Reformed Baptist Fellowship of Savannah

A rerecording our Sunday School lesson from last week discussing Chapter 31 paragraph 2 and 3 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith using 1 Corinthians 15:50-54 as our foundational text. We discuss the biblical doctrine of the resurrection, the continuity and discontinuity between our current and resurrected bodies, define the living and dead, righteous and unrighteousness at Christ's return, and use these truth to encourage believers to hope and victory and warning the unsaved of the judgement to come and their need to turn to the finished work of Christ to be saved from the coming wrath to be poured out on this world.

The sermon "The Gift and Giver," invites believers to behold the miracle of the Incarnation through three key words: "Behold" (a call to marvel at God's extraordinary intervention), "Begotten" (affirming Jesus as the eternally divine Son of God, conceived by the Holy Spirit), and "Betrothed" (highlighting the crisis of Mary's pregnancy during her binding engagement to Joseph, and symbolizing believers' sealed union with Christ through the Spirit). "—the message proclaims salvation as the ultimate Gift: a complete, triune work encompassing justification (declared righteous by faith), sanctification (progressive holiness), and glorification (future perfection). The Giver is the Triune God—the Father who planned and gave His only begotten Son, the Son who accomplished redemption by giving His life as ransom, and the Holy Spirit who applies it through regeneration, indwelling, and empowerment—while believers, in response, are called to surrender their lives fully in grateful obedience. Ultimately, Christmas points beyond earthly gifts to beholding Jesus daily, trusting God's guidance in crises, obeying promptly, living aware of Immanuel's presence, and consecrating everything back to the generous Giver for His glory.

The bodies of men after death return to dust, and see corruption; but their souls, which neither die nor sleep, having an immortal subsistence, immediately return to God who gave them. The souls of the righteous being then made perfect in holiness, are received into paradise, where they are with Christ, and behold the face of God in light and glory, waiting for the full redemption of their bodies; and the souls of the wicked are cast into hell; where they remain in torment and utter darkness, reserved to the judgment of the great day; besides these two places, for souls separated from their bodies, the Scripture acknowledges none. (1689 LBCF 30.1)

Here we are, in the season when homes, churches, and stores are filled with beautiful trees that sparkle but cannot bear fruit. We sing carols, exchange gifts, post perfect family photos, and crowd into special services—yet how easy it is for Christmas itself to become a leafy display with no real fruit of repentance, no deep worship of the Christ who came. We can love the sentiment of the season more than the Savior it proclaims. We can decorate our lives with religious activity while remaining spiritually barren—cut off from the Vine, producing no lasting fruit that honors God.

Question: What benefits do they who are effectually called partake of in this life? Answer: They that are effectually called do in this life partake of justification (Romans 8:30), adoption (Ephesians 1:5), sanctification, and the several benefits which in this life do either accompany or flow from them (1 Corinthians 1:30). ~The Baptist Catechism Question 35

A brief overview of Chapter 30 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith: Of The Lord's Supper using 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 as our foundation for the discussion.

Today we learn of Immanuel's Advent and Lament. Jesus, God with us is the indescribable gift of salvation for all who receive and believe Him! This exposition of Luke 19:29-44 reminds us that during this season where we are inundated with feasts, festivals, rituals and tradition to keep our eyes on Christ. From the manger to the cross, from the grave to the throne He lived the life we couldn't and died the death we deserve that we may have an eternal life we could never earn through HIs gracious gift of salvation. Take a few minutes of your day to meditate on these truths.

Question: What is effectual calling? Answer: Effectual calling is the work of God's Spirit (2 Tim. 1:9; 2 Thess. 2:13, 14), whereby convincing us of our sin and misery (Acts 2:37), enlightening our minds in the knowledge of Christ (Acts 26:18), and renewing our wills (Ez. 36:26, 27), he doth persuade and enable us to embrace Jesus Christ freely offered to us in the gospel (John 6:44, 45; Phil. 2:13). ~The Baptist Catechism Question 34

An expositional sermon of John 11:55-12:11

A discussion of Biblical baptism using Chapter 29 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of faith and Romans 6:3-5 as our foundation.

