Founders Baptist Church

Texas Representative James Talarico recently claimed on the Joe Rogan podcast that Jesus would oppose displaying the Ten Commandments in public school classrooms. In this episode, Dr. Richard Caldwell offers a biblical response, addressing the misuse of Scripture, the true purpose of God's law, and how the moral law points sinners to Christ. The discussion examines Jesus' words in Matthew 22 and 5:17, the Apostle Paul's teaching in Romans 13, and the broader Christian worldview concerning law, morality, and public life. Dr. Caldwell clarifies that God's law is not a burden, but a gracious guide that exposes sin and leads us to the gospel.

In this episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell addresses the controversy surrounding Chip and Joanna Gaines and their decision to include a same-sex couple on a Magnolia Network show. He offers a biblical evaluation of the cultural pressures influencing Christian public figures and challenges believers to examine whether their convictions are shaped by Scripture or society. The episode calls for discernment, courage, and a return to biblical love that rejoices in the truth, not unrighteousness.

In this episode, we honor the life and ministry of John MacArthur, reflecting on his lasting impact on the church through faithful preaching, biblical courage, and his unwavering commitment to the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. From personal anecdotes to theological insights, Dr. Richard Caldwell walks through the legacy of a man who remained steadfast to the end, modeling what it means to submit wholly to the Word of God and shepherd God's people with love and truth.

Many Christian parents today love the Lord but lack biblical models for parenting. In this episode, we explore how to parent with intentionality, avoid common pitfalls like inconsistent discipline and misplaced priorities, and instead cultivate a peaceful, spiritually healthy home. Pastor Caldwell draws wisdom from Proverbs and highlights the need for older believers to disciple younger families in practical, gospel-centered parenting.

The sounding of the seventh trumpet in Revelation marks the beginning of the final phase of God's redemptive plan—one that leads directly to the return of Christ and the establishment of His everlasting kingdom. In this sermon, we are brought face-to-face with the moment when what believers have known by faith will become sight, and the long-awaited hopes of heaven and earth are fulfilled. This trumpet announces the certain coming of Christ, a kingdom that will never end, and sets into motion the final judgments that culminate in Christ's reign on earth. As heaven erupts in worship—affirming God's sovereignty, expressing reverence and thanksgiving, and joyfully submitting to His rule—earth responds with foolish rage, only to be met with divine wrath, perfect justice, and final destruction for the unrepentant. John's vision takes us from worship in the heavenly temple to the signs of judgment on earth, reminding us that God will vindicate His people and judge His enemies. The sermon challenges listeners to examine which kingdom they belong to and whether they truly long for the day when faith becomes sight. Key Themes: The coming kingdom of Christ Heaven's worship and earth's rebellion God's unshakable justice and eternal reign The certainty of final judgment and eternal reward A call to examine our hope, allegiance, and readiness Questions for Reflection: Do you share the desires of heaven and long for Christ's return? Are you prepared for the day when faith becomes sight? Are you living as a subject of Christ's eternal kingdom—or still clinging to the kingdom of this world?

This episode explores the biblical view of singleness, challenging the cultural assumption that marriage is the superior or expected path for every believer. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 7 and creation principles, Pastor Caldwell shows that both marriage and singleness are God-ordained callings. The discussion offers counsel for those struggling with loneliness, purity, and contentment, while also addressing the church's responsibility to affirm and support single believers. A Christ-centered, eternity-focused view is essential for all seasons of life.

In this episode, we examine the distinction between modern Israel as a nation-state and biblical Israel as defined in Scripture. Dr. Richard Caldwell explains that while ethnic Israel remains significant in God's redemptive plan, salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. The conversation explores Romans 11, eschatological promises, and the role of Israel in current events—offering theological clarity for believers seeking to understand God's faithfulness to His covenant people.

In this episode, Dr. Caldwell examines why unresolved conflict and unforgiveness obstruct true worship. Grounded in Matthew 5 and 1 Cor 11, he teaches that believers must pursue reconciliation, maintain a clear conscience, and obey biblical mandates before approaching the Lord's Table.

In the sermon titled "The Pains From Lack of Contentment" from 1 Timothy 6:6–10, the message draws a stark contrast between the eternal value of godliness with contentment and the destructive path of discontent fueled by a love for money. True contentment, rooted not in self-sufficiency but in Christ-sufficiency, is described as a great gain—an enduring treasure that far surpasses material wealth. Paul's sobering warning in verse 10 highlights the tragic result of misplaced affections: those who chase wealth wander from the faith and pierce themselves with many pangs. The sermon unpacks how such discontentment opens the door to satanic deception, feeds sinful desires, and leads ultimately to spiritual ruin. Through scriptural illustrations and warnings, listeners are exhorted to treasure God above gold, to rest in His provision, and to guard their hearts from the idolatry that trades eternal joy for temporary gain—and reaps deep regret.

