Set Free to Serve: Recent Episodes
Liberty Baptist Church:
The world is full of people who need to be saved, but will we seek them and share the gospel? Dr. Joe exhorts the church to follow the will of God by sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The effect of Soldiers on the lives of others is powerful. Pastor Joe explains the powerful effect of Soldiers who hold and live their values in the toughest of times.
Pastor Joe provides insights from Romans 12 to help us understand how to help people in the ups and downs of life.
On the 43rd anniversary of the church, Pastor Joe shares biblical reasons why the church import and valuable to God and to us.
Pastor Joe explains the effect of grief on people's thinking and actions as they attempt to fulfil their normal responsibilities.
The Christian church is composed of many different kinds of people with different gifts and different ministries, but one aspect that must be the same among all God’s people is mutual affection and deep, sincere appreciation. Listen as Pastor Joe explains how to express love for those in the church.
A healthy church is characterized by mutual ministry to one another. Pastor Joe explains how prayer is the best way to minister to others and provides insights for praying for one another.
1 Corinthians 15:57 celebrates the gospel and proclaims the proper response to the Easter message: Thank God for Jesus! Listen in as Pastor Joe how Easter gives us reasons to rejoice!
Christianity is a life of spiritual union with Christ. This personal union with Christ has a distinct effect on Christians.
Pastor Joe explains the three effects of Christ on everyone who is in personal union with Him according to Galatians 2:20.
Jesus tells us and shows us that if we are to be his followers then we must be people of the towel just as much as we are people of the table. Join Pastor Joe as he leads the church to prepare for the Lord's Supper during Holy Week.
Matthew 21 explains the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, presenting Israel with a distinct signal that the King has come.
Pastor Joe asks and answers the question, "How should you respond to Jesus as King?" Listen in to learn two important responses to the Kingship of Jesus Christ.
The Christian church is composed of many different kinds of people with different gifts and different ministries.
Pastor Joe explains three key principles for to aid Christians in their use of any of the 7 spiritual gifts listed in Romans 12.
Psalm 13 is a psalm of lament. The writer was troubled, frustrated, bitter, and defeated, but he talked to God about how he felt. Pastor Joe explains biblical insights that help us call out to God even when he feels far away.
Philip preached with power to the Samaritans after persecution came upon the early church. Why was his preaching so well received? Pastor Joe explains the answers as he explores Acts 8:1-8.
Romans 12:1‐2 teaches that to experience the transformed life you must live and think like a Christian. Pastor shows how the passage focuses on how we think about ourselves and others.
Pastor Joe explains that God’s words may seem weak, but they are living and powerful, and God is faithful to keep us safe through the power of his Word.
If you’re going to live like a Christian, then you must transform your thoughts. Listen as Pastor Joe explains how to have a life of consecrated devotion by the transformation of your mind.
Death reveals who we really are. Acts 7:54-60 shows us the final day in the life of a man named Stephen, who lived, spoke, and died as Jesus did. Listen to Pastor Joe explain the text and exhort the listeners to follow Stephen's example.
As a Christian, what should you do when you feel alone in a society soaked in lies? David’s response in Psalm 12 is our example.
Listen to Pastor Joe explain how prayer for help from God prepares us for a difficult world.
The goal of saving faith in the Lord Jesus Christ is a transformed life. Listen as Pastor Joe explains how the Christian life is a life of gratitude and devotion to God.
In Acts chapters 6 and 7, we are told about Stephen, a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit. As he shared the truth about the identity and work of Jesus Christ, he encountered significant conflict. He dared to address the "sacred cows" of the Jewish religion while directing people to Jesus.
Listen as Pastor Joe explains Stephen's sermon and stand for Christ, and you will learn how his message applies to us today.
Christians need to be ready to stand up, stand up for Jesus.
From Acts 6, we see that Stephen demonstrates the meaning of standing up for the truth of Jesus Christ, even in the face of ardent opposition. Pastor Joe explains how Stephen's life shows us that “standing up” is not a matter of fortitude; it’s a matter of filling.
Romans 11:33–36 identifies the proper response of our hearts to God’s sovereign working.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains that any person who truly appropriates something of Paul’s response in these verses will experience a marked increase in joy.
Christians can be tempted to give in to fear, even when they would assert that they are not.
Psalm 11 is David’s answer to the panic that gripped some when the foundations of their society seemed to be crumbling. Pastor Joe explains how to be aware of and overcome the counsel of despair.
From Romans 11, Pastor Joe explains the prophetic future of Israel and its implications for Christians now and people in the future.
Sometimes small issues can cause big problems in the church. Pastor Joe addresses how to handle frustrating complains and legitimate problems in the church.
What does God think of spiritual deception? The destruction caused by spiritual pretense is clearly more far-reaching than we can imagine. Pastor Joe explains Acts 5 and provides practical steps to help Christians overcome and avoid spiritual deception.
There are times in life when we are caught off guard by adversity. Pastor Joe shares principles and perspectives from Ecclesiastes 7 to help us keep the purpose of adversity in our view.
From Romans 11, Pastor Joe explains that individual believers and the corporate Body of Christ are meant to lead lives that radiate the gospel so that unbelieving Jews will be provoked to spiritual jealousy.
What should be our attitude toward Israel in light of what God has to say about the Jews in Romans 11?
In this chapter, Paul concerns himself with the question of whether God has given up on Israel. Listen to Pastor Joe explain the first reason of three regarding God's plan for Israel from Romans 11.
Christians must conduct themselves with spiritual and strategic wisdom in order to validate their claims that God is real and that Jesus is authentic.
In part 3 of his sermons on Evangelism as a Way of Life, Pastor Joe explains how to think devotionally and speak personally with people who are in need of Christ.
Psalm 10 gives detailed insight into the arrogant and aggressive character of the wicked. Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how to identify and respond to wickedness.
Paul's letter to the Colossians explains how Christians must demonstrate the Gospel so they can be in position to declare the Gospel. Pastor Joe explains how our deeds and words have an effect on those who need to hear the Gospel.
The world may malign the Christian faith, but Christians understand the vital hope of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Pastor Joe explains how Christians can arm themselves with the mindset of Christ as they pursue a sanctified life.
God reveals his majesty in amazing ways as well as some surprising ways. Join Pastor Joe as he explains Psalm 8 and its description of God's majesty plus the way God uses our weaknesses to reveal his majesty as well.
God has given his unblocked number to those who trust Christ. Pastor Joe explains three reasons why we should pray.
Jesus' birth was the best thing that could happen to you—or the worst. How can you tell?
Listen to Pastor Joe provide insights into the news you could receive in Jesus Christ.
The claim that Christ entered the world by a virgin elicits a variety of responses. Nevertheless, the reality of the virgin birth is central to the gospel and salvation.
