First Baptist Church Sermons

Explore the profound truth of 2 Corinthians 12 with Pastor Andrew as he unpacks Paul's heavenly visions and the thorn in the flesh that kept pride at bay. You will discover how God gave Paul this persistent trial not to hinder him, but to foster total dependence, responding to Paul's pleas with the timeless promise: "My grace is sufficient for thee, for my strength is made perfect in weakness." Th...

Discover the bedrock of Christian faith in Dr. Bryan Stensaas's teaching on God's inspired and preserved Word. You will explore how the Bible, penned by holy men under the Holy Spirit's guidance, forms an unshakable foundation for every part of life, from family to worldview. Learn why Scripture outshines personal experiences or opinions, offering timeless truths like those in 2 Timothy 3:16-17 fo...

Journey through 2 Chronicles with Dr. Bryan Stensaas, uncovering its vital repetition of truths to strengthen faith, from Solomon's wisdom and temple dedication to the kings of Judah. You will see how godly influence shapes destinies, as in Rehoboam's folly with young advisors splitting the kingdom, or Asa's bold reforms sparked by Scripture's call to remove idols. Learn to seek wise counsel, prio...

Dive deeper into Jesus' revolutionary words in Matthew 5 with Pastor Andrew's exploration of the Beatitudes' second half. You will uncover how showing mercy mirrors God's compassion, pursuing a pure heart opens your eyes to divine presence, and choosing peacemaking advances His kingdom, even amid opposition. These timeless truths challenge you to live with bold, joyful faith, offering real hope fo...

Ever chase comfort over commitment? Pastor Andrew confronts "playing Christianity" in 2 Corinthians 11:22-33Paul's raw resume of scars: floggings, stonings, shipwrecks, sleepless vigils. True service isn't acclaim; it's costly endurance, burdened by churches' cares. Ditch easy-gospel mythsChrist demands all-in trust, not applause. You're called to mirror His cross, not crave ease. Surrender today;...

Fields white unto harvest? Missionary Charles Nichols shares Brazil's urgent call (John 4:35)213 million souls, diverse yet sin-bound, ripe for the gospel. From 1985 family plunge to 21 years planting seeds, he recounts prayer's proxy miracles: souls via tracks, dental divine timing, indigenous unseen. Amid economic woes and military barriers, urging: pray, send laborersyour support fuels freedom....

From Arkansas roots to Brazil's fields, Missionary Charles Nichols shares a lifelong chase: grace that saves (Titus 2:11), reshapes broken lives into godly zeal (v.12), and fuels hope in Christ's return (v.13). Redeemed for "good works," he urges: deny worldly pulls, live soberlydon't neglect soul-winning amid trials. You're not sidelined; God's long-suffering love equips you to thrive, sharing re...

Ever doubt tomorrow amid 2025's chaos? Dr. Bryan Stensaas spotlights God's unbreakable promises: eternal life (1 John 2:25), Christ's return (2 Peter 3:9), unyielding security (John 10:28), His Word's sure nourishment (2 Peter 1:19), victory's surge (Acts 1:8), rewards for seekers (Hebrews 11:6), constant presence (Matthew 28:20), all-provision (2 Peter 1:3), and heaven's home (1 Peter 1:3-4). Not...

Ever recite Psalm 23 on autopilot, missing its soul-stirring depth? Dennis Hicks invites you to savor it freshlike a sheep beholding its shepherd. From green pastures' peace to valley shadows' comfort, discover provision, restoration, and overflowing cups. But pause: to claim "I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever," first exclaim "The Lord is my shepherd." You're not alone in trialsHe's y...

Ever feel life's paths fork endlesslysome glittering, others rocky? Pastor Joel unpacks Psalm 1's wisdom: two roads diverge, one blessed, one barren. Delight in God's law, meditate day and night, and thrive like a tree by life-giving streamsfruitful, unshakeable, prospering in His care. Shun ungodly counsel, sinners' ways, scorners' seats; they scatter like chaff in wind, perishing at judgment. Yo...

Why do good people endure gut-wrenching loss? Pastor Joel unpacks Job's ancient sagablameless man stripped of wealth, family, healthprobing suffering's mystery amid Satan's accusations. No tidy "whys," but a divine whirlwind of questions reveals God's vast wisdom: seas, stars, beasts beyond grasp. Job emerges refined, doubled in blessing, proclaiming, "My Redeemer lives." You're invited: in trials...

Craving real satisfaction amid life's chaos? Pastor Andrew dives into Matthew 5's Beatitudesthe Sermon on the Mount's guide for kingdom living. Discover "blessed" as deep spiritual joy, not temporary happiness, starting with "poor in spirit": humble honesty before God that opens heaven's realm. Designed for Jesus' disciples (not crowds), these attitudes reveal self-righteousness traps, calling for...

