From the Pulpit - GraceToAnderson Sermons - Grace Baptist Church | Anderson, IN

God's Unbreakable Plan: Despite Jacob's deceit ("No sin is too big to destroy God's plan"), God appears to him in a dream and reiterates the Abrahamic Covenant, promising to be with him and make him a great nation. The Pillar of Promise: Jacob sets up the stone he slept on as a pillar at Bethel (House of God), vowing that if God keeps His promise, then the Lord will be his God. Providence is Sure: Later, after being blessed with a large family and wealth, Jacob returns and names the place El-Bethel (God of the House of God), realizing that God's providence and promises are sure. The speaker stresses that no mistake puts a believer past God's hand. 2. The Memorial of God's Protection (1 Samuel 7) The Israelites were in a vulnerable state, having lost the Ark and being oppressed by the Philistines. When they repented and prepared to serve God, the Philistines attacked.

The sermon emphasizes that the church should be a place of both encouragement and challenge, fueled by a genuine, Holy Spirit-led desire to build up others. Drawing primarily on the example of Barnabas, the "Son of Consolation," the message stresses that encouragement is not an option or a program, but a foundational cultural necessity for the body of Christ. Summary 1. Encouragement as a Ministry of the Holy Spirit The speaker highlights Barnabas's example in Acts 11:24, where he is described as being "full of the Holy Ghost and of faith". Barnabas's focus was not on program logistics, but on spiritual things, which allowed him to see God's grace and be genuinely glad for the church.

The sermon examines Genesis 12:10-20, highlighting the immediate test of faith Abraham faced after stepping out in obedience to God. It explores the reality that hardship is inevitable in a fallen world and uses Abraham's failure in Egypt as a lesson on the consequences of fear and the necessity of returning to God after a spiritual stumble. Summary The sermon begins by noting that while Christians often desire a life free from trials, faith is frequently tested, even right after a decision to follow God. The speaker acknowledges that while being in God's will may not exempt believers from hardships—such as the famine Abraham faced—it is how we respond to these tests that defines our walk.

The sermon, based on 2 Timothy chapter 2, addresses the challenge for modern Christians to conceive of persecution and the need for preparation in a culture of relative ease and freedom. Paul's letter to Timothy was written from a context of impending martyrdom and severe oppression of the church, prompting the core question: Are we prepared to serve God, no matter what comes? The speaker outlines three essential disciplines for being a "prepared servant" of God. 1. Study Faithfully Paul's first instruction is to avoid meaningless arguments and instead study to show yourself approved unto God (2 Timothy 2:15).

The sermon emphasizes the Christian's responsibility to be an encourager and to edify others, contrasting this divine calling with the human tendency to make excuses rooted in the flesh (e.g., "it's not my personality," or "I don't have time"). Core Themes and Responsibilities Encouragement is a Choice: The speaker stresses that being kind, joyful, faithful, or an encourager is not a matter of feeling, but a conscious decision. Just as love is a choice, so is the decision to influence and build others up. The Purpose of the Church: One of the main purposes of the church is for believers to gather for the edifying of the body of Christ, provoking one another "unto love and good works". The speaker challenges the common notion of going to church "to be fed," asserting that the Bible says Christians go to serve.

The sermon focuses on Genesis chapter 12, verses 1-9, using the story of Abraham (then Abram) to illustrate the nature of a life lived in obedient faith. The speaker emphasizes that the Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, is a connected story of God's redemptive plan to restore humanity's relationship with him. Here is a summary of the main points: 1. God's Call (Genesis 12:1) God called Abram out of his pagan world and away from his family to go to a specific, yet unrevealed, place. It Was Personal and Difficult: God spoke directly to Abram, calling him to leave his comfortable life and his family.

This sermon, drawing primarily from 2 Timothy chapter 2, emphasizes that for a Christian, faithfulness is true greatness. The speaker argues that God has not called us to do "great things" in the world's eyes, but rather to be faithful right where we are. The core message is built around three marks of a faithful servant, using analogies Paul gave to Timothy: 1. Be Strong in the Grace of Christ Jesus (The Christian's Walk) The most important aspect of a Christian's life is a daily walk with God. Focus on God, Not Self: The power to overcome persecution and remain faithful comes from your daily walk with the Lord, not from your own strength, talents, or abilities. Prioritize the Relationship: Our strength is drawn from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and we must be dependent on him. The speaker warns that many struggle because they neglect reading the Bible and spending time in prayer.

