Pilgrim Baptist Church

Should Christians Celebrate Halloween? The Shocking Truth About Its Pagan Origins

⚠️ Are You Too Spiritually Mature to Fall? This Biblical Warning Will Make You Think Twice. Have you ever felt confident in your Christian walk, only to realize you were standing at the edge of a dangerous path? This powerful sermon on Proverbs 2:16-19 reveals why Satan saves his biggest weapons for mature believers—and how to recognize the traps before you fall. Pastor Fortunato delivers a sobering message about the "strange woman" of Proverbs, exposing how temptation doesn't always target new Christians. Instead, it waits for seasoned believers who think they're too experienced to stumble. This biblical teaching unpacks how seductive ideologies, addictive patterns, and worldly systems promise satisfaction but deliver spiritual death. What You'll Discover in This Sermon: Discover the three characteristics of destructive paths that every Christian must identify—flattery without accountability, abandoned foundations, and forgotten covenants. Learn how the Israelites in Egypt chose physical provision over spiritual freedom, and why that same deception threatens believers today. This Bible study explores how small compromises create a slippery slope that becomes increasingly difficult to climb back from. Pastor Fortunato challenges the church community to build immunity to flattery by filtering every smooth word through Scripture. Young believers will learn the critical importance of honoring their spiritual heritage and remembering the senior saints who pray for them daily. Parents discover how to create testimonies that inspire the next generation to live boldly for Christ in a crooked world.

In this powerful sermon from John chapter 6, Pastor Fortunato exposes one of the most dangerous traps in Christianity: seeking Jesus for what He can give you instead of who He is. After the miraculous feeding of the 5000, the crowd crossed the Sea of Galilee desperately searching for Jesus—but were they really seeking Him, or just another free meal? This convicting message from Pilgrim Baptist Church challenges every believer to examine their heart. Are you going through the motions of religion, or do you have a genuine relationship with Christ? Do you want the Master, or just the meals He provides? Pastor Fortunato unpacks the biblical truth that fame fades, worldly accomplishments don't matter in eternity, and we are not "self-righting boats"—we desperately need the Captain of our salvation to transform us. Drawing from the incredible survival story of Ernest Shackleton's Antarctic expedition, this sermon illustrates what true sacrifice and endurance look like. While Shackleton led 28 men through 497 days of impossible conditions in -20 degree weather, many Christians struggle to sacrifice one hour a week or have one uncomfortable conversation about Jesus. This powerful parallel will challenge you to stop chasing temporary things and start pursuing eternal life. In this biblical teaching, you'll discover: ✝️ Why seeking Jesus for material blessings misses the gospel message entirely ✝️ The difference between dead religion and life-giving relationship with Christ ✝️ How to examine your heart's true motives in following Jesus ✝️ Why persistence in seeking doesn't always mean you're finding the real Jesus ✝️ The call to labor for eternal things instead of what perishes

In this powerful sermon on Proverbs 2:12-15, Pastor Fortunato reveals how biblical wisdom doesn't just inform us—it actively delivers us from evil. Like a midwife bringing safe passage, God's wisdom liberates us from the dangerous influences trying to capture our hearts and the hearts of our children. This message exposes the subtle ways evil men with twisted speech infiltrate Christian homes through entertainment, media, and culture. From the moral relativism of modern philosophies to the celebration of rebellion against biblical authority, Pastor Fortunato addresses the froward speech and crooked paths that threaten to pull believers away from God's straight and narrow way. Discover practical biblical wisdom for Christian living in a crooked and perverse generation. This sermon tackles real issues Christian families face today, including how to be lights in darkness, how to live blamelessly when the world calls good evil and evil good, and how to minister to lost neighbors while maintaining spiritual integrity. You'll learn the crucial difference between friendship, fellowship, and ministry, and why understanding this distinction is essential for effective evangelism. Pastor Fortunato shares powerful insights on spiritual warfare, resisting worldly influence, and raising children with godly wisdom in an increasingly hostile culture. This biblically-grounded teaching from Proverbs connects Isaiah 5:20, Psalm 12, and Philippians 2:15 to show how Jesus Christ—the wisdom of God—ultimately delivers us from the evil one, this present evil world, and the power of darkness.