Half-hearted obedience? Israel's Judges cycle warns: settling for partial victory invites endless defeat. Luke Knaus spotlights Judges 2God's clear command to conquer Canaan fully, their cowardly compromise sparing enemies, and the fallout of idolatry and oppression. Echoing Joshua 23's charge and MacArthur's "no substitute for victory," he urges: drive out sin's strongholds, go all-in for God. Yo...

Can you spot the subtle chains? Pastor Andrew warns from 2 Corinthians 11:16-20 how false leaders infiltratecontrolling with fear, devouring resources, exploiting trust, self-exalting, and even verbal abuse. Unwary believers suffer fools gladly, mistaking charisma for Christ. Paul exposes it: true ministry serves, not enslaves. Test every voice against Scripture; reject guilt over grace. You're ca...

Chasing shadows? James Price contrasts Old Testament "types" (the Law's rituals, endless sacrifices, flawed priests) with Christ's ultimate substance: justifier, sin-conqueror, eternal mediator (Hebrews 7:19; 10:1-12). Religious leaders missed Him, twisted shadows into chains. Today, we settle too: earning salvation, tweaking God's plan for family/business/church, unyielded sin blocking intimacy....

Ditch the millions-of-years myth! Dr. Bryan Stensaas shreds the Gap Theory, proving Genesis 1's "and" chains verses 1-3 into seamless, six-day creation: no chaos from Satan's fall, no flawed restart. Evolutions assumptions flop and God's Word stands. Build your worldview here: trust the Creator's authority over man's guesses. From time's start to eternity, believe God, not flawed "experts."

Feeling swallowed by enemiesphysical foes or spiritual demons roaring like lions? Bryan Stensaas Jr. anchors in Psalm 56: trust God amid fear; praise His Word, unshakeable shield. When attacks overwhelm or lurkers stalk, cry outHe delivers souls from death's grip, steadies faltering feet for light-filled walks. October 22, 2015, God became his refuge; make Him yours tonight. No house shelters like...

Witness God's unstoppable power: raising Lazarus after four days' decay (John 11) and conquering death through Jesus' cross (Matthew 27). Matthew Lambert spotlights the Savior who turns tombs to triumphsdefying sickness, storms, and sin. "I am the resurrection and the life," Jesus declares; believe, and death loses its sting. You're invited to trade "almost" faith for full surrendereternal home aw...

Ever teeter on faith's edge, like the rich ruler begging Jesus for eternal lifeyet sorrowfully clutching riches? Levi Stensaas spotlights Matthew 19's near-miss, Agrippa's "almost" persuasion, Peter's water-walking failure, and Joshua Caleb's bold stand. Half-hearted steps sink; full surrender soars. You're invited: ditch distractions, wholly commitJesus didn't "almost" save you. Follow boldly; He...

Ever cling to past "wins" that pale next to Jesus? Pastor Andrew turns to Philippians 3:7-14, unpacking Paul's radical shift: ditching Pharisee prestige as "dung" for Christ's surpassing worth. Feel the pull to know Jesus Christ more deeply, His resurrection power, suffering, and fellowship, while forgetting yesterday's distractions. You're called to press on, not for perfection, but for the etern...

Ever spot something "spiritual" that just feels off? Pastor Andrew dives into 2 Corinthians 11:12-15, where Paul unmasks false apostles mimicking Christ for selfish gain, deceitful workers transforming into "angels of light." Satan doesn't show horns; he slips in subtly, twisting truth on gender, marriage, and leadership, eroding gospel purity. But you can spot fakes: test every message against Sc...

Unlock the heart of worship in Psalms! 150 songs of raw emotion, from joy to despair, all pointing to Jesus. Pastor Andrew overviews this poetic powerhouse, mirroring the Torah's five books: God's counsel (chs. 1-41), Israel's redemption (42-72), sanctuary refuge (73-89), collective death to individual salvation (90-106), and Word-sustained life (107-150).

Struggling with guilt, insecurity, or endless worry? Dr. Bryan Stensaas rewrites the story in this follow-up to "The Little Fat Man," showing how Ephesians 5:18's command to be Spirit-filled replaces carnal chaos with Christ's confidence. Swap inferiority for acceptance in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6), fear for unshakable promises (2 Peter 1:4), and bitterness for joy that strengthens (Nehemiah 8:1...

Betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery, Joseph faced pits, prisons, and false accusations. And yetGod turned it all for good. Pastor Joel explores Genesis 50 and Romans 8, showing how Joseph's journey from the pit to the palace mirrors Christ's forgiveness and Paul's promise: all things work together for good to those who love God. You'll see evil's reality in our hearts, God's redemption...

Ever wonder why people chase distractions, battle anxiety, or lash out in anger? Dr. Bryan Stensaas breaks it down using his "little fat man" diagram from Genesis, showing how God designed you with body, soul, and spirit. Sin dethrones Christ, putting self in charge and flooding your body with stress chemicals from guilt and fear. But through the Spirit, you find true peace and assurance in Romans...