First Baptist Church Big Spring Podcast

In Part 2 of our journey through the book of Acts, Brandon and Jonathan dive into chapters 13–28, tracing the missionary journeys of Paul and the unstoppable spread of the gospel to the ends of the earth. Along the way, we highlight some of the wildest and most surprising moments in Acts—from shipwrecks to snakebites—and talk about what they teach us today. It's part history, part theology, and part “you won't believe this actually happened.”

In today's message, Pastor Mark explores what it truly means to “love mercy” as we look at Micah 6:8 through the lens of Jesus' story of the Good Samaritan. Compassion isn't just a feeling—it's a calling. Are we living lives marked by mercy, or are we walking past the hurting and broken? We are reminded that out of the consistency of our lives flows compassion.

In this episode, Brandon and Jonathan kick off our two-part look at the book of Acts in our New Testament Survey series. From Jesus' ascension to the explosive growth of the early church, we explore how the Holy Spirit empowered ordinary people for an extraordinary mission. This episode introduces the book at looks at chapters 1-12. Join us as we unpack key themes, pivotal moments, and why Acts still matters for the church today. Next week we'll cover chapters 13-28.

In today's message entitled "What God Requires," Pastor Mark unpacks the familiar yet deeply challenging words of Micah 6:8: “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” Are we living for God—or simply for ourselves? This sermon calls us to examine our hearts and embrace a life that reflects true righteousness: one marked by obedience to those ideas as required by God.

In this episode of our New Testament Survey series, we explore the unique beauty and depth of the Gospel of John. Jonathan and Brandon discuss its authorship, historical setting, major themes, and how John's portrait of Jesus as the Son of God differs from the Synoptic Gospels. From “In the beginning was the Word” to the resurrection appearances, we'll walk through how John's gospel is both deeply theological and deeply personal—written so that we may believe and have life in His name (John 20:31).

In this week's message, “Cleaning House,” Pastor Mark walks us through Mark 11:15–19 where Jesus flips some tables and reminds everyone what the temple is really for. It's a bold moment—but it's also a reminder that the church isn't just a building, it's the people. God's not just interested in clean buildings—He wants clean hearts. What clutter might He be calling us to clear out?

In this episode, Jonathan, Brandon, and special guest Medina Dobbs sit down to share the joy, laughter, and life-changing stories from an incredible week of Vacation Bible School at First Baptist Big Spring. From energetic worship and fun games to gospel conversations and God-sized decisions, we'll highlight what made this year's "Magnified" VBS unforgettable. Whether you served, sent your kids, or just want to hear how God moved—this one's for you!

In this powerful message from our series on prayer, Pastor Mark unpacks Isaiah 62:6–7 to help us understand not only the objective of prayer, but also the responsibility we bear as God's people to be persistent, faithful, and alert in our communication with Him. Just as the watchmen on the walls of Jerusalem were never silent, we too are called to continually lift our voices in prayer—not to inform God, but to join Him in His purposes. This sermon will challenge you to pray with boldness, consistency, and expectation as you seek God's will for your life, your church, and your community.

In this powerful message from our Yes Lord series, Pastor Mark takes us to Song of Solomon 5:1–16, where we explore a deeply intimate picture of longing, pursuit, and love. Just as the bride in the Song searches for her beloved, we are reminded that life apart from God leaves us empty. Saying "Yes, Lord" means recognizing that living with God isn't just a preference—it's a necessity. When we understand His beauty, faithfulness, and presence, we come to see that we simply can't live without Him.

In this message from our "Yes Lord" series, Pastor Mark preaches from Joshua 3:1-17, showing how the people of Israel had to put their feet in the Jordan before the waters would part. Faith isn't just believing in God's promises—it's stepping forward in obedience even when the path looks uncertain. Drawing from James 2, we're reminded that faith without works is dead. True faith says “Yes, Lord,” and then moves forward—trusting God to make a way.

