Southside Baptist Church Podcast

When Jesus ascended into heaven, the angels who appeared to His stunned disciples told them that He would “come back in the same way” they had seen Him leave. The church has often discussed the return of Jesus as something to be feared, but what if His return was finally the answer to our prayer for His “kingdom to come” and His “will to be done on earth as it is in heaven”? Join us for the conclusion of Ascended, where we will consider the nature of Jesus' return, its timing, and the consequences for the church and the world.

When a Roman general defeated a city, he was honored with a victory parade into the Roman capital. His parade showcased his army, adoring citizens, and trophies from the conquered region, including those he had defeated in chains for all of Rome to see. When Jesus ascended into heaven, He also led a victory parade, not as a triumphant general, but as the Lamb who had been slain. Join us for part 3 of Ascended, where we will explore the heavenly perspective on Jesus' ascension.  

Following the shocking and joyous triumph of the resurrection, Jesus made several appearances to His disciples. Forty days later, He ascended to heaven, leaving His followers standing around, looking into the sky and wondering what it all meant. Why would Jesus leave? Wasn't the resurrection the perfect opportunity to establish the kingdom of Israel and reign as the rightful and eternal king? Join us for part two of Ascended, where we will answer the question, “Why did Jesus leave?” 

Every year, we celebrate Jesus's resurrection and His triumph over sin, death, and the grave. But the story doesn't end there. While the disciples expected their resurrected King to reign on an earthly throne, Jesus had a divine mission that exceeded their expectations. Join us for a transformative sermon series on Jesus's ascension to learn how He bridged the gap between heaven and earth.  

Join us in a world shrouded in mystery and ancient secrets for a riveting bonus episode of Who Killed Jesus of Nazareth. As we peel back the layers of time, we uncover the shocking truth: the body was missing, and the tomb was empty. What does this mean for the controversy surrounding Jesus' death? Who were the key players in this pivotal moment? Delve into the evidence, the theories, and the implications that have captivated minds for centuries. Prepare for an episode that challenges everything you thought you knew about Who Killed Jesus of Nazareth! 

In a gripping conclusion, we uncover the truth behind the question: Who killed Jesus of Nazareth? Was it the Roman governor or the chief priest? Should we blame Judas or some darker, more sinister force? Join us as we piece together the final moments and reveal the shocking truth about the crucifixion of Jesus. 

Dr. James Peoples is the Director of Send Network Florida, a partnership between the North American Mission Board and the Florida Baptist Convention aimed at helping churches to plant churches—everywhere for everyone. Before this role, he served as the Senior Pastor of Trinity Baptist in Keystone Heights, FL, for 23 years and held two terms as President of the Florida Baptist State Convention. James is married to Jeannie, and they have two children: Emily, who is recently married to Hunt Reagor, and Dana. 

Join us for Episode 3 of, Who Killed Jesus of Nazareth, as we dive deep into one of history's most infamous betrayals: the case of Judas Iscariot. Who was the man behind the act that changed the course of human history? We will review the scriptures and seek to unravel the motives that drove Judas to betray his closest friend. Explore the complex web of politics, religion, and personal conflict that led to this ultimate act of treachery. Did greed, desperation, or a deeper prophecy compel him? Was he a villain or a tragic figure manipulated by fate? 

Although the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, has been condemned by the church as responsible for Jesus' crucifixion, there were forces beyond Pilate's control that contributed to the murder of Jesus of Nazareth. Join us for episode two of Who Killed Jesus of Nazareth, where we will explore the religious cabal that manipulated Pilate and their reasons for wanting Jesus dead.  

Step into a world filled with mystery and intrigue as we unravel the events that led to the crucifixion of one of history's most significant figures. Who truly orchestrated the death of Jesus of Nazareth? Was it the political maneuverings of the Roman Empire, the fervor of religious leaders, or something deeper? Join us each week as we delve into ancient texts, explore historical contexts, and reexamine the facts we believe we know so well. This isn't just a story of betrayal; it's a quest for truth. Join us each week to discover the truth about "Who Killed Jesus of Nazareth?"  

Many people talk about someone who changed their lives in a big way. This could be a teacher, parent, coworker, or friend who helped you become more than you thought you could be. How can we be that person for others? Join us for part four of Leading from the Gap, where we will learn how to support and motivate others to fulfill their God-given purpose for the future. 