Listen to Pastor Joe as he explains the importance of the virgin birth of Jesus Christ.
The remedy for Israel’s rejection is in hearing the Word of the Gospel and believing on Jesus Christ.
Lisen in as Pastor Joe explains how the national rejection of the Gospel by Israel had specific results, which Paul stated in the conclusion of this chapter.
What is needed in the world today—and I would venture to say even in some churches today—is a return to the only unchanging source and standard of love: God himself.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains Jesus' teachings in the Gospel of Luke on 4 types of love and how Christians can practice love that is selfless, supernatural, and sacrificial.
Paul made it clear in Romans 10:9–10 that salvation is by faith
—we believe in the heart, receive God’s righteousness, and then confess Christ openly and without shame.
Having explained the reasons for Israel’s rejection of God’s righteousness, Paul moves into the next aspect of the subject.
This passage presents the remedy for their rejection of the gospel while presenting the consequences of persisting in rejection of Jesus Christ.
Psalm 7 is about this sort of injustice.
David was in deadly danger because a man named Cush had falsely accused him. The theme is God’s vindication of His servant and judgment on his enemies (vv. 6, 8, 11).
The psalm described four different judgments.
In preparation for partaking of the Lord's Supper, we had a special time of prayer, scripture reading, special music, and an encouraging sermon. Listen in to our service to guide your heart towards thankfulness to God for his Son, Jesus Christ.
We must worship God exclusively, correctly, reverently, and regularly. If you are not careful, life has a way of crowding God out.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how Christians can make time for God even in the busyness of life.
Why do people reject the gospel? Romans 10 gives us insight into this question as the theme of this chapter is Israel’s rejection of the Gospel.
Pastor Joe explains several reasons why Israel rejected their Messiah and why people today do the same.
The early church experience God's great grace and power in response to their faithful prayer. Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how the church's model directs us how to prayerfully obtain both power and opportunity to proclaim the gospel.
A rock will either be a hazard or a help.
For some, Jesus will be the reason for their rescue.
For others, Jesus will be the reason for their destruction.
Our text presents this reality, yet it also presents that God gracious extends the offer of salvation to people.
Psalm 6 is the first of seven “penitential psalms," a psalm of reflection that helps us draw closer to God.
David records the stages in his difficult experience of moving by faith from trial to triumph. Pastor Joe explains the first part of his journey: the pain of discipline.
Psalm 4 provides a great guide to help us act on the godly correction we’ve received, and helps us understand the next fruitful steps in our walk with God toward spiritual growth.
Listen in as Pastor Joe describes three important actions which indicate that repentance has taken place.
Mental health matters! Anybody can struggle with their mental health whether the individual is young or old, a believer or an unbeliever.
Join us as we listen to Pastor Joe Martin, a board-certified pastoral counselor with the AACC, address how to renew our mind and increase our mental health on "Mental Health Awareness Sunday."
Acts 3 shares an exciting story of a miracle followed by a message. The crowd crowed for an answer, and the message demanded a response.
Pastor Joe continues his teaching in this chapter to help us understand that the Gospel will produce a response, taking people in one direction or another. Listen in to see how the Gospel demands a response from everyone who hears it.
It is unthinkable that God would will an unjust purpose or perform an unjust act; however, at times it seems that He does just that.
Is God a just and righteous God? Pastor Joe explains how Romans 9 answers that question then makes insightful applications for Christians today.
Economic problems are not a new phenomenon, and such is the background of Psalm 4.
Drawing on stories from Scripture and his own life, Pastor Joe explains the importance of prayer and our recollections of God's faithfulness. Listen in to learn biblical applications and practices for your life as well.
Psalm 3 is King David's reflection on a tragic time in his life. Pastor Joe concludes his explanation of Psalm 3 by looking at how David’s confidence in God brought him calm and pointed him (and us) forward to the coming King and Savior Jesus Christ.
According to Ephesians 5, Spirit-filled believers will undertake Spirit-filled actions in order to have the most positive, uplifting, and godly effect on the body of Christ.
Pastor Joe makes a biblical case for delighting in the church and loving the people in it. Listen in to see how to demonstrate your love for the Lord and His church.
The culture at church should be such that it is normal for members to initiate welcoming conversations with anyone who visits.
Listen in as Pastor Joe shares scriptural insights to teach the church that how to connect with and demonstrate love to anyone who comes into our church.
The Book of Acts teaches us that when the name of Jesus Christ is uplifted, the Spirit-filled church draws the world to itself and to its Savior.
Not only is that true, but Jesus has the power to change lives!
Pastor Joe explains how Spirit-filled believers will share the divine power of Jesus' name so others can know about His power.
Throughout Acts 3 and 4, the Bible records that the great concern of the first Christians was that the name of Jesus Christ be glorified.
Believers today should have that same concern.
Pastor Joe explains that when the name of Jesus Christ is uplifted, the Spirit-filled church draws the world to itself and to its Savior.
In Acts 2, the Bible records how the reign of the Spirit in the lives of the people led to some practices that brought growth to all.
Join Pastor Joe as he explains how the passage provides us with the four commitments of a Spirit-filled church. Listen to learn how to devote yourself to the Lord in a way that will bring spiritual growth and maturity.
Our spiritual lives can flourish powerfully! The work God gives us to do in the place he plants us will prosper as we faithfully turn from sin, delight in God’s Word, and meditate on the Word.
However, there is a stark contrast as the Psalmist compares the flourishing of the godly to the wasteland of the wicked.
Pastor Joe explains and illustrates practical ways to see the difference and to go on the right path.
In Romans 8, the Apostle Paul explains four gifts given by the Holy Spirit.
In doing so, he he addressed the dynamic role of the Holy Spirit in our liberation giving us a new mind-set (of life and peace) and a new sense of life (to experience Christ-likeness).
Pastor Joe explores the text and its applications for two of the four gifts provided by the Spirit to every believer.
If you expect something exciting to happen at church then you need to know what to expect when you’re expecting the Holy Spirit to fill us like He filled the early church.
As Pastor Joe continues in his sermon series on the Book of Acts, he explains that the attitude that makes way for the fullness of the Holy Spirit is the same attitude seen in Christ’s followers just before the Holy Spirit was given on the Day of Pentecost.
Listen in to discover what to expect when you're expecting God to do a great work!
Every Christian struggles to please God and abstain from fulfilling his or her lusts.
We want to do good, but we end up doing the very thing we did not want to do.
Pastor Joe explains how our understand of the Holy Spirit's work will enable us to live more and more in “the glorious liberty of the children of God” (v. 21) so that the difficulties of sin will become less and less our experience.
God wants to use his people, sent under his authority, to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Join Pastor Joe as he kicks off his new sermon series on the book of Acts. He explains that the study of Acts is particularly important to us because it teaches us how to experience a stimulating, exciting life—how to make our lives count.
