First Baptist Rocky Top Tennessee

Words are small, but their power is immeasurable. They can build nations—or burn them down. In this week’s message from James 3, we explore one of Scripture’s most sobering truths: “The tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things.” (James 3:5, ESV) From Lincoln’s 272 words at Gettysburg to Churchill’s wartime resolve, history has shown that a single sentence can redirect the course of...

Why don’t people come to church—really? Pew, Barna, and countless conversations all point to the same struggle: people often feel judged, unwelcome, or overlooked. In this week’s episode, we open James 2 and discover that the early church wrestled with the exact same issues we face today. James writes with pastoral urgency: “My brothers… show no partiality.” In this passage, he exposes a sin we ra...

In this episode of A Handbook for Christian Living , we explore what it truly means to be a doer of the Word and not a hearer only. Christopher Enix walks through James 1:19–27, showing how a few words can start wars or bring peace — and how God’s Word, when heard, received, and obeyed, transforms lives from the inside out. Through vivid historical examples, biblical exposition, and practical appl...

In this opening message of our new series James: A Handbook for the Christian , we begin walking verse by verse through one of the most practical and penetrating books in the New Testament. James, the half-brother of Jesus and leader of the early Jerusalem church, writes to believers scattered across the world—believers much like us—reminding them that genuine faith isn’t proven by what we profess...

What happens after salvation? Romans 6 answers with stunning clarity. In this message— “Buried with Christ. Raised to New Life” —we celebrate baptism and unpack Paul’s call to live the resurrected life now. Framed by Charles Colson’s prison-yard conversion and lifelong ministry, we see that the gospel doesn’t merely forgive sins; it transforms sinners. Paul gives a three-step pattern for sanctific...

Most people love a love story—but this one is bigger than romance. In Ruth 3–4, Naomi urges Ruth to seek “rest,” Ruth humbly asks Boaz to “spread your wings” (Ruth 3:9, ESV), and Boaz responds with public, principled redemption. On a windy threshing floor and at a city gate, God turns private faith into public grace and writes an immigrant widow into the royal line of David—and the family tree of...

In a quiet corner of Bethlehem, God’s providence shines through famine, loss, and surprising grace. Walking verse-by-verse through Ruth 1–2, we trace three threads— Providence , Conversion , and Redemption —as Ruth clings to Naomi, finds favor with Boaz, and takes refuge “under His wings.” This message shows how the Lord writes His story not only in palaces (Esther) but in ordinary fields—with a M...

This concluding message in “Esther: A Cosmic Adventure” reveals how God writes straight with crooked lines. From Vashti’s removal to Esther’s rise, from Haman’s rage to the great reversal, the Book of Esther showcases the Lord’s quiet sovereignty in a loud world. Christopher explores the ancient feud behind Haman’s plot, Esther’s courageous faith, the king’s sleepless night, and the decree that tu...

Why does God allow the wicked to rise? In Esther 3 we meet Haman, a man consumed by pride and hatred—and yet mysteriously promoted. This message traces the advancement, anger, apparent authority, and advance of wickedness while showing how God’s providence is quietly at work through delays, hidden records, and unlikely people. Drawing on Psalms 10, 37, and 94—as well as Exodus 17, Proverbs 16:33,...

In this episode of Esther: A Cosmic Adventure , we step into the banquet halls of Persia and witness a king who could command 127 provinces, but not his own heart. King Ahasuerus—wealthy, powerful, and impulsive—throws opulent feasts and makes rash decrees that cost both him and Queen Vashti dearly. Yet behind the folly of men, God’s unseen hand is weaving His providence. Through Vashti’s refusal,...

In this opening message of our new series, Esther: A Cosmic Adventure , we step into the Persian palace of King Xerxes and discover a story where God’s name is never mentioned—yet His hand is everywhere. Pastor Christopher Enix introduces the book of Esther as more than palace drama or ancient history. It’s a story of providence, where God works behind the scenes to preserve His people and fulfill...

In this message, we explore the meaning and significance of the Lord’s Supper. From its roots in the Passover to Christ’s institution of the New Covenant, we see how Communion points us back to the cross, grounds us in the present reality of salvation, and lifts our eyes to the future feast in God’s Kingdom. The Lord’s Supper is more than a ritual—it is a proclamation of the gospel, a celebration...