This sermon focuses on the disagreement between Paul and Barnabas in Acts 15 over whether to take John Mark on a ministry journey. The speaker uses this event to illustrate that Barnabas, "the encourager," embodies the crucial Christian concepts of restoration and believing in second chances. Key Themes: The Foundation of Encouragement: Before discussing the main text, the speaker establishes two foundational truths about Barnabas that are necessary for anyone who wants to be an encourager: He Cared About People: Barnabas was not self-centered but was willing to sacrifice his time, pride, and resources for the benefit of others.

This sermon explores Genesis 10 and 11 to trace the origins of human pride and rebellion. The central focus is the Tower of Babel, which the speaker presents as the ultimate example of humanity's desire for "self-glory" and "self-exaltation" ("let us make us a name"). This prideful unity, which directly defied God's command to scatter, resulted in God's judgment. However, the sermon concludes by showing that even out of this judgment, God's redemptive plan immediately continued through the faithful line of Shem, leading to Abraham. Sermon Summary The speaker breaks down the events following the flood, moving from the genealogies of Genesis 10 to the specific rebellion at the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11.

The central theme of the sermon is the urgent need for Christians to be unashamedly committed to the gospel of Jesus Christ, even in the face of growing cultural opposition and persecution. The speaker draws parallels between the fear and compromise Paul saw in his time and the challenges believers face today. Sermon Summary The message is framed by the context of 2 Timothy, Paul's final letter written from prison. Paul's Warning: Paul, citing his earlier words in Romans ("I am not ashamed of the gospel"), writes to Timothy from prison. He observes that many, such as "all those in Asia," had turned away from him and the faith out of fear. He urges Timothy not to be ashamed of the gospel or of Paul's imprisonment.

The sermon, titled "Wednesday Evening Bible Study (10/29)," draws primarily from Acts chapter 11 and focuses on the life of Barnabas as a model for encouragement and successful partnership in ministry. The core message is that believers should actively encourage and invest in others to help them use their spiritual gifts and realize their full potential in serving God. Here are the main points of the message: 1. Barnabas Recognized the Grace of God Sent from Jerusalem to the thriving new church in Antioch, Barnabas's purpose was to confirm, not criticize, the work taking place. He Focused on God's Work: Barnabas "saw the grace of God". He looked past the cultural differences—like Gentiles being saved—and saw what God was doing in the place, rather than what was "missing" or "different

This message is a study of Genesis Chapter 9, focusing on God's renewal of the earth and His covenant with Noah after the great flood. The pastor highlights three main sections from the chapter: The Renewal of God's Blessing (vv. 1-7) Following the flood, God gives Noah and his family a fresh start, renewing the command to "be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth". God establishes a new dynamic between humans and animals, marked by the animals' fear of man. He also expands their diet to include meat, not just plants. Most importantly, God institutes the principle of human government and capital punishment ("who so shedeth man's blood by man shall his blood be shed"). This is founded on the high value God places on the sanctity of life, as all people are created in His image.

The sermon, delivered by Pastor Stevens, focuses on the theme of "Not Ashamed of the Gospel," based on the scripture 2 Timothy 1:8-12 [42:01], [42:49]. The pastor draws parallels between the persecution faced by the apostle Paul, who wrote this letter from a Roman prison [43:53], and the challenges modern Christians face in a world that is increasingly hostile to godly values [45:16]. The core message is an encouragement for believers to live with courage and stand for their faith, no matter the cost [44:41]. Here are the key points from the sermon: Have Courage [52:12] The speaker emphasizes that standing for the gospel will bring reproach and persecution from the world [52:27]. He urges the congregation to have the courage to be "partakers of the afflictions of the gospel" [55:02], explaining that this courage must stem from a deep passion for Jesus Christ that is greater than any passion for worldly things [58:16].

