Woolsey Baptist Church: Recent Episodes
woolsey
Weekly sermon podcast from Woolsey Baptist Church in Fayetteville, GA. Visit us at woolseybaptist.org
Matthew 28:16-20. Make the Great Commission your New Year's Resolution. It's not about leaving everything but leveraging everything. What is YOUR personal strategy for obeying? How can you use the resources he has given you to make him known?
God supernaturally guides the wise men to Jesus while Herod, insanely jealous, seeks to destroy Him and the chief priests and scribes ignore Him- Jesus, who is both ruler and shepherd.
Jesus, a descendent of David, a legitimate Messiah, can save anyone, including those with a sleazy past. Matthew 1:1-17
Paul shows how money may bring ruin but also how the rich are to treat their wealth. (1 Timothy 6:6-10 and 17-21)
Paul ends this letter as he started it by calling to Timothy’s attention the significant threat of false teachers whose aim concerns the pursuit of financial gain. The man of God, however, has a different pursuit and duty. 1 Timothy 6:3-5 and 11-16
The gospel shapes how a church family treats its various members who have fallen into sin. 1 Timothy 5:1-6:2
We should not find it shocking when we see some departing from the faith. At the same time, the wise Christian can protect himself and others from doctrinal error by knowing that all God created is good. 1 Timothy 4:1-5
Only those with godly character should lead and serve in God’s churches. 1 Timothy 3:1-16
Christian men and women are called to high standards when they gather for worship. 1 Timothy 2:8-15
The fact that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners should lead believers to glorify God and encourage unbelievers to turn to Jesus for salvation. (1 Timothy 1:15-17)
Our own individual experiences of grace and mercy should lead us to serve the Lord. (1 Timothy 1:12-14)
Christians have been given a solemn charge to protect the church from doctrinal error. (1 Timothy 1:1-11)
Satan aims to kill, steal, and destroy. One way he attacks Christians is causing us to believe serving God is vain. Malachi
The church should take courage when it seems we’re losing ground and not set our hope on lofty physical gains but remain committed to God’s unchanging purpose in the midst of our own mess, drawing strength from the steady flow of God’s Spirit and looking to Christ and Christ-like leaders as our guides toward the Kingdom. Zechariah
God’s threatening warnings are meant to call His people to return to Him through grace- grace from the mighty one who will save (Zephaniah 3:17).
Even though we may struggle with questions and doubts, we can trust in God regardless of our circumstance.
Those suffering physically, emotionally, or mentally because of sadistic nations or individuals that oppress, abuse, or terrorize can take comfort in knowing God is a just Judge who will destroy the unrepentant who persist in oppression of others.
While God through His Word points out our sin with a promise to judge, He yet shows mercy to sinners.
As Jonah revealed in this biographical book, God extends His mercy to all who repent showing we are the conduits of God’s mercy as we seek to make disciples.
Even though our various sins bring judgment, Christ came to bear our sin debt and save all who turn from sin and self and rely on Him to save.
The book of Joel uses the day of the Lord to reveal God will punish sin but also that He will graciously restore.
Paul reminds the Ephesians to live their lives controlled by the Spirit which produces joyfulness we express to one another, gratitude we express to God, and mutual submission toward one another. Ephesians 5:18-21
Since Christ's saving work far exceeds Old Testament sacrifices, (see for example Hebrews 9:11-14 and 10:14) believers are given three specific responsibilities, each framed around the words- “let us” as seen in vs. 22, 23, and 24 and culminating with encouraging one another. Christ's perfect sacrifice should lead us to the practice of encouraging one another. Hebrews 10:19-25.
