical passages that expresses truth about God's presence.  Further exploration of these verses reveal that geographically and experientially, a passage can be a road, a path, a course, that takes us from one place to another in life just like the one the Israelites embarked on as they left Egypt for the Promised Land.  God is present in that kind of passage as well.  This message helps us celebrate and understand more about how God's people experience God's presence.  

In Chapter 11, verse one of the Book of Ecclesiastes, the biblical writer uses the merchant who stocks and sends ships out to sea as a metaphor for the life of faith.  Faith is not afraid!  It lives boldly, broadly, blindly and bountifully.  

October is Clergy Appreciation Month.  Once again, we share from our Legacy Collection a classic sermon by Dr. T. D. Stubblefield on the biblical office of Pastor -Teacher based on Jeremiah 3:15. “The elders who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor, especially those whose work is preaching and teaching” (1 Timonthy 5:17).  Bless and encourage someone you know in ministry by sharing this link with them!  

Listen as Dr. T. D. Stubblefield delivers a passionate and powerful message on the true character of Christian ministry, preached during the licensing service of his son, Charlton, as a Gospel Minister at the First Baptist Church of Georgetown, Kentucky. This sermon—part of our Legacy Collection—is shared as a special gift during Clergy Appreciation Month and in celebration of the fifth anniversary of The Advancing Word Podcast. Share this message with a pastor or minister you know as a source of encouragement and inspiration.

Join the rapturous celebration of the Word of God as Dr. T. D. Stubblefield preaches at the Colossians Baptist Church, Newport News, Virginia during Annual Revival.  Listen as he powerfully and passionately parse, punctuate, and proclaim the timeless truths and permanent principles in Psalm 133 that constitute “a blueprint for a blessing”. 

As Jesus concludes what scholars have described as the Upper Room Discourse in the Gospel of John, Chapter 16, verse 33, He weaves and weds truth and trouble in an unbreakable union that would bless not only the apostles but those who would believe on the Lord through their word and witness.  Jesus's words were deliberately designed and deputized to encourage their (and our) faith.  What do you do when trouble comes?  Listen to this message and learn!  

The story of the father and his epileptic son recorded in the Gospel of Mark, Chapter Nine, verses 14 - 29, is repeated in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.  This riveting account reminds us that we are not strong all the time but even when we struggle, little faith in a crisis can produce great blessing.  

During the first of a series of Super Sunday Night Worship Celebrations at the First Baptist Church of Wright City, Missouri, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield explores a key passage in Chapter 1 of the First Epistle of John.  Refuting their glaring lack of knowledge, the elder apostle of the church turns the light on the Perfect Light, Jesus Christ who is both fully God and fully human. This sermon is a timely reminder of what it means to embrace Jesus Christ as our Light in a dark world and to live in that Light!  

Step into a riveting exploration of Psalm 55, often called a “song of sorrow” and traditionally linked to David's anguished flight during the Absalom rebellion—the darkest episode of his reign.  This segment delves into the heart of David's despair as his own son leads an uprising, leaving David desperate for escape and relief from overwhelming pressure.  But rather than a physical exit, David's journey leads him toward an inner transformation—a rerouting of his spiritual compass that opens a corridor of faith and peace.  Draw inspiration from Dr. T. D. Stubblefield's concept of “through traffic,” and learn how moments of crisis can become gateways to unexpected strength and tranquility. 

At the Victory Family Church, a Spirit-filled, diverse and fast-growing congregation located in the heart of O'Fallon, Missouri, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield shares from the magnificent Prologue that is the First Chapter of the Gospel of John. Two words in verse 11 anchors the conviction that is at the heart of the Christian faith.  “He came.” In other words, Jesus showed up!  Jesus, the second member of the Trinity and the Eternal Word of God, which was with God in the beginning, and which was God became human and came to this planet.  Listen to this message and learn about what happened when Jesus showed up.  

The first chapter of Joshua launches with the somber note, “After the death of Moses.”  The absence of their great leader created an immense vacuum and void in the life of the Israelites.  Yet, when the chapter ends, it is not his death that is in view but the fulfillment of their destiny as a people of God.  Loss and victory are two different and distinctive notes on the same keyboard of life.  You can't experience one without expecting the other.  This message is a reminder that our experience of loss establishes our eligibility and candidacy for victory because God's plans are unchangeable, God's presence unshakeable and God's precepts unbeatable.  

In 2 Timothy, Chapter 4, verses 6 – 8, The Apostle Paul encourages his son in the ministry Timothy to be faithful.   Even while in prison and expecting to be executed, Paul had a winner's view or vantage point of victory.  Like Timothy, as we face our own challenges in this world in which we live, we can be encouraged because every child of God has been set apart to be a winner.  This sermon explores what this means!   

