First Baptist Joplin

John Swadley | Matthew 11:1-6 Have you ever questioned God when life didn’t go the way you expected? In this message from Matthew 11:1–6, we explore how even John the Baptist struggled with doubt during difficult circumstances. His story reminds us that having questions doesn’t mean we’ve lost our faith. God invites us to bring our doubts to Him, seek answers in His Word, and trust His goodness ev...

John Swadley | Psalm 23:4 Life is full of valleys, those difficult seasons when hope feels distant and the road ahead seems uncertain. In this message from Psalm 23:4, we discover that while hardships are inevitable, we never have to face them alone. God is our Good Shepherd, walking beside us through every struggle, offering comfort, protection, and guidance. No matter how dark the valley may see...

Pastor John Swadley | Hebrews 12:1–2 Life is a race, but we don’t run it alone! In this encouraging message from Hebrews 12:1–2, Pastor John Swadley reminds us that we are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who have finished their race and are cheering us on. From loved ones who have gone before us to the heroes of faith, heaven holds an incredible reunion. But the greatest reward isn’t who...

John Swadley | John 5:1-9 What do you do when you’ve been praying, waiting, and nothing seems to change? In this message from John 5:1–9, we meet a man who had been waiting for healing for 38 years before encountering Jesus. His story reminds us that God hasn’t forgotten us in the waiting. We’re challenged to bring our hidden hurts to Him, stop settling for less than His best, shift our focus from...

John Swadley | Romans 4:18-21 What does hope look like when everything seems impossible? In this message from Romans 4:18–21, we look at Abraham’s example of trusting God even when circumstances gave him every reason to give up. Biblical hope isn’t wishful thinking. It’s confidence rooted in the promises and faithfulness of God. Learn how to hear God’s promises, make them your own, persevere in pr...

John Swadley | Mark 9:17-29 What do you do when you’ve prayed, waited, and hoped, but nothing seems to change? In this message from Mark 9:17–29, we meet a desperate father who brings both his faith and his doubts to Jesus. His story reminds us that we don’t need perfect faith to come to God. We can ask for help, be honest about our doubts, and keep holding onto hope even when giving up feels easi...

John Swadley | Ephesians 4:11-16 Why do we really need the church? In this message from Ephesians 4:11–16, we discover that church is about far more than simply attending a service. God designed the church to be a place where we are equipped, find family, grow in our faith, and use our gifts to serve others. When every part of the body does its part, we grow stronger together and become more like...

John Swadley | Exodus 3:9-14 Why should we serve? Looking at God’s call to Moses in Exodus 3, we’re reminded that serving isn’t reserved for pastors, missionaries, or people who feel especially qualified. God chooses each of us, empowers us, and promises to be with us as we step out in faith. Our weaknesses, failures, and insecurities don’t disqualify us. God can use even the simplest acts of serv...

John Swadley | Malachi 3:13-18 Following Jesus isn’t always easy, and sometimes it can seem like those who don’t follow God are getting ahead. So, is following Jesus really worth it? In this message from Malachi 3:13–18, we discover three powerful reasons the answer is yes: Jesus helps us through every trial, transforms our relationships, and gives us a hope that lasts beyond our circumstances. Wh...

John Swadley | 1 Timothy 1:13-16 We know Jesus died on the cross, but do we really understand why? In this message from 1 Timothy 1:13–16, we unpack the heart of the Gospel and three powerful pictures of what Jesus accomplished for us: He cleanses the stain of our sin, wipes away the record of our wrongs, and welcomes us into the family of God. No matter your past or how great your sin, God’s grac...

John Swadley | Mark 8:31-38 What does it really mean to follow Jesus? In this message from Mark 8:31-38, Pastor John challenges us to move beyond simply admiring Jesus and become true followers of Him. He explores Jesus' call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and obey His commands, showing why baptism isn't just a tradition but the first public step of obedience after placing our faith in Chri...

John Swadley | Acts 1:8-9 Jesus' final words to His disciples weren't just a farewell. They were a mission. In this message from Acts 1:8-9, we're reminded that God's heart has always been for people who are far from Him, from our own neighborhoods to the ends of the earth. Discover why missions matter, how sharing the gospel makes us more like Jesus, how the Holy Spirit empowers His people for Hi...