The video is a humorous visualization of the strong, unexpected emotions that strike you when a song comes on that is heavily tied to a specific person from your past (like an ex, a lost love, or a dear friend). The skit typically features a character going about their day. When the "memory song" starts to play, their entire demeanor changes immediately. The scene usually uses a dramatic facial expression, a pause in their activity, and often a slow-motion effect or a sudden shift in music to emphasize the rush of nostalgia and deep emotion that takes over the person. In short, it's a funny and brief portrayal of a universal experience—the power of music to transport you instantly back to an old memory.

A Heart of Generosity: The sermon would highlight Barnabas's initial act of selling his own land and giving the money to the early church. This act of sacrificial giving established him as a leader whose priorities were devoted to God and the community. The Power of a Second Chance: The message would emphasize Barnabas's most crucial act: sponsoring the Apostle Paul (then Saul). When the other believers were afraid of the newly converted persecutor, Barnabas risked his reputation to vouch for him. The sermon would stress that without Barnabas's encouragement, Paul's world-changing ministry may never have begun. A Builder of People: The message illustrates Barnabas's role as a mentor and restorer. This is shown when he later separates from Paul to take his cousin, John Mark, back into ministry. This compassionate act proved Barnabas's commitment to giving a second chance and investing in people who had previously failed. True Leadership: The sermon would conclude that Barnabas's greatest legacy is found in the people he elevated. He was a "good man, full of the Holy Spirit and faith," modeling the kind of quiet, supportive, and compassionate leadership the modern church needs.

The Sermon (Genesis Chapter 7) [23:09] Pastor Stevens preaches on the story of Noah's Ark, focusing on the biblical theme of coming judgment and the importance of God's invitation. He emphasizes that God's patience has a limit and that judgment is a reality that the world and the church often ignore [40:25]. The sermon highlights that God's call to Noah was "Come... into the ark" [41:49], which parallels the Gospel's call for people to come to Jesus Christ. He concludes by noting that while the judgment is real, the theme of God's salvation and deliverance is found throughout scripture, and Jesus Christ is the only sufficient way to be saved [52:03].

Sermon Introduction (2 Timothy 1:1-14): The pastor introduces the book of 2 Timothy by setting the context: Paul is writing his final letter from a Roman prison cell, likely the grim Mamortine Prison, while awaiting execution under Emperor Nero [43:33]. The message is described as personal, pastoral, and urgent for believers facing increasing persecution. The sermon encourages believers to adopt Paul's urgent heart for ministry, outlining four key imperatives for the Christian life: Guard the Gospel (2 Tim. 1:14): Protect the gospel, not being ashamed to share it in a culture that opposes it [53:44]. Endure Hardness (2 Tim. 2:3): Be willing to endure difficulty and confrontation as a good soldier of Jesus Christ, living outside one's comfort zone [59:32]. Continue in the Things Learned (2 Tim. 3:14): Stay faithful and committed to the truth and doctrine learned, even when it is difficult, and do not walk away from the faith [01:03:31]. Preach the Word (2 Tim. 4:2): Be instant in season and out of season to preach and proclaim the gospel to a world that will turn away from sound doctrine [01:08:32].

The sermon, "The God Who Answers By Fire," is an exposition of 1 Kings Chapter 18, detailing the showdown between the prophet Elijah and the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. The message uses this historical event as a pattern for how God's people should approach and return to Him today. Background: Apostasy in Israel The sermon sets the scene by describing the wickedness of King Ahab, who did "evil in his sight above all that were before him" and led Israel to worship the false god Baal. Following a three-year drought—God's judgment—Elijah challenges Ahab and his 850 prophets to a contest to prove who the true God is.

The sermon, "The Impact of the Gospel Message," is an exposition of 1 Thessalonians Chapter 1, focusing on the transformative power of the Gospel as evidenced in the lives of the believers in Thessalonica. The message encourages listeners to have a faith that is active, loving, and hopeful, and to let their lives powerfully proclaim the Gospel to the world. Key Characteristics of the Thessalonian Believers The Apostle Paul expresses gratitude for three virtues demonstrated by the Thessalonians: Work of Faith: Their faith was not passive but active, inspiring them to live out what they believed. Their actions were a direct result of their faith in Christ's death and resurrection to save them from sin.

