First Baptist Joplin

John Swadley | 1 Samuel 17:32-37 This week, Pastor John dives into the story of David and Goliath—not as a tale of human courage, but as a divine interruption where God shows up to rewrite history for His glory. While most of us see ourselves as David facing our giants, the truth is we often resemble the fearful Israelites—forgetting who our God is. David didn’t defeat Goliath with size or skill,...

John Swadley | John 11:1-5 In this powerful message from John 11, we unpack the story of Lazarus and the pattern God often uses to shape our faith: the birth of a vision, the death of a vision, and a supernatural fulfillment. We’re reminded that God is always at work—especially behind the scenes. When dreams die, when healing delays, when prayers seem unanswered, it’s not the end—it’s an invitatio...

John Swadley | Matthew 14:22-33 In this week’s message, Pastor John dives into the story of Jesus walking on water and the disciples caught in a terrifying storm. The big takeaway? Being in the middle of God’s will doesn’t mean life will be easy—sometimes, He leads us right into the storm to build our faith. This message reminds us: storms aren’t a sign of God’s absence. They’re often His invitati...

Kirk Baker | Jonah 1:1-9 This week’s message dives into the story of Jonah, a prophet who ran from God’s call… and ran straight into a storm. Through Jonah’s journey, we discover how divine interruptions aren’t setbacks—they’re God’s way of getting our attention, proving His presence, and revealing His purpose. Whether it’s through storms, unexpected detours, or even giant fish, God is always at w...

John Swadley | Genesis 50:20 In this kickoff message of Divine Interruptions, we explore how God often interrupts our plans not to harm us—but to work something greater. Pastor John dives into the life of Joseph, who went from favored son to slave to prisoner, only to be elevated to second-in-command in Egypt. The twist? What others meant for evil, God meant for good. Like Joseph, we face real str...

John Swadley | 1 John 2:1-2 What’s the core idea of the Bible? In this powerful message, Pastor John takes us to the heart of the gospel: substitutionary atonement. We all understand justice—when something is broken, it must be paid for. But the beauty of the Christian faith is that Jesus paid the debt we owed. He didn’t wait for us to climb our way up to God. He came down to us. He took our place...

Dr. Wes Fowler, Executive Director of the Missouri Baptist Convention, shares a powerful message rooted in Matthew 16. After surviving a devastating tornado in Mayfield, KY, he connects with Joplin’s own story of loss and recovery—and reminds us that life is full of questions, but one matters most: Who do you say Jesus is? Wes explains that knowing about Jesus isn’t enough. Believing He is the Chr...

In this heartfelt Father’s Day message, Steve Stafford—retired pastor and founder of Risen Ranch Cowboy Church—reminded us of the power of a praying father and the legacy of a faithful life. Reflecting on Joseph, the earthly father of Jesus, Steve challenged men to be righteous, obedient, and prayerful leaders in their homes. He shared powerful personal stories, including his own family’s heartbre...

John Swadley | 2 Kings 13:20-21 Even after Elisha died, God used his bones to bring a man back to life. Why? Because legacy lives on. In this message, we’re reminded that faith is meant to be passed down. Like a torch in a relay, your influence can outlast your life—if you choose to invest in others, give generously, and live in a way that proves God is real. Don’t settle for titles—live for testi...

John Swadley | Deuteronomy 1:2–8 An 11-day journey took 40 years—and the same can happen to us when we settle for less than God’s best. In this message, we’re challenged to stop wandering, break camp, and step into the life God has already prepared. Declare it: I’m tired of living with less. I’m ready to imagine more. I will take what God has given me. Don’t wait 40 years for what God wants to do...

"No Other gods: The Jealousy of God" Exodus 20:1-6     Psalm 106:19 (NLT) Proverbs 4:25     1. What disappoints you? 2. What do you complain about? 3. Where do you make financial sacrifices? 4. What worries you? 5. Where is your sanctuary? 6. What infuriates you? 7. What are your dreams? -Idelman     Exodus 34:14 3 Truths about the Jealousy of God: 1. God is jealous for His honor and glory 2. God’...

"The Road Ahead, Anchored In The Lord: Building Your Next Chapter" Psalms 37:1-11 1. Trust  2. Delight  3. Commit 4. Wait  Psalm 37:1-11 Genesis 50:18-21 Psalms 145:13 Titus 1:1-2 Genesis 5:24 Ruth 1:16 Psalm 46:10 Exodus 14:13-14 

"Faith In Times Of Change" 1. Without faith, it is impossible to please God in our hearts. 2. Without faith it is impossible to please God in our homes. 3. Without faith, it is impossible to please God in our church.

"A Calling To: Lordship" Matthew 28:1-10 Matthew 26:20-25 1. He is not here! 2. He is risen! 3. He is alive! 4. He is Lord! 

"A Calling To: Surrender" 1. Triumphal Entry 2. Total Stirring 3. True Surrender

"A Calling To: Prayer/Unity" 1. Walk in a manner worthy of your calling  2. With humility, gentleness, patience, and bearing with one another in love 3. With an eagerness to maintain unity, as well as peace 4. Pray without ceasing 

Divine Interruptions: Two Reasons God Provides These in our Lives Exodus 3:1-10 1. To get our attention A. God finds us even when we don’t want to be found B. When we are just trying to blend in C. When we are running from the past D. God uses whatever is available (Rocks or Bushes)   2. To prove who He is V. 4-10 A. He shows Moses He has a heart B. He discloses He has a plan C. He allows Moses to...

"Perfectly Present" Jeremiah 31:1-6 His Love (V. 3)       - He Sees Us       - He Knows Us       - He Has A Purpose For Us            - Ephesians 2:10   His Plan (V. 4-6)            - Matthew 22:6-40        - Love Jesus        - Love Others        - Fruit Of The Spirit            - Galatians 5:22-23
 His Faithfulness (V. 3)        - Our Misplaced Faith        - “I Have Loved You”

Pastor Jamie's Final Message At FBC Joplin Acts 20:22-24

“Kingdom Confidence” Matthew 6:25-34 1. The problem of worry A. worry is unnecessary B. worry is unfruitful C. worry is unfaithful 2. The provision of God A. God provides for His creation B. God prioritizes His children 3. The priority of the Kingdom A. Seek God’s rule B. Seek God’s righteousness

“Breaking New Ground” Acts 8:1-8, 26-40 1. God used unusual methods to scatter the Gospel message 2. God used unusual faithfulness to advance the Gospel 3. God used an unusual path

“Starting Small: One Small Call” Luke 5:27-32 1. Lordship  2. Leadership 3. Likeness 4. Life