Grace Baptist Church

The sermon explores the unfolding drama in the book of Esther, highlighting God's providential work amidst a seemingly godless empire. It examines Haman's escalating hatred for Mordecai, fueled by a desire for power and recognition, ultimately leading him to plot the extermination of all Jews. The narrative underscores the precarious position of Esther, hesitant yet prompted to intercede for her people, and emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's promises, even when divine intervention is not immediately apparent, culminating in Haman's scheme to build a gallows to eliminate Mordecai and secure his own gratification.

The sermon centers on the importance of controlling the tongue, emphasizing that it serves as a critical test of faith and reveals the state of one's heart. Drawing from James's teachings, the message highlights the inherent difficulty in mastering speech, contrasting earthly wisdom with the pure, peaceable wisdom that descends from above. Scripture passages, including those from Matthew and Isaiah, underscore the need for continual reliance on God's grace to tame the unruly tongue and to ensure that words reflect a heart aligned with righteousness, ultimately promoting a life of peace and reflecting God's character.

The sermon examines the Laodicean church, depicted as outwardly successful yet spiritually lukewarm, failing to recognize their need for Christ. The message highlights their self-sufficiency and blindness to their true condition, emphasizing the need for spiritual refinement through affliction, righteous living, and a renewed vision of God. The speaker calls for repentance and a heartfelt pursuit of Christ, promising fellowship and eternal reign for those who open their hearts to Him, ultimately urging listeners to seek God's presence and acknowledge their dependence on His grace.

The sermon explores the pivotal moment in Esther's story, focusing on Mordecai's faith and Esther's impending decision to intercede for her people before the king. It highlights the precarious situation of the Jewish community facing annihilation under Haman's decree, emphasizing the absence of explicit divine mention within the narrative while alluding to prayer through fasting. The message underscores the importance of seizing opportunities for faithfulness, suggesting that individuals, like Esther, may be divinely positioned for specific times of action and that God's promises will be fulfilled, even through unlikely means, urging listeners to redeem their time and boldly proclaim Christ in their own lives.

The sermon centers on the profound repentance of David, as depicted in Psalm 51, emphasizing the necessity of acknowledging sin and seeking God's mercy and cleansing. It explores the themes of brokenness, restoration, and the transformative power of God's grace, highlighting that true repentance involves not only outward obedience but also an inward change of heart and spirit. The message underscores the importance of recognizing God's desire for a broken and contrite spirit rather than religious rituals, ultimately leading to a renewed ability to witness to God's righteousness and salvation.

The sermon emphasizes the vital need for believers to actively pursue God, recognizing that a desire to know Him more must be paramount in their lives. It cautions against the distractions of the world and the tendency to prioritize material possessions, relationships, or personal feelings, which can become idols hindering a genuine connection with the divine. The message underscores that while believers must consciously strive to follow God, He simultaneously provides the strength and support necessary for this pursuit, urging listeners to relinquish control and trust in His power to remove obstacles and reign supreme in their hearts, ultimately enabling a life of faithful service and abiding fruitfulness.

The sermon explores the book of Esther, highlighting a period in Persian history where Jewish people, though prosperous, have largely forgotten their faith and connection to their homeland. Despite this spiritual lapse, the narrative underscores God's unwavering providence and sovereignty, demonstrating His continued watchfulness and protection over His people, even when they are distant from His covenant. The story introduces Esther, a young Jewish woman who rises to become queen, and reveals a plot against the Jewish people, ultimately showcasing God's use of unlikely individuals to deliver His people from destruction and fulfill His promises, even amidst apparent abandonment.

The sermon centers on God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, illustrated through the story of Esther and Mordecai. It emphasizes that God will not fail in fulfilling His covenants, even when faced with opposition from figures like Haman, and that these promises are essential for the preservation of God's people and ultimately, for salvation. The narrative highlights the king's flawed decision-making and the impending decree against the Jews, underscoring the importance of trusting in God's providence and believing that deliverance will come, whether through direct intervention or through other means, as God remains ever faithful to His word and purposes.

The sermon emphasizes the importance of living out one's faith through selfless service and genuine love for others, rooted in the doctrine of God's grace. Drawing from Romans 12, the message calls believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, transformed by the renewing of their minds, and to actively engage in loving, supportive relationships within the church community. It stresses the need to rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep, and to humbly serve one another, recognizing that true wisdom lies in submitting to God's will and prioritizing the needs of others above personal ambition, ultimately seeking to reflect Christ's love in every interaction.

