Simmons Grove Baptist Church

The sermon examines the biblical account of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8 to distinguish between genuine saving faith and various counterfeit professions. By analyzing Simon's motivations, the preacher highlights three clues that his belief was not salvific: a continued focus on miraculous signs rather than Christ, the attempt to purchase spiritual power with money, and a self-preserving reaction to judgment instead of true repentance. The message contrasts this false profession with the true faith demonstrated by the Ethiopian eunuch and emphasizes that salvation is received solely through grace, not earned by works or religious rituals. It warns listeners against dead, deceiving, or demonic professions of faith that acknowledge theological facts without yielding to the lordship of Jesus Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls believers to examine their hearts, ensuring their trust is placed in Christ alone for forgiveness and eternal life.

The sermon examines Acts chapter 8 to demonstrate how God uses persecution to advance the gospel rather than hinder it. It highlights the sovereignty of God in scattering believers, which progressed the fulfillment of the Great Commission by spreading the message beyond Jerusalem. The preacher emphasizes that ordinary Christians must remain faithful witnesses in every location, regardless of difficulty or inconvenience. Through the example of Philip, the text illustrates that preaching Christ brings spiritual deliverance and joy to those who hear. Finally, the message calls listeners to examine their own hearts, trust in God's sovereignty, and live with boldness and joy on mission for Christ.

The sermon explores how the martyrdom of Stephen glorifies Christ by examining his attitude toward death through the lens of Philippians 1. It highlights three specific ways Stephen honored Jesus: by gazing upon His glory, imitating His forgiving character, and mobilizing the church to spread the gospel despite persecution. The preacher contrasts this holy perspective with the natural fear of death, urging believers to prepare for their own end by living a life filled with the Holy Spirit and bold witness. Ultimately, the message emphasizes that faith in Christ transforms death from a terror into a gain, offering hope and grace for both the dying and those left behind.

This is Calvin Inman's first sermon. The sermon examines the radical demands of following Christ as outlined in Luke 14, emphasizing that true discipleship requires a supreme priority for Jesus over family, possessions, and self. The preacher clarifies that the command to 'hate' relatives is a hyperbolic contrast illustrating total devotion, urging believers to remove any hindrances that compete with their relationship with God. By utilizing illustrations such as Abraham's call, the message stresses the necessity of counting the cost before committing to the Christian walk. The cross represents the ultimate surrender of self-life, while the metaphor of salt highlights the believer's role in preserving and influencing the world through Christ-like character. Ultimately, the teaching encourages joy and glory in Christ rather than despair, framing the loss of all things as a gain for the sake of knowing Him.

This sermon analyzes Stephen's lengthy defense before the Sanhedrin, highlighting his recounting of Israel's history to expose their persistent pattern of rejecting God's messengers. The preacher emphasizes that human rebellion does not hinder God's redemptive purposes, as He remains sovereign over all events. Key theological lessons include the depravity of the human heart, the necessity of persuading listeners of their sin for true repentance, and the assurance that God fulfills His plans despite human failure. The message challenges believers to preach the whole gospel boldly, including judgment and grace, rather than avoiding difficult truths. Ultimately, it encourages trust in God's ultimate control and the certainty that His kingdom will not be derailed by earthly opposition.

This sermon examines the life of Stephen in Acts 6 to illustrate how ordinary Christians can exhibit Christ-like qualities through total surrender to the Holy Spirit. The preacher identifies four key attributes demonstrated by Stephen: exemplary spiritual maturity, boldness in Christian witness, irresistible godly wisdom, and radiance amidst unjust persecution. By analyzing the text, the message emphasizes that being filled with the Spirit means being controlled by Him rather than possessing more of Him than others. The speaker challenges the audience to remove hindrances such as sin or apathy that block spiritual growth and invites them to pursue a life fully yielded to God's power. Ultimately, the sermon asserts that these divine attributes are available to every believer who desires to walk closely with Christ.

The sermon examines Acts 6 to illustrate how church leaders should navigate competing priorities when the gospel spreads and internal conflicts arise. It highlights the apostles' decision to prioritize prayer and the ministry of the word while appointing spiritually mature men to handle practical needs like caring for widows. The preacher warns against allowing administrative burdens or consumer mentalities to distract from the primary mission of proclaiming Christ. By maintaining high spiritual standards and equipping every member for service, the church avoids division and ensures effective ministry. Ultimately, faithful adherence to these biblical principles results in the continued growth of the church and the spread of the gospel.