A discussion of Biblical Baptism was derailed and we spent the Sunday School hour discussing faith and regeneration and the order of salvation. We hope that this conversation points you to the Scriptures and God's truth. We will return to our look at biblical baptism next week.

This sermon, drawn from Luke 19:11–27, presents a powerful parable of stewardship that reveals the dual nature of Christ's kingdom—already present in His redemptive work, yet awaiting full manifestation at His return. Centered on the theme of faithful investment, it emphasizes that every believer, regardless of natural ability, is entrusted with the gospel and called to actively use their resources, time, and gifts for eternal purposes, knowing that true faith produces fruit. The parable distinguishes three responses: the faithful who multiply their mina and are rewarded with greater responsibility, the fearful who hide their gift due to a distorted view of God and lose even what they had, and the rebellious who reject Christ's kingship and face final judgment. Ultimately, the message is a sobering call to genuine faith—marked not by mere profession, but by active, loving obedience—since every person will one day stand before Christ to give an account, and only those who truly know and trust Him will inherit eternal reward.

This subject is near and dear to my heart and historically been the cause of much division and controversy among professing believer's. I have many dear brothers and sisters in Christ, and many who I worship with on a weekly basis who wholeheartedly disagree with me on the matter of discussion. Many would accuse me of splitting hairs, some would even accuse me of teaching falsehood, but in love I am wholeheartedly seeking to rightly divide the truth of God's Word and give Him the glory for saving me and His entire flock. I recognize that I am accountable to Him alone for what I teach and whether or not I am representing His truth accordingly. Take a few minutes today to listen to our discussion, but more importantly, take much time delving into the Scriptures to find the consistent message regarding who is the Author and Finisher of our faith. If you still disagree with me know that I love you and simply ask you to let God's grace have the final say in both your understanding of His Word and our fellowship. Sola Dei Gloria!

Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ordinances of positive and sovereign institution, appointed by the Lord Jesus, the only lawgiver, to be continued in his church to the end of the world. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 28.1)

"For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save the lost." (Luke 19:10)

Question: How doth the spirit apply to us the redemption purchased by Christ? Answer: The Spirit applies to us the redemption purchased by Christ, by working faith in us, and thereby uniting us to Christ, in our effectual calling. ~The Baptist Catechism Question 33

The Children Of Promise in the Bible refers to those who inherit God's covenant promise through faith. This phrase emphasizes that faith in Christ, not physical descent, makes one a child of promise and an heir of God's blessings

And Jesus answered him and said, "What do you want Me to do for you?" And the blind man said to Him, "Rabboni, I want to regain my sight!" And Jesus said to him, "Go; your faith has saved you." Immediately he regained his sight and began following Him on the road. (Mark 10:51-52)

Question: How are we made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ? Answer: We are made partakers of the redemption purchased by Christ, by the effectual application of it to us (John 1:11-12) by His Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5-6). ~The Baptist Catechism Question 32 The sermon centers on the essential truth that believers become partakers of Christ's redemption not through their own efforts, but through the effectual application of His work by the Holy Spirit, who regenerates, renews, and secures the soul. Grounded in Scripture—particularly John 1:11–13 and Titus 3:5–6—it emphasizes that salvation is entirely God's work: the Father sent the Son, the Son paid the price through His blood, and the Spirit applies that redemption to the heart, making believers children of God not by blood or human will, but by divine will. The message underscores the necessity of Christ's atoning sacrifice, the impossibility of self-justification, and the reality that true faith is a fruit of God's grace, not its root. It warns against false assurance, affirming that only those whose hearts are transformed by the Spirit truly partake of redemption, and concludes with a call to repent and believe, as eternal life is not a future promise but a present possession for those who believe in the Son.

Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And TO YOUR SEED," that is, Christ. (Galatians 3:16) The sermon centers on the theological significance of the 'seed of Abraham' as a unifying theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing that true inheritance comes not through physical descent but through faith in Christ. Drawing from Genesis, Romans, and Galatians, it establishes Jesus as the singular, ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham, while affirming that all believers—regardless of ethnic background—are spiritual heirs and children of the promise. The message is grounded in the New Testament's reinterpretation of Old Testament covenants, where faith, not lineage, defines belonging to God's family. Through the lens of hermeneutics, the sermon underscores the importance of interpreting Scripture historically, grammatically, and contextually, ensuring that apparent contradictions arise not from the Bible itself but from misinterpretation. Ultimately, it calls the audience to recognize their identity as spiritual descendants of Abraham, assured of salvation through God's unbreakable oath, character, and the redemptive work of His Son.

"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45) The sermon centers on the redemptive mission of Jesus Christ as the suffering servant who willingly bore betrayal, endured suffering, and gave His life as a ransom for the many, fulfilling divine prophecy from Isaiah 53 and the foreknowledge of His passion in Mark 10. It emphasizes that true discipleship is defined not by ambition or self-gain, but by humble servanthood, modeled by Christ who came not to be served but to serve and give His life for others. The message confronts the self-centeredness of human nature, calling believers to reject worldly values of power and status in favor of sacrificial love, obedience, and trust in God's sovereign plan. Through the lens of Christ's substitutionary sacrifice, the sermon affirms that salvation is a divine act of grace, purchased by Christ's blood, intended for all who believe, and calling each follower to a life of self-denial and service. Ultimately, the cross is not a symbol of defeat but of victory, where the servant becomes the Savior, and the many are redeemed through His willing obedience.

The sermon centers on the biblical concept of the communion of the saints, emphasizing that believers are united in Christ as members of one spiritual body, with Christ as the head. It teaches that this unity is not merely organizational but spiritual, requiring each member to contribute their God-given gifts for the mutual edification and growth of the body in love. The message underscores that true fellowship involves more than shared belief—it demands active participation in worship, mutual encouragement, and sacrificial service, especially toward fellow believers, while remaining grounded in Scripture and the Holy Spirit's work. The teacher warns against spiritual immaturity and selfishness, calling the church to maturity, accountability, and selfless love, all rooted in the reality of being in Christ and sharing in His life, death, and resurrection. Ultimately, the communion of the saints is a holy, Christ-centered fellowship that reflects God's love in both word and deed.

This sermon, drawn from Luke 18:18–30, centers on the impossibility of earning salvation through human effort, as illustrated by the rich young ruler's encounter with Jesus. It emphasizes that eternal life is not a reward for obedience to the law, but a gift received through faith in Christ alone, exposing the futility of self-righteousness, flattery, and the illusion of moral perfection. The preacher unpacks the threefold purpose of God's law—its civil restraint, its role in convicting sinners, and its function in revealing God's will—while underscoring that no one can keep it perfectly, making salvation entirely dependent on divine grace. Through the lens of impossibility, the sermon calls listeners to repentant faith, surrendering all attachments to wealth, self, and worldly security, trusting that God's power can transform hearts and that true gain comes only in Christ, who offers eternal life to those who follow Him with childlike dependence.

But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul. Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. (Hebrews 10:39-11:1)

Each church, and all the members of it, are bound to pray continually for the good and prosperity of all the churches of Christ, in all places, and upon all occasions to further every one within the bounds of their places and callings, in the exercise of their gifts and graces, so the churches, when planted by the providence of God, so as they may enjoy opportunity and advantage for it, ought to hold communion among themselves, for their peace, increase of love, and mutual edification. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 26.14)

Join us from Whitemarsh Island Baptist Church as we work through Luke 18:1-17 and learn through the Parables of the Unjust Judge and the Pharisee and Tax Collector how we are to pray and what are attitude should be when we do so. We find that God hears those in need and cares much for the helpless like widows, aliens, and children.

