Hunt Valley Baptist Church

The sermon centers on the transformative power of the Word of God, emphasizing that true spiritual change results not from dynamic preaching alone, but from a proper response to Scripture—receiving it with anticipation, recognizing it as divine authority, and believing it with faith. It challenges believers to move beyond passive hearing to active obedience, warning that mere exposure to the Word without faith and submission renders it ineffective. The preacher underscores the necessity of consistent church attendance, personal Bible study, and living according to biblical principles, even when they conflict with cultural norms, arguing that genuine faith requires surrendering to Scripture's authority in all areas of life. Ultimately, the message calls for a holistic response where the Word is not just heard, but believed, internalized, and acted upon, resulting in spiritual growth and moral transformation.

The central message of 1, 2, and 3 John is the assurance of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, grounded in His divine and human nature, and lived out in moral purity, truth, and love. The author, John, writes to believers in Asia Minor to affirm their faith, combat false teachings that deny Christ's incarnation, and equip them with spiritual discernment to distinguish truth from error. Key themes include the certainty of eternal life, the necessity of Christ's dual nature, the call to holiness, and the importance of walking in truth and love while guarding against worldly influences and false teachers. The letters emphasize that genuine faith produces a transformed life marked by obedience, hospitality to fellow believers, and a testimony that reflects God's character, all sustained by the enduring truth of Scripture and the indwelling presence of Christ.

The sermon centers on the biblical definition of true greatness in ministry, challenging the audience to move beyond worldly measures such as crowd size, recognition, or personal comfort. Drawing from Luke 14:12–14, it emphasizes that genuine ministry is marked by selfless service—inviting the poor, the broken, and the marginalized rather than seeking reciprocal favor or praise from friends, family, or the wealthy. The preacher underscores that God honors motives rooted in obedience and love, not in the desire for human approval or reward, and warns against the dangers of self-righteousness or spiritual pride. True greatness, he affirms, is found in humility and service, exemplified by Christ's own example, and is ultimately rewarded not by earthly acclaim but by divine blessing in this life and eternal recompense at the resurrection. The call is to prioritize pleasing God above all, trusting that when the heart is aligned with His will, His blessing and purpose will be fulfilled.

The sermon centers on the urgent responsibility of believers to faithfully proclaim the unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ, recognizing that spiritual blindness—orchestrated by Satan, the 'god of this world'—hinders the world's reception of the truth. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 4, it emphasizes that the gospel is a priceless treasure entrusted to fragile, human vessels, whose purpose is not self-glory but to reflect God's power and draw others to Christ. The preacher underscores that the enemy's strategy is to obscure the gospel's light, making it seem irrelevant, and calls the church to resist complacency by actively shining their light through bold witness, sacrificial service, and unwavering commitment. Ultimately, the message is a call to stewardship: to let one's life reflect Christ's glory so that others may see, believe, and be transformed, thereby causing the adversary to tremble.

The sermon centers on the urgent call for the church to respond with compassion, prayer, and faith to the vast spiritual need both locally and globally, drawing from Matthew 9:35–38 to challenge believers to see the lost not as distant strangers but as people fainted and scattered like sheep without a shepherd. It critiques the modern church's misplaced priorities—overemphasis on programs and technology while underinvesting in evangelism, with startling statistics revealing minimal financial and personal commitment to reaching the unreached. The message emphasizes that true transformation begins not with strategy but with a heart moved by Christ's compassion, sustained by fervent prayer for laborers, and fueled by a faith that sees the harvest as already ripe, not deferred. Ultimately, it calls Christians to reject defeatist thinking, to trust God's power as undiminished, and to engage boldly in evangelism with the conviction that God is still able to turn cities, nations, and lives upside down through faithful obedience.

The sermon draws a powerful parallel between the physical famine in ancient Samaria and the spiritual famine of the modern world, emphasizing that while physical hunger drives people to desperate measures, spiritual hunger—caused by a lack of hearing God's Word—leads individuals to embrace beliefs that are unnatural and even destructive. Using the story of four lepers who discovered the Syrian army had fled and then chose to share the good news despite their outcast status, the message underscores that every believer, having experienced the life-giving truth of the gospel, is called to proclaim it without delay. The preacher stresses that spiritual famine persists not because the gospel is unavailable, but because of the church's failure to act—whether through personal evangelism, financial support of missions, or intentional engagement in unreached regions. The central call is for self-examination: each believer must recognize their own responsibility, confessing, 'We do not well,' and stepping forward in faith to help end the famine by sharing the good news, knowing that God uses even the most unlikely people to bring salvation to the world.