The sermon centers on the assurance of peace and reconciliation with God through faith in Christ, emphasizing that true peace isn't found in worldly pursuits but in the forgiveness of sins and a clean conscience. Drawing from Ephesians and Romans, the message highlights Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate payment for sin, freeing believers from the law and its condemnation, and granting access to God's grace. It underscores that salvation is a gift, not earned through performance, and that believers can approach God boldly, knowing they are justified and cleansed by His grace, experiencing a profound sense of freedom and rest in Him as their Savior and High Priest.

The sermon explores the profound significance of Jesus's ministry, emphasizing that every miracle, from feeding the 5,000 to walking on water, served a purposeful revelation of his divine identity. Drawing from passages in Matthew, Mark, and John, the message highlights the disciples' initial struggles to grasp Jesus's true nature, contrasting their hardened hearts with the transformative power of encountering the Son of God. Ultimately, the sermon underscores the importance of recognizing Jesus as Lord and Savior, affirming that true understanding and faith come through the Holy Spirit, and culminating in the recognition of Jesus as the Son of God by those who witnessed his power and grace.

The sermon emphasizes the enduring and purposeful intercession of Christ, highlighting His role as Advocate and Savior for believers. Drawing from Hebrews 7:25 and passages in John and Romans, it explores how Christ's eternal love and sacrifice secure forgiveness, protection, and ultimate salvation, even amidst daily failings. The message underscores that Christ's work extends beyond initial salvation, providing ongoing support, rebuke of the enemy, and a guarantee of eternal life, ultimately enabling believers to behold His glory and experience His grace to the uttermost.

The sermon explores the spiritual condition of the Church of Laodicea, drawing parallels to a city known for lukewarm water sourced from distant springs, illustrating a gradual departure from a vital connection with God. The speaker emphasizes that material wealth and a complacent attitude do not equate to true richness, contrasting this with the faithfulness of the Church of Smyrna, who faced hardship but remained steadfast in their belief. Ultimately, the message serves as a call to repentance and a renewed commitment to Christ, urging listeners to actively seek Him and embrace the promise of overcoming through faith, thereby experiencing the joy of sitting with Him in His throne.

The sermon emphasizes God's profound interest in sinners, highlighting His willingness to forgive and transform lives through faith in Jesus Christ. Drawing from Romans and Luke, the message underscores that salvation isn't earned through good works but is a gift of grace, leading to repentance and a complete restoration. The preacher illustrates this through stories of Levi, the woman with the alabaster box, and the prodigal son, demonstrating that God's love and mercy are freely offered to all who seek Him, ultimately leading to a joyful and eternally secure relationship with Him, delivered from the power of darkness and made partakers of His divine inheritance.

The sermon explores the profound imagery of the Good Shepherd, drawing parallels between ancient pastoral practices and Jesus's role in guiding and protecting believers. It emphasizes that Jesus, as both the door and the shepherd, offers salvation and abundant life, contrasting the actions of the thief and the hireling with the shepherd's selfless care and ultimate sacrifice. The message highlights the transfer of power and the voluntary laying down and taking up of life, affirming Jesus's authority and the assurance of eternal life for those who follow His voice and recognize Him as the Lamb of God.

The sermon explores themes of perseverance and divine guidance through the story of Elijah, highlighting the importance of remaining steadfast amidst discouragement and opposition. Drawing from 1 Kings 19, it emphasizes that even when feeling overwhelmed, God provides strength and direction, urging listeners to embrace their calling and trust in His provision, ultimately leading to a renewed commitment to service and a recognition of God's sovereignty in all circumstances, even when faced with personal trials and the pursuit of a greater purpose.

The sermon explores the absolute sovereignty of God, demonstrating His control over all aspects of human history and creation, even amidst seemingly chaotic events. Drawing from 1 Samuel 4-6, the message recounts the Philistines' capture of the Ark of the Covenant and the subsequent plagues they experienced, ultimately highlighting God's power over idols, nations, and circumstances. Through the narrative of the cows inexplicably returning the Ark to its rightful place, the speaker emphasizes that God's purposes will always prevail, regardless of human reasoning or attempts to manipulate divine outcomes, affirming His eternal reign and the importance of trusting in His unwavering plan.