Grab your Bible and join us from the Chatham Transition Ministries weekly study. In today's lesson we finishing up our look at the warning passages in the letter to the Hebrew and work through chapter 10:32-39. We are reminded to look back and remember how good God has been to us. We are reminded to look ahead to the coming promises we have in Christ. We are reminded that true believers endure suffering, love one another, and have joy in their hearts. Hang in there and don't throw away all that we have in Christ Jesus. Please share these words of encouragement with your family and friends and may God continue to remind us through His Word of the wonderful promises we have in Him by grace and through faith in Jesus Christ.

As all believers are bound to join themselves to particular churches, when and where they have opportunity so to do; so all that are admitted unto the privileges of a church, are also under the censures and government thereof, according to the rule of Christ. (1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 26:12)

The sermon centers on the present reality of God's kingdom, which Jesus declares is already among humanity, not as a future spectacle but as a spiritual reality accessible only through faith and repentance. Drawing from Luke 17:20–37, it emphasizes that the kingdom is not discerned through external signs or historical speculation, but through spiritual perception—those who reject Christ, like the Pharisees and the people of Noah and Lot's time, remain blind to His presence. The message warns that while Christ's return will be as sudden and undeniable as lightning, it will follow a period of suffering and rejection, and believers must remain vigilant, not clinging to worldly distractions or false hopes, but fleeing from sin and embracing the cross. The story of Lot's wife serves as a stark reminder that attachment to the world, even in the midst of divine deliverance, leads to spiritual ruin, and the final judgment will divide families, workplaces, and lives, with only those who have surrendered to Christ being taken. Ultimately, the kingdom is not built by human effort, politics, or tradition, but by the proclamation of the Gospel and the sovereign work of the Holy Spirit, calling all to turn from the world and prepare for the coming of the King.

Question: Wherein consists Christ's exaltation? Answer: Christ's exaltation consists in his rising again from the dead on the third day, in ascending up into heaven, in sitting at the right hand of God the Father, and in coming to judge the world at the last day. ~The Baptist Catechism Question 31

An exposition of one of the warning passages found in the letter to the Hebrews 10:26-31. Apostasy defined and described. "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God."

The work of pastors is to give constant attention to the service of Christ in His churches in the ministry of the Word and prayer. They are to watch over the souls of church members as those who must give an account to Christ. The churches to whom they minister must not only give them all due respect but also must share with them from all their good things according to their ability. They must do this so their pastors may have a comfortable living without having to be entangled in secular matters and so they can show hospitality to others. This is required by the law of nature and by the explicit command of our Lord Jesus, who has ordained that those who preach the gospel should earn their living by the gospel.(1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith 26.10)

In a powerful narrative drawn from Luke 17:11–19, the sermon centers on Jesus healing ten lepers, only one of whom—a Samaritan, a social and religious outsider—returns to give thanks, illustrating that true healing encompasses both physical restoration and spiritual transformation. The passage underscores the pervasive reality of sin's separation from God, yet reveals Christ's mercy as accessible even to the most marginalized, as seen in the Old Testament story of Naaman and Jesus' own rejection by the Jewish leaders who, despite their religious privilege, failed to recognize divine grace. The sermon emphasizes that while all ten were cleansed physically, only the Samaritan's faith led to genuine gratitude and spiritual salvation, highlighting that God's grace is not merely received but must be responded to with worship and thanksgiving. It warns against the danger of ungratefulness, especially in times of abundance, and calls believers to move beyond mere reception of blessings to active, joyful glorification of God, demonstrating that authentic faith is evidenced not in self-centered benefit but in selfless gratitude and witness. Ultimately, the message affirms that salvation is found not in ethnic or cultural identity, but in faith in Christ alone, whose grace restores not only the body but the soul and renews fellowship with God.

