First Baptist Church Sermons

Ever feel lost in 1 Chronicles' list of endless names? Dr. Bryan Stensaas reveals their message: 1,200 lives tracing heritage from Adam to David, reminding post-captivity Jews, and you, of God's theocracy and covenant. Journey with the Ark's 54-year detour from Philistine capture to the temple, learning that good intentions fail when not done the way God commands them to be done. Discover mighty m...

Imagine stepping into the light after years in the shadows. That's the hope Pastor Joel unpacks in Matthew 4, where Jesus launches his preaching ministry in Galilee. As John the Baptist faces prison, Jesus steps forward, fulfilling Isaiah's promise of dawn breaking in a dark land. He calls you to repent, because the kingdom of heaven is near, and invites ordinary fishermen like Peter and Andrew to...

In "Marks of True Ministry," Pastor Andrew examines 2 Corinthians 11:5-11, highlighting Pauls defense against false teachers in Corinth. True ministry prioritizes service over status, love over money, and sincerity over charisma. Despite criticism for lacking eloquence, Pauls focus was preaching the gospel freely, driven by love for Christ and others, not personal gain. He urges believers to share...

Dr. Bryan Stensaas explores creation, focusing on Gods eternal nature, the creation of angels before the earths foundation (Job 38:6-7, Psalms 148:2-5), and mans design in Gods image as a body, soul, and spirit. Angels, sexless and non-procreating, serve God as messengers and worshippers. Mans body, designed to heal, is harmed by guilt and worry, secreting harmful chemicals. The soul, comprising m...

In "2 Samuel," Pastor Andrew explores the books themes of triumph and trouble during Davids 40-year reign (1000-960 BC). Covering 2 Samuels structure, Davids victories (chapters 1-10), his sin with Bathsheba, and its consequences (chapters 11-18), the sermon highlights the Davidic Covenant (2 Samuel 7), promising an eternal throne fulfilled in Christ. The story of Mephibosheth reflects Gods grace....

In "The Temptation of Jesus," Pastor Andrew explores Matthew 4:1-11, where Jesus faces Satans temptations in the wilderness. Tested in the lust of the flesh, pride of life, and lust of the eyes, Jesus overcomes the temptations, proving His divinity. Unlike humanity, which falls to these tests, Jesus victory shows He is God, offering us a path to resist temptation through the Holy Spirit and Gods W...

In "Guarding The Gospel," Pastor Andrew examines 2 Corinthians 11:1-4, urging believers to protect the simplicity of the gospel. With godly jealousy, Paul warns the Corinthians against deception, as Satan subtly beguiled Eve. Pastor Andrew emphasizes the danger of false teachings (another Jesus, spirit, or Gospel) that corrupt the mind from Christs truth. He calls Christians to trust Gods Word, re...

In "Firm Foundations: God's Order in Creation," Dr. Bryan Stensaas continues his series on Genesis 1, focusing on days four through six of Creation Week. He emphasizes Gods purposeful creation of the sun, moon, stars, animals, and man in His image, distinct from animals. Dr. Stensaas refutes evolution, highlighting Gods fixed boundaries and the unique eternal soul of man. He underscores that Jesus...

Jay Nickels overviews 1 Samuel, highlighting its theme of rejection: God rejecting the proud but exalting the humble. Focusing on Samuel, Saul, and David, Jay portrays Samuel as a priest, prophet, and judge, reflecting Christ; Saul as a failed king, contrasting Christ; and David as a shepherd-king, foreshadowing Christs humility and redemption. Despite human failures, Gods plan prevails.

In "The Baptism of Jesus," Pastor Andrew explores Matthew 3:13-17, where Jesus is baptized by John. Despite Johns objection, Jesus insists on fulfilling all righteousness, approving Johns ministry, identifying with sinners, and picturing His death, burial, and resurrection. The Spirit descends like a dove, and God declares, This is my beloved Son. Pastor Andrew emphasizes Jesus obedience to the Fa...

In this Snapshot, Pastor Andrew explores the book of Ruth, set during the Judges dark days. Amid famine and disobedience, Elimelechs family faces tragedy in Moab, but Ruth, a Moabite, chooses to follow Naomi and trust God. Through Boaz, the kinsman-redeemer, God restores them, picturing Christs redemptive work. Ruth, an outsider, becomes part of Jesus lineage, showing Gods plan to redeem all natio...

In "Hope In A Hopeless World," Pastor Andrew draws from Psalm 43 to address finding hope amid a wicked worlds tragedies. Facing distress, the psalmist cries for Gods defense, seeks His light and truth, and anchors hope in Him. Pastor Andrew urges Christians not to despair but to trust God as the ultimate judge, pursue His guidance, and live to glorify Him, sharing Christ boldly and inspired by Cha...