Are you struggling through a storm right now and wondering where Jesus is? This powerful sermon from John 6 reveals why Jesus sometimes sends us into the storm—and what happens when we finally let Him into our boat. Why Did Jesus Walk Away? Discover the shocking moment when crowds wanted to crown Jesus as king, but He walked away instead. Pastor Fortunato unpacks the profound biblical prophecy from Isaiah 53 that explains why Jesus rejected an earthly crown at His first coming—He wasn't there to reign, but to suffer as the Lamb of God. This expository preaching dives deep into the Old Testament passages that predicted both a coming king AND a suffering servant. The Storm You Weren't Expecting What happened next is remarkable: Jesus sent His disciples directly into a storm without Him. For three to five miles they rowed in darkness, exhausted and afraid, until Jesus walked on water to reach them. This isn't just ancient history—it's a picture of every believer's journey through life's difficulties. Learn why God allows storms in our lives and what it means to truly let Jesus into your situation, not just call on Him for deliverance. The Truth About Surrendering Control Most of us want peace in the storm, but we don't want to surrender control. This biblical teaching challenges us to willingly receive Jesus even when we don't understand His timing. When those disciples finally let Jesus into their boat, they experienced a double miracle—and you'll be encouraged by what that means for your own faith journey today.

Is Deuteronomy 22:5 just an Old Testament law that doesn't apply today? Or does the Bible establish timeless principles about gender distinction that Christians should understand? This powerful sermon tackles one of the most controversial and misunderstood passages in Scripture that most churches avoid teaching. What You'll Learn in This Bible Study: Pastor Fortunato opens up Deuteronomy 22:5 and addresses the hard questions about biblical gender distinction, modest dress standards, and how Old Testament principles apply to New Testament Christians. Discover why gender-specific clothing matters in a culture that's rapidly erasing these distinctions, and how biblical teaching on masculinity and femininity provides clarity in confusing times. This verse-by-verse exposition examines: ✝️ Common objections to Deuteronomy 22:5 and biblical responses ✝️ How cultural changes have influenced Christian dress standards ✝️ The difference between Mosaic law specifics and timeless biblical principles ✝️ New Testament passages that establish gender roles and distinctions (1 Corinthians 11, 1 Timothy 2, 1 Peter 3, Titus 2, Romans 1) ✝️ Why separation from worldly fashion trends matters for believers ✝️ Practical application of biblical modesty for families and churches Whether you agree or disagree, this sermon will challenge you to think biblically about gender, clothing, and the cultural pressures facing Christian families today. We're a Bible-teaching church that opens God's Word and addresses topics others avoid.

Has Revelation 12 been twisted to protect the guilty instead of the innocent? In this powerful sermon, we expose how the biblical phrase "accuser of the brethren" has been weaponized to silence victims and shield abuse in churches—and why biblical truthtelling is the answer. Learn the crucial difference between Satan's false accusations and legitimate biblical exposure of sin. This message unpacks the misuse of Revelation 12 and reveals what Scripture actually teaches about speaking truth to power, church accountability, and protecting the vulnerable. Powerful biblical examples: ✝️ Esther's courageous stand against Haman's evil plot ✝️ Nathan confronting King David's adultery & murder ✝️ Paul publicly rebuking Peter for hypocrisy ✝️ Jesus's model in Matthew 18 for progressive exposure of unrepentant sin Discover why reproof & rebuke are acts of love, not hatred—and when each is biblically appropriate. Understand the critical difference between light-based exposure (reproof) and authority-based confrontation (rebuke), & why both are necessary for church health. The Truth About Silence: Lev 5:1 makes it clear—those who witness wrongdoing & stay silent bear the guilt themselves. Silence enables abuse, protects wrongdoers, and abandons victims. This sermon challenges the "cover-up culture" that has infected too many churches and calls believers to courageous biblical truthtelling. 4 Questions to Ask When Accused of "Accusing the Brethren": 1️⃣ Is it true? (If yes, it's testimony, not accusation) 2️⃣ Are people being harmed? (Silence enables abuse) 3️⃣ Would God call this evil? (He commands us to reprove & rebuke) 4️⃣ Are we protecting sheep or wolves in sheeps clothing