The sermon centers on the biblical account of Paul's vision of Macedonia in Acts 16, illustrating how God redirected Paul's mission despite his initial plans, leading to the gospel's first arrival in Europe. Through personal stories from ministry in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the preacher emphasizes that places like Macedonia still exist today—regions where people long for the gospel and pray for someone to come. He also highlights individuals like the elderly Congolese man who, upon hearing the truth about hell for the first time, confronted the preacher with the painful question of why the gospel had not reached him sooner, underscoring the urgent need for mission engagement. The message calls the church to respond not with hesitation but with immediate obedience, like Paul, recognizing that God often redirects our plans to fulfill a greater purpose. Ultimately, the sermon challenges believers to participate in global missions not only through physical presence but through prayer and giving, affirming that every act of faith makes one a participant in God's redemptive work across the world.

Justin & Jill Brodbeck ministered in song at Hunt Valley Baptist Church's Missions Conference 2026.

The sermon centers on the universal call of every believer to be a 'fisher of men,' rooted in Jesus' commission to Peter, Andrew, James, and John in Matthew 4:18–22, emphasizing that true discipleship begins with radical obedience—leaving all to follow Christ. It underscores that being a fisher of men is not dependent on charisma or special gifts, but on a transformed heart that yields to Christ's lordship and actively engages in evangelism. The message warns against spiritual complacency, illustrating how distraction and self-reliance can hinder mission, and calls for intentional, practical outreach—casting spiritual nets through personal testimony, Scripture, and relational engagement. It stresses that salvation is a free gift of grace, not earned by works, and that the Holy Spirit, not human manipulation, must draw souls to Christ, with the ultimate goal of leading people to genuine faith, not merely ritualistic conversions. The sermon concludes with a compelling exhortation to all believers to embrace their role in God's mission, knowing that every faithful effort, however small, is part of a divine harvest.

The sermon centers on the urgent call to spiritual growth and steadfast faith, rooted in the apostle Peter's final exhortation to believers. It emphasizes that true spiritual maturity is not automatic but requires deliberate, diligent effort to 'add to your faith' through consistent engagement with Scripture, remembrance of foundational truths, and active pursuit of Christ. The passage underscores God's patience in delaying Christ's return not as slackness, but as an expression of mercy, desiring that all come to repentance and salvation. It affirms the divine inspiration and enduring authority of Scripture, warning against spiritual complacency and the danger of being swayed by scoffers who ignore God's promises. Ultimately, the message calls believers to live with holy anticipation, striving to be found blameless and at peace when Christ returns, ever mindful of their responsibility to remain faithful in a world that mocks the gospel.

The sermon centers on the Great Commission in Matthew 28, emphasizing that God's plan for evangelism involves both human effort and divine provision. It calls believers to recognize their role as instruments in spreading the gospel, highlighting the necessity of prayer, personal surrender, and practical involvement in missions. The message unfolds through three divine methods: manpower, where converted, consecrated, and compassionate individuals are called to serve; materials, where God miraculously supplies resources like buildings, supplies, and equipment; and finances, where the generosity of God's people meets urgent needs through sacrificial giving. The preacher urges the congregation to examine their hearts, surrender habits or possessions for eternal purposes, and respond to God's call with obedience, reminding them that true investment is in eternity, not temporary pleasures.

The sermon presents a theological and practical exploration of the books of James and 1 Peter, emphasizing that genuine faith is inseparable from action, transformation, and perseverance. James, written by Jesus' half-brother who became a believer after the resurrection, calls believers to live out their faith through humility, self-control, and ethical conduct, using vivid imagery to illustrate the power of the tongue, the danger of partiality, and the necessity of works as evidence of true salvation. The message underscores that saving faith is sanctifying, separating, serving, and sacrificial, producing visible change in a believer's life. Transitioning to 1 Peter, the sermon highlights the author's role as a persecuted yet faithful leader who urges believers to endure suffering with hope, holiness, and submission, grounded in the example of Christ and the promise of an eternal inheritance. Peter's exhortations to humility, perseverance, and spiritual vigilance are framed within the context of God's sovereign purpose, where trials refine faith and prepare believers for future glory, ultimately calling the church to live as a holy, chosen people with both privilege and responsibility in the world.