In 2 Corinthians, Chapter 3, verses 4 -6, the Apostle Paul was careful to acknowledge that, while the Corinthians were living and breathing evidence of a fruitful, impactful and productive ministry there, he personally has no basis for boasting.  God was responsible for all the spiritual progress and growth in the church!  At the Union Baptist Church in Chesterfield, Missouri during the 2025 Pastoral Anniversary Celebration, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield encourages both Pastor and People that “ministry in the key of grace means leaning not on our adequacy, but on God's ability.”

During the 2025 Annual Revival at the Cedar Hill Baptist Church in Cottage Grove, Tennessee, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield explores the Gospel of Mark, Chapter Two, verses 1-5 and powerfully proclaims what the church look like when Jesus is in the house!  Listen and be blessed

In Psalm 34:8, David urges his audience to “taste and see that the LORD is good,” a bold invitation rooted in his own experience with God. Refusing to be silenced, he speaks with conviction. Yet too often, our spiritual palates grow dull. In this memorable message, The Flavor of Favor, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield explores this powerful passage while preaching during the 2025 Summer Speaker Series at One Family Church—one of St. Louis's fastest-growing and most diverse congregations.

In verses eleven through fourteen of the first Chapter of Ephesians, the Apostle Paul is writing from prison. He ends a sweeping summary of the plan of salvation by focusing on the unique role the Holy Spirit. This message highlights the measure, matter and mark of our spiritual oneness in Christ.

Though the Apostle Paul penned his letter to the Ephesians from behind prison walls, his spirit remained unconfined.  The chains that bound him could not bar him from the promises of God. Far more than a prisoner of earthly authorities, Paul was utterly devoted—captivated—by his faith.  In Ephesians 4:1–3, he shares what it means to live as a prisoner of faith.  In these verses, Paul shows us not just the chains of circumstance, but the strength and beauty of a faith that holds us fast.  This sermon explores what that kind of “captive faith” truly looks like.

John 16:33 marks a pivotal moment in the Fourth Gospel, closing the Upper Room Discourse with Jesus declaring victory and hope for his followers.  The verse connects truth and trouble, offering encouragement to both the apostles and future believers.  This message which Dr. Stubblefield shared recently at the historic St. Paul United Church of Christ in Carlinville, IL explores the “truth about trouble” revealed in this passage. 

In Psalm 51, "then" is a spiritual location that should be the goal of every believer.  Because of sin, David had taken a detour from his destiny, but through confession and repentance reached his destination.  

In Jeremiah, Chapter 8, the prophet laments and mourns because of the plight of the covenant people of Israel.  Thousands were living in captivity in Babylon.  The prophet's anguish is ultimately demonstrated by the questions he raises and not the declarations he makes.  Down through the centuries, priests, prophets, preachers and pastors are sought out for their answers to life's perplexing and troubling questions.  The reality is that we have questions too and more than often we must stand compassionately, yet silently with others who are trying to live with the questions that life inevitably brings.  This sermon offers help, hope and healing for those who are living with the questions!  

In Chapter Eleven, verse 6 of the Book of Hebrews, the biblical writer, with a pastor's heart discusses the spiritual foundation of the Christian faith to those who may be considering returning to Judaism due to suffering and persecution. The text emphasizes the importance of maintaining one's faith and experiencing God's favor as demonstrated in Jesus Christ, presented in this book as a Superior Person, Superior Priest, and Superior Principle.  This message highlights how the requirement, relationship, and reward mentioned in this pivotal passage remain relevant to believers today.

In Joshua Chapter Fourteen, verses six through fifteen, Caleb, at the age of eighty-five years old, expresses his willingness and desire to go to battle as the Israelites solidified their gains in the new land of promise.  He was by all accounts, “a faithful man” because he was devoted, delivered and daring. Even in the seasoned sunset of his life, he was still looking for another opportunity to serve the Lord.   

Habakkuk whose name means “to embrace” or “cling to” was a contemporary of the prophet Jeremiah and served during the difficult days that preceded the demise and destruction of the nation of Judah and the subsequent Babylonian Captivity.  Fear and uncertainty were rampant!  So many people were living lives of quiet desperation.  It is not unlike the times in which we live.  Uniquely, Habakkuk did not confront the people but CONFRONTED GOD as he wrestled with the problems of sin, evil and suffering around him.  God's final word to him and to us was “the just shall live by faith” (2:4).  This message challenges us to have “the faith that holds on when life holds out”.

We are bombarded daily with choices and risk becoming increasingly preoccupied and self-absorbed.  The Gospel of Luke, Chapter Ten introduces us to two extraordinary women who invited Jesus into their home.  On this occasion, Martha was too busy to be blessed.  On the other hand, her sister Mary ends the evening sitting at the feet of Jesus listening to the Word.  While Martha was pulled and pressured by her work and the immediate needs of the moment, Mary withdraws from what she was doing and sits quietly at the feet of Jesus and listens to His teaching.  She overcame the “attraction of distraction” and so can you!  This message tells us how.  