The Book of Psalms is a treasury for God's people to enjoy.
As we embark on this voyage to discover the treasures that await us in the Psalms, Pastor Joe prepares us by making three main observations about the Psalms in general.
On Father's Day, many families will give thanks to the dad in their lives.
One of the best ways to show your love for him is to make sure he has the help and support the he needs.
Pastor Joe explores culture's current view of men and manhood while explaining how God gave wives a vital role to be present in a man’s life to help him. Additionally, he challenges men to accept and accommodate the help of their wives as God's provision.
Memorials are symbols that intend to stimulate remembrance, to cause us to reflect on the significance and service of those who distinguished themselves among their generation.
Memorials inspire and educate us. However, the greatest memorial was erected in the 1st Century. The memorial of the cross of Jesus Christ can do more than educate and illuminate; it can mediate salvation between God and man.
Listen as Pastor Joe exhorts the congregation to not only celebrate their freedom, but to utilize their liberty to testify about the memorial of Jesus Christ.
In a special service to recognize this year's graduates, Pastor Joe challenges the Class of 2023 to consider their highest interests and priorities as they embark on their unique futures.
By refusing to "choose the chili," the graduates can resist sinful appetites and temporary amusements and choose to enjoy "the bread of life" and have a fruitful and faithful walk with the Lord.
A major area where wisdom helps us is friendship. So much is at stake in our friendships, and so much of friendship is a matter of feel. God has wisdom for us today about the nuances of real friendship.
Listen in to Pastor Joe as he explains the practicalities of making and being a godly friend.
Why Church? Have you ever wondered why anyone attends church?
1 Peter 2:4-5 teaches two foundational truths about how the Lord builds the church, without which we cannot achieve spiritual maturity.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains the purpose behind why and how the Lord builds his church.
A parent's life is the pattern followed by their children. In order to ensure that the faith is passed from generation to generation, Pastor Joe shares insights for parents, husbands, wives, and even children. Listen in to see how you can be dedicated to the Lord in your family.
King Lemuel received outstanding insight from his mother that is recorded for us in Proverbs 31.
Join Pastor Joe as he takes a look at the Queen Mom's advice for her son to use his strength to serve others.
The book of Job is the record of just a few months in the life of one of God’s servants.
It is an account of how God taught Job a most important lesson, and its a fundamental lesson that each of us must learn.
If you are confused by a trial, have a hidden fear, want to help a friend, or just want to get closer to God, then this message is for you.
The Gospel shows us that the death of death came with the death of Jesus Christ.
Pastor Joe explains that not only is Jesus’ death defeats the two biggest problems facing humanity: sin and death. Listen in as Pastor proclaims the power of Jesus death during Holy Week.
From the earliest days of Christianity, sharing Jesus was a characteristic of being a disciple.
Pastor Joe explains the importance of introducing just one person to the Lord Jesus and issues three practical challenges to today's Christ-followers.
The mercy of God compels Christians to live in such a way that they demonstrate the greatness of God.
Evangelist Tim Thompson explains how living in absolute surrender is a demonstration of our gratitude for God's mercy.
God is worthy of worship, and we must allow his glory to impact our lives.
Evangelist Tim Thompson helps us understand how to declare with our life that God is worthy!
Do you want to experiences church services where God moves in special ways?
Evangelist Tim Thompson explains the effect of prayer and preaching on people who have a heart and mind to seek God.
How we do stay connected with God?
Evangelist Tim Thompson answers that question on the first night of our evangelistic meetings.
Listen in to this service to hear how to live by faith and have confidence in Christ!
The Lord Jesus indicated that there were many people who were unreached with his message and that workers were needed to bring in those ready to receive the gospel.
But there's a problem: there’s not enough people, not enough prayer, and not enough preaching.
Pastor Joe explains how a Gospel-ripened and prayer-saturated heart will lead disciples to share the gospel with others.
Contributing to something great doesn’t start with the masses.
It starts with one person.
Pastor Joe challenges the church to have a burden for the one in their lives who needs to come to faith in Jesus Christ. He explains the story of 5 Guys who carry a paralyzed man to Jesus, and he shows us the principles that must undergird our efforts to help others receive the gospel.
In this message, Pastor Joe explains that feelings are much like waves. We can’t stop them from coming, but we can choose which one to surf.
Join him for this study in the Bible as he explains how God gives us wisdom to help us understand our emotions and make wise actions based on that understanding.
Are you a follower of Jesus?
In Matthew chapter 4, Jesus called his first followers, and from their calling we get a glimpse of what a disciple was and how disciples saw themselves.
Pastor Joe explains that all disciples are Christians, but not all Christians are disciples. Listen to learn how you can affirm that you are a disciple of Jesus Christ.
If we’re going to be skillfully wise in life, we have to understand what God’s will is and how it works in our everyday experience.
In the Book of Proverbs, Solomon shares with us the essentials for knowing, doing, and enjoying the will of God.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains the first three biblical approaches to enjoying God's guidance.
The Lord God desires to use your life to reach the world for his glory.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how Psalm 67 reveals three ways in which God wants to use you to reach the world.
Jeremy Rowland, the Director of Baptist Church Planting Ministry, explains the biblical and historical patterns of starting new churches in fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Jeremy Rowland, the Director of Baptist Church Planting Ministry, explains the biblical hope that is found in starting new churches in fulfillment of the Great Commission.
Jesus Christ, who was the only person alive who understood what hell was like, decided to give us one parable about hell.
Pastor Joe explains the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus as a story of contrast. He explains that their lives both experience a reversal that cannot be reversed on the other side of this life.
As Christians and as a church, we must work together on the same team – the Gospel Team.
Pastor Joe explains the New Testament strategy and application to Liberty Baptist as he exhorts everyone to get involved in the Great Commission. Listen to learn how our conduct, unity, and teamwork will make it possible for us to fulfill our mission.
Proverbs has introduced us to many people: the wise, the wicked, the simple, and the scorner.
We now turn our attention to another frequently mentioned person in Proverbs: the fool.
Listen as Pastor Joe explains key characteristics of the fool so we can both avoid their folly and become wise.
Jesus Christ serves as the starting point for our prospects for a new year and a new life.
Join Pastor Joe as he explains the five elements of a life lived with Jesus as the predominate figure of our lives.
Why didn’t the angels go to the temple to tell the religious leaders?
Why didn’t they go to the palace to inform Herod the Great or even to Rome to inform Caesar himself?
Worship with us as Pastor Joe explores the reasons why the Shepherds were among the first to hear the news of Jesus' birth.
Isaiah found himself in a time of faithlessness and hopelessness. As he surveyed the darkness, he proclaimed that the Light would overcome the darkness.