In "Building on the Firm Foundation of Genesis Part 2" Dr. Bryan emphasizes Genesis 1:1 as the bedrock of biblical truth. He explores how God, as the eternal, omniscient, and omnipotent Creator, brought time, space, and matter into existence from nothing. This foundation underpins all Scripture, revealing Gods order and purpose in creation for humanity. Dr. Stensaas urges believers to trust the tr...

In "True Repentance Produces Fruit," Pastor Andrew explores Matthew 3:7-12, where John the Baptist confronts the Pharisees and Sadducees with their empty religion. True repentance (a change of mind leading to action) bears fruit like humility, obedience, and love, not mere rituals. John warns of Gods judgment, separating the fruitful from the barren. Pastor Andrew urges believers to examine their...

In "Whose Approval Are We Living For?" Pastor Andrew explores 2 Corinthians 10:13-18, challenging believers to seek Gods approval over mans. Using Pauls example and William Cowpers story, he emphasizes serving within Gods unique calling, advancing the gospel, and giving God the glory. Pastor Andrew urges Christians to live faithfully in their sphere of influence, not comparing themselves to others...

In "Judges," Pastor Joel explores the book of Judges, a sobering snapshot of Israels darkest period, marked by cycles of sin, oppression, repentance, and deliverance. From Judges 1-21, he highlights Israels failure to drive out the Canaanites and pass down faith, leading to moral chaos. Through flawed judges like Othniel, Ehud, Deborah, Gideon, and Samson, Gods faithfulness shines, pointing to Jes...

In "Building on the Firm Foundation of Genesis," Dr. Bryan Stensaas teaches from 1 Corinthians 2 and Hebrews 3:4, emphasizing the Bibles foundation in Genesis 1:1. Using his mission experience in Africa, he illustrates Gods desire to communicate His truth through creation and Scripture. Dr. Stensaas urges believers to build their faith on Gods Word, not worldly philosophies, to understand His eter...

In "The Forerunner," Pastor Andrew examines Matthew 3:1-6, introducing John the Baptist as the prophesied messenger preparing the way for Jesus, the Messiah. Johns call to repentance stirred a revival, urging people to turn from sin and prepare for the King. Despite his humble appearance, his authority came from fulfilled prophecies in Isaiah and Malachi. This will challenge believers to share the...

In "Looking Beyond the Surface," Pastor Andrew explores 2 Corinthians 10:7-13, urging believers not to judge by outward appearances but to trust Gods calling. Using Pauls example and Missionary William Careys story, he emphasizes that God looks at the heart, not appearances, and equips those He calls to serve. Pastor Andrew challenges Christians to stop comparing themselves to others, surrender to...

In "God's Presence, Our Provision," Dr. Bryan Stensaas explores Deuteronomy 8:18 and Exodus 33:14, emphasizing that all blessings, wealth, health, skills, and victories come from Gods presence. Without Him, there is no true provision, rest, or hope. Drawing from Israels journey, he highlights Gods faithfulness in providing for their needs and challenges believers to trust Gods sufficient grace, se...

In "Out of Egypt," Pastor Andrew examines Matthew 2:13-23, highlighting Jesus as the prophesied Messiah. Through fulfilled prophecies, including the flight to Egypt and return to Nazareth, Matthew shows Jesus as the King foretold by the prophets. Despite Herods evil and the religious leaders indifference, Gods plan prevails through Josephs obedience. Pastor Andrew challenges you to recognize Jesus...

In "Like Jesus," Pastor Joel explores Philippians 2:1-8, urging believers to adopt the mind of Christ. Through agape love, humility, and a focus on others, we emulate Jesus selfless example, seen in His foot-washing and sacrifice on the Cross. Despite challenges like jealousy or pride, were called to love others, esteem them higher, and serve, reflecting Christs love and humility in our daily live...

In "Joshua," Dennis Hicks explores the Book of Joshua, highlighting Gods faithfulness in fulfilling His promises as Israel enters the Promised Land. Joshua, mentored by Moses, leads with courage, guided by Gods Word and presence. From crossing the Jordan to Rahabs faith and the conquest of Canaan, Hicks emphasizes choosing to serve God wholeheartedly, as Joshua did, urging believers to claim Gods...

In "God's Limitless Grace," Dr. Bryan Stensaas explores Exodus 33:12-14 and 2 Corinthians 9:8, emphasizing that Gods grace, found in His presence, is boundless and sufficient for every aspect of life. From saving and sanctifying to sustaining and serving, Gods grace empowers believers to overcome challenges, serve faithfully, and glorify Him in all things, with no limits to His provision.

In "The Infant Years of the King," Pastor Andrew examines Matthew 2:1-12, emphasizing Jesus as the prophesied Messiah and King. Focusing on His birth in Bethlehem, fulfilling Micah 5:2, the sermon highlights the wise mens journey, guided by a star, to worship the true King, contrasting with Herods false rule. Jesus is the Savior for all (shepherds, Gentiles, and Jews) calling everyone to faith, no...