Paul gives specific charges related to how Christians are to live in relation to one another. Romans 12:9-13
Paul moves from the first three doctrinal focused chapters to the application focus by calling believers to live out our calling in relationships in the church. Because of the redeeming work of Christ in our lives, the church should be eager to maintain unity produced by the Spirt and one component of that unity is a willingness to bear with one another. Ephesians 4:1-3
The saving work of Christ in bringing us freedom should lead us to serve others. (Galatians 5:13-15)
Peter uses the healing of a hopeless and crippled man as a platform for proclaiming Jesus’ death and resurrection. Jesus’ death and resurrection points us to only source of lasting and living hope. (Acts 4:1-12)
Just as sure as Christ will one day judge, He is mighty to save during this window of opportunity: the unredeemed should flee to Christ and the redeemed should pray for and evangelize the lost. Isaiah 63:1-6
Disciples who judge others for minor issues while they themselves are engrossed in sin are like blind eye doctors and need to see how to pray. Matthew 7:1-12
Disciples focus on kingdom priorities and trust God as they seek Him. (Matthew 6:19-34)
Followers of Jesus give, pray and fast for the reward of being closer to God, our Father. (Matthew 6:1-18) Josh Chapman
The LORD has abundant kindness toward sinners but will not withhold punishment for the unrepentant guilty. Exodus 34:1-7
By dying to self, Counter Cultural Christians choose love over retaliation toward enemies. Matthew 5:38-48
Jesus’ disciples live counterculturally by an abiding commitment to telling the truth. Matthew 5:33-37 (First two minutes the sound is off, we apologize)
Rather than look for the seemingly endless reasons one might put forth to end a marriage, Jesus allows for only one-sexual immorality. (Beyond what we see of Jesus on divorce, the New Testament also allows for divorce for: 1.) desertion by an unbeliever (see 1 Cor. 7:15) and would seem to allow for 2.) physical abuse of a spouse. Matthew 5:31-32
Jesus redirects our understanding of adultery, calling disciples to more than physical purity. Matthew 5:27-30
Because of our relationship to Jesus, disciples have a different understanding and practice of righteousness. (Matthew 5:17-20)
As Jesus’ disciples today, we, by our very nature as kingdom citizens, influence the world. Matthew 5:13-16
Happiness comes from following Jesus’ instructions in the sermon on the mount. Matthew 5:1-12
Old and obsolete are not synonymous. God’s Word forever remains reliable, and a Christian should regularly read God’s Word. Psalm 119:89
The love of God, shown through the saving work of Christ, compels Christians to love one another. (1 John 4:7-12)
Though a prisoner in Rome and possibly facing execution, Paul remained a joy filled prisoner even though his circumstances were out of his control. While we cannot control every circumstance, we can yet remain joy filled Christians. (Philippians 1:12-26)
Real peace can only come through Jesus Christ; nothing the world has or offers can ultimately bring peace. John 14:27
In these days of growing apostasy, theological confusion, social unrest, violence, and turmoil, Christians are reassured of God’s power to keep us through Jude’s doxology of hope. (Jude 1:24-25)
Christians should give careful attention to God’s Word as we care for our soul and the souls of others while living in a world where others are drifting from the Lord. (Jude 1:17-23)
The Lord comes to execute judgement on those who enter His church by stealth with the intention of misrepresenting the gospel and misleading those who believe the true gospel. Jude 1:5-16
Jude passionately pleads for the church to contend for the protection and continuation of the faith. (Jude 1:3-4)
Peddlers of doctrinal error and non-biblical worldviews are as much a problem today as they were in Jude’s time and the need for guarding the gospel and maintaining a biblical worldview has never been greater. (Jude 1:1-2)
Rather than blame the devil we have only ourselves to blame for our sinful choices. Yet, we have the assurance that God is faithful to make a way of escape for us. 1 Corinthians 10:1-13
The social problems of our day are symptoms of a deeper spiritual problem which nothing short a return to the Lord will change. Joel 1:13-14
We exist to follow Jesus by worshiping God, connecting with others, serving the church, and going to make disciples. Matthew 16:18
God’s love for the nations should motivate us to have pity of all, including those we may even deem undeserving of His love. (Jonah 4:11)
Jesus calls Christians to faithfully use whatever resources and giftings with which we have been entrusted. (Matthew 25:13-40)
There are no easy shortcuts to spiritual growth, but God’s Word provides guidance for progressive transformation. (Colossians 3:1-17)
If I Am a Christian, What Is Wrong with Me? Understanding Justification (Galatians 2:11-21)
Even though we live in a broken world, we have God’s promises for comfort and final victory. (Daniel 12:1-13)
Even though God delivers Christians from bondage and oppression, our battles in this life will not end; yet, even when we face suffering, our God’s sovereignty over all the events of life provides comfort and encouragement. (Daniel 11:2-45)
There is a great, ongoing spiritual conflict that is unseen by humanity but directly tied to our own physical experiences. An awareness of this will help us be prepared to engage in effective spiritual warfare. (Daniel 10:1-11:1)
Made aware of the near end of the 70 years of captivity by reading the prophet Jeremiah, Daniel goes to God in prayer humbly confessing his and the sin of his fellow Israelites. During his prayer, the angel Gabriel comes with a response to Daniel’s prayer that constitutes one of the most profound prophecies pointing to Christ found in the Old Testament. The Word of God and prayer are linked together and point us to Christ. (Daniel 9:1-27)
Regardless of how things presently look, God rules over all and has set a limit on how long evil will oppress His people. (Daniel 8:1-27)
While evil and the chaos it brings looks unending, looks are deceiving for we have great hope because of the Ancient of Days and the Son of Man. Daniel 7:1-28
Christians should trust God and remain faithful when we face opposition and even the threat of death. Daniel 6:1-28
Though merciful, God will one day judge those who continue in sin and reject the truth that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Daniel 5:1-31
