First Baptist Church Big Spring Podcast

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.

Join Brandon and Jonathan for Part 1 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.

In this uplifting episode, we explore the "Banana of Joy"—a fun and memorable metaphor for the fruit of the Spirit. Drawing from Galatians 5:22-23, we'll peel back the layers of what it means to live a life filled with joy, regardless of circumstances. Join us as we unpack how true joy, like a ripe banana, can nourish our souls and brighten the lives of those around us. Whether you're looking for a boost of encouragement or a deeper understanding of spiritual joy, this sermon is sure to leave you refreshed and inspired. Tune in for a message that's as sweet and satisfying as your favorite fruit!

Join Brandon and Jonathan with special guest, Pastor Mark Lindsey as we look at personal devotion times to kick off the new year. In this episode, we dive into the importance of personal Bible reading as a daily discipline for Christians. Why is spending time in God's Word each day essential for spiritual growth? How can we develop a consistent habit of reading and meditating on Scripture, even in the midst of busy lives? We'll explore practical tips for making Bible reading a regular part of your daily routine, the benefits of engaging with God's Word, and how it transforms our hearts and minds. Whether you're looking to start fresh or deepen your existing practice, this conversation will encourage and equip you to draw closer to God through His Word every day. Resources Mentioned The Word for you Today - available to pick up at the church building Bible App https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bible/id282935706 https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.sirma.mobile.bible.android&hl=en_US&pli=1 F260 Bible Reading Plan https://replicate.org/resources/reading-plans

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey as we kick off our new series "Fruit of the Spirit" In this inspiring episode we delve into the transformative power of the Fruit of the Spirit, focusing on the first and perhaps most profound—Love. Drawing from Galatians 5:22-23, we explore what it means to embody godly love in our daily lives. How can we reflect the love of Christ in our relationships, our communities, and even with those who challenge us? Join us as we unpack the biblical foundation of love, its impact on the believer's life, and practical ways to nurture this fruit in a world longing for genuine compassion. Whether you're seeking to deepen your faith or find practical ways to live out love, this sermon will encourage and equip you to walk in the Spirit.

As we step into a new year, it's the perfect time to reflect on the call to renewal found in Ephesians 4:20-24. In this week's sermon, we explore what it means to "put on the new self" created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. This message encourages us to leave behind the old ways of life and embrace the transformation that comes through Christ. How can we align our lives with God's purpose and walk in the newness of His Spirit? Join us as we seek to start the year with a fresh commitment to live in the light of the gospel and grow in our faith journey.

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey for today's sermon. In this inspiring sermon from Matthew 2:1-12, we reflect on the journey of the Magi as they traveled far to worship the newborn King, Jesus. What can we learn from their determination, faith, and gifts? This message challenges us to consider our own spiritual journey to seek Christ. Are we willing to follow the light, no matter the cost? Do we bring our best to honor Him? Join us as we explore the meaning of true worship, the significance of the Magi's journey, and how we too can make a pilgrimage to encounter the Savior this Christmas season.

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey as he gives a brief message from John 1:14 for Christmas Eve. On this holy night, we pause to reflect on the profound truth of John 1:14: “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us.” In this brief yet powerful Christmas Eve message, we celebrate the birth of Jesus as the beginning of a journey that led to the cross—a journey of love, grace, and salvation. This sermon reminds us that the baby in the manger was God in human form, sent to redeem us through His sacrifice. Join us as we marvel at the wonder of the incarnation and prepare our hearts for the joy of Christmas and the hope of the cross.

Join Pastor Mark as we look at the Journey of Jesus. Christmas is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, but it's also a season to reflect on His ultimate purpose and promise. In this powerful sermon, we explore the journey of Jesus—from the manger in Bethlehem to the cross, the empty tomb, and beyond—as it points us toward His promised return. Through Scripture and heartfelt teaching, we'll connect the hope of Christ's first coming to the anticipation of His second coming. How does the story of Jesus' humble arrival prepare us for His triumphant return? What does it mean to live in readiness for the King who is coming again? Tune in for a message of hope, challenge, and assurance as we celebrate the Savior who came to redeem and will one day return to reign.

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey for this brief message on the birth of Jesus Christ as we look at the way God chose to enter the world in humble human form.

It's beginning to sound a lot like Christmas! In this fun and festive episode, Brandon and Jonathan sit down with our church staff to get their takes on the best and worst Christmas songs of all time. From timeless carols that touch the soul to those overplayed tunes that make you cringe, we cover it all! Which Christmas classics top their lists, and which songs do they think deserve a permanent holiday hiatus? Tune in for some laughs, surprises, and maybe even a little debate. Plus, get inspired to update your Christmas playlist—or at least know what to skip this year!

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey as he kicks off a new sermon series for Christmas. Sermon Title: Preparing the Way for Christmas Scripture: Luke 3:1-18 Description: As we journey through the Advent season, John the Baptist calls us to prepare the way for the Lord. In Luke 3:1-18, we find his bold message of repentance, renewal, and readiness for the coming of the Messiah. This sermon will explore what it means to "prepare the way" in our own hearts and lives this Christmas. We will consider the practical steps John gives—turning from sin, pursuing justice, and sharing with others—as ways to align our lives with God's kingdom. This preparation isn't just about holiday traditions; it's about making room for Christ to reign in our hearts and communities. Join us as we reflect on how to make this season more than a celebration—how to make it a transformation. Are you ready to welcome the King?

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey and First Baptist Church Big Spring in this Christmas episode, we dive into Luke 2:1-7, exploring the story of Christ's humble birth in a manger. What does it mean to truly prepare for the arrival of the Savior in our hearts and lives? In this sermon we reflect on the lessons of Mary, Joseph, and the innkeeper, asking ourselves: are we making room for Jesus in the midst of the busyness and distractions of the season? With practical insights and biblical wisdom, we'll uncover how the simplicity and humility of Christ's birth call us to prepare our lives with faith, surrender, and expectation. Tune in for a message of hope and encouragement as we celebrate the greatest gift of all—God with us.

Join Pastor Mark for a message about why we should be thankful. The passage is 1st Thessalonians 5:18.

Brandon and Jonathan are joined by a special guest, Cameron Crow for this episode. Cameron and his wife RoChelle, have written a new book called "Sprouting For Students: Discipleship Workbook." Brandon and Jonathan talk with Cameron about this new resource. This book will help you with the discipleship process for students whether you are a parent, grandparent youth leader, or youth pastor. It's even great for older students to use in discipleship with younger students. Purchase Link Sprouting For Students: Discipleship Workbook

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey as we continue in our series "Route 66: Journey of Jesus" as we look at David's altar to the Lord in 2nd Samuel 24:18-25

Brandon and Jonathan are joined by Dan Baker, Minister of Music at First Baptist Church Amarillo to talk about the importance of singing, specifically why men singing in worship is so critical in the life of the church. We'll talk about music, worship and how it plays such a key role in the life of the church.

Join Pastor Mark Lindsey as we continue our series "Route 66: The Journey of Jesus." Today we look at 1st Samuel.