⚠️ Is Your Family Drifting Without You Realizing It? | Nehemiah 13 Family Protection What happens when a godly family makes "just one small compromise"? In this powerful message from Nehemiah 13:23-31, discover how three simple stages of family drift can completely derail your children's spiritual future—and what you can do to protect your home starting today. Why This Message Matters for Your Family Every Christian parent wants to raise godly children, but the path from a strong biblical foundation to losing an entire generation happens faster than you think. This sermon exposes the devastating pattern Nehemiah confronted: families who started well but allowed worldly influences through the door, eventually losing their children to a culture that speaks a completely different language. You'll learn the three critical stages of family drift and how to identify them before it's too late: ✝️ Stage 1: Letting the world into your home (even "just a little") ✝️ Stage 2: Pushing God out of your schedule and family rhythms ✝️ Stage 3: Allowing your children to be unequally yoked Biblical Wisdom for Protecting Your Family Legacy This isn't about creating an "austere monastery" where children can't have fun—it's about establishing clear biblical boundaries that allow your family to thrive in Christ. Learn practical steps for maintaining family altar, evaluating relationships wisely, and ensuring your children learn to speak the language of Zion rather than the language of Ashdod.

Biblical Parenting: The Rod, Reproof, and Raising Children in Wisdom In this powerful sermon on biblical child training, we explore the wisdom principles found throughout Proverbs about discipline, natural consequences, and preparing children's hearts for the Gospel. This message tackles one of the most misunderstood topics in Christian parenting today. What You'll Learn: Discover how natural consequences teach children about God's moral order in the world, from the sluggard who refuses to work to the principle that "whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." We examine the critical distinction between temporal earthly consequences and spiritual consequences, and why paying our debt to society doesn't cleanse our souls before God. The sermon addresses the proper use of biblical discipline, emphasizing that the rod and reproof must go together. Physical discipline without instruction frustrates children and creates confusion. We look at Proverbs 29:15 - "The rod and reproof give wisdom" - and explore how correction serves as a redirecting tool, not a soul-saving instrument. Only Christ's blood can cleanse from sin, but proper discipline helps keep children on the path where they're more likely to trust Jesus Christ. ⚠️ A Strong Warning: This message directly confronts the false doctrine of "breaking a child's will" and harsh, abusive parenting that drives children away from God. Parents who beat their children without love and instruction should be ashamed. The goal is to prepare tender hearts to receive Christ, not to create fear and resentment.

Struggling to Make Wise Decisions? Discover the Life-Changing Benefits of Biblical Wisdom | Proverbs 2 Sermon Are you tired of making choices you later regret? What if there was a divine blueprint for developing wisdom that transforms not just your mind, but your heart? In this powerful message from Proverbs 2, discover how biblical wisdom becomes more than head knowledge—it becomes life transformation. Unlock the four-fold understanding God wants you to have: righteousness, judgment, equity, and discerning every good path. This isn't just religious theory—it's practical wisdom you can apply today whether you're in business, raising children, navigating relationships, or making critical life decisions. Learn why wisdom isn't about perfection, but about positioning yourself for success. Just like a car out of alignment will veer off even on a smooth road, discover how to align your life with God's design to avoid unnecessary mistakes and self-destructive patterns. The "If-Then" Promise: Proverbs 2 reveals a powerful principle: if you seek wisdom, then God releases understanding. Explore the difference between head knowledge ("I know I should forgive") and heart wisdom ("I desire to forgive"). When wisdom enters your heart, obedience stops being a burden and becomes a blessing. Your Two Divine Bodyguards: Discover how discretion and understanding work as personal protection in your Christian walk. Learn to avoid premature decisions, foolish associations, hasty choices, and unnecessary risks. See practical examples of how these principles apply to real-life situations like choosing a spouse, making business decisions, and navigating relationships.