In this week's message from our Yes Lord series, Pastor Mark Lindsey turns us to Genesis 24 and the remarkable story of Rebekah. Mark unpacks how Rebekah said “yes” to God's plan—without knowing all the details of what her future would hold. Her faith-filled obedience challenges us to trust God's leading, even when the path ahead is unclear. When we say "Yes, Lord," we surrender control and step into the story He's writing for us.

Brandon is joined on this episode by Tony Baccari from First Priority of the Permian Basin. First Priority helps organized student led clubs on school campuses including at Big Spring High School. Brandon and Tony talk about First Priority and the impact that it has on students and local churches.

In this powerful message from our "Yes Lord" series, we look at Genesis 6:1-9 and the story of Noah—a man who said yes to God when it made no sense and when no one else understood. Pastor Mark challenges us to trust God's call even when it defies culture, comfort, or common sense, reminding us that obedience to God often requires walking by faith, not by sight.

In this week's sermon from Pastor Mark's "Yes Lord "series, we explore Judges 6:1-11 and the story of Gideon—an unlikely hero who moved from fear to faith. Pastor Mark shows how Gideon's hesitant "yes" became a bold act of obedience, reminding us that God's call often meets us in our weakness but leads us into His strength.

In this episode, we turn our attention to the Gospel of Luke—an orderly and detailed written account of Jesus' life and ministry. We'll explore Luke's deep concern for historical accuracy and theological clarity. Join us as we discuss authorship, the book's connection to Acts, and the Gospel's significance in both its original setting and for the church today. Whether you're new to Luke or have read it many times, this conversation will deepen your appreciation for the most “Christmasy” of the Gospels—and yes, Brandon and Jonathan will probably find something to debate again.

In this episode of our New Testament Survey series, we dive into the fast-paced, action-packed Gospel of Mark. We'll explore the book's authorship, its setting, the urgency in Mark's writing style, date of writing, themes, and the big question: what's the deal with the different endings? Plus, no episode on Mark would be complete without revisiting Brandon and Jonathan's never-ending (but always entertaining) debate over the proper date of writing—because nothing says Christian fellowship like a good-natured scholarly throwdown. Spoiler alert, this will continue in the book of Luke episodeGrab your Bible and your popcorn—this is a conversation you won't want to miss!

In this powerful episode, Pastor Mark Lindsey dives into Philippians 2:5-8 with a message titled “Yes, Lord.” Exploring the humility and obedience of Christ, Pastor Mark challenges us to adopt the same mindset by saying "yes" to God—no matter the cost. With heartfelt conviction and practical insight, he reminds us that obedience starts with a surrendered heart and is expressed in our everyday lives. He even walks us through how to say “yes” to God in multiple languages—including American Sign Language—highlighting the global call to follow Jesus. This message will inspire you to respond to God's voice with faith, humility, and bold obedience.

In this episode of our New Testament Survey series, we dive into the Gospel of Matthew. We will talk authorship, date of writing, primary reader audience etc. Also, was it written before the book or Mark or after? Brandon and Jonathan debate the theories! Join us as we discuss key themes such as the Kingdom of Heaven, the Sermon on the Mount, and the Great Commission, and discover why Matthew's Gospel continues to speak powerfully today as it tells the story of Jesus, the Messiah.

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey for this week's sermon. We reflect on the profound truth that those the world counts as insignificant are often those most honored by God. Hebrews 11:38 reminds us that the faithful—though overlooked, mistreated, or forgotten—are precious in the eyes of the Father. Through Jesus Christ, God pours out His grace and grants true freedom, not based on status or success, but on His love. Join us as we consider what it means to serve the Lord with thanksgiving, living in the freedom only Christ can give.