The fulfillment of that promise is in the person of Jesus Christ. Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how Jesus is the Light of the world during this year's Christmas Candlelight Service.
Despite the festive red cups at the coffee shops, the pretty twinkling lights everywhere, and the bright and cheerful holiday music, this time of year is excruciatingly painful for so many.
Wherever we look in the New Testament, the story of Christmas is linked to danger and to the ancient conflict between good and evil.
Join Pastor Joe as he shows how Revelation 12:1-6 tells us about Christmas, and how it also tells us God’s plan for daily living in the midst of turmoil.
It's time to get better acquainted with “the terrible trio”—the simple, the scorners, and the fools.
Join Pastor Joe as he continues to examine the People of Proverbs as he explains the Simple and the Scorner in this message.
In the hustle and bustle of our days as we hurdle toward Christmas, it is important that we recognize the importance of time and even the strategic nature of God's time.
God's timing is perfect, and Pastor Joe takes some time to help us all understand that we can trust God to provide at just the right time just as he provided Jesus at the right time in history.
The Book of Proverbs is basically about different kinds of people, what they believe and do, and how they interact with one another.
In his last sermon of Proverbs, Pastor explored the characteristics of the Wise. Now, he helps us get acquainted with another person in Proverbs: the wicked.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains not only the characteristics of the wicked, but the best thing you can do when you encounter them.
God interrupts the lives of people so he can break into the world himself.
Christmas is all about interruptions, but these interruptions present us with choices to consider and decision to be made.
Join Pastor Joe as he explores the characters of Christmas to teach valuable lessons to prepare for life's interruptions.
We can often plainly see how God has blessed our lives, but how do we "bless God" as the Psalms advise?
Join Pastor Joe for this special Thanksgiving message to learn how we bless God by giving him thanks.
The righteousness of God received by faith makes it possible for us to live right lives.
Therefore, the objective of the Gospel is to enable the just to live by faith.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how the gospel and the righteousness of God enable us to please him as we live by faith.
As a church, we want to put ourselves in submission to love, honor, and obey our Lord Jesus Christ. One of the ways we do that is to honor and obey wisdom.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains that to have a God-centered life that is complete, blessed, and joyful you must have wisdom.
The Gospel is the most powerful force on the planet, and in reality, it has not lost any potency or any capacity to change men and women for the glory of God.
Paul was not ashamed of the Gospel. He had confidence in his message, and so can we.
Listen as Pastor Joe explains several reasons why we don’t need to be ashamed of that message, and how we can have confidence in the Gospel.
In Matthew 23:29-39, Jesus further exposes the hypocrisy of the Pharisees and, in so doing, provides insight into another distinctive mark of true Bible teachers. Biblical preachers proclaim a message that might result in persecution and will result in lament over sin.
Christians need something more than rules and regulations to motivate us.
We need a spiritual life based on internalized principles, not merely external conformity.
Listen as Pastor Joe explains two key features of true Bible teachers: they do not “major on the minors” because they are “pure in heart.”
The church at Rome was no exception to expectations, and Paul commended them for epitomizing the godly character that should be found in a church.
We want our church to be commendable. Pastor Joe explains how to follow the model of the Roman church then we can and will be characterized as a commendable church.
Everyone will seek what they love. Christ, who is the wisdom of God, promises wisdom to anyone who will seek it. Like dropping a bucket into the ocean, you will never come up empty-handed, but you must grab the bucket and go to the water.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how to love and listen to Wisdom.
Jesus lamented those who were greedy of gain when they could have been satisfied by hungering for holiness.
Pastor Joe explains how true Bible-teachers hunger for real holiness by giving their heart to God.
In the opening verses of the letter, Paul introduces himself, his theology, and how Christians should see themselves.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how Paul's introductory remarks for the Book of Romans provides an opportunity to examine ourselves and discover our purpose in life.
A heart of lust can cause people to come crashing down in shame, but the real love we long for - the love of God - can overcome the discord of destructive lust.
Join Pastor Joe as he explains how love that makes us marvel becomes the love that makes us mindful to obey God.
In this passage, Isaiah uses the promise of the coming kingdom to strengthen those in his day who were weak and afraid. Who hasn't experienced those same feelings? When we need God, He is there to provide grace in our time of need. Pastor Joe explains how to find and apply the promises of God to encourage us through times of hardship.
Because of the significant dangers that come with following the wrong teachers, Jesus laments their blindness and warns us to avoid their calamity.
In Part 1 of his 4-part mini-series, Pastor Joe contrasts the "woes" of Matthew 23 with the Beatitudes of Chapter 5 in order to help us recognize the distinctive marks of true righteousness.
In music we can hear when songs are well written and harmonious. Similarly, we can observe when relationships are unified and when they are troubled.
Proverbs 6 identifies areas of life that are disrupted by those who "sow discord" and make "bad music" in our lives.
We’ll see how the sower finds his soil, casts his seed, and reaps a mischievous harvest. Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how to endeavor to keep unity in our relationships.
In the four chapters that conclude the first section of his prophecy, Isaiah invites us to look at four future events to see what God has planned for His people and His world.
In part 1 of this message, we discovered that we can trust that in the Future Our King will Reign (Isa. 32:1–20) and that we will experience deliverance (Isa. 33:1–24)
Now, we turn to Isaiah’s appeal to his people to help them see that divine judgment is pending.
People enjoy positive attention, and, like all people, we often hope that people notice any good thing that we do.
In Matthew 23:5-12, we see Jesus coming to his disciples and the multitudes to inform them of the pandemic of pride and its serious symptoms. And, after he provides a diagnosis, he provides a prescription to cure it so we can live authentically in this pretentious world.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains Jesus' words of how to be the greatest in this life.
If we are wise hearers of His Word, then we will listen to God because we will want to know as much about ourselves as God will tell us.
We want his extreme grace for our extreme makeover, one step at a time.
Proverbs 6:1–11 shows two steps God wants us to take to improve functional areas of our life.
Listen as Pastor Joe explains how God our Father is calling us to take new steps of faith and repentance into discernment and diligence for the sake of Christ.
What does the future hold? Whatever the future holds, it is held together by our King, the Lord Jesus Christ.
In the four chapters that conclude the first section of his prophecy, Isaiah invites us to look at four future events to see what God has planned for His people and His world. Join Pastor Joe as he explains chapters 32 and 33 of Isaiah's book.
The last thing that Christianity should ever become is religion for show.
The problem presented within the text today is just that – the “dog and pony show” of the religious establishment of 1st Century Israel.
In this message, Pastor Joe explains the first of two warnings by Jesus to help us avoid superficial and misdirected religion.