The sermon centers on the divine imperative of unity within the body of Christ, rooted in Scripture from Psalms 133 to John 17, emphasizing that true unity is not a human ideal but God's eternal design, exemplified in the Trinity and fulfilled in Christ's prayer for His followers to be one. It underscores that unity is not based on shared preferences, personalities, or cultural identities, but on a shared mind in Christ, requiring the surrender of pride, the release of bitterness, and the active practice of forgiveness as modeled in Ephesians 4. The preacher argues that such unity is not merely spiritual harmony but a powerful evangelistic testimony, as seen in the early church at Pentecost and in the miraculous growth of the church at Hunt Valley Baptist, where collective faith and sacrificial cooperation enabled God to accomplish what was humanly impossible. Ultimately, the call is to pursue unity with intentional discipline, guarding against division, and recognizing that the church's greatest power lies in its oneness, which reflects God's love and draws the world to Christ.

The sermon centers on Paul's prayer in Ephesians 3:14–19, emphasizing that true Christian living begins not in outward behavior but in a deep, inward transformation through the power of the Holy Spirit. It calls believers to a posture of humble surrender, recognizing that spiritual strength is not derived from personal effort but from divine empowerment available through faith. The passage unfolds a vision of spiritual maturity marked by being rooted and grounded in God's love, enabling believers to comprehend the boundless dimensions of Christ's love—its breadth, length, depth, and height—beyond human measurement. The sermon illustrates this through vivid metaphors, such as a loose ground connection in a car, to show how disconnection from God leads to spiritual failure, while intimate communion results in lasting stability and fullness. Ultimately, it calls for a daily, intentional immersion in God's presence, where the heart is saturated with His love, allowing the Spirit to fill and transform the believer, making them capable of living the life God intends.

The sermon provides a concise overview of the general epistles, focusing on Hebrews and introducing James, emphasizing their theological significance and practical application. Hebrews, written to Jewish believers facing persecution and spiritual complacency, declares the supremacy of Christ over all aspects of the Old Testament system—angels, Moses, the priesthood, and the covenant—presenting Jesus as the ultimate high priest and the fulfillment of divine promises. The author, though unknown, is likely Paul, and the book's purpose is to rekindle faith, encourage perseverance through trials, and exhort believers to fix their eyes on Jesus as the source of strength and salvation. James, in contrast, addresses the necessity of genuine faith that manifests in righteous living, clarifying that faith without works is dead not as a means of salvation but as evidence of its authenticity, thereby harmonizing with Pauline doctrine. Together, these epistles underscore the importance of a living, active faith that withstands trials, reflects godly wisdom, and is rooted in Christ's supremacy.

The sermon centers on the distinction between the natural man, the spiritual man, and the carnal man, drawing from 1 Corinthians 2 and 3 to illustrate the spiritual condition of every person. It emphasizes that while the natural man, spiritually dead and unable to comprehend divine truth, sees the gospel as foolishness, the spiritual man, born again and indwelt by the Holy Spirit, discerns God's things through divine insight and lives in alignment with eternal purposes. However, the carnal man—though spiritually alive—lives according to fleshly desires, resulting in inner conflict, frustration, and a lack of joy, power, and peace despite knowing the truth. The message calls believers to examine their hearts, reject the compromise of living for the flesh, and fully embrace the Spirit-led life, recognizing that true faith is proven not in answered prayers alone, but in faithful obedience even when God's will remains unseen.

The sermon centers on the profound truth that words originate not from the mind or society, but from the heart, as revealed in Matthew 12:33–37, where Jesus teaches that a person's speech reflects the condition of their inner life. It emphasizes that true transformation comes not from merely controlling speech, but from renewing the heart through the cultivation of godly treasures—Scripture, prayer, and wholesome influences—since what overflows from the heart is what is spoken. The sermon warns that every word, especially idle or unkind ones, will be accounted for in the final judgment, and that speech either justifies or condemns, making it essential for believers to guard their tongues with humility, truth, and grace. It calls Christians to reject not only vulgar language but also so-called 'Christian' euphemisms that mask worldly patterns, urging a higher standard of speech that honors God and edifies others. Ultimately, the message is a call to inward renewal, recognizing that outward speech is a reliable indicator of one's spiritual state and relationship with God.

The sermon centers on the biblical call to integrity in speech and commitment, drawing from Matthew 5:33–37 and James 5:12 to challenge believers to live with unwavering honesty, where 'yes' means yes and 'no' means no. It critiques a culture that relies on contracts, oaths, and elaborate assurances to prove trustworthiness, exposing how such practices reveal a deeper failure of character and broken promises. The preacher emphasizes that true reliability comes not from adding layers of verification but from cultivating a life of consistent faithfulness, where one's word is inherently trustworthy because it aligns with God's truth. Rooted in the example of Christ and the moral law, the message calls for clarity, simplicity, and authenticity in all commitments—especially in marriage, parenting, and business—warning that overcomplicating promises leads to deceit and spiritual compromise. Ultimately, the sermon urges a transformation of character, where integrity is not earned through dramatic declarations but demonstrated through daily obedience to one's word, reflecting a heart fully accountable to God.