In this capstone message, we gather the threads of Romans and tie them to the bedrock truths every Christian must know and love. Moving from “Who God Is” to “Who we are,” and from “Who Christ is” to “How we’re saved,” this episode lays out the essentials: the unity and tri-unity of God, humanity’s dignity and fall, the person and work of Jesus, salvation by grace through faith in Christ alone, our...

In this episode of Road Through Romans , we turn to Romans 14, where Paul tackles one of the most practical and challenging issues in the Christian life: how to live in unity when we disagree on nonessentials. Drawing from the famous words of Rupertus Meldenius—“In essentials, unity; in nonessentials, liberty; in all things, charity”—we explore the difference between the core doctrines of our fait...

What does faithful citizenship look like when leaders are flawed and cultures shift? In this message from Romans 13, we explore how God’s sovereignty stands behind every earthly authority, why Christians honor government as an expression of honoring God, and when obedience to Christ requires gracious civil disobedience. Paul then moves from taxes to a different kind of debt—the ongoing debt of lov...

In this episode of Road Through Romans , we enter the practical heart of Paul’s letter — Romans 12. After eleven chapters of rich doctrine, Paul turns to the question: Now that we know these great truths, how should we live? The answer is found in a single, profound call: present yourself as a living sacrifice to God. We’ll explore what it truly means to give God our soul, body, mind, and will — n...

In this message from Romans 10, we explore the heart of saving faith—its object, its origin, and its outcome. Salvation is not earned or conjured up; it is received by faith. But what is biblical faith? And how does it take root in our lives? Join us as we walk through Romans 10:11–17 and shows how true faith begins with hearing the Word of God and culminates in calling on the name of the Lord. Wh...

In this episode, we explore Romans 10 and the life-transforming message of the gospel—that salvation is near, in your heart and on your lips. Building on the truths of Romans 9, we turn from God's sovereignty to human responsibility, discovering how Scripture holds these two truths in perfect tension, not contradiction. With illustrations from Scripture, science (yes—even the flight of a bumbl...

In this thought-provoking episode, we journey into one of the most challenging yet essential chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans—Romans 9. After the soaring promises of Romans 8, Paul leads us into a deeply theological and sometimes uncomfortable discussion about God’s sovereign choice, human responsibility, and the mystery of salvation. Is God in control of everything, including who believes?...

Why does a good God allow pain—and how can we keep trusting Him when life hurts? In this episode, we follow Paul up the summit of Romans 8:18-27, where present agony is set beside a glory so vast it makes the whole universe “groan” in anticipation. Explore: The problem of suffering and the promise of cosmic redemption Creation’s eager longing for liberation—and ours for resurrection bodies The Spi...

Romans 8 is one of the most powerful chapters in all of Scripture—and it opens and closes with two glorious declarations: there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, and there is no separation from the love of God. In this sermon, Pastor Christopher walks us through the rich theology and deep assurance found in Romans 8 and beyond, answering the heartfelt question many believers struggle w...

In this powerful episode of Road Through Romans , we dive into Romans 6 to discover how grace doesn't just save us—it frees us. Through the story of D.L. Moody and a man who took 42 years to learn three life-changing truths, we explore Paul’s blueprint for victorious Christian living. Too many believers know they’re forgiven but still live like they’re in chains. Paul teaches us three essentia...

Road Through Romans – Romans 5: Peace with God In this message, we explore the life-changing truth of Romans 5—what it means to be justified by faith and to have peace with God. Through the powerful story of the 1914 Christmas truce, we are reminded that true and lasting peace doesn't come through treaties or temporary ceasefires, but through the cross of Christ. Discover the present blessings...

🎙️ Road Through Romans – Episode 4: Let’s Have the Good News In this episode, we turn the corner from guilt to grace. Beginning with a reflection on the first-ever live TV news broadcast in 1930—an unpolished glimpse of what was to come—we see how Paul’s message in Romans mirrors this revelation: the bad news of human unrighteousness is just the beginning. Romans 4 unveils the good news of justifi...

In this powerful installment of Road Through Romans , we arrive at one of the most pivotal moments in all of Scripture—Romans 3. Pastor Christopher unpacks Paul’s courtroom-style indictment of the entire human race, from the pagan to the pious, showing that no one is righteous—not even one. But just as the gavel drops, Paul introduces the greatest shift in biblical literature: “But now…” —ushering...