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in the moments of comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Times of crisis test the character and faith of those called to lead.  However, a crisis is more than a test for those already in positions of authority; it calls those with faith to stand in the gap and rise to the challenge by putting that faith into action. Join us for part three of Leading from the Gap, as we explore how Esther was a leader for such a time as this.  

Have you ever been there? Standing in a gap created by a lack of leadership? The person in charge is unavailable or unwilling to lead, and suddenly, all eyes are on you. The world needs people who understand how to lead even when they're not in charge. Fortunately, the Bible offers a great example in King David. Long before he became king, he was just a shepherd boy who demonstrated how to lead when you're not in charge. Join us for part two of Leading from the Gap, where we will discover that leading when you're not in charge requires humility, faith, and meekness.  

A quick survey of world history confirms that leadership is forged in the crucible of adversity. Apart from the challenges of the Civil War and World War II, we may have never fully known the inspiring leadership of men like Abraham Lincoln and Winston Churchill. Scripture chronicles the stories of men and women who answered God's calls to lead through challenges of biblical proportions. Join us as we survey the lives of Moses, David, Esther, and Barnabas to learn how God bridges the gaps between heaven and earth through humble servant leaders. 

Our life in Christ offers the possibility of unimaginably more. More than we can ask. More than we can imagine. More of Him and More of His way. The promise of Jesus is that He has come that we might have life… abounding life… life to the full. So much life that our cup overflows. We are offered this life in Him and shared life together. As we draw closer, Christ guides us in His way.  Let's venture with Paul and a few Macedonian friends and learn of the wonder of the way of Jesus. 

You can learn a lot about a person by looking at their hands. Did these hands work on a keyboard or turn wrenches? Do they belong to someone young or old? The story of our hands reflects the story of our lives. Join us for the final message in Closer as we explore what the hands of Jesus reveal to us and how we can make our hands more like His. 

God's word warns that our hearts are deceptive above all things.  But according to popular culture, our emotions should not only be believed, but they should also be our most trusted guide in life. Western society has largely abandoned absolute truth for the subjective, individual feelings of the moment. If we are called to love God with all our hearts, we must first understand what is wrong with our hearts and how we are powerless to change them on our own. Join us for part three of Closer, where we will discover that loving God with all our hearts first requires a total renovation of the heart.  

According to economists, 2023 was the most expensive Christmas ever, with Americans spending an average of $1,652 per person. But what if economists are wrong? What if 2023 wasn't the most expensive Christmas ever? Join us on Christmas Eve to learn how the most expensive gift you can give is not something you can buy in a store.  

Sixty percent of churchgoers say their main reason for attending church is to feel closer to God. A recent survey found that most people who stopped attending church did so because they did not believe going helped them reach that goal. But this is like avoiding a pharmacy because going does not improve your health. If attending church cannot cultivate a close relationship with God, what will? Join us for a sermon series exploring how to draw closer to God in 2025. 

Simeon and Anna were old – really old! From all outward appearances, they were completely out of time. They had waited and anticipated God's provision, but as the end drew near, there seemed to be no way God could keep His promise. But that did not prevent Simeon and Anna from hoping and faithfully waiting for God. Join us for week five of The Heart of Worship as we explore how a heart of worship is a heart that patiently waits on the Lord. 

The wise men are famous for their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, but these may not have been the most precious gifts they gave the Christ Child. Join us for part four of The Heart of Worship, where we will see how generosity is the overflow of genuine worship.  

Have you ever been told something that filled you with so much joy that you thought you might burst? Maybe it was when the doctors said there was no evidence of disease, or when you heard you got into your dream school, or when you received a promotion. Perhaps it was at the announcement that a baby was on the way. When the shepherds first heard the angels, they were filled with fear. But that fear was soon eclipsed by a contagious joy that spread from those few shepherds to the ends of the earth. Join us for part three of The Heart of Worship, where we will see how authentic worship produces a contagious joy that can change the world. 

The quiet hero of the Christmas story is a modest carpenter named Joseph. Unlike Mary, the angels, and Zachariah, there's no record of Joseph offering a song of praise during that first Christmas; yet, without his faithful obedience, there would have been nothing worth singing about. Whereas the wise men brought gifts, Joseph had no riches to present to Jesus, but his obedience carried more value than gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Join us for the second week of The Heart of Worship, where we'll discover that our obedience represents the greatest form of our worship. 

Church attendance dramatically increases in December. People love the familiarity of the Christmas story, the carols, and the beautiful nativities. However, Christmas is more than just a story about the birth of a baby; it is a story about worship. From Mary's gratitude to Joseph's obedience and from the shepherds' joy to the wise men's generosity, the Christmas story teaches us the art and heart of worship. Join us for week one of The Heart of Worship, where we will discover that true worship is born from a thankful heart.  