The Bible is not shy about sex, and its message is clear: sexual folly destroys, sexual wisdom satisfies, and Christ is better than the best sex.
Pastor Joe explains Proverbs 5 and God's wisdom about sex. His message explains how to avoid sexual folly, how to gain sexual wisdom, and how Christ is better than the best sex. Listen in to learn more!
These psalms are for everyone who finds themselves in any type of despair or trouble. Hope and healing come to the writer as we see him passing through three stages before he comes to victory and peace.
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how to progress through these stages to find hope and healing for yourself.
When a problem is overwhelming, or when our support system doesn’t work, we are thrown off balance. This is called a crisis.
With God’s Word and Christ’s example, we can be more prepared to better handle their own crises and equipped to help other people in crisis.
In this message, Pastor Joe shares how to develop a biblical approach to helping other through crises by following the example of Jesus Christ in His relationships with others.
In Proverbs 3, God continues to further incentivize our wholehearted trust in God and practice of wisdom.
Wholehearted trust believes, utilizes, and relies upon God’s wisdom, and wisdom brings great blessings. Join Pastor Joe as he explains the blessings that wisdom brings.
After being asked a barrage of questions by the Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, and Scribes, Jesus had some questions of his own.
His audience was so baffled by the question that they couldn't answer.
Join Pastor Joe as he explains what a right response to Jesus would be like in answer to the questions Jesus asked in Matthew 22:41-46.
For the fifth time, Isaiah’ pronounced a woe against them because they would succumb again to the temptation to trust in Egypt rather than in God.
Isaiah’s message teaches us that God has a message for his people: he rebukes the fickle and protects his faithful followers.
We need wisdom for those seasons in life when we are on top and for those seasons in life when nothing is going right.
God is with us in both, with a wisdom that makes a positive difference.
Earlier in Proverbs 3, God called us to trust him wholeheartedly (v. 5).
Now, in Proverbs 3:9–12, he leads us to trust him wholeheartedly when we are pushed out to these two opposite edges of our lives—plenty and pain.
Jesus explains the greatest action we can take with our lives: to love. We are to love God with our whole being and to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Listen in as Pastor Joe examines the conversation that led to Jesus’ wise guidance.
Bro. Wisdom Nayak shares his experiences in his homeland of India and explains how we can help with various projects for orphans, widows, and churches. He also challenged us with a biblical message on serving the Lord with all that we have.
Our Father is saying in Proverbs 2, “If you will seek newness of life in Christ (vv. 1–4), you will go deep with him (vv. 5–8), and you will change within yourself (vv. 9–11).
If those things are true about you THEN you’ll be protected from the dangers of this world (vv. 12–22).”
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains that spiritual growth protects us in this world from devious men and deadly women. It also ensures that we are safe forever in God’s place of blessing.
Jesus' conversation with the Sadducees left a distinct impression on both the religious elites and the crowd. They were astonished!
Listen in as Pastor Joe explains that the confrontation with the Sadducees warns us about 3 mentalities to avoid if we want to revere Jesus with awe and wonder.
Proverbs 2 is one of the most helpful passages in the Bible because it explains what growth, sanctification, and renewal feels like. Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how we can be renewed in God by getting real with God, seeing God get real with us, and then experiencing change.
God has stockpiled resources for us that outperform all human techniques and coping strategies and spiritual regimens.
Isaiah 30 presents to us another lesson from our God, who is patiently instructing us in another way to think and live.
Join Pastor Joe as he asks and answers four questions we need to think about in order to access authentic spirituality.
The world is bombarded by a culture that uncontroversially considers life to be cheap, insignificant, exploitable, trivial and expendable. Christians must find their voice and take action to help the most vulnerable in our society.
Listen as Pastor Joe Martin explains three principles that underlie the 6th Commandment. From those principles, he will encourage us to take two actions to promote the sanctity of life and to help us all experience God in a culture of death.
In speaking with the religious leaders, Jesus explained what God wants from people and directs them to a proper response as his image bearers.
Pastor Joe explains Matthew 22:15-22 by asking and answering two important questions: “What does God want?” and “What must I do?” Listen in to discover the answers!
Despite our lack of full understanding of God, we should avow that God is trustworthy. Because he is trustworthy, we need not fear his plan.
Pastor Joe explains how God's freedom, holiness, and limitlessness combine to provide comfort for the meek.
The conclusion of Proverbs 1 is giving us some warning labels, and if we heed their warnings, we can turn our lives away from foolishness and toward wisdom. Pastor Joe explains how to listen to Jesus and turn back to his wisdom.
God’s love makes him easy to worship although he is hard to understand. Isaiah 29 explains that we won’t always understand God, but we can always trust him.
Join Pastor Joe as he explains how God awakens us from our sleepy worship as we seek to obtain the power of God to glorify him in worship.
Have you ever been invited to a wedding? It's important to RSVP to let the happy couple know that you're planning to attend.
In Matthew 22, Jesus finalizes a trio of parables by telling a story about a wedding and the reception. In doing so, he both invites and warns: he invites people into the kingdom and warns them not to refuse the invitation.
Join Pastor Joe as he explains how to personally accept God's invitation to salvation.
Our loving father gives us two advisements to deter us from the gang of sinners: to receive the offer of wisdom and to heed the warning of wisdom. Join Pastor as he explains how we need the reality-based counseling of the Bible as we live in a world where wisdom and folly compete for our attention.
If we go home from church with just an “okay” experience, perhaps it is time to be concerned about how we are entering the worship experience.
Isaiah begins this chapter where we must begin: by examining our worship.
Join Pastor Joe as he explains that Isaiah 29 shows us God’s intention to have victory over our empty worship.
In "Round 2" with the elders of Israel, Jesus gave 3 insights into God’s patience, judgment, and authority that invites his audience to understand the real character of God and His Son. Join Pastor Joe as he explains that God is patient and just, but we would be wise to not try his patience and, instead, trust his Son.
The beginning of knowledge is the fear of the Lord, which makes the fear of the Lord both a doorway and a pathway. Pastor Joe explains how to be prepared for life by focusing on Jesus in order to obtain deep character and straight thinking.
People are at odds with Jesus Christ, and they will spar with him over who has rightful authority.
In our text, you’ll see that Jesus is NOT knocking people out; people knock themselves out.
Jesus provides three counters to the theological "punches" of the rulers of temple to help people get out of the ring and get into the kingdom of God.
Wisdom is the practice of grasping the meaning of a situation and understanding what to do and how to do it in the right way at the right time. Simply put, Proverbs is wisdom that works.
Join Pastor as he introduces his new sermon series through the Book of Proverbs called "Wisdom that Works." Listen in as he explains that God coaches us in the wisdom we need throughout the long and complicated path of our everyday lives.