This episode explores what it means to have a high view of God and why that view shapes every aspect of the Christian life. Dr. Richard Caldwell contrasts a high view—where God is seen as holy, sovereign, and central to all things—with a low view that puts God on the periphery. Through Scripture, he explains how the fear of the Lord, reverence for God's character, and trust in His Word lead to true peace, obedience, and spiritual maturity in both individual believers and the church.

In this episode, Dr. Richard Caldwell addresses the growing trend of shallow worship music that seeks to be accessible to unbelievers by removing biblical language. He explains why true worship requires spiritual regeneration and must be grounded in scripture, not emotional appeal or cultural relatability. The discussion highlights the danger of seeker-driven worship services and emphasizes that Christian worship is for believers and must teach, edify, and proclaim the truth of God using the very words He chose to reveal Himself.

In this episode of the Straight Truth Podcast, Dr. Richard Caldwell joins host Dr. Josh Philpot to discuss the growing confusion around immigration and how Christians should rightly think about it from a biblical perspective. Many today point to verses such as Deuteronomy 10 or claim that "Jesus was a refugee" to support open borders or to oppose immigration law. But are these claims consistent with the teaching of Scripture? Dr. Caldwell walks us through what the Bible says about nations, borders, and the role of government. Drawing from both Old and New Testament texts, he explains why national identity is not unbiblical and how God's establishment of borders is part of His sovereign design. He also clarifies the difference between Israel's unique calling in the Old Testament and modern nations today, warning against misusing Scripture to support political ideologies. This conversation also addresses the Christian's personal responsibility to love our neighbor—including those who are immigrants—while not disregarding the law. Dr. Caldwell reminds us that love and law are not opposed, and that true compassion never promotes lawlessness. Instead, Christians must strive to be faithful witnesses of the gospel, demonstrating care and concern for the image-bearers around us, but always in ways that honor God's Word. Whether you're wrestling with questions about immigration policy, or simply seeking clarity on what the Bible says, this episode offers a Christ-centered, Scripture-driven response. The goal is not political, but theological—to think rightly, love well, and remain anchored in biblical truth amid cultural confusion.

In this episode, Dr. Richard Caldwell explores what it means to live with Christian boldness when faithfulness to Christ becomes costly. Whether facing workplace mandates, family tensions, or cultural rejection, believers must decide when to speak, how to speak, and when to remain silent. True courage is not loud defiance but Spirit-filled loyalty to Christ and His Word. Drawing from Scripture and pastoral wisdom, the discussion helps Christians navigate difficult moments with humility, conviction, and compassion, without compromising the truth.

This episode addresses the recent fall of a prominent pastor and the cancellation of the G3 Conference, using it as a sobering example of the dangers of online anonymity, slander, and spiritual ambition. Dr. Richard Caldwell emphasizes the need for accountability, self-examination, and pastoral integrity. With humility and clarity, he challenges both leaders and believers to guard their hearts and speech, reminding us that faithfulness to Christ requires holiness in both public and private life.

Many Christians feel isolated even in faithful church attendance. In this episode, we explore why believers struggle with loneliness in the body of Christ and how contentment in Him leads to meaningful, Christ-centered friendships. Learn the biblical difference between fellowship and friendship and how to pursue deep connections in humility, love, and faith.

What does it mean to be faithful in ministry—and why does it matter? In this sermon from 1 Corinthians 4, we learn that true faithfulness is not measured by numbers, fame, or influence, but by how we steward what God has entrusted to us. Ministry begins with a right view of our identity—as servants and stewards of God's truth—and a clear sense of our accountability to Christ alone. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's example, this message outlines five essential marks of faithfulness: seeking Christ's approval, avoiding worldly comparisons, persevering through all seasons of ministry, modeling consistency, and confronting sin with courage. For every pastor, teacher, and believer in service to Christ, this passage provides a sobering and clarifying standard: faithfulness is what God requires, and it is what He will reward.

In Revelation 9:1–12, we witness the terrifying reality of God's judgment as the fifth trumpet sounds and demonic forces are unleashed from the abyss. This sermon explores the symbolic yet literal nature of this judgment, where demonic tormentors—under divine restraint—are permitted to afflict unbelieving humanity for five months. Pastor Caldwell unpacks the vision in four parts: the pit opened, the pursuit of death denied, the prisoners described, and the proclamation of more woes to come. This vivid passage reminds us that spiritual realities are real, judgment is certain, and Christ alone delivers from the domain of darkness.