Ever Feel Like What You Have Isn't Enough? This Sermon Will Change Your Perspective When a hungry crowd of over 5,000 people faced impossible odds, one small boy with five barley loaves and two fish changed everything. In this powerful exposition of John 6, discover how God takes our smallest offerings and creates miraculous abundance—but not without a cost we often ignore. Pastor Fortunato unpacks the profound truth behind Jesus feeding the multitude, revealing why we struggle when our faith seems too weak, our gifts too limited, and our resources too small. This isn't just another retelling of a familiar miracle—it's a wake-up call about the reality of brokenness and blessing in the Christian life. Through careful examination of Scripture, connecting John 6 with Numbers 11 & Psalms 132, you'll discover: ✝️ Why Philip's calculations failed (and why ours do too) ✝️ The significance of barley loaves—poor man's bread ✝️ How Andrew brought doubt AND faith to Jesus simultaneously ✝️ What the 12 baskets of fragments really represent ✝️ The uncomfortable truth about brokenness before blessing ✝️ Why American Christianity often misses the complete gospel message This sermon doesn't shy away from reality. Drawing from the lives of David Livingstone, Jim Elliot, the Ecuadorian Five, and other missionaries who faced tremendous brokenness alongside incredible blessing, Pastor Fortunato challenges the "rainbows and cupcakes" version of Christianity that promises blessings without sacrifice. You can't have fragments to feed a multitude without something being broken first. Jesus broke bread to bless thousands. His body was broken so we could be blessed.

Are You Trembling at God's Word? | Philippians 2:12 & the Heart of Christian Living What does it truly mean to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling"? This powerful biblical sermon explores the profound difference between salvation and sanctification, and why every believer must learn to tremble at God's Word—not in terror, but in reverent awe. In This Life-Changing Message, You'll Discover: ✅ The biblical principle behind Philippians 2:12 and how it applies to saved believers ✅ Why Isaiah 66 warns us against choosing our own ways over God's ways ✅ How the Holy Spirit guides us into ALL truth through Scripture (John 14:26, 16:13, 17:17) ✅ The danger of unstable Bible interpretation and how to avoid it (2 Peter 3:16) ✅ Why God wants obedience, not just religious rituals ✅ How to develop a heart that stands in awe of God's Word (Psalm 119) This expository preaching dives deep into the heart issues that plague modern Christianity—when we claim to love God but refuse to tremble at His Word. Whether you're struggling with doubts about salvation, dealing with heart problems in your Christian walk, or simply want to grow deeper in biblical truth, this sermon will challenge and encourage you. The Holy Spirit inspired Scripture to correct us, instruct us, and thoroughly furnish us for every good work. Are you ready to receive God's Word with a ready mind and contrite spirit? This biblical teaching will help you understand the crucial difference between working out your salvation and maintaining it through fear and trembling at God's commands.

Why THEN Changes Everything: Unlocking God's Wisdom in Proverbs 2 What if the most overlooked word in Scripture could transform your understanding of biblical wisdom? In this powerful expository sermon on Proverbs 2:5-8, discover why the word "THEN" is the divine hinge that swings open the door to God's wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. You'll Learn: The Difference Between Shield and Buckler - Uncover the profound distinction between God's protection from distant attacks and His intimate defense in hand-to-hand spiritual combat. This deep dive into biblical language reveals why God isn't just your shield for far-off trials, but your buckler for close-range battles with temptation, fear, doubt, and anger. Fear First, Then Knowledge - Why our culture gets it backwards. True biblical wisdom doesn't start with information—it starts with transformation through the fear of the Lord. Learn how this divine order changes everything about pursuing knowledge of God. The Buckler That Never Falls - Discover the powerful truth about how God is fastened to believers through salvation. Just as a buckler is harnessed to a warrior's forearm, God is bound to His children with an unbreakable connection that holds even when we let go. Wisdom Is a Person, Not a Principle - Stop seeking wisdom like it's a thing to obtain and start pursuing the relationship God offers through Jesus Christ. This message challenges the modern self-help culture and points you back to Christ as the power of God and the wisdom of God. This verse-by-verse Bible study explores the conditional "if-then" statements of Proverbs, the security of salvation, and why God keeps and and preserves His saints.