A particular church, gathered and completely organized according to the mind of Christ, consists of officers and members; and the officers appointed by Christ to be chosen and set apart by the church (so called and gathered), for the peculiar administration of ordinances, and execution of power or duty, which he entrusts them with, or calls them to, to be continued to the end of the world, are bishops or elders, and deacons. (1689 London Baptist Confession Of Faith)

So from that day on they planned together to kill Jesus. (John 11:53)

"We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of His holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun at regeneration; and that it is varied on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means- especially the Word of God, self examination, self denial, watchfulness and prayer." ~The New Hampshire Baptist Confession 1833

Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me will live even if he dies, and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die—ever. Do you believe this?" (John 11:25-26)

Guest speaker Dan Schroeder from Redeemer Baptist Church in Rincon GA preaches from 3 John 1:1-4

Life in the body of Christ is produced through sanctification. Those who are in Christ are conformed to the image of Christ through the means of grace and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Using Philippians 2:1-12 and Hebrews 2:5-18 and the Baptist Catechism question 30 we continue to discuss the significance of Christ's humiliation: Born a man, in a low condition, born under the Law, undergoing the miseries of this life, suffering the wrath of God and the cursed death on the cross, buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

SUNDAY SCHOOL Using act 2:41-42 and Chapter 26.6 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith as our source material we take a look at membership and life in the body of Christ and find that the members of the church are saints by calling. They visibly display their obedience, and their profession of faith as a lifelong obligation and expression of their regenerated nature. They live for God and neighbor, and they observe the ordinances commanded in the New Testament. We then take a few minutes to look at the opposing views of the ordinances (sacraments) of the Church.

Using Acts 2:37-42 as our text we define Baptism and teach what Baptist' believe regarding the ordinance. We recognize what it looks like to preach the Gospel. We note the response to the Gospel preached. We are reminded of the promises given to those who receive and believe the Gospel. We recognize the results of Peter's Spirit filled message in the salvation of 3,000 souls, and finally we identify the manifestation of regeneration and salvation in the lives of believer's.

A continuation of looking at the warning passages in the Letter to the Hebrews. This class finishes up a 2 part warning against apostasy as described in Hebrews 6:4-12.

Using Psalm 22 and Isaiah 53 as our text we begin to work our way through Question 30 of the Baptist Catechism: Wherein did Christ's humiliation consist? Answer: Christ's humiliation consisted in his being born, and that in a low condition, made under the law, undergoing the miseries of this life, the wrath of God, and the cursed death of the cross, in being buried, and continuing under the power of death for a time.

An exposition of John 10:22-42

In exercising the authority entrusted to Him, the Lord Jesus, through the ministry of His Word, by His Spirit, calls to Himself out of the world those who are given to Him by His Father. They are called so that they will live before Him in all the ways of obedience that He prescribes for them in His Word. Those who are called He commands to live together in local societies, or churches, for their mutual edification and the fitting conduct of public worship that He requires of them while they are in the world. (1689 LBCF 26.5)

Using Hebrews 5:11-6:3 we are warned of the dangers of apostasy. An apostate is one who seemed to be a believer, was part of the visible Church, participated in the community of faith, and then later rejects Christ and turns away from the truth and leaves the body. In this first of two classes we will see that spiritual immaturity is a major cause of falling away and we are encouraged to strive towards spiritual growth placing all of our faith and trust in God alone to keep and guide us. These warnings and exhortations are profitable for both believers and unbelievers alike.

Question 29: How does Christ execute the office of king? Answer: Christ executes the office of a king, in subduing us to Himself (Acts 15:14, 15, 16), in ruling (Isaiah 33:22), and defending us (Isaiah 32:1, 2), and in restraining and conquering all His and our enemies (1 Corinthians 15:25; Ps. 110.

A continued discussion of Christ being the Head of the Church and identifying those opposed to His truth. Using Chapter 26 paragraph 4 of the 1689 London Baptist Confession of Faith and the biblical citations found within we will turn to the Scriptures to reason through these eternal matters and important doctrines of the faith.

An exposition of John 10:1-21