The sermon centers on the transformative power of forgiveness in marriage and personal relationships, emphasizing that true forgiveness is not forgetting, nor is it merely feeling sorrow, waiting for time to heal, or merely desiring reconciliation. Drawing from the story of David and Absalom, it underscores that forgiveness requires intentional action—specifically, confronting the offender directly rather than harboring bitterness or gossiping with others. The message highlights that forgiveness is a divine act modeled by God, who remembers sins no more, and calls believers to emulate this by pardoning others as Christ has pardoned them. It stresses that unforgiveness breeds bitterness, damages relationships, and hinders prayer, while choosing to cover transgressions fosters love and unity. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a tenderhearted, Christ-like response, urging listeners to release offenses immediately and seek reconciliation with humility and grace.

The sermon centers on the biblical principle of respecting the autonomy and authority of adult children, drawing from Genesis 2:15 to illustrate that parenting evolves from direct control to supportive guidance, much like a steward caring for a garden. It emphasizes that conflicts in family relationships stem not from the children's actions but from pride and a failure to recognize the threshold of responsibility—where one enters another's domain without rightful authority. The preacher uses personal anecdotes and metaphors, such as the physical threshold of a home, to illustrate how grandparents and parents must refrain from overstepping boundaries, offering wisdom only when invited, and honoring adult children as peers and leaders in their own lives. Rooted in Ephesians 6:1, Colossians 3:20, and Titus 2, the message calls for humility, self-awareness, and a posture of service rather than dominance, urging older generations to foster godly relationships through respect, discretion, and grace, while acknowledging that true influence comes not from control but from being trusted and invited in.

Dr. Sterling Walsh ministered in song at the Marriage Matters Conference 2026 with a moving rendition of "To Rescue a Sinner Like Me."

Marriage Matters Conference - Ladies Split Session

The sermon centers on the transformative power of being filled with the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that genuine submission—whether in marriage, family, or community—is not a mere moral obligation but the natural fruit of a life saturated in Scripture. Drawing from Ephesians 5:18–21 and Colossians 3:16–17, it argues that spiritual fruitfulness begins not with rules or performance, but with the deep, abiding presence of God's Word in the heart. The preacher illustrates that a Spirit-filled life is marked by spontaneous singing, constant gratitude, and willing submission, all of which flow from a consistent, intentional engagement with Scripture. He challenges listeners to prioritize daily Bible intake not as a religious duty, but as the essential means by which the Holy Spirit gains greater control over their lives. Ultimately, the message calls for personal renewal through Scripture, asserting that when God's Word dwells richly, the natural outflow is a life characterized by love, humility, and mutual respect.

This sermon centers on the destructive nature of uncontrolled anger and its roots in spiritual disconnection, drawing from the story of King Asa in 2 Chronicles 16 to illustrate how reliance on human solutions, rejection of godly correction, and an imperfect heart toward God lead to personal and spiritual decline. The preacher emphasizes that anger arises from perceived injury and is fueled by a lack of consistent trust in God, failure to accept reproof, and a heart not fully aligned with divine perfection. Through personal anecdotes and biblical teaching, he calls believers to cultivate a life of constant reliance on God, openness to correction, and pursuit of a wholehearted devotion that reflects Christ's perfection. The tone is deeply pastoral and self-reflective, combining convicting honesty with hopeful encouragement, urging listeners to replace reactive anger with a God-conscious response in every area of life.

Dr. Sterling Walsh ministered in song at the Marriage Matters Conference 2026 with a moving rendition of Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus.

The sermon centers on the foundational necessity of personal prayer and spiritual intimacy with God as the cornerstone of a healthy marriage, emphasizing that without God's active involvement, even the most well-intentioned marital efforts will fail. Drawing from Scripture—particularly 1 Samuel 1 and the Lord's Prayer in Matthew 6—the preacher illustrates how genuine prayer begins with humility, praise, and surrender to God's will, rather than mere ritual or repetition. He stresses that prayer must be intentional, practiced daily in a dedicated, distraction-free space, and rooted in a posture of dependence, confession, and gratitude, which transforms one's heart before addressing marital or familial struggles. The message is clear: before seeking to fix a spouse or family, individuals must first be transformed by consistent, heartfelt communion with God, making spiritual discipline the root of all relational fruit. The tone is both convicting and pastoral, urging couples to prioritize their personal walk with God as the essential first step toward lasting marital health.