The sermon explores the significance of Mary of Bethany's actions, particularly her anointing of Jesus's feet and body, as a powerful act of devotion and a prophetic gesture anticipating his burial and the spread of the gospel. Drawing from Matthew, Mark, and John, the message emphasizes the importance of sacrificial giving and wholeheartedly dedicating one's life to Christ, rather than hoarding wealth or prioritizing material possessions. The speaker encourages listeners to emulate Mary's example by offering a 'sacrifice of praise' and ensuring that their lives leave a lasting legacy of service and devotion to God, ultimately joining Mary in eternal fellowship with Christ.

The sermon explores themes of change, faith, and divine sovereignty amidst life's storms, drawing from the biblical account of Jesus calming a tempest. It emphasizes that while unexpected changes and anxieties are inevitable, believers can find comfort and guidance through Christ, who possesses the power to subdue even the most turbulent circumstances. The message encourages listeners to trust in God's plan, recognizing that He is actively involved in their lives, providing rest and opportunities to share His grace with those observing their faith, ultimately leading them to a place of peace and purpose.

The sermon explores the book of Esther, highlighting its unique narrative absence of explicit mention of God or prayer despite the Israelites facing adversity. It emphasizes God's providence and protection of His people within a pagan kingdom, contrasting the rebuilding efforts in Jerusalem with the Persian court where Esther's story unfolds. The sermon traces the events leading to Vashti's removal as queen, emphasizing the significance of the king's immutable decrees and foreshadowing Esther's eventual role in safeguarding the Jewish people, demonstrating God's unseen hand at work even amidst worldly power and human decisions.

The sermon centers on Micah's call for repentance, urging listeners to confront their sin and seek genuine righteousness rather than relying on outward rituals or self-justification. Drawing from Micah's prophetic challenge to Israel, the message emphasizes that true devotion involves doing justly, loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, highlighting that God's grace and salvation are freely given through Christ, not earned through human effort. Ultimately, the speaker calls for a heartfelt embrace of God's love and a commitment to living a life of faith, recognizing that true service to God stems from a deep understanding of His mercy and a reliance on His provision.

The sermon centers on Peter's restoration after his denial of Jesus, emphasizing that forgiveness and continued service are possible even after significant failures. Drawing from John 21, the passage explores the cyclical nature of human struggle against sin, highlighting the Lord's persistent questioning of Peter's love and subsequent commissioning to "feed my lambs" and "feed my sheep." The message underscores that past mistakes should not dictate future service, and that a relationship with Christ offers ongoing restoration and the opportunity to fulfill God's purpose, regardless of personal shortcomings.

The sermon emphasizes the unwavering proclamation of the gospel, asserting its power as God's instrument of salvation for all who believe, both Jew and Gentile. Drawing from Romans 1, the message highlights the speaker's indebtedness to share this good news, rejecting shame and instead embracing the gospel's transformative ability to bring life and forgiveness. The speaker cautions against relying on human effort or religious works, instead underscoring the gospel's simple declaration of Christ's death, burial, and resurrection as the sole means of redemption, a message that transcends historical events and religious complexities to offer a direct path to eternal life through faith.

The sermon explores the theological significance of Abraham's faith as a cornerstone of justification by grace through faith, emphasizing that righteousness is not earned through works but received as a gift. Drawing from Romans 4 and Hebrews 11, the message highlights Abraham's unwavering belief in God's promises, even amidst personal failings and seemingly impossible circumstances, demonstrating that God's faithfulness transcends human imperfection. Ultimately, the sermon asserts that Abraham's example serves as a model for believers today, reminding them that their own faith in Christ secures righteousness and defines their identity, independent of past failures and future shortcomings.

The sermon explores the encounter between Jesus and a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well, highlighting the significance of encountering Christ and the transformative power of living water. Drawing from John 4 and Matthew 10, the message emphasizes that true worship transcends physical location and societal boundaries, requiring a heartfelt connection with God in spirit and truth. The narrative underscores the importance of personal revelation and the courage to share the Gospel, even amidst personal failings, as the woman's testimony demonstrates a newfound zeal to proclaim the Messiah and invite others to experience the life-giving grace of Christ.

Death of Sarah

Fruit of Self-Control

He is Coming Back! Are you Ready?

Promise of a son and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah

The Strong One