Did Moses Actually Testify AGAINST the Religious Leaders? | The Shocking Truth About John 5:45-47 Ever thought someone was in your corner only to find them testifying against you? In John 5:45-47, Jesus drops a stunning truth bomb on the religious leaders: Moses himself—the very man they claimed to follow—would be their accuser in God's courtroom. You'll Discover: This compelling Bible study exposes how the Jewish religious leaders missed Jesus Christ even though Moses wrote about Him throughout the entire Pentateuch. We walk through Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy to reveal the gospel hidden in plain sight—from the seed crushing the serpent's head, to the Passover lamb, to the bronze serpent lifted up in the wilderness. The problem wasn't lack of evidence. These religious leaders had Moses's writings preserved perfectly for 1,400 years. They quoted him every Sabbath. They sat in Moses's seat claiming his authority. Yet they rejected the very Messiah Moses prophesied about in Deuteronomy 18. This profound Bible teaching examines the dangerous difference between Bible knowledge and Bible belief, and why head knowledge without heart transformation leads to spiritual blindness. The Heart Issue That Changed Everything: This sermon confronts our own false oppositions—when we claim to love God but our actions tell a different story. Do we defend the Bible yet deny the behavior it calls us to? Do we go to church but never truly serve? Do we have religious titles without genuine testimony? Jesus exposes these contradictions with surgical precision, showing us that the religious leaders didn't have an information problem but a will problem.

What Does the Bible REALLY Say About Modest Apparel? | 1 Timothy 2:9 Sermon Are you tired of hearing opinions about Christian modesty but not sure what Scripture actually teaches? This powerful Bible message cuts through the confusion and reveals God's timeless standards for modest dressing. In This Sermon You'll Discover: ✝️ The biblical definition of modest apparel from 1 Timothy 2:9 and 1 Peter 3:3-4

Discover why Jesus told the religious leaders "ye will not come to me"—it wasn't about ability, it was about choice. Learn how the unbelieving Jews had right theology but wrong hearts, and why head knowledge without the love of God leads to spiritual death. This Bible study exposes how we can reject the fountain of living water while dying of spiritual thirst. What You'll Learn About Christian Living: ✝️ The four witnesses the Jews rejected (and how we reject them today) ✝️ Why religious pride is more dangerous than atheism for believers ✝️ How to identify false messiahs who point to themselves instead of Jesus Christ ✝️ The difference between theological correctness and relational connection ✝️ Why Christian parenting fails when rules replace love ✝️ How social media feeds our approval addiction and destroys genuine faith ✝️ Breaking free from human glory to seek God's approval alone The Heart Issue That Changes Everything: Jesus performed spiritual heart surgery on the Pharisees, revealing they had "not the love of God" in them. This isn't just ancient history—it's the mirror we need today. Are you doctrinally sound but spiritually hollow? Do you care more about being right than having a right heart? This message on faith and obedience will help you examine where you're seeking validation. Are you free to believe God, or is the world's grip making genuine faith impossible in your life? If you're tired of dead religion, if you want to stop chasing likes and followers and start living for an audience of One, if you're ready to deny self and truly follow Jesus Christ—this sermon is for you. Stop going to broken cisterns when the fountain of living water is available.