When Jesus prayed, “Your Kingdom come, your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven,” He wasn't merely teaching us how to pray. He was giving us a mission and vision for how to live. The church has stood in the gap between heaven and earth for over two thousand years. While the gap seems to grow wider, we live with the hope that one day, Jesus' prayer will finally be answered. Join us for week six of Bridge the Gap, where we will see a picture of a world without gaps.  

According to most surveys, the church in America is experiencing a rapid decline in attendance and membership. A record number of church closures have caused some to question the church's long-term viability. When Jesus inaugurated the church, He said the “gates of hell would not prevail against it,” but what about the effects of apathy and distraction? Join us for part 5 of Bridge the Gap, where we will see how a bridge to the future requires the church to be built on the solid foundation of Jesus and His compelling vision for the future.   

Jesus' final charge to His disciples was to go to all nations, telling them the good news and inviting them to be a part of the Kingdom. As the nations come to Jacksonville, Aspire has an unprecedented opportunity to respond to Jesus' call. Join us for part four of Bridge the Gap, where we will discover that building a bridge to the nations requires faith, action, and perseverance. 

Nehemiah lived comfortably in a king's palace when he received word that his hometown was in ruins. It would have been easy for him to ignore the problem or make excuses about why it wasn't his responsibility. Nehemiah did neither. Instead, he stood in the gap on behalf of the city of Jerusalem, rebuilding its walls and allowing God to use him to bless the city. Join us for part 3 of Bridge the Gap, where we will see how building a bridge to the city requires passion, courage, and a God-sized vision.    

We've all been there—those situations where we've fallen just a little short. We may be short on time, out of money, or lack the know-how to get it done. During times like these, we pray for someone willing to step in and make up the difference, someone who would bridge the gap. The Bible is the story of how God has entered the gap of our world to make a way for us to be with Him for eternity. Join us for part two of Bridge the Gap, where we will see how God is searching for people willing to follow Him into the gap between heaven and earth.  

There is a gap between how things should be and how things are. We can see gaps in everything from local politics to global economics. When we hear of a hungry child or a homeless veteran, we know a gap exists. When a marriage ends or a respected leader has a moral failure, we see the consequences of the gap. How did it get this way? Join us for part one of Bridge the Gap, where we will explore the origin of the gap and the only hope for overcoming it.  

We've all felt the emotional pull of a heartfelt plea for generosity. A natural disaster strikes, and relief organizations run pictures of the devastation to inspire people to give money. An orphanage shows photos of a small child. A missionary tells a heart-wrenching story that inspires us to open our wallets. But what if there was another reason to be generous? What if we believed that generosity wasn't just about addressing someone else's needs but addressing one of the deepest needs in our souls? What if there was a selfish reason to be generous? Join us Sunday as Pastor Gary explores how generosity helps the soul of the giver.  

We are delighted to welcome Rev. Patrick Coats as our guest speaker today. Patrick is a regional catalyst for the Florida Baptist Convention (FBC). In this role, Patrick engages, encourages, and supports the Kingdom work of Florida Baptist Churches in the East Region and across the State of Florida. Patrick's previous roles include serving as the Black Multicultural Church Catalyst for FBC, a Church Planting Missionary with the North American Mission Board, the Senior Pastor of Kingdom Covenant Baptist Church in Homestead, Florida, as well as being an Assistant Pastor at Grace of God Baptist Church in Miami, and as a Minister of Music at New Life Baptist Church in Coral City. Patrick is originally from Miami. He and his wife, Archalena are the parents of adult children and now reside in Jacksonville.  

Americans have always prided themselves on their commitment to self-determination. We don't have a king; we, the people, elect our presidents! So, it may surprise many Americans to learn that more than 30% of the men who have been president did not receive a majority of the vote. Maybe we have less control than we think. Join us for part 4 of The US of America, where we will learn the difference between control and responsibility.  

Jesus once met with a high-level government official. In that exchange, we get an insight into His understanding of the differences between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of God. Join us for part 3 of The US of America, where we will discover the differences between the Kingdom of the Sword and the Kingdom of our Lord.  

Presidential candidates make a lot of promises. One may tell you he will solve the immigration issue, while the other claims to know how to resolve a centuries-long regional conflict. Most people realize that neither will be able to deliver on their promises. We instinctively know that our leaders are mortal, but that doesn't keep us from trying to make them gods. Join us for Part 2, The US of America, where we explore the human desire for a once and future King who will bring about lasting peace for all the earth.  