The sermon exhorts believers to persist in proclaiming the gospel despite external opposition or internal discouragement, drawing primarily from Acts chapter five. It highlights four key reasons for this steadfastness: God has the power to open doors, believers must obey God rather than people, God's work cannot be stopped, and God is worthy of any cost. The text illustrates how the apostles continued their mission even after miraculous deliverance from prison and subsequent beatings, rejoicing in their suffering for Christ. This narrative serves as a model for modern Christians to overcome fears, distractions, and societal pressures that hinder evangelism. Ultimately, the message reinforces the Great Commission as an ongoing mandate for all believers to make disciples regardless of the circumstances.

The sermon explores how the purity of the church, achieved through addressing sin and hypocrisy, unleashes the power of God in five specific ways. Pastor Jacob Hall argues that a holy congregation experiences unity among believers, distinctiveness from the world, evangelistic growth, compassionate ministry, and steadfast faithfulness despite persecution. Drawing primarily from Acts 5, the text emphasizes that church discipline is not punitive but restorative, essential for maintaining the spiritual health and effectiveness of the body of Christ. The pastor urges the congregation to pursue personal holiness and lovingly confront sin within the community to remove obstacles to God's work. Ultimately, the message asserts that a purified church becomes a powerful witness to the gospel, demonstrating God's authority and grace to both believers and unbelievers.

This sermon examines the account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 to highlight the severe consequences of hypocrisy within the Christian community. Pastor Jacob Hall argues that while generosity is commendable, the couple's sin lay in their deceitful attempt to gain human approval while lying to the Holy Spirit. By striking them dead, God demonstrates His absolute hatred for hypocrisy and His commitment to maintaining the spiritual purity of His church. The message urges believers to remain vigilant against sin, recognizing that the church is not yet free from its contamination. Ultimately, the sermon calls for humble self-examination and repentance, pointing to Christ's perfect holiness as the only hope for those who seek forgiveness.

The sermon explores the supernatural unity and selfless generosity characterizing the early church in Acts 4, highlighting how spiritual alignment leads to practical outcomes. It emphasizes that true oneness reflects the relationship between the Father and the Son, serving as a powerful witness to the world. Pastor Jacob Hall argues that a unified body enables bold preaching of the resurrection and meets both spiritual and physical needs without hypocrisy. Using Barnabas as an example, the message challenges individuals to examine their own hearts for hindrances to unity and generosity. Ultimately, it calls believers to personal repentance and commitment to being filled with the Holy Spirit to foster a vibrant, loving community.

The sermon establishes an inseparable link between intimate discipleship and evangelistic witness, arguing that true following of Jesus inevitably results in fishing for men. It warns against two errors: a faith devoid of outreach and outreach disconnected from abiding in Christ. Jacob Hall emphasizes that following requires total commitment and costly surrender, rooted in the reality that Jesus calls believers not for their utility but for His desire to be with them. Practical communion is cultivated through spiritual disciplines like scripture meditation, prayer, and corporate worship, which naturally overflow into gospel proclamation. Ultimately, the message challenges listeners to examine their hearts, ensuring their lives reflect a genuine, costly devotion that actively seeks to make disciples.

The sermon centers on Jesus' act of washing the disciples' feet as a profound demonstration of humble service and sacrificial love. Drawing from John 13, it emphasizes that Christ's humility—disrobing, girding himself, and performing the task of a servant—was not merely an example of practical service but a revelation of divine love that culminates in His death on the cross. David Chilton underscores that true humility is not weakness but strength exercised in self-giving, rooted in love for others. The message calls believers to emulate Christ's example by serving one another with a heart of love, not out of obligation, but out of the transformative reality of knowing Christ's sacrifice. The tone is pastoral and convicting, urging both believers and seekers to embrace a life of radical love and humility grounded in the gospel.

Christmas Celebration Service

Homecoming Sunday 2025, the 110th anniversary of the founding of Simmons Grove Baptist Church. Former pastors Dale Wallace and Stuart Mauck shared about God's work in the past. Pastor Jacob Hall spoke about God's vision for the church's present and future.

Rick Norman shares about the ministry of the Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina and a message on the compassion of Jesus from Matthew 9:35-38.