His life threatened, his kingdom in turmoil, in Psalm Twenty-Seven, David sought God's presence.  In his distress, he wanted to "dwell in the house of the Lord".  In this place, he experienced a perfect getaway.  We can too!  

This segment explores Psalm 78, examining the storied history of Israel and the profound question posed in stanza 19 of the psalm, "Can God furnish a table in the wilderness?" This question, fueled by doubt and skepticism, challenges God's ability to provide for and protect His covenant people.  Today's message offers a compelling and timeless response to the question, a resounding "Yes!" Listen and discover how God alone can transform difficult deserts into delightful diners, proving His unwavering provision and care.

In the Gospel of Luke, Chapter Ten, verses 25-37, while teaching, Jesus was challenged by an expert in Jewish law.  His primary motivation was to justify himself and indulge his own sense of self-righteousness.  Jesus responds to this man's errant theological speculation by sharing a story that was designed to move him and us from law to love, from saying to serving and from religion to relationship.  What begins with a question in the text ends with a challenge to every child of God to be "like a good neighbor.”   

Do you ever feel like you are backed up against a wall?  In 2 Kings Chapter 20, verses 1-11, King Hezekiah did!  He faced a problem that seemed as large and looming as the Great Barrier Reef in the Coral Sea which spans 133,000 square miles and can be seen from outer space.  Yet, with fervent faith and powerful prayer, he was able to transcend the disabling weight of his own mortality. You and I can too if we have “barrier belief.”

In Psalm 55, stanza 22, after lamenting the disappointment that had resulted from the betrayal of a close friend, David expressed his unconditional faith in God who redeems.  This sermon navigates the fertile ground between our problems and God's promises.  It resonates with the marvelous possibility and hope that whatever we are facing in life, whatever our struggles, we are not alone.  God is ever-present to help us and hold us. 

Setbacks happen—to all of us. But with God, they don't have to be the end of the story. In this encouraging Resurrection message, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield looks at the life of Joseph to remind us that what feels like a setback can actually be a setup for something greater. Originally shared during the 2025 Black History Month Celebration at Refresh Community Church in University City, Missouri, this sermon will lift your spirit and strengthen your faith.

On Palm Sunday according to Luke Chapter 19, verses 36 – 40, Jesus entered Jerusalem riding on a donkey amidst the applause and acclaim of the crowds that had gathered.  When His enemies criticized the crowd's response, Jesus said, “If they hold their peace the stones will cry out!”   This message explores what a stone would tell us about our Savior?  What is the story in the stones?

In Part 6 and the final sermon of The Perfect Match series, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield concludes with a focus on the last of four fundamental dynamics of biblical marriage based on Genesis Chapter 2, verses 18 – 25.  Intimacy provides the physical, spiritual and emotional depth in the marital union.  It is derived from the Latin word intimatus, which means to “put or press into.”  It is “a GPS coordinate to the most innermost and essential being of another person.”  In this space, the essential you and the essential me can be found.  Intimacy involves the awareness of the self, the acceptance of the self and the atonement of the Savior.  

In Part 5 of The Perfect Match, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield focuses on “unity”, the third dynamic of biblical marriage based on Genesis Chapter 2, verse 24.  Like separation and permanence, in strong and vibrant marriages, unity and intimacy, the last dynamic in this compelling quartet co-exists, coalesce and cooperate.  Unity is the pattern and intimacy is the passion.  Unity is the fuel and intimacy is the fire.  Unity is the mechanics and intimacy is the mystery. Unity is not only a key component of biblical marriage but a fundamental concern in God's redemptive plan.  

God designed marriage to last! In the fifth sermon of The Perfect Match Series, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield explores the dynamic of permanence in marriage. Marital failure and fragmentation have reached pandemic levels—49% of marriages end in divorce, and Christian couples face the same struggles. But is there hope when the thrill is gone and love's intensity fades? This sermon offers biblical wisdom and practical guidance on renewing commitment, rekindling love, and building a lasting, God-centered marriage.

In the fourth sermon of The Perfect Match Series, Dr. T. D. Stubblefield explores the first key principle of a successful marriage: separation. Based on Genesis 2:24a— “For this reason a man will leave his father and mother”—this message highlights the need for couples to realign priorities, relationships, and family ties. A strong marriage requires an intentional shift, establishing a bond that is independent, rooted in love, and guided by God's design.

In Part 3 of The Perfect Match sermon series, Dr. Stubblefield focuses on the significance of the word “therefore” in Genesis 2:24. This pivotal word serves as the bridge between God's divine work and the blessing of biblical marriage. Up to this point, God has orchestrated every detail—forming, shaping, and providing—while the man simply rested. He awakened not through his own effort, but to the fulfillment of God's grace and goodness. This foundational truth reminds us that every biblical marriage is built not on human striving, but on the work of God, who prepares and provides long before we even realize our need.