While it is probably an exaggeration to say that America has never been more divided than it is today, we are as politically and ideologically as polarized as we've been in generations. What responsibility does that church have to advocate for peace and unity in a fractured society? What role should the church play in the current political debates? Join us for The US of America as we explore how the Gospel compels believers to be ambassadors of peace and reconciliation amid a troubled world. 

We all agree with Dorothy when she says, “There is no place like home.” But finding our true home can be difficult. Every earthly dwelling we've ever called home is ultimately only temporary. Still, our hearts long for a place called home- a place we've never been but were always meant to be. Join us for part 5 of The Summer Psalms Mix Tape, Vol. III, where we will learn that our true home is not a place but a person.   

Serious hikers appreciate the challenge of the journey. They understand that arriving at the destination is made all the sweeter because of the difficulties of the hike. The finish line of a marathon is only special to those who run the race. Join us for part 4 of Summer Psalms Mixtape Vol. III, where we will see how the beauty of our Savior eclipses the trials of this life. 

There is a thin line between the beautiful and the ugly. In the shadows of the world's most beautiful places lies the ugliness of poverty and disease. We long for what is beautiful but are constantly confronted with the ugliness of war, famine, betrayal, and brokenness. How do we reconcile the world's ugliness with a divine longing for beauty? Join us for Part 3 of Summer Psalms Mixtape Volume III, where we will learn how God trades His beauty for the ashes of our sins.  To learn more or to register for any of these events go to app.AspireJax.org or contact Cindy Graves in the church office at info@aspirejax.org or (904) 396-6633.

The Psalms are the hymns of ancient Israel. Jesus and His disciples would have sung them in worship and as they traveled the dusty roads of ancient Palestine. Their words were even on Jesus' lips as He hung on the cross. The lyrics that brought so much hope and joy to Jesus continue to inspire His followers today. Join us each Sunday in August as we listen to a mixtape of Psalms describing God's beauty and majesty.  

Aspire Church is delighted to welcome the Underwoods home! The Underwoods serve the IMB in Europe, where they share the hope of the Gospel with people from all over the world. Today, we are pleased to hear from Chris as he shares the Missionary Psalm (Psalm 67) to kick off our annual Summer Psalms Mixtape series.  

Uncertainty is one of the only certainties in life. Whether it is health and money or the economy and politics, you can be sure that something unexpected is always just around the corner. So, how should God's people respond to uncertainty? How can we have faith in the face of the unknown? Join us for the final message in The Pursuit of God, where we will see how Abraham's faith gave Him confidence in God in the face of uncertain times. 

Most people have had the unfortunate experience of feeling “used.” Someone wanted something from you but had little or no regard for you after they got what they wanted. You were merely a means to an end. It's a terrible feeling, yet that is how many of us treat God. We seek Him in our need, but after receiving the gift, we forget the Giver. Join us for part 6 of The Pursuit of God, where we will learn that we will never be satisfied with the promises of God until we are satisfied with the God of the promise. 

There is an art to listening, and people who do it well offer a precious gift to those blessed to engage in a conversation with them. Most people talk to be heard, but some seek to listen and understand first. Prayer, in its most basic form, is a conversation with God. But perhaps you've wondered if your prayers are one-sided conversations. Join us for part 5 of The Pursuit of God, where we will learn about the God who hears and responds to our cries for help.  

Have you ever reached your limit? Maybe it was an issue of physical stamina or mental ability. Perhaps it was a financial limit or a matter of not having enough time. Every human has their limit, and we are frequently tempted to project those limitations on God. Join us for part 4 of The Pursuit of God, where we will learn that God's power is perfected in human weakness.

In a busy world with so many voices clamoring for attention, it would be easy to feel lost in the crowd. Does anyone see me? Does anyone hear me? Does anyone care? And if there is a God, does He see me or care about my life? Join us for part 3 of The Pursuit of God, where we will learn how God sees us even when we can't see Him.

Studies have shown that more than half of those who use GPS ignore the directions they get from it. It is probably no surprise that men ignore the directions far more than women! Ignoring directions may not be a big deal when navigating to a new restaurant or assembling furniture from Ikea. But it can have serious consequences when the directions come from God. Join us for part two of The Pursuit of God, where we will learn that you cannot ignore God's direction and walk in His ways.