In this first episode of our special series "Faith Under Fire" Jonathan sits down with Don Brodie as he shares about his service in the military during the Vietnam War and how his faith in Jesus Christ became his anchor through some of the most difficult moments of his life. Don reflects on his experiences in the army, the challenges of returning home, and the sustaining power of God's presence through it all. You'll hear personal stories, historical perspective, and a testimony of how a relationship with Christ can carry us through any storm. This episode is a moving reminder of courage, sacrifice, and the unshakable hope we have in Jesus. There will be more in this series released throughout the year.

In today's sermon, Youth Pastor Brandon Gartman opens the book of Jonah and challenges us with a powerful truth from Jonah 1:1–5. When God calls, how do we respond? Through Jonah's story of rebellion and flight, Pastor Brandon encourages us to examine our own hearts, confront areas of resistance, and trust in God's plan—even when it's uncomfortable. This message reminds us that you can run from God, but you can't outrun His love or His purpose for your life.

In this episode of our New Testament Survey series, we open the pages of the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—and explore what makes these four accounts of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection so foundational to the Christian faith. Brandon and Jonathan walk us through the historical background, key themes, theological significance, and unique perspectives of each Gospel writer. Whether you're new to the Bible or looking to deepen your understanding, this episode sets the stage for how the story of Jesus begins in the New Testament.

In this special Mother's Day sermon, entitled "Lessons from Mom," Pastor Mark Lindsey unpacks the timeless wisdom of Proverbs 31:1–9, where a mother's godly counsel to her son, a king, reminds us that a mother's influence shapes lives and legacies. From guarding our character to speaking up for those who cannot speak for themselves, these verses challenge us to live with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Whether you're a mom, learning from a mom, or simply grateful for one, this message invites you to consider the powerful impact of godly advice passed down through generations.

In this kickoff episode of our brand-new podcast series, New Testament Survey, we introduce the journey ahead as we explore the 27 books that make up the second half of Scripture. Over the next 15–20 episodes, we'll dive into the historical background, authorship, audience, key theological themes, and literary context of each book—from the Gospels to Revelation.In this first episode, we lay the foundation by discussing how scholars approach dating the books of the New Testament, the importance of understanding the original setting, and how context shapes theology. Whether you're a Bible student, church leader, or curious believer, this series will help you better understand the story of Jesus and the early church—and why it still matters today.Subscribe and join us each week as we uncover the richness of the New Testament, one book at a time!Resources Mentioned10 things you should know about the reliability of the New Testament writersHow to read the Bible for all it's worth

In this week's sermon, we dive into Pastor Mark Lindsey's sermon entitled “Who's Number 1?” as we reflect on what it truly means to have Christ as Lord of our lives. Drawing from 1 John 2:15-17 and Matthew 18:1-4, we're challenged to examine the things we love, the priorities we hold, and the posture of humility Jesus calls us to. This message helps us refocus our hearts on making Jesus first—above our desires, ambitions, and worldly distractions. Listen in as we explore how surrendering to Christ's lordship leads to lasting purpose and peace.What does putting Jesus first look like in your daily walk? Let's talk about it.

In this episode, Jonathan and Brandon sit down with Sherry Lindsey to reflect on the incredible turnout and community spirit at our Pre-Easter Block Party at First Baptist Big Spring. From the egg hunt to popsicles, games, and gospel conversations, we celebrate how God used this event to bring joy and connection to families across our city. Sherry shares some highlights, stories from the day, and what events like this mean for our church's mission to "Take Life to the City." Don't miss this encouraging look back at how God moved through fun, fellowship, and faith!

In today's message, Pastor Mark Lindsey takes us into Luke 22:14–20 and 1 Corinthians 11:23–26 to prepare our hearts for the Lord's Supper in a sermon entitled, "A Time to Remember."The Lord's Table is more than a tradition — it's a sacred time to remember the sacrifice of Jesus, to reflect on His grace, and to renew our commitment to live for Him. Pastor Mark walks us through the powerful moments of Jesus' last meal with His disciples and Paul's reminder to the early church, helping us see the Lord's Supper as a time of remembrance, reflection, and renewal.Join us as we pause, remember, and give thanks for the cross, the resurrection, and the hope we have in Christ.