The message contrasts Ahithophel's destruction with the path of Elam, Bathsheba's father (Ahithophel's son). Although Elam suffered the same grievous wrong, he chose to forgive and was later listed as one of King David's mighty men, able to move past the offense and continue serving. The ultimate conclusion is that forgiveness is the answer to bitterness. Like David, who chose to "call upon God" and "cast thy burden upon the Lord" (Psalm 55:16, 22), believers must choose forgiveness to prevent the poison of bitterness from destroying their lives.

This message, titled "But Noah Found Grace" from the GraceToAnderson channel(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2-5y-QarL0), draws lessons from the biblical account of Noah's life in Genesis chapter 6. The sermon highlights God's grace amidst widespread wickedness and emphasizes the characteristics of Noah that allowed him to stand firm. Here's a summary of the key points: The Significance of "But God": The sermon centers on the transformative power of the word "but" in scripture, especially in phrases like "but God." Examples given include Joseph's story (Genesis 50:20), where evil intentions were turned to good by God; the wages of sin being death "but the gift of God is eternal life" (Romans 6:23); and Jesus' crucifixion "but God raised him from the dead" (Acts 13:30). These instances illustrate how God intervenes to change seemingly hopeless situations.

his message, "Sunday Morning Worship (9/21)" from the GraceToAnderson channel [00:00](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cSrJZKW6Se0), emphasizes the importance of a "faithful life" rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, rather than fleeting moments of passion or external circumstances. Here's a summary of the key points: A Call for a "Movement," Not Just a "Moment" [51:08]: The speaker questions whether current enthusiasm for church or Christianity (e.g., "National Back to Church Sunday," reactions to political events) is merely a temporary "moment in time" or a genuine "movement" driven by the Gospel. He stresses that true change comes from accepting Jesus Christ, not from trends or external pressures.

This message, "Wednesday Evening Bible Study (9/17)" from the GraceToAnderson channel [00:00](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hyyxsQJmBBE), focuses on the importance of friendship and supporting one another during difficult times. The speaker draws parallels from the biblical story of David and his loyal friends when he was in distress due to Absalom's revolt. Here's a summary of the key points: David's Troubles [36:11]: The message begins by setting the scene of David's immense family problems and the rebellion led by his son, Absalom, highlighting how David was reaping the consequences of his past sins. David is depicted as heartbroken and overwhelmed by the turmo

A sermon is delivered by Clint Van Dy on Mark chapter 4, focusing on Jesus' calming of the storm. The sermon emphasizes God's sovereignty and purpose in life's storms, encouraging the congregation to trust in God's plan and faithfulness. The service concludes with a closing hymn and dismissal. The overall message is one of encouragement, faith, and reliance on God's unwavering presence and control in every aspect of life.

The sermon, delivered by a guest speaker named Brother Jimmy Gilbert, is based on Exodus chapter one and focuses on the theme of "shining bright in a dark world" [58:19]. Gilbert highlights the story of the Hebrew midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, who defied the pharaoh's command to kill newborn boys out of their fear of God. He encourages the congregation to have "appropriate rebellion" against ungodly commands, a deep-seated fear of God, and to remember the "amazing reward" that comes from living a life dedicated to Christ

The sermon emphasizes the theme of repentance and getting "back in the fight" after sinning, using David's story as an example. The speaker highlights four steps to getting back up: acknowledging sin, arising from slumber, getting clean and changing, and worshipping God

In this video, Paul provides a clear and inspiring message about the importance of living a godly life. The speaker emphasizes four key actions: fleeing from sin, following righteousness, fighting the good fight of faith, and firmly holding onto the eternal life that believers have in Christ. The sermon underscores the idea that true contentment and joy come not from material wealth, but from a deep, personal relationship with God. Viewers are encouraged to prioritize their spiritual lives, recognizing that a life dedicated to God is the most fulfilling and best way to live.

The sermon begins by addressing how prayer is often misunderstood in modern society, and then highlights its essential role in a Christian's life. Reasons to pray include following a command from God, seeking revelation of His will, casting our burdens upon Him, receiving answers to our needs, gaining wisdom, and overcoming temptation.

