Rooted in God’s Word

Episode Title:  God’s Way of Advancing His Kingdom This week, we’re diving into Acts 18:18–19:10 and taking a close look at how God strengthens His people, protects His church, and advances His Kingdom— often in ways we don't see or expect . Have you ever tried to “help God out” because His plan seemed too slow or unclear? You’re not alone. Abraham did it. Paul wrestled with it. And yet, time...

🎙️  New Episode Alert!  🎙️ The latest episode of  Rooted in God’s Word  is here! 🌱 This week’s sermon from  Acts 18:1–11  is titled: ✨  “Divine Encouragement”  ✨ In this episode, we look at how God strengthens His servants in the midst of fear and discouragement. Paul needed encouragement in Corinth—and so do we in our own lives. Listen in to be reminded of the God who speaks, strengthens, and...

🌿  NEW EPISODE – Rooted in God’s Word  🌿 🎧  Acts 17:1-15 – Proclaiming Christ in a Divided World In today’s message, we followed Paul and his team into Thessalonica and Berea, watching as the Gospel confronted false kings, challenged cultural norms, and brought transformation to hearts. We were reminded that the Gospel is not just a story or a set of ideas, it is  the power of God  to bring lib...

🎙️  New Podcast Episode: “Jailbreak” In Acts 16:11–40, we witness the unstoppable power of the Gospel to set captives free. From Lydia’s heart opened by the Spirit, to a slave girl released from demonic oppression, to Paul and Silas praising God in prison as the chains fell off—God shows His power to bring freedom in every kind of bondage. This message isn’t just about what God did then; it’s abou...

In today’s sermon podcast,  Rooted in the Word of God , we explore the powerful truths of Acts 16:1–10. We walk with Paul, Silas, and Timothy through the early days of the second missionary journey, discovering how the Holy Spirit actively leads, guides, and even redirects the plans of faithful servants. From the calling of Timothy to the vision in Macedonia, we learn how God prepares the way and...

Welcome back to  Rooted in God’s Word , where we dig deep into the Scriptures and apply God’s truth to our everyday lives. In today’s episode, Pastor Erik walks us through a powerful and personal moment in Acts 15—a sharp disagreement between two faithful leaders, Paul and Barnabas. This wasn’t a debate over doctrine or false teaching, but a moment of real conflict between two people who deeply lo...

🎙️  New Episode Alert! This week on  Rooted in God’s Word , we press pause on our Acts series to explore something deeply personal and vital for every believer:  the difference between scripture and tradition . On what many call  Pentecost Sunday , Pastor Erik unpacks the historical and biblical significance of the day the Holy Spirit came—and challenges us to consider:Are we living by the  Word o...

🎙️  New Episode Alert! Rooted in the Word of God – Episode Title: "Turning to God, Not Tradition" This week, we dive into  Acts 15 , where a major theological showdown unfolds in the early church. ✝️  Is salvation by grace through faith alone, or must we follow religious traditions to be accepted by God? Some believers thought Gentiles must first become Jews to be saved. But Paul, Barnabas, Peter,...

Despite demonic opposition, jealous religious leaders, violent mobs, and even  a stoning that nearly killed him , the Apostle Paul never backed down. In this week’s episode, we journey with Paul and Barnabas to  Iconium, Lystra, and Derbe , as their bold proclamation of the gospel ignites revival—and incites rage. 🔥 This message dives deep into: The  resilience of faithful ministry  in the face o...

🔥 In this week’s powerful message, Pastor Erik takes us deep into  Acts 13:13–52 , following Paul and Barnabas on their journey from Perga to Antioch in Pisidia. We unpack Paul’s bold synagogue sermon, tracing the redemptive history of Israel—all pointing to Jesus as the promised Savior. We’ll see how some hearts were stirred, others hardened, and how the gospel began to spread  like wildfire  th...

In today’s message, we walk through a powerful scene in Acts where the early church faces direct opposition from the enemy—but instead of shrinking back, they respond with boldness, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit. What do we do when darkness tries to resist the light? How do we recognize and respond to spiritual oppression in our lives today? Join us as we unpack this critical moment in...

This Sunday’s message takes us into a powerful moment in the early church: Peter’s miraculous rescue from prison and Herod’s tragic downfall. In Acts 12:6–24, we see how God's hand moves behind the scenes—sending His angels to intervene, protect His people, and accomplish His unstoppable purposes. When the church prayed earnestly, heaven responded. When men tried to take God's glory for th...