Join Jonathan as he talks with special guest Dale Thompson, pastor of Grant Avenue Baptist Church, Springfield, MO for this episode. In a world where everyone has a platform, how do we make sure we're using ours wisely?In this episode, we're talking about the wise use of social media—how to post, share, and interact online in a way that reflects the truth and the character of Christ. We'll cover:How to be discerning before you share What it looks like to maintain a Christlike witness online The importance of checking sources and speaking truth in loveAvoiding gossip, slander, and division on digital platformsUsing your posts to encourage, bless, and build up othersWhether you're a casual scroller or a daily content creator, this episode will challenge and encourage you to let your light shine—even through your screen.

In this powerful Easter message, "Easter: He is risen!", Pastor Mark Lindsey takes us to Luke 24:1–12 to remind us of the heart of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The tomb is empty, and reminds us that "it all comes down to this."Join us as we celebrate the victory of Jesus over sin and death, explore the awe and wonder of that first Easter morning, and discover what the resurrection means for our lives today. Whether you're filled with faith or still asking questions, this message proclaims the hope we all need: He is not here. He is risen!

Join Brandon and Jonathan for this episode. Easter Sunday is the most important day on the Christian calendar—but how we celebrate it says a lot about what we believe. In this episode, we're diving into why Easter is central to our faith and unpacking both good and not-so-good ideas churches can have when planning their worship services.We'll talk about:✝️ Why the resurrection is everything for believers

In this powerful sermon, "Who Killed Jesus", Pastor Mark Lindsey walks us through the brutal scene of the crucifixion in Mark 15, examining the likely suspects responsible for Jesus' death—Pilate, the religious leaders, the crowd, and even the soldiers. But as the evidence builds, Pastor Mark challenges us to consider a surprising suspect: God Himself. Could it be that Jesus' death was not just a tragedy of injustice, but a divine plan carried out in love for us? Join us as we confront this crucial question and discover how the cross reveals both the justice and mercy of God.

What does it mean to be a church where guests don't just feel welcomed—but wanted? In this episode, Brandon and Jonathan talk about how being shaped by the gospel impacts the way we treat visitors, engage our community, and reflect the love of Jesus to everyone who walks through our doors.We'll explore:

In this powerful message from John 18:15-27, Pastor Mark Lindsey helps us walk through Peter's denial of Jesus and are reminded that even in our moments of failure, the love of Christ remains constant.In Christ's Love Compels Us, we see how Jesus' unwavering love moved toward the cross—even as His closest friends fell away—and how that same love compels us to live boldly, repent humbly, and follow Him faithfully.Join us as we explore how the deep, undeserved love of Christ changes everything about how we live and love others.

What is it like to walk into our church for the very first time? In this episode, we sit down with a recent guest who shares their experience attending First Baptist Church Big Spring for the first time.We'll talk about:

In the quiet darkness of Gethsemane, Jesus faced the weight of the cross before ever stepping onto Calvary. In this powerful sermon from Mark 14:32-42, Pastor Mark Lindsey walks us through the intensity of Jesus' prayer in the garden—a moment of deep sorrow, surrender, and ultimate obedience to the Father's will.Why did Jesus pray, “Not my will, but Yours be done”? What can we learn from His example when we face trials, suffering, or difficult choices? Join us as we reflect on the Garden of Gethsemane and how Jesus' surrender calls us to seek His will only in our own lives. Learn how you can have that same attitude in your Christian life.

In this solo episode of First Baptist Church of Big Spring Podcast, Brandon takes a deep dive into one of the most significant verses in Scripture—John 1:1. While most English translations affirm the deity of Christ, the New World Translation (NWT) takes a drastically different approach. Why does the NWT say, "the Word was a god," and how does that compare to the original Greek and trusted Bible translations?Join Brandon as he unpacks the theology and linguistic evidence behind this key verse. We'll explore why the traditional rendering—"the Word was God"—is not just a minor difference but a crucial truth about Jesus' divine nature.