Jesus had a legitimate expectation for his followers to be fruitful, authentic, and capable of demonstrating their faith. Join Pastor Martin as he explains how the withering of the fig tree in Matthew 21 confronts us with 3 expectations to determine if God is satisfied with our fruitfulness.
What is God doing in your life at this time? Join Pastor Joe as he encourages us to trust God's ways of enriching our lives despite hardships.
When a church loses its sense of its God given purpose it is setting itself up for a holy house cleaning. Join Pastor Joe as he explains that the cleansing of the temple confronts us with four Christ-centered standards to determine if God is pleased with this house.
As we "climb higher" to the prayerful peak, you will see that the summit is frequent communion with God. Join Pastor Joe as he concludes his practical series on prayer. We "reach the summit" by learning to pray without ceasing by lifting up small and frequent requests throughout the day. Climb with us!
If God saves sinners and supports his children in every circumstance, what is our part? It could be reduced to two simple words: Trust God.
Join Pastor Joe as he explains Isaiah's illustration of "the crown" that effects our lives. In this message, he teaches practical ways to persistently and enthusiastically pursue Christ and Christ-likeness each day.
Across the history of our nation, we have summoned thousands to serve on battlefields from which they did not return. For some, the wars may be over, but for others there is a fight that rages on beyond the crucible of the physical battlefield. There is a war rages on within the mind. Though mental illness is treatable, less than two-thirds of those suffering will seek treatment.
Dr. Joe Martin, pastor of Liberty Baptist Church and AACC Board Certified Pastoral Counselor, explains God's desire to help us regain mental health as he shares the biblical basis for counseling and therapy.
If you are having an emergency or someone you know is dealing with thoughts of suicide, the Suicide Crisis Hotline and Veterans Crisis Hotline are there 24 hours a day. You are not alone! Call 800-273-8255 and press 1. The deaf or hard of hearing can call 800-799-4889. You can also text 838255 or go to VeteransCrisisLine.net.
The Lord's model prayer has two primary aspects of content: the tangible and intangible; the physical and spiritual. Join us as Pastor Joe challenges us to examine our prayers for spiritual blessings.
Many disciples want to be great followers, but not many consider greatness to be linked to serving and sacrifice. Listen to Pastor's recent sermon to learn how to focus on Jesus to overcome the pride and prejudice we have that prevents us from serving like Jesus.
God desires to display his glory to wholehearted worshipers. Pastor Joe passionately exhorts all Christians to make personal worship their most urgent business every day, and he explains practical steps to take to fix our thoughts on God.
Mankind consists basically of two groups of people, which we can examine metaphorically as two cities: the city of man and the city of God. Pastor Joe explains Isaiah's vision and encourages us to be wholehearted worshippers of God.
Mothers put in endless hours, function dynamically, never seem to run down, and do it all – sadly – without all the praise they deserve. Join Pastor Joe as he shares insights of the praiseworthy life of a woman of great faith.
Walking in truth means living in the divine certainties that are found in Jesus Christ. Take time to listen as Pastor Joe explains the five Christian certainties on which we can build our lives with confidence.
The riches of this world are tempting, and their allure has a powerful effect on human hearts! Pastor Joe explains how today's passage provides us with two cautionary tales, warning us that those who bargain with God will omit the real riches and overlook the real blessing offered by Christ.
God is able to create beauty out of the wreckage we create. Pastor Joe explains Isaiah's plea for us to see God, our cultural surroundings, and ourselves with realism as he gives us hope in the redeeming grace of God.
Newborns have characteristics of their family that, in time, become even more pronounced and recognizable. The Christian life is like that. Join Pastor Joe as he explains the three "birthmarks" that identify people who are in the family of God.
There are many opinions about what makes a church great, but what characteristics allow the church to be considered "faithful"? Join Pastor Joe as he explains how the Thessalonians embraced key characteristics that made them an example of a faithful church.
Jesus Christ is risen from the dead, and the effects of his life and death are undeniable. Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ opens the door to eternal life.
The resurrection of Christ in the past and the resurrection of human beings in the future have deep practical significance for the present. Listen in as Pastor Joe explains how the reality of the resurrection changes the way we experience life here and now.
Jesus combined word and symbol to maximize the communication of the most important truth for man in the universe. The remembrance of the Lord's Supper is meant to convey to everyone an increasing understanding of the mystery of Christ and the atonement that he provided. Join Pastor Joe as he instructs the church to prepare for partaking in the Lord's Supper.
Do you ever struggle with someone’s low opinion of you? Join Tom Enman, a retired pastor, as he teaches us how to cling to God’s compassionate words for us that assure us that his opinion of us is one of love.
Have you ever seen a royal coronation? When royalty is crowned, the pomp is extravagant, to put it mildly. Yet, there would be no lavish coronation for the King of kings. Join Pastor Joe as he explains how Jesus' triumphal entry on that first Palm Sunday teaches us to escape the pride which haunts our human pursuits.
Upon his return from a missions trip to Big Bear, California, Pastor Joe shares biblical insights and lessons learned to challenge the church to understand our responsibilities to go and make disciples.
Developing and demonstrating the character of Jesus Christ is possible only through the power of the Holy Spirit. Listen as guest speaker Tom Enman, a retired pastor from Vermont, explains how to count the glory of God more valuable than freedom from suffering in part 2 of his series on Romans 8.
The challenges to our faith and beliefs is an ongoing problem confronting believers today. Listen in as Chaplain Matt Spurlock presents the hope we have in Christ to help us rejoice through trials.
In our passage today, we have another story of a man whose big head has gotten him stuck; his head is just too big to fit through the impossibly small door of the kingdom of heaven. Worship with us as Dr. Martin explains that salvation is impossible for man, but not for God!
Right after Jesus upholds his high view of marriage, Jesus shifts the conversation from marriage to singleness. In doing so, He explained that neither marriage nor singleness is the ultimate purpose of life; our first focus is always to be on the gospel. Join Dr. Martin as he explains that whatever a person’s calling is, we must commit ourselves to seeking first the kingdom of God in single-minded devotion.
God has promised to step in decisively and to punish all wrong with absolute finality. God is calling us to an overpowering faith in him, because he rules over the nations. Listen in as Dr. Martin explains two compelling realities with one consequent command found in Isaiah chapters 13-20.
The compass is responsive to the nature of the earth. So, a Christian is responsive to the nature of God, which is love. Join Dr. Martin as he explores 1 John 4:7-11 to find God's direction regarding biblical love.
Each of us will have a story to tell, and together we will fill the world with the praises of God. Listen in as Dr. Martin explains how believers can have a confident testimony and join a universal mission that all springs from the rich enjoyment of God's grace.
Marriage is like a mirror – it reflects what we put into it. Jesus emphasized that spouses should reflect unity in every aspect of their marriage. Listen as Dr. Martin explains Jesus' answers to questions about marriage and divorce.
