Houston's First Baptist Church Messages (Audio)

Baptism represents a powerful symbol of an inward change through outward expression, demonstrating a complete U-turn from self-dependence to God-dependence. It involves both confession of our inability to earn salvation and profession of our faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus was baptized not because He needed salvation, but to set an example, illustrate the gospel message, and begin His public ministry. Biblical baptism should be done by full immersion in water after someone has personally trusted Jesus as Savior. Like a wedding ring declares marriage status, baptism publicly declares our relationship with Christ to the world.

Jesus sends believers into a hostile world like sheep among wolves, but He provides a strategy for navigating opposition. Christians must learn to hear God's voice through Scripture, prayer, and godly counsel to understand their divine calling. The key is balancing shrewdness and innocence—being wise and strategic while maintaining purity and integrity. Shrewdness without innocence becomes cunning, while innocence without shrewdness becomes naivety. This balance helps believers identify genuine threats while keeping their hearts pure. The ultimate goal isn't just survival but transformation, as the gospel has power to turn wolves into sheep through faithful Christian witness.

Jesus performed nine miracles in Matthew 8 and 9, demonstrating His divine authority over people, spiritual powers, and nature. These miracles weren't random acts but purposeful displays of His identity as the Messiah. When Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law, she immediately began serving Him, showing that God's healing should lead to faithful service. While physical healing is wonderful, the greatest miracle is spiritual transformation through salvation in Christ. Every believer can experience this miracle of forgiveness and eternal life, regardless of their physical circumstances.

Jesus concludes His Sermon on the Mount with a powerful illustration about two foundations - rock and sand - representing how we build our lives. A firm foundation requires both salvation through relationship with Christ and wisdom through applying God's Word. When storms inevitably come, those built on rock stand firm while those on sand collapse. True faith isn't about religious activities but genuine relationship with Jesus. We can't avoid life's storms, but we can choose our foundation, submitting to Christ's authority in every area of our lives.

Jesus teaches that our giving should be motivated by love for God, not recognition from others. When we give in secret, we develop intimacy with God and store up treasures in heaven. Our relationship with money directly impacts our spiritual condition - where our treasure is, there our heart will be also. Christians should give regularly, happily, and for God's glory, recognizing that before we ever gave to God, He gave everything for us through Jesus Christ. Generous giving doesn't just change others' lives; it transforms our hearts from fearful to faithful and shifts our loyalty from money to God.

Dr. Stephen Trammell shared that Jesus calls us to pray and fast with sincerity, seeking intimacy with God rather than attention from others.

Dr. Stephen Trammell shared that Jesus calls us to pray and fast with sincerity, seeking intimacy with God rather than attention from others.

Pastor Gregg shared that in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that true righteousness flows from a transformed heart, not just outward actions.

Pastor Gregg shared that in the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches that true righteousness flows from a transformed heart, not just outward actions.

Pastor Gregg shared that Jesus calls believers to be salt and light, influencing the world by preserving truth, doing good, and living with purpose.

Pastor Gregg shared that Jesus calls believers to be salt and light, influencing the world by preserving truth, doing good, and living with purpose.

Pastor Gregg taught that the Beatitudes reveal a radical, upside-down path to true joy and flourishing in God's kingdom through dependence on Him and Christlike character.

Pastor Gregg taught that the Beatitudes reveal a radical, upside-down path to true joy and flourishing in God's kingdom through dependence on Him and Christlike character.

Pastor Gregg shared that Jesus is worth following because he was sinless, fulfilled ancient prophecies, gave purpose to ordinary people, and transformed lives wherever He went.

Pastor Gregg shared that Jesus is worth following because he was sinless, fulfilled ancient prophecies, gave purpose to ordinary people, and transformed lives wherever He went.

Mark Lanier, Founder of the Lanier Theological Library, explained that Jesus can turn our desire for justice into mercy, as seen in Zechariah's cry for vengeance and Stephen's prayer for forgiveness.

Mark Lanier, Founder of the Lanier Theological Library, explained that Jesus can turn our desire for justice into mercy, as seen in Zechariah's cry for vengeance and Stephen's prayer for forgiveness.

Kevin Ezell, President of the North American Mission Board, urged us to maximize our mission by living with urgency, while trusting God to use our willingness.

Kevin Ezell, President of the North American Mission Board, urged us to maximize our mission by living with urgency, while trusting God to use our willingness.

Mikado Hinson, Chaplain for the Houston Texans, taught that true discipleship means abiding in Christ, carrying our cross daily, and living so faithfully that others say, “Surely you're one of them.”

Mikado Hinson, Chaplain for the Houston Texans, taught that true discipleship means abiding in Christ, carrying our cross daily, and living so faithfully that others say, “Surely you're one of them.”

Heiden Ratner, Senior Pastor of WALK Church in Las Vegas, reminded us that the Christian life is about relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, conviction, and strength.

Heiden Ratner, Senior Pastor of WALK Church in Las Vegas, reminded us that the Christian life is about relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance, conviction, and strength.

Dr. Fred Luter, Jr., Senior Pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, shared how we can trust Jesus' promises, presence, and power when facing life's storms.

Dr. Fred Luter, Jr., Senior Pastor of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, shared how we can trust Jesus' promises, presence, and power when facing life's storms.

Brian McCormack, Executive Director of Breakaway Ministries at Texas A&M University, reminded us that God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, and satisfies—a call to remember His faithfulness in every season.

Pastor Gregg shared that the journey through the minor prophets, James, and Ruth reveals a progression of repentance, action, and trust, calling us to turn to God, live out our faith, and trust His greater plan.

Pastor Gregg shared that the Book of Ruth ends with a powerful picture of redemption—showing how God brings purpose from pain through sacrifice, faithfulness, truth, and obedience.

Pastor Gregg shared that Boaz models godly character in the Book of Ruth through purity, honesty, generous provision, and perseverance.

Pastor Gregg shared that the story of Ruth teaches us how to position ourselves for God's blessings—through initiative, humility, faithfulness, and trust in His timing. This prepares us to steward the gifts He provides.

Pastor Gregg shared that even when pain clouds our perspective, God is still at work—often through unexpected people and perfect timing. God's faithfulness meets us in our darkest moments with hope and restoration.

Dr. Phil Kramer, retired Army Chaplain, shared that freedom-national and spiritual-comes at a great cost. As soldiers gave their lives for our liberty, Jesus gave His life to free us from sin, so we are to live not for ourselves, but in honor of their sacrifice and His

Pastor Gregg shared that prayer should be our first response, not our last resort - inviting God into our joy, pain, and need.