As we begin our journey toward Easter, we turn to the heart of the gospel—John 3:16. In this sermon, The Wonderful Cross, Pastor Mark Lindsey reflects on the depth of God's love, the sacrifice of Jesus, and the incredible grace found in the cross.Why is the cross not just a symbol, but the very foundation of our faith? What makes Christ's sacrifice so wonderful? And how does this truth change the way we live? Join us as we prepare our hearts for Easter by fixing our eyes on the wonderful cross, where love and justice meet in the greatest act of redemption.

Join Brandon and Jonathan for today's episode on Bad Bible Translations. Not all religious texts are created equal. In this episode, we explore why the Jehovah's Witness New World Translation, Mormon holy books, and other altered or non-canonical texts are not reliable sources of God's truth for evangelical Christians.We'll discuss:

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey as As we wrap up our series on the Fruit of the Spirit, and look at John 15:1-5, where Jesus teaches us the key to living a truly fruitful life—abiding in Him. In this final message, Living the Fruitful Life, we'll explore what it means to stay connected to the True Vine and how that connection produces the fruit of the Spirit in our daily lives.How do we remain rooted in Christ when life gets hard? What happens when we try to bear fruit on our own? Join us as we unpack the importance of dependence on Jesus and discover how living a fruitful life starts with staying close to the source.

Brandon and Jonathan continue the discussion on Bible translations from last week. With so many Bible translations available, how do we know which one to use? In this episode, we dive into the different translations of Scripture, exploring how each one is accurate, reliable, and faithful to God's Word.We'll discuss:

Join us for this week's sermon as we wrap up our series on the Fruit of the Spirit. Self-control is the glue that binds all the other fruit together. Self-control isn't just about resisting temptation—it's about living with discipline, making godly choices, and allowing the Holy Spirit to guide our daily lives. In this sermon, The Strawberry of Self-Control, we continue our journey through the Fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, exploring why self-control is essential for a strong, faithful walk with Christ. How can we develop self-control in a world full of distractions? What does true, Spirit-led discipline look like? Join us as we unpack practical ways to cultivate this vital fruit and lean on God's strength to stay firm in our faith.

Join Brandon and Jonathan as they talk Bible translations. With so many Bible translations available, how do we know which one to use? In this episode, we dive into the different translations of Scripture, exploring how each one is accurate, reliable, and faithful to God's Word.We'll discuss:

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey for this week's sermon. Gentleness is often misunderstood as weakness, but in reality, it is strength under control—a fruit of the Spirit that reflects the heart of Christ. In this sermon, The Mango of Gentleness, we continue our series on the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5:22-23, exploring what it truly means to be a gentle follower of Jesus.How does biblical gentleness shape our relationships, our witness, and our daily walk with Christ? How can we respond with grace and humility in a world that values power and pride? Join us as we learn how to cultivate a spirit of gentleness that points others to the kindness and love of God.

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey for today's sermon in our continued series through the Fruit of the Sprit in Galatians 5:22-23. Faithfulness is more than just loyalty—it's a reflection of God's unchanging character and our call to remain steadfast in Him. In this sermon, The Orange of Faithfulness, we explore Galatians 5:22-23, looking at how God remains faithful to those who are faithful to Him.As we reflect on the history of God's people in Big Spring, TX, since 1886, we are reminded of the generations who trusted in His promises, served His church, and lived out their faith with perseverance. Their legacy challenges us to remain faithful today, knowing that God's faithfulness never wavers.Join us as we celebrate His faithfulness in the past, embrace it in the present, and commit to walking in faith for the future!