Can you notice the difference between truth and error? One would think spotting the difference would be simple. However, because the Bible warns about the presence of false teachers we must test the teachings of each person claiming to represent God. Listen in as Dr. Martin helps us understand the three-fold criteria to recognize biblical instruction.
Everyone is a servant to their desires. We can choose to serve sin or to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Join Reverend Rob Tart, the CEO and President of Durham Rescue Mission, as he explains how to defeat selfish desires in our lives.
This is the first message of the "Restore Hope" Missions Conference 2022.
An idol represents the god you’re worshiping. The most sinister aspect of idols is that idols make promises. Listen in as Rev. Tart compares and contrasts the promises of God with the promises of the world while.
God knows your name, and He has something for you to do. Join Reverend Rob Tart, the CEO and President of Durham Rescue Mission, as he explains the 3 areas of calling on our lives.
This is the first message of the "Restore Hope" Missions Conference 2022.
Christians forgive because they have received God’s forgiveness. Yet, that is always easier said than done. Listen in as Dr. Martin explains how Jesus gives us a divine motivation and model for forgiveness in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant.
Mercy is not just an attribute of God’s character. God takes action and provides mercy-filled ministry to his people. Follow along with Pastor Martin as he explains God’s mercy to His people as seen in four ministries.
Paternity tests have become sensationalized on courtroom dramas and day time television, but paternity is no laughing matter. Our paternity determines our family resemblance. People who are born into God’s family should bear family resemblance! Today we will see that the opposite is true as well: people who are of their father the devil will bear a resemblance to him as well.
Join Dr. Martin as he explains the Apostle John's directions to examine our attitude toward sin and its corresponding birthplace of that attitude.
We are citizens of an unseen and universal kingdom. How much are you living in that reality? Listen as Dr. Martin explains how the triumphant grace of God enables to enjoy the realities of God's kingdom.
Has someone tried to talk to you about a sinful habit? It’s fair to say that no one likes to be on the receiving end of such a confrontation, but there is a purpose. Dr. Martin explains Jesus' instructions for the purpose of and the procedures for Christian confrontation.
Children bear a strong resemblance to their parents, and the same is true of God's children. In this week's Bible study, Dr. Martin explains that Christians should bear a strong family resemblance to the Lord because they are born into God’s family.
Who is the greatest? The debate for greatness takes place in every area of life from sports to food and more! Unfortunately, it also happens among Jesus' followers. The sin of pride rears its ugly head in everyone everywhere. Listen as Dr. Martin explains Jesus' answer to the disciples' question of who is the greatest.
America alone has more than 350 sects and cults, and most of them claim to base their doctrines on the Word of God. Dr. Martin explains the tactics used by cultists to recruit adherents and shares spiritual safeguards to protect yourself from anti-christian teachings.
Obstacles stand in the way to people clearly understanding the gospel, and, sadly, sometimes Christians are the ones who put up those obstacles. Pastor Martin explains that Christians have been set free to love others. Love means removing every unnecessary barrier to people hearing and responding to the good news of Jesus Christ.
Faith is central to all of life. God invites us into a life where He is central, where he rewards faith in him. Listen as Dr. Martin explains that the first business of our lives is to learn what it means to stop trying to save ourselves and venture all on God.
Faith in a lie will always cause serious consequences; faith in the truth is never misplaced. God has warned the church family about the conflict between light and darkness (1 John 1:1–2:6) and between love and hatred (1 John 2:7–17). Now He warns them about a third conflict: the conflict between truth and error. Listen as Dr. Martin explains that we must walk in truth or face the consequences!
God is urging us to take advantage of every opportunity to trust him. If we are not firm in our faith then we will not be firm at all. Listen as Dr. Martin explains the tragedy of King's decision to turn away an opportunity to trust God.
Faith in Jesus has the power to move mountains! But, what does that mean exactly? Follow along with Pastor Joe Martin as he explains the power of faith in Jesus through the story of a desperate father seeking help for his ailing son.
In more than one area of life, love and hate go hand in hand. John’s first epistle has reminded us to exercise love for God and others, which is the right kind of love. Now the passage warns us that there is a wrong kind of love, a love that God hates. This is love for “the world.” Listen to Dr. Martin explain the three reasons why Christians should not love “the world.”
Does your heart feel cold toward God? Is there a remedy to the deadness you feel toward spiritual things?
God wants to awaken you to his powerful grace, and his grace can melt the coldness of our natural resistance. Listen as Dr. Martin explains how radically we need God and what he can do for us.
In this passage, Jesus was transformed, and he wants to transform us with two central and simple lessons: to look to Jesus only, and to listen to him. Join Dr. Martin as he explores and applies Matthew 17:1-8.
God bestows grace upon his children and this world. Yet we can convince ourselves that we are not to blame for the sinful condition of our lives. Join Dr. Martin as he explains that until we overcome the obstacles within ourselves, we will continue to receive the grace of God in vain.
“Walking with God” involves progress, and Christians are supposed to advance in their spiritual life. And, just like learning to walk has difficulties, the fundamental difficulty involved in walking with God is the matter of sin. Listen in as Dr. Martin explains that all of us must deal with our sins if we are to enjoy the life that is real.
Are you curious about the identity of Jesus Christ? The challenge to discover truth can be overwhelming. Listen as Dr. Martin explore the answers to three questions: (1) Who is Jesus? (2) How does someone come to the right answer to that question? (3) Why does having the right answer matter?
God’s grace not only accepts us, it also transforms us. But if all we want out of God is acceptance without transformation, we are receiving his grace in vain and our Christianity is worthless. Join Dr. Martin as he identifies the ways we resist God’s grace so we can turn those obstacles into avenues.
Written centuries ago, the biblical letter known as 1st John deals with a theme that is forever up-to-date: the life that is real. John had discovered that satisfying reality is not to be found in things or thrills, but in a Person—Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Listen to Dr. Martin explain three vital facts about the life that is real.
How do you know if a church is going in the right direction? Evaluating a church isn't so easy, so listen to Dr. Martin as he explores the characteristics of a healthy church.
Isaiah explains how God calculates loss and gain in our experience as he prepares us for the Day of the Lord. Listen as Dr. Martin challenges us to trust that God knows how to enrich us through loss.
Each and every time that the Bible has been rediscovered it has invariably resulted in changed lives and revitalized religion. Listen as Dr. Martin explains how a fresh rediscovery of the Bible can change your life.
Through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, we are given three gifts. Join Dr. Martin as he explores "three Christmas presents" given by Jesus that are better than anything you received under your tree.
Simeon is a relatively obscure character in the Christmas story, but he was a master at waiting. Listen as Dr. Martin explores the life lessons from Simeon's experience of waiting to see the Lord's Christ.