The sermon, rooted in Ecclesiastes 3:1 and addressing the transition of the empty nest, presents a biblically grounded call to embrace life's seasons with joy and purpose. It emphasizes that while the departure of children brings emotional challenges, it should not be a time of grief or stagnation but a divine opportunity to deepen marital intimacy, prioritize spiritual growth, and expand service to God. The speaker outlines three key principles: preparing for the empty nest by maintaining the marital relationship and resolving unresolved conflicts, entering it with a right attitude that rejoices in release rather than mourns loss, and living in it as a new beginning for shared purpose, both in marriage and in kingdom service. Ultimately, the message reframes the empty nest not as an ending, but as a sacred season of freedom, fulfillment, and deeper devotion to Christ, urging believers to steward this stage with wisdom, grace, and eternal perspective.

Marriage Matters Conference 2026 - Ladies Split Session

Marriage Matters Conference 2026 - Men's Split Session

Dr. Sterling Walsh ministered in song at the Marriage Matters Conference 2026 with a moving rendition of "Calvary Covers It All."

The sermon centers on the biblical example of Barzillai the Gileadite from 2 Samuel 19, using his life to illustrate three essential qualities for a godly marriage: unwavering care for God as the ultimate priority, a deliberate refusal to be a burden to one's spouse, and selfless concern for the other person's well-being. Drawing from Scripture, the preacher emphasizes that a strong marriage is rooted not in human effort or communication alone, but in spiritual devotion—when spouses prioritize their relationship with God, they naturally become more attentive, sacrificial, and loving toward each other. The message calls husbands and wives to embody the same selfless love seen in Barzillai, who, despite his age and ability to receive care, chose to serve others and even advocated for another to be honored, reflecting the heart of Christ. Ultimately, the sermon teaches that true marital greatness is not measured by personal comfort or convenience, but by spiritual maturity, mutual sacrifice, and a consistent focus on the needs of the other, all grounded in a life devoted to God.

The sermon centers on the transformative power of a believer's influence, illustrated through Paul's journey to Rome in Acts 27, where he becomes the spiritual anchor for 276 souls in a storm-tossed ship. Though the storm stripped away all hope, Paul's unwavering faith, grounded in divine assurance, enabled him to cheer the despairing, deliver a word from God, warn against spiritual peril, and care for their physical well-being—demonstrating that every Christian, regardless of circumstance, is a vessel of divine purpose. The preacher emphasizes that every believer is in a 'boat' with others—family, coworkers, friends—and that God's promise to save 'all them that sail with thee' underscores the sacred responsibility to be a source of joy, truth, warning, and compassion. The message calls the church to intentional discipleship, urging each person to recognize their circle of influence and live with purpose, not for self, but for the eternal good of those around them.

The sermon centers on the essential balance between privilege and responsibility in the Christian life, illustrated through Nehemiah's leadership in rebuilding Jerusalem's walls. It highlights how untempered privilege—whether in governance, marriage, parenting, or work—leads to selfishness and spiritual decay, while unchecked responsibility can result in burnout and emotional detachment. Nehemiah exemplifies this balance by refusing personal gain despite his high office, choosing instead to serve selflessly, lead by example, and prioritize the people's welfare over his own comfort. His motivation was not human approval but the fear of God, rooted in a deep trust that God would remember and reward faithful service. The message calls believers to live with integrity, using their privileges responsibly and finding ultimate satisfaction in God's eternal reward rather than earthly recognition.

The sermon centers on the Great Commission as exemplified in the conversion of Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, highlighting that true evangelism is not merely a mission field endeavor but a personal, ongoing responsibility for every believer. Through the narrative in Acts 10, the preacher emphasizes that Cornelius's prayers and alms were heard by God not as a means of salvation, but as a divine preparation for the gospel, underscoring God's mercy toward the seeking heart. The core message is that salvation is not a transaction but a transformative experience that compels the saved to become authentic witnesses—Martus—testifying to what they have personally seen and felt in Christ, a role angels cannot fulfill due to their lack of sin and redemption. The sermon calls believers to move beyond comfort, doubt, and opposition, embracing the personal, costly, and urgent duty to share the gospel, whether through direct evangelism, personal testimony, or supporting missions, all rooted in the authority and presence of Christ. Ultimately, the Great Commission is not a distant mandate but a daily, intimate call to bear witness to the life-changing power of Christ, with the assurance that God is with His people always, even to the end of the age.