Founders Baptist Church

Perhaps the clearest testimony to the depravity of man is the amount of light that he can meet with that does him absolutely NO GOOD. It doesn't matter how much spiritual light that an unregenerate person meets with, if left to himself, he is not benefited by that light, rather his guilt is increased because he has no appetite for it. The truth doesn't save him in his natural state; the truth only condemns him. Man's spiritual blindness is more than just spiritual ignorance; it is WILLFUL spiritual ignorance.

In this exhortation on marriage from James 1:12–18, Dr. Richard Caldwell departs from his usual exposition to speak pastorally and practically about the goodness of marriage as God designed it. Reflecting on forty-two years of marriage to his wife, he reminds us that marriage is God's creation, a covenant between one man and one woman for life, and a gift that points to something greater—the gospel of Jesus Christ. Marriage is more than companionship; it is a daily testing ground of our faith and sanctification. Our devotion to Christ is proven most clearly in our homes, where love, humility, forgiveness, and the fruit of the Spirit must be lived out with our spouses. In this exhortation, Dr. Caldwell lays out foundational convictions for healthy marriages: a genuine commitment to Christ lived at home, a permanent view of the marriage covenant, and a recognition that marriage is lived before the face of God. Whether you are newly married, long established, or struggling, this message offers biblical encouragement and challenges us to see marriage as a gift filled with other gifts—mutual love, support, wisdom, service, and witness—all designed to glorify Christ. Scripture Reference: James 1:12–18

This episode explores the Christian's life before and after salvation. Pastor Richard Caldwell explains justification and sanctification, showing how believers are declared righteous in Christ and progressively renewed through the Spirit. Past sins no longer define us but serve as reminders of God's grace and opportunities for testimony. Every believer shares the same story—once dead in sin, now alive in Christ.

The Chosen is a cultural phenomenon, but does it faithfully portray the Jesus of Scripture? In this episode, Dr. Richard Caldwell addresses the theological concerns of adding dialogue, emotions, and imagination to the Gospel narrative. He explains why visual dramatizations, even those meant to inspire, risk distorting the truth of God's Word. With pastoral insight and biblical conviction, Dr. Caldwell encourages Christians to rely on the sufficiency of Scripture rather than the lens of entertainment when it comes to knowing Jesus Christ.

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.