Hunt Valley Baptist Church

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.

The sermon, drawn from Hosea 10:12, calls believers to a spiritual renewal through the metaphor of cultivating hard, neglected soil, symbolizing hearts hardened by routine religious activity, unrepentant resistance to truth, and self-reliance. It emphasizes that true revival begins with breaking up 'foul ground'—a heart hardened by ritualism, unconfessed sin, and worldly priorities—through genuine repentance and surrender to God's voice. The message then calls for intentional sowing of righteousness through daily obedience to Scripture, faith, and humility, not self-justification, recognizing that all spiritual fruit is ultimately a gift of God's mercy, not human merit. The preacher warns against spiritual complacency, especially in the form of prosperity affirmations that mask inner emptiness, urging the congregation to confront their true condition before God. Ultimately, the call is to return to a posture of humility, where brokenness precedes restoration, and the promise of renewal—'the years the locust hath eaten'—becomes possible through genuine repentance and a softened heart.

The sermon centers on Paul's divinely protected journey to Rome, highlighting God's sovereign care amid persecution and political delay. Though falsely accused by Jewish leaders and imprisoned under Roman custody, Paul remains steadfast in his faith, defending himself with truth, integrity, and a conscience void of offense before God and man. His trial before Governor Felix reveals the tragic consequences of procrastination—Felix, though convicted by the truth, delays his decision, trembling at Paul's message of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, yet refusing to surrender to grace. The sermon underscores the danger of delaying repentance, illustrating how repeated resistance to the Holy Spirit hardens the heart, and warns against seeking personal gain over justice, as Felix's greed reveals. Ultimately, Paul's imprisonment becomes a platform for evangelism, demonstrating that even in confinement, God's purposes advance through faithful witness and divine protection.

The sermon, rooted in Galatians 6:2, emphasizes the Christian duty to bear one another's burdens as a fulfillment of Christ's law, illustrating this through personal and communal experiences of grief, support, and spiritual responsibility. It distinguishes between burdens that must be carried alone—such as personal accountability, relationships, and life's inevitable struggles—and those that should be cast upon God, particularly the weight of sin, which Christ alone can remove through grace and repentance. The message underscores that true spiritual maturity comes not from avoiding hardship but from enduring it with faith, enabling one to empathize and support others in their trials. It calls the church to embody Christ's love by actively sharing burdens, not only in times of crisis but as a consistent expression of unity, compassion, and mutual care, transforming the body of Christ into a sanctuary of strength and healing. Ultimately, the sermon affirms that bearing one another's burdens is both a divine command and a profound demonstration of the gospel's power in daily life.

The sermon, drawn from Ecclesiastes 8, confronts the tension between earthly prosperity and divine justice, challenging believers to maintain a reverent fear of God amid a world that often rewards wickedness without immediate consequence. It emphasizes that God's delayed judgment is not permission to sin, but an invitation to repentance, warning against mistaking divine patience for divine approval. While the godless may enjoy temporary success and recognition, their lives are ultimately fleeting and insecure, lacking eternal foundation, whereas the God-fearing find lasting security and purpose in trusting His sovereign will. The message calls for a life rooted in eternal values, marked by obedience, humility, and hope, reminding listeners that true satisfaction is found not in worldly achievements but in fearing God and keeping His commandments, which is the whole duty of humanity.

The sermon centers on the unwavering resolve of the Apostle Paul to fulfill his divine mission, despite repeated warnings and escalating persecution as he journeys toward Jerusalem. It highlights Paul's profound commitment to the gospel, his willingness to endure suffering, imprisonment, and even death, all while maintaining joy and faithfulness to God's calling. Through vivid accounts of his trials—including false accusations, mob violence, beatings, and divine encouragement—Paul emerges as a model of steadfast faith, demonstrating that true discipleship involves sacrifice, perseverance, and trust in God's sovereign plan. The sermon also emphasizes the theological depth of Paul's epistles—1 Corinthians, 2 Corinthians, and Romans—revealing their purpose in addressing church divisions, establishing believers in truth, and articulating the comprehensive gospel of salvation by grace through faith. Ultimately, the message calls believers to embrace a transformed life, not for merit, but as a response to God's grace, striving to be conformed to Christ's image and to live as faithful witnesses in every circumstance.

The sermon centers on the enduring call to persistent prayer, drawn from Jesus' teaching in Luke 11:9–13, where the commands to 'ask, seek, and knock' are presented not as one-time requests but as ongoing spiritual disciplines rooted in faith and trust. It emphasizes that persistence in prayer is not about manipulating God but about aligning the heart with His will, refining priorities, and deepening relationship through continual dependence. The parable of the friend at midnight illustrates that God values perseverance, not because He is reluctant, but because He desires a transformed heart that yields fully to His purposes. The sermon underscores that God, as a loving Father, desires to give good things—though not always what we ask for—because His character is unchanging, His love is sincere, and His timing is perfect. Ultimately, the message calls believers to persevere in spiritual disciplines, evangelism, and personal growth, trusting that faithfulness in seeking leads to divine provision and spiritual maturity.