Tonight we pause to remember Holy Thursday—Maundy Thursday—the night Jesus chose to wash His friends’ feet, share the Passover meal, and give us the command to love one another. In our new video, we trace every step from the Upper Room to Gethsemane, from the breaking of bread and the passing of the cup to the heartache of betrayal and arrest. As we hear the harmonized voices of Matthew, Mark, Luk...

We're excited to share the latest episode of  Rooted in God’s Word — "Jesus’ Triumphal Entry"  🌿🐴✨ This week’s message takes us through a harmonized view of Matthew 21:1–11, Mark 11:1–11, Luke 19:28–44, and John 12:12–19—four powerful Gospel accounts woven together to show the fullness of Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem. From the waving of palm branches to the cries of  “Hosanna!” , a...

Welcome back to  Rooted in God’s Word , the official podcast of First Baptist Church of Hightstown. We’re so glad you’re here with us as we continue our journey through Scripture and reflect deeply on what it means to walk with Christ. In today’s episode, we explore Acts 12:1–5 in a message titled  "When Heaven Interrupts Earth."  In these powerful verses, we witness persecution, prayer,...

🚨 New Episode Alert! 🎙️ The latest episode of  Rooted in God’s Word , the official podcast of First Baptist Church of Hightstown, is now live! This week’s sermon is titled  “Called to Something Greater”  and dives deep into  Acts 11:1–30 . In this powerful passage, we see how God expands the early church’s vision, calling His people to reach beyond cultural boundaries, personal preferences, and c...

🎙️  New Episode: "When God Redefines Your Thinking" – Acts 10 Welcome to  Rooted in the Word , the podcast ministry of First Baptist Church of Hightstown. In today’s episode, we take a deep dive into Acts chapter 10 with a message entitled  "When God Redefines Your Thinking." This chapter is a turning point in the early church. Through a divine vision given to Peter, and an ang...

Join us for an exciting new episode of  Rooted in the Word , the official podcast of  First Baptist Church of Hightstown ! This week, we’re honored to welcome  Pastor Gary Taylor  as our guest speaker, diving deep into  Matthew 28:16-20 with a powerful message: 💥  "Get Ready, Get Set, Go!"  💥 Jesus’ final words to His disciples weren’t just a farewell—they were a  call to action ! He c...

This week on  Rooted in the Word , we dive into  Acts 9:32-43  with our sermon,  "Hope Restored."  In this passage, we witness the power of Jesus at work through Peter, bringing healing and even raising the dead—reminding us that no situation is beyond the reach of Christ’s restoration. We also begin our  Lent journey , reflecting on  Joel 2:12-13  and the call to true repentance: "...

Welcome back to Rooted in the Word, where we dive deep into the Word of God and explore its transformative power in our lives. We are so grateful you’re joining us today. Last week, we witnessed one of the most extraordinary conversions in history—the moment Saul of Tarsus, a fierce persecutor of the Church, encountered the risen Christ. A blinding light. A voice from heaven. A life utterly transf...

"Sometimes, the most unexpected people have the most powerful encounters with God. Saul was a man of conviction, a persecutor of Christians, determined to silence the followers of Jesus. But on the road to Damascus, everything changed. A blinding light, a voice from heaven, and a call that would reshape his life—and the future of the Church." Welcome to  Rooted in the Word , the podcast...

Welcome to today’s episode of the Rooted in the Word! We are so excited to dive into God’s Word with you. Today, we’re looking at  Acts 8:26-40  in a sermon titled  "Run to Obedience."  This passage tells the powerful story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch—a divine appointment that reminds us of the urgency and blessing of following God’s leading. Philip didn’t hesitate when the Spirit...

Welcome to today's episode of the Rooted in the Word, where we dive deep into the Word of God, seeking truth, wisdom, and the life-changing power of the Gospel. Today, we’re opening the Scriptures to  Acts 8:9-25  with a sermon titled  "False Messiah."  In this passage, we encounter Simon the Magician—a man who dazzled the people of Samaria with his so-called power, even gaining a fo...

Today on  Rooted in God’s Word , we’re diving into a powerful message from Acts 8:1-8 titled  "Unstoppable." Persecution. Opposition. Trials. These are things we often see as setbacks—but in God's hands, they become  setups  for something greater. In Acts 8, the early Church faced intense persecution. Believers were scattered, driven from their homes, and forced into new places. But...

Welcome to today's episode, where we dive deep into the transformative power of God's Word with Pastor Erik Lydick with First Baptist Church of Hightstown. In this sermon, titled  "Relationship over Religion,"  we explore Acts 7:17-60, Stephen's passionate defense before the Sanhedrin. This powerful passage challenges us to move beyond the rituals of religion and embrace the...