In connecting the beginning and the end of Jesus’s earthly life, Hebrews 2:14-15 take us step by step through a biblical view of Christmas to explain why Jesus came to earth. Listen as Dr. Martin explains the results of our faith in Jesus’s birth, life, death, and resurrection.
Isaiah helps us set our hearts on God. The key is not just what we believe but what we value. Listen as Dr. Martin explains that as we come alive to God’s promised future, we dethrone our idols, and the Lord alone is exalted within us.
Mary certainly made an arduous journey to Bethlehem, but wise eyes will see that she also made an internal journey of trust in God. Dr. Martin explains the emotional and spiritual distance of Mary's journey as he advises us how to move from anxiety to acceptance and adoration of God's plan for our lives.
As disciples, our goal is not merely to get into the word; our goal is to get the word into us. No other discipline will have a more powerful effect on your life than memorizing Scripture. Listen as Dr. Martin explains the benefits of and practical ways to memorizing Scripture.
Isaiah aims to sober us with who we are, give us hope in who God is, and urge upon us an unblinking realism about how we experience redemption.
To recognize the significance of redemption, Dr. Martin explains that we must be aware of the situation within us and around us.
The peace that Jesus Christ gives is a personal, permanent peace. Listen as Dr. Martin explains that Jesus not only saves you and provides you with eternal life, He also gives you a pervasive peace with God that affects your past, present, and future.
3rd John tells us about 3 influential people. Two are serving the Lord “like a dog,” and one is prancing around the church “like a cat.” Follow along as Dr. Martin jovially explains the similarities of those addressed by John with the characteristics of dogs and cats.
The preaching of Isaiah exposed the hypocrisy of Israel's worship. Listen as Dr. Martin explains that God-honoring worship and repentance takes four steps: confrontation, accusation, invitation, and decision.
In John’s day, false teachers sought to infiltrate the church and peddle their false doctrine. John resisted them sternly, and he teaches us today to do the same. Listen as Dr. Martin explains that in order to resist false teachers, the Church must know the truth, walk in it, and abide in it.
We need divine insight into the “indicators and warnings” of impending danger in our spiritual lives. Listen as Dr. Martin explains Jesus' concern of spiritual amnesia and forgetfulness in our walk with the Lord.
Grace is our teacher, and the lessons of grace well learned by the church results in gracious living. Listen as Pastor Martin explains how grace generates and motivates godly living.
Christians are to be people who live by timeless truths and eternal values. Listen in as Dr. Joe Martin explains how we can take three actions to help us find and stay on the good path with God.
In the vision of Isaiah, God has spoken! Why? Because he wants to save us from idols. Listen as Dr. Martin invites you into the divine interruption of Isaiah's vision to see how God saves sinners.
Each person in the church has been given responsibilities to help one another. Together, they must do their part, but their efforts will lack power, focus, and direction if attempted without the grace of God.
Listen as Pastor Martin explains that if you want the church to be set in order then we all must apply three aspects of God’s grace.
The gospel prepares the greatest feast of grace, and it is prepared to be served to anyone who would come to the table. Listen as Dr. Martin explains the great faith of a person least likely to come to Jesus and learn what faith looks like in real life.
Though God does not accept or reject us on the basis of our works, he remains concerned about our actions. Listen as Dr. Martin explains that if our deeds do not conform to the gracious character of our God, then we deny his nature and deny ourselves the opportunity to serve him.
When we take up God’s Word to fight spiritual warfare, we have the best weapon for defensive and offensive battle in spiritual warfare. Listen as Dr. Martin explains how to incorporate the Scriptures into your life.
Our words are the window to our hearts. How clean is your heart? It’s as clean as your tongue. Listen in as Dr. Martin explains Jesus' teachings on connection between our heart and our word to discover practical guidance for expressing yourself in a Christ-like way.
Many Christians truly desire to be more like Christ, but sometimes along the way they can develop attitudes and actions that are more like Pharisees. Dr. Martin explores the ways Christians unintentionally become imbalanced in their application and practice of the Christian lifestyle.
Becoming emotionally intelligent will help you clarify your thoughts and feelings. This knowledge guides you to specifically address thoughts that lead to instability in mental health. Dr. Martin explains the steps necessary to increase your emotional intelligence and experience greater stability in life.
Jesus Christ, the God of hope and peace, desires for people to experience abundant stability throughout life. That desire becomes reality through the helping presence and power of the Holy Spirit.
To examine the life of John the Baptist is to observe a living beatitude. Dr. Martin explores the virtuous life of this great prophet only to discover that his virtuous example can make us a bit uncomfortable. Listen to learn how to overcome those apprehensions in order to embrace important character qualities in your life.
The grace that true faith receives stimulates a desire for godliness in believers. Dr. Martin explains the harmony between grace and godliness to strike the appropriate balance in the Christian life.
The "older brother" in the story of the Prodigal Son exposes the motivation behind the service of many people. Dr. Martin exposes the truth that the only biblical motivation for doing anything is the love of God. Using the older brother's story, Christians can examine their lives to determine if they are merely complying with arbitrary standards or are motivated by Christ's love.
A young man who pursued the "good life" eventually realized that everything he wanted was at his home the whole time. Dr. Martin explains the allure of the world that draws each of us into a rat race that cannot be won. Most importantly, he explains how to exit the race and get back to the race of faith.
Each family is living under the curse of sin. So, what can we do to have a family where grace is in place? Dr. Martin explains how becoming a man of grace negates the curse within your family.
God does not have favorites, but he does have intimates. Dr. Martin explains how vulnerability, transparency, and humility lead to closeness with God.
Reaping and sowing is a reality in every decision we make. Dr. Martin explains the importance of sowing the right thoughts to ensure that you will reap the right behaviors, habits, lifestyle, and even destiny.
Throughout life, we encounter many challenging situations that can build us or break us. Dr. Martin explores the ways we can overcome challenges and grow in faith.
Want to express the reality of the Gospel? Live it! Dr. Martin explains how your testimony can point others to Christ.
The grace of God has the power to change everything, and we must get back to making God's grace a realistic part of our lives!
The examination of the track records of each candidate is a vital, biblical principle to apply to voting. Dr. Martin explains our responsibility to understand the positions of the candidates before casting a vote.
Biblical restoration is always supported by first rightly assessing our own life. Dr. Martin explains how to live truly to be prepared to help others with their faith.
John the Baptist emphasized the need for repentance in anticipation of Messiah. Dr. Martin explains the importance of repentance with regard to both salvation and sanctification.
What lifestyle choices align with Scripture? Dr. Martin explores what choices to make in light of the Bible.
Who is the real king? Dr. Martin explains the gospel's revelation that Jesus Christ is King.