Since God rules over all circumstances and people, including the most powerful, we should trust His sovereign rule and fight against our pride. (Daniel 4:1-37)
Daniel’s three friends experienced God’s special presence when they trusted Him in a crisis of faith and refused to serve and worship other gods. Cultural changes mean American Christians are facing increasing ostracism from a faithless world. Daniel 3 reminds us of God’s power and presence available for those who trust Him and refuse to bow to the idols of our day. Daniel 3:1-30
God’s wisdom always supersedes human wisdom. Therefore, Christians should seek God’s wisdom, revere God’s wisdom, and rest in God’s wisdom. Daniel 2:1-49
Moses exhorts a new generation about to enter the Promised Land to listen to God, to love Him and teach the next generation about the Lord. Deuteronomy 6:4-7
Since Jesus has been raised from the dead, we should respond to His call and command to repent and believe and follow Him. Mark 16:1-8
Jesus died a cruel death on a Roman Cross but in doing so He finished the work the Father sent Him to do, especially the work of bearing the penalty of sin. Christ died to bear the penalty of sin for all who repent and believe. (John 19:28-30)
Jesus called Peter, Andrew, James, and John to follow Him with the promise that He will make them fishers of men. Jesus calls us to follow Him with the same promise that He will make us fishers of men. (Matthew 4:18-25)
Jesus sent His disciples into the world to make disciples. As His disciples, we too are sent into the world to make disciples. (Matthew 28:18-20)
John 11:1-44 (The sound is off at the beginning of the message, but it improves! We apologize for the inconvenience)
Jesus, being God, knows our tendency to misunderstand our greatest need, graciously gives that which we most need-forgiveness of sin, showing that He is God. (Mark 2:1-12)
While most who identify as Christians affirm the deity of Christ, many are challenged with the concept of His humanity. Jesus grew intellectually and physically revealing his humanity. (Luke 2:41-52)
We need to see with compassion those around us bound by Satan and refuse to allow non-biblical traditions to keep us from making disciples. (Luke 13:10-17)
This sermon will provide a summary statement of who we are and why we are here. (Colossians 1:24-29)
As we reflect on 2020, we must resist escapism and rather embrace a biblical understanding of death, sorrow and reality that results in an understanding of God’s sovereignty that helps to rightly process the past and walk confidently into the future. (Ecclesiastes 7:1-14)
This message is to highlight the massive and redeeming love of God for sinners and holds forth the promise of life for all who rely on the Son and to challenge Christians to love one another. (John 3:16)
The Bible declares Jesus the Prince of Peace. One will never have true peace apart from Jesus. (Isaiah 9:1-7)
Because of the salvation secured by Christ, we can experience joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit we can abound in hope. (Romans 15:7-13)
Unlike many New Testament Letters that end with a benediction, James touches on three critical issues: Truthful speech, prayer, and bringing back sinners that have wandered from the truth. (James 5:12-20)
In view of presumption and obsession with wealth and the problems both created for God’s people, (James 4:13–5:6) James exhorts his readers to patience. Christian,s by the work of the Spirit, must grow in patiences. James 5:7-11
James gives a blistering denunciation of wealthy landowners who abuse their wealth and oppress the poor. Compared to much of the world, western Christians are wealthy and must guard against abusing wealth and oppressing the poor. (James 5:1-6)
When Christians plan without considering God’s sovereign rule we display arrogance. Christians should plan with due consideration to the will of God. James 4:13-17
Guest Speaker: Bryant Wright, from Right from the Heart Ministries, “Spirit Led Mission Calling” Acts 15:40-16:15 This message was part of our World Focus Week.
“What is partiality? What does partiality look like in a church and how do we overcome it? Listen and learn why God forbids favoritism and why mercy should triumph over judgment.” James 2:1-13
James shows how the word of truth, God’s Word, must have a dominant place in a person’s life if they would have a faith that works. (James 1:19-27)
James explains the source of temptation and that temptation comes to every Christian and leads ultimately to death if one fails to depend on the resources God has provided for dealing with temptation. (James 1:13-18)
Jesus used the Passover meal to institute the Lord’s Supper which would point to His death in the place of sinners.The Lord’s Supper reminds us of the wonder of the gospel–that Jesus gave Himself as a substitute for us. Sermon Text: Mark 14:12-25
Christians are called to trust in the Lord despite the challenges and difficulties they face in their lives. A Christian manifests his or her trust in the Lord through praying for victory (Psalm 20:1-5) and resting in victory (Psalm 20:6-9).
Jesus extends a tender invitation to come to Himself to those who labor and are heavy laden to find rest in Him who declares Himself as gentle and lowly. Jesus extends this same invitation today to come to Himself with the same promise of finding rest in Him who declares Himself as gentle and lowly. Matthew 11:28-30
Paul highlights the gospel which brings salvation to all who believe.The gospel is the good news that God saves sinners.
(Matthew 10:28) Jesus instructs His disciples how to respond to persecution when they are on mission for Him, reminding them that human opponents can only kill the body whereas both body and soul are subject to God’s power, and therefore also to His judgement which includes eternal punishment in hell. When we face persecution for being on mission for God, even in the face of death, that opponents can only kill the body whereas both body and soul are subject to God’s power, and therefore also to His judgement which includes eternal punishment in hell.
Peter’s concern focused on what he and the other disciples were going to get for their sacrifice and service and Jesus, through the use of a parable, shows Peter he and the others should serve without concern for what they will get because Christ takes great pleasure in graciously giving more than they could imagine or deserve. Matthew 19:27–20:16