Join Brandon and Jonathan for this week's episode, "Digging Deeper: Why and How to Do Word Studies in the Bible's Original Languages." Ever wondered what a Bible verse really means beyond its English translation? In this episode, we explore why Christians should do word studies in the original languages of the Bible—Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Understanding key words in their original context can unlock deeper meaning, reveal richer theological truths, and strengthen your faith.We'll discuss:✅ Why word studies matter for biblical interpretation✅ How to choose a word to study✅ Practical tools and resources to explore Greek and Hebrew words✅ Real examples of how word studies can transform your understanding of ScriptureWhether you're new to this or looking to sharpen your Bible study skills, this episode will equip you to engage with God's Word in a fresh and exciting way!Resources MentionedStrong's NASB Concordance Vines Dictionary

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey as we continue our series in the Fruit of the Spirit. Goodness isn't just about being good—it's about reflecting the character of God in how we live and love others. In this sermon on the Pear of Goodness, we dive into Galatians 5:22-23, exploring how the fruit of goodness calls us to actively share God's love and grace with those around us.What does it mean to be a vessel of God's goodness in a world that desperately needs hope and kindness? How can we live out this fruit of the Spirit in practical ways? Join us as we unpack the biblical meaning of goodness, learn how to cultivate it in our lives, and discover the impact it can have when we generously share it with others.

In this episode, we delve into Aaron Earls' insightful article, "9 Encouraging Trends for Global Christianity in 2025," recently published by Lifeway Research. We explore the implications of these global developments for our local congregation and discuss why evangelism remains a cornerstone of the church's mission.As Christianity experiences significant growth in regions like Africa and Asia, what lessons can we learn to invigorate our local outreach efforts? How can we align with these encouraging trends to foster a thriving faith community?We also examine the indispensable role of evangelism in the local church. Sharing the gospel not only fulfills the Great Commission but also deepens our understanding of Scripture and strengthens our personal faith. By engaging in evangelism, we keep the gospel central in our lives and contribute to the spiritual growth of our community.Join us as we discuss practical strategies to embrace these global trends and reaffirm the importance of evangelism in our church's mission.https://research.lifeway.com/2025/02/11/9-encouraging-trends-for-global-christianity-in-2025/

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey as we continue in our series on the Fruit of the Spirit. True kindness isn't just being nice—it's a fruit of the Spirit that reflects the heart of Christ. In this sermon, The Kiwi of Kindness, we explore Galatians 5:22-23 and unpack why living out biblical kindness often comes with a cost.Jesus showed us that real kindness requires sacrifice, selflessness, and sometimes even hardship. It means loving those who are difficult, giving without expecting in return, and standing firm in truth with grace. Are we willing to pay the price to reflect God's kindness in a world that often values convenience over compassion?Join us as we dive into what it means to practice a kindness that goes beyond surface-level gestures and instead transforms lives through the love of Christ.

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey as we continue our series in the Fruit of the Spirit. Patience isn't just about waiting—it's about trusting God's timing with a steadfast heart. In this week's sermon, Plum of Patience, we explore how patience is a fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) and how Isaiah 40:31 reminds us that those who wait on the Lord will renew their strength. What does it mean to cultivate patience in a fast-paced, instant-gratification world? How can we trust God when waiting feels difficult? Join us as we uncover the beauty of patience, learning how to rest in God's promises while growing in faith and endurance.

Join Brandon and Jonathan for Part 2 of this double episode on discipleship for adults. What is it? Why is it essential in the life of a believer? How do you get started? We'll cover a lot a ground while we remain focused on the why behind it, which is to help each and every Christian become a more fully devoted follower of Christ.

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey as we continue our series on the Fruit of the Spirit with today's message "The Peach of Peace." What does it mean to experience true peace in a broken world? In this episode, we dive into the Fruit of the Spirit and explore the "peach of peace" by looking at the story of creation in Genesis 1-3. From the harmony of the Garden of Eden to the devastating impact of sin, we'll uncover how God's original design for peace was disrupted and how it can be restored in Christ. Join us as we reflect on the deep, transformative peace that the Holy Spirit brings—a peace that surpasses understanding and brings us back into alignment with God's purpose for our lives.