Sunday morning worship service at Grace Baptist Church, where Pastor Stevens delivers a sermon on the topic of leadership within the church, based on verses from 1 Timothy chapter 5. The message emphasizes the importance of honoring and protecting church leaders, while also addressing the need for accountability and caution in appointing them. The service also includes welcome announcements, musical performances, and the welcoming of new members.

sermon focuses on the central theme of "encouraging yourself in the Lord" based on the story of David in 1 Samuel Chapter 30. The message details David's immense distress upon returning to Ziklag to find his city burned and his family captive, and how he chose to find strength in God rather than succumb to discouragement. The speaker provides three key principles for finding this kind of encouragement: remembering God's past deliverance, counting your current blessings, and holding onto God's promises. This powerful and timely message offers practical guidance for anyone facing overwhelming pressure and grief.

This message, "The Faithful Life," uses the story of Enoch from Genesis to highlight the importance of living a life of daily fellowship with God. It contrasts the worldly pursuit of "greatness" with the quiet, consistent faithfulness of Enoch, who was noted for "walking with God." The sermon emphasizes that this walk is not a single event, but a daily habit of faith and obedience, even when the world around you is growing more wicked. The message concludes by encouraging listeners to find contentment and purpose in living a faithful life, as their ultimate reward is not worldly fame but an intimate, personal relationship with God.

the message is about how Christians should relate to one another within the church, viewing it as a family. The sermon emphasizes the importance of honoring and respecting the elderly, treating peers as brothers and sisters with purity and camaraderie, and supporting qualified widows who have no other family to care for them. The pastor concludes by urging believers to actively invest in and serve one another, fulfilling their roles within the body of Christ rather than simply attending services.

This sermon, uses the story of David to challenge you to step out of your comfort zone and into God's will. The message outlines three key steps: first, you must actively listen to what God is speaking to you through His Word; second, you must be prepared to labor and face trials as you do His work; and third, you will find true joy and purpose by living in His will. The sermon encourages you to leave the safety of your "hold" and embrace the active, joyful, and purposeful life that God has planned for you.

This message uses the biblical story of Cain and Abel to illustrate the difference between two cultures: one built on man's pride and a rejection of God, and another built on public worship and calling on the name of the Lord. The sermon describes Cain's culture as being characterized by arrogance, a rejection of God's design, and advancement without holiness. In contrast, the culture of Seth's line is defined by its commitment to glorifying God. The message concludes by urging listeners to align themselves with God's culture, which will ultimately prevail.

Based on the sermon about 1 Timothy 4, this message outlines what it means to be a "good minister of Jesus Christ." It argues that this isn't just a title for pastors, but a calling for every believer. The sermon encourages listeners to be nourished by God's Word, to practice spiritual discipline, and to live a life that is an example to others. It calls for believers to labor for the gospel, teach with biblical authority, and be faithful in using their God-given gifts for His purpose. Ultimately, the message is a powerful guide for any Christian seeking to grow in their faith and be a dedicated servant of God

This sermon, "A Call to Godliness," challenges believers to take their spiritual health as seriously as their physical health. Based on 1 Timothy 4:7-10, the message encourages you to reject false teachings, discipline yourself "unto godliness," and stand firm in your faith. It highlights the lasting benefits of a godly life—in both this life and the next—and calls you to personally commit to spiritual growth. Learn why your faith is a personal responsibility and how to trust in the living God to be your ultimate motivation.

Are you battling an enemy? Whether it's the internal struggle with the flesh, the opposition of the world, or the schemes of the devil, this message provides a powerful and practical guide for victory. Drawing from the life of David, the sermon teaches you how to face your oppressors by seeking God's face, submitting to His ways, and singing His praises. Learn to rely on God as your ultimate refuge and strength when facing any challenge.

This sermon uses the biblical story of Cain and Abel from Genesis 4 to highlight the principle that our actions have consequences. It contrasts Abel's faithful offering with Cain's rejection, which led to anger, bitterness, and ultimately murder. The message emphasizes that while sin leads to negative outcomes, God's mercy is available through Jesus Christ, offering forgiveness and salvation from the ultimate consequence of sin. The sermon concludes with a call for both non-believers and Christians to repent, urging them to confess their sins and accept God's grace.