John Swadley | John 15:1-5 In this message from John 15, we discover that lasting transformation doesn't come from trying harder. It comes from staying connected to Jesus. Using the picture of the vine and the branches, this sermon explores how the gospel isn't just the beginning of the Christian life, it's the power that continues to shape us every day. If you've ever struggled with the same sins...

Richard Thomasson | Ephesians 2:8-10 This week’s message explores one of the biggest questions of the Christian faith: What does grace actually look like? Walking through Ephesians 2:8-10, we’re reminded that salvation isn’t something we earn. It’s a gift from God, received through faith. From Adam and Noah to Abraham, David, and ultimately Jesus, the Bible paints a consistent picture of God’s gra...

John Swadley | 2 Timothy 3:16–17 Why should you study the Bible? That's the question this week's message tackles from 2 Timothy 3:16-17. The Bible isn't just a book to own, it's God's Word given to shape how we live. In this message, we explore four reasons Scripture matters: it helps us make wise choices, stand firm when our faith is challenged, understand the hope of salvation through Jesus, and...

John Swadley | Matthew 16:13-16 What does it truly mean to place Jesus first in our lives? This message challenges us to move beyond casual familiarity with Jesus and into a deeper appreciation of who He really is. We explore the striking reality that even secular historians have ranked Jesus among the most influential figures in all of human history, yet as believers we are called to recognize th...

John Swadley | Psalm 106:1-2  What if everything we see, touch, and experience traces back not to a cosmic accident, but to the deliberate hand of a living God? The sermon content we are exploring pushes us to think deeply about origins and identity. The Big Bang Theory proposes that all of existence erupted from an object no larger than the tip of a pencil. But the Word of God opens with a far mo...

John Swadley | John 8:34-36 This week's message reminds us that the freedom Jesus offers is far greater than simply doing whatever we want. Through John 8, we discovered that true freedom is found only in Christ. Because of His sacrifice, we are free from the penalty of sin, being transformed daily from the power of sin, and can look forward to one day being completely free from the presence of si...

John Swadley | Luke 23:39-43 This compelling message confronts one of the most common misconceptions about eternity: that good people go to heaven. Looking to the thief on the cross, we discover that our hope isn't found in our morality, our efforts, or trying to be "good enough." Scripture makes it clear that every one of us falls short, and no amount of good works can earn God's favor. The incre...

Joshua Bloyd | Joshua 24:14-15 This encouraging message challenges men to lead their homes with unwavering conviction because they serve a faithful, covenant-keeping God. Drawing from Joshua 24, we're reminded that godly fathers reject the idols of culture, choose to stand for truth, and lead their families by both word and example. A godly man is called to be a prophet, priest, protector, provide...

John Swadley | Psalm 143:10  This message reminds us that knowing God's will isn't about chasing mysterious signs. It's about faithfully following the God who has already revealed Himself. Through Psalm 143:10, we discover three dimensions of God's will: His providential will that cannot be stopped, His moral will that leads to a better life, and His personal will that He faithfully reveals as we...

John Swadley | Luke 23:13-25 Suffering is one of life's hardest questions, but Scripture reminds us that God has not abandoned us in the middle of our pain. This message explores why suffering exists, pointing us back to humanity's brokenness, God's perfect justice, and the hope of eternity. Even when life feels unfair, God is still at work, using our trials to shape us, strengthen our faith, and...

Ed Barlow | Hosea 2:16-20  This powerful message centers on the Hebrew word 'chesed' - a covenant love that costs everything yet gives freely. Through the dramatic story of Hosea and Gomer, we encounter a stunning portrait of divine love that refuses to let go. We are the unfaithful bride who has wandered away time and again, yet God pursues us with relentless love, paying the ultimate price throu...

John Swadley | Judges 6:1-6 This powerful message takes us into the story of Gideon from Judges chapter 6, revealing how we can find divine help in the midst of life's battles. We discover that Israel endured seven years of oppression by the Midianites—living in caves, losing their crops, and watching their livestock stolen—all because they had turned away from God. When Israel finally cried out f...

John Swadley | Deuteronomy 6:4-9 This powerful message takes us deep into Deuteronomy 6, one of Scripture's most foundational passages on passing faith to the next generation. The message presents a compelling paradox: if we want our children to love God, we must first examine our own hearts. We cannot give what we don't possess. The call to love God with all our heart, soul, and might isn't burde...