When God's Touch Hurts: A Life-Changing Message About Pain, Power & Purpose

When Political Violence Shakes Our Faith: A Biblical Response to Tragedy In these turbulent times when political violence dominates headlines and division tears at our nation's fabric, how should Christians respond? Pastor Fortunato delivers a powerful sermon examining God's Word for wisdom when tragedy strikes and innocent blood is shed. Journey through church history from the 1500s Protestant Reformation to modern-day America as we explore how believers throughout the ages have faced persecution, disagreement, and violence. Discover why Baptists have historically championed soul liberty & freedom of belief, never forcing faith through violence or coercion. This timely message addresses the hard questions we're all asking when political activism meets faith in the public square. In this sermon, you'll learn: • Why God says "Fret not thyself because of evildoers" (Psalm 37) and what that means for us today • How to trust, delight, commit, & rest in the Lord during national upheaval • The biblical response to persecution that separates true Christianity from religious violence • Why innocent blood being shed grieves God's heart throughout Scripture • How Jesus himself faced the ultimate injustice & what His example teaches us Pastor Fortunato weaves together passages from Psalms, Matthew, Romans, & Job to provide biblical perspective on suffering, persecution, & how believers should respond when tragedy strikes. This isn't about politics—it's about having a biblical worldview when our world seems to be falling apart. Whether you're struggling with anger, fear, or confusion about recent events, this message offers hope & wisdom for navigating these challenging times.

⚠️ The Hour Is Coming: Understanding the Two Resurrections That Will Determine Your Eternal Destiny What happens when every person who has ever lived stands before God? In this powerful Bible study, Pastor Fortunato unpacks the sobering truth about the two resurrections described in John 5:28-30 - one leading to eternal life, the other to eternal damnation. This isn't just another sermon about heaven and hell; it's a critical examination of what Scripture actually teaches about the final judgment and how your response to the Gospel today determines where you'll spend eternity.

"Nobody Understands Me" - Think Again! Discover the Judge Who Walked in Your Shoes Ever felt like nobody truly gets what you're going through? In this powerful verse-by-verse Bible study through John 5:25-27, discover why Jesus Christ isn't just another distant judge throwing the book at you - He's the Son of Man who experienced every pain, betrayal, and struggle you've ever faced. Pastor Fortunato unpacks the profound connection between Daniel's ancient prophecy and Jesus's bold claims to deity that had the religious leaders wanting to kill Him. Learn what it really means when Jesus says He has "life in Himself" and why this changes everything about how we approach God with our problems. This isn't just theology - it's the answer to your dead relationships, struggling faith, and those moments when you feel completely misunderstood.

What happens when pride takes over? Watch a powerful biblical account unfold as Haman walks straight into his own trap in this verse-by-verse exposition of Esther chapter 6. In this eye-opening Bible study, we dive deep into one of Scripture's most dramatic reversals, where a man's pride becomes the architect of his own downfall. Through careful expository preaching, we uncover how Haman's midnight plotting against Mordecai turns into his greatest humiliation, teaching us profound lessons about pride, humility, and God's perfect providence.

"You Can't Judge Me!" - What Jesus Said That Made Religious Leaders Want to Kill Him | John 5 Have you ever wondered why religious leaders wanted to kill Jesus for healing someone? In this powerful sermon from John chapter 5, discover the shocking claim Jesus made that changed everything - He declared Himself equal with God the Father. This isn't just another Bible study; it's an eye-opening exploration of Christ's deity that will transform how you understand the Trinity. Pastor dives deep into verses 19-24, revealing how Jesus didn't ask permission from the Father but operated in perfect unity with Him. Learn why Jesus had to specifically address individuals like Lazarus and Jairus's daughter when raising them from the dead - and what would have happened if He hadn't! This fascinating teaching explains the "seeth" and "doeth" relationship between Father and Son, showing their eternal, unbroken union. Discover why honoring Jesus as just a "good teacher" or "prophet" actually dishonors God the Father. This message tackles the challenging questions non-Trinitarians face and resolves the seeming contradiction between Isaiah 42:8 and John 5:23. You'll understand why Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, and John Adams missed the mark despite admiring Jesus's teachings. Most importantly, hear Christ's authoritative promise in verse 24: those who hear His word and believe HAVE everlasting life - not will have, but possess it right now! Learn what it truly means to be "quickened" - made alive so as to never die again spiritually. This isn't about religious rituals or living right to earn salvation; it's about the instant transfer from death to life through faith in Christ.

Is Your Church Teaching FALSE Modesty Doctrine?