The sermon centers on the biblical principle of stewardship, emphasizing that every believer is accountable to God for how they manage the time, talents, treasures, and opportunities entrusted to them. Drawing from the parable of the unjust steward in Luke 16 and the parable of the talents in Matthew 25, it underscores that while the steward's dishonesty was not commended, his foresight and proactive planning in securing his future reflect a vital lesson: all believers must prepare for a day of reckoning when they will give an account of their stewardship. The message calls for a shift from attitudes of entitlement, hoarding, or fear-driven inaction to one of gratitude, generosity, and faithful investment in God's purposes, highlighting that true stewardship is marked by diligence, initiative, and a heart that sees all things as belonging to God. Ultimately, the sermon encourages believers to set achievable goals in 2026, not for personal gain, but to honor God, knowing that faithfulness in small things leads to greater rewards, recognition, and joy in God's presence.

The sermon, drawn from Acts 18 and 19, highlights Paul's unwavering commitment to both evangelism and discipleship during his third missionary journey, emphasizing that true Christian ministry involves not only reaching the lost but also nurturing believers through teaching, correction, and spiritual growth. Central to the message is the necessity of doctrinal depth—illustrated by Apollos, who, though fervent and eloquent, needed instruction in the full gospel, and by the disciples in Ephesus who knew only John's baptism, underscoring that salvation requires knowledge of Christ's finished work and the indwelling Holy Spirit, received at conversion, not as a later 'blessing.' The narrative also reveals the cost of faith, as seen in the confrontation with false spiritual power, the public renunciation of idolatry, and the dangers Paul faced, all of which point to the reality that genuine conversion brings transformation and separation from worldly practices. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to emulate Paul's example—being teachable, faithful in discipleship, and willing to endure hardship for the sake of the gospel, while recognizing that spiritual maturity is not measured by time but by depth of knowledge, obedience, and surrender to Christ.

The sermon centers on the critical danger of mistaking religious ritual for genuine spiritual encounter, using the Gospel account of Jesus' trial before Pilate to illustrate how the religious leaders, preoccupied with ceremonial purity, failed to recognize the true Lamb of God who was present among them. It warns that modern believers risk the same error by focusing on the outward forms of worship—such as the Lord's Supper—while neglecting the inward transformation and personal relationship with Christ that these practices are meant to foster. The preacher emphasizes that liturgy is a means, not the message, and calls the congregation to examine themselves, confess sin, and meditate on Christ's sacrifice with humility and sincerity. True spirituality, he argues, is not found in ritual performance but in daily obedience and meek submission to Christ, whose sacrificial love is the foundation of both salvation and sanctification. The message concludes with a personal invitation to surrender to Christ, whether for the first time or in renewed commitment, urging the hearers to prioritize the person of Jesus over any religious tradition or self-righteousness.

The sermon centers on the vital Christian imperative to continually restart in faith, ministry, and personal holiness, drawing from biblical examples such as Peter, David, Jonah, and John Mark, who all experienced failure yet were restored through repentance and renewed commitment. It emphasizes that spiritual stagnation, discouragement, and setbacks are inevitable, but God's grace enables a fresh beginning, as seen in Paul's changed view of Mark and David's repentance in Psalm 51. The preacher calls believers to reject the spirit of quitting, whether in service, witness, discipline, or relationship, urging a deliberate shift from spiritual inertia to active, obedient faith. Using historical figures like Abraham Lincoln and personal anecdotes, the message underscores perseverance and the transformative power of humility, repentance, and renewed surrender to God. Ultimately, the sermon challenges every believer to embrace the ongoing call to restart—especially in the new year—knowing that God's mercy is always available and His purpose for each life remains unfulfilled until one chooses to begin again.

In John 15, Jesus presents Himself as the true vine and believers as branches, emphasizing that spiritual life and fruitfulness are only possible through abiding in Him. The sermon unfolds a pastoral call to examine one's spiritual condition by identifying the works of the flesh—such as lust, pride, hatred, envy, and self-indulgence—that hinder the natural outpouring of the Spirit's fruit: love, joy, peace, gentleness, and self-control. It underscores that these fruits are not achievements to be worked for, but byproducts of a life rooted in Christ's Word, obedience, and love, and that their absence points not to God's failure, but to personal resistance to divine pruning. The preacher then turns to the Father as the husbandman, who diligently tends the vineyard, pruning and refining branches for greater fruitfulness, and warns that while Christ intercedes for believers, continued barrenness invites divine evaluation. The message concludes with a sobering challenge to self-examination before the new year, urging each person to prepare for spiritual growth so that Christ will not need to plead for more time, but will find a harvest of fruit that glorifies God.

The sermon centers on the transformative reality of new life in Christ, anchored in 2 Corinthians 5:17, where believers are declared new creatures through the fulfillment of God's New Covenant in Jesus Christ. It unfolds through a series of spiritual renewals—new covenantal grace replacing the old law, a renewed identity marked by righteousness and holiness, a transformed demeanor reflecting Christ-like character, and the promise of a new heaven and earth where God dwells with His people eternally. Emphasizing daily renewal, the message calls believers to embrace each new day as an opportunity for repentance, growth, and faithful living, grounded in God's mercies that are new every morning. The tone is both pastoral and urgent, inviting both non-believers and Christians to seize the present moment for spiritual transformation, not waiting for a future reset but beginning today in Christ.