Southwood Baptist Church

Southwood Baptist Church Southwood Baptist Church is a Southern Baptist Church in Beech Grove, IN, located just beyond the cor

05/30/2026

May 30, 2026
How to Love Others
When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can love even the unlovable.
Matthew 22:35-40

Jesus told the disciples, “In everything ... treat people the same way you want them to treat you” (Matt. 7:12). This is commonly called the Golden Rule, and most of us would probably agree that, in theory, it’s a good foundation for a healthy relationship. In practice, though, the principle is tough to live up to consistently.

It’s easy to love when others treat us well. But how do we respond when their behavior is hurtful or unpleasant? The truth is, Jesus meant for us to love others all the time, not just when they’re lovable. Regardless of their attitude toward us, we are to think about the relationship qualities we value—like loyalty, trust, encouragement, forgiveness, acceptance, and protection—and let these flow from us toward the other person.

When we care for others in the way the Lord prescribes, relationships thrive and deepen. Loving as Jesus commanded is impossible on our own, but the good news is, we don’t have to do it alone. The Holy Spirit lives in us and empowers us to love in ways we never could by ourselves.

Consider how you hope others will treat you—with kindness, patience, and grace. Ask God to show you one relationship where He wants to work through you today, and trust Him to provide what you need to love as Jesus loves.

05/29/2026

May 29, 2026
The Stages of Our Christian Life
God is patiently guiding us to release our old life and embrace who we are becoming in Christ.
Philippians 1:5-7

Every Christian’s journey is unique. Yet certain stages of growth should be common to all of God’s children. For example:

The Lord wants to teach new followers basic principles as a foundation on which to build. He expresses these truths through other believers, His Word, and things that happen in our life.

God allows us to serve Him. Christians were created to do good works, and this becomes evident as we glorify Jesus (Eph. 2:10).

The Lord lets us experience “frustrated inadequacy.” In other words, our Father brings us to the place where we realize we can achieve nothing of value without divine guidance and power.

To make freedom a reality, the Father brings His children face-to-face with whatever holds them captive. God allows us to struggle through issues with His help. As we surrender to Him and seek His perspective, He works to liberate us.

The Lord teaches us how to live the “exchanged life” (Gal. 2:20). Our sinful nature has been crucified with Christ, and the Savior’s life is expressed through us as we surrender to Him.

By reflecting on these stages, you may recognize where God is currently working in your life. He is patient and faithful in His work of transformation. Surrender to the Holy Spirit today, asking Him to continue shaping you into the likeness of Jesus.

05/28/2026

May 28, 2026
The Process of Sanctification
Spiritual growth can't be rushed—it's a journey that requires your patient, daily cooperation with God.
Hebrews 5:11-14

Many modern-day inventions are designed to help us accomplish tasks more quickly. Not every process, however, lends itself to acceleration. Consider our growth in Christ, which is known as sanctification. Being a Christian is neither an event nor a quick fix. Rather, it is a journey. There are things for us to learn along the way, and while we may unwisely choose a longer path than necessary, there really are no shortcuts.

Sadly, there are people who grow little after salvation. Some aren’t discipled or encouraged in their faith. Others fail to pursue maturity through prayer, meditation on Scripture, and fellowship. But God’s Word says to “grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Pet. 3:18).

Consider how spiritual development benefits believers. The more we get to know God, the better able we are to walk in obedience and live a contented, purposeful life for His glory. We also become more adept at discerning truth from falsehood.

Have you noticed any change in your life and character since you were saved? Your heavenly Father wants to mature you. So make a continuous effort to cooperate with Him by reading Scripture, praying, fellowshipping, and repenting of all known sin in your life.

05/27/2026

May 27, 2026
King of Kings
Surrendering to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords doesn't remove your freedom but, rather, is how to finally find it.
Revelation 19:11-16

Scripture declares Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This isn’t merely a title—it’s the reality of who He is. The same Jesus who entered Jerusalem humbly on a donkey will one day return in power and glory. Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord (Phil. 2:10-11).

When Christ returns, He won’t come alone. Believers and angels will accompany Him on that great day. If you have placed your faith in Jesus, you share in His victory and will reign with Him (2 Tim. 2:12). This is the fulfillment of God’s promise that His people will participate in His kingdom.

One day Jesus will rule on this earth in perfect righteousness. But even now, He comes to reign in the heart of every believer. Salvation is just the beginning of all the blessings the Lord has in store for us.

Who rules your life? Who guides your decisions and directs your path? The Creator has a plan and purpose for your life, and He longs to reveal them to you as you walk with Him in trust and surrender.

When we submit to Christ’s loving authority, we discover freedom—not restriction. Then we can experience the joy of living, as God intended for His children.

05/26/2026

May 26, 2026
The Exalted Lord
One day you'll see Christ exalted in glory, and you will join all heaven in worshipping the Lamb of God.
Revelation 1:9-18

The book of Revelation contains some of the richest descriptions of our Lord that Scripture offers. We love imagining Him as the baby in the manger and recognize the importance of His death and resurrection, but the story doesn’t end there.

John was given a dramatic vision of the exalted Lord as He is now, in heaven. The apostle had shared intimate friendship with Christ on earth, but the sight of his Lord in this glorified state overwhelmed him—he fell at Jesus’ feet as though dead (Rev. 1:17).

Jesus is portrayed as the Lord of His church, which is represented by the seven lampstands surrounding Him. He protectively watches over them and calls them to faithfulness.

A few chapters later, Jesus is revealed as the Lamb of God. He is the One who sacrificed Himself on our behalf, His blood purchasing redemption for people from every tribe and nation, making them citizens of His kingdom. All heaven erupts into praise and worship (Rev. 5:6-13).

If you believe in Christ, these chapters describe your future. Picture yourself standing before Jesus, the exalted Lord of His church, and then joining all heaven in worshipping Him as the Lamb of God.

05/25/2026

May 25, 2026
Our God of Comfort
No mistake can diminish God's love—He meets every failure with comfort and grace.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Consider how God’s tender care was demonstrated through Jesus’ life. The Gospels repeatedly mention that the Lord was moved by compassion when He saw pain and need.

Jesus not only healed people suffering from illness but also offered something greater: new life through the forgiveness of sins. Even to His enemies, Jesus left the door open for repentance.

The Lord also had compassion on those who struggled because of their mistakes. Notice how Peter’s betrayal of Christ was met with forgiveness and restoration (John 21:15-17) and Thomas’s doubts were answered by Jesus Himself (John 20:27).

Today, God’s compassion is still available and personal. He knows when we hurt and offers comfort through His Spirit, who dwells within us (John 14:16-17 KJV). When our afflictions remain, He strengthens us to endure them (2 Cor. 12:7-9). What’s more, our mistakes in no way diminish His love for us.

No situation places us beyond God’s reach. His comfort meets us in every circumstance we face—whether illness, financial strain, or family crisis. And once we’ve experienced His divine consolation, we’re to become bearers of comfort to others (1:4). Since people everywhere are in desperate need of His compassion, that’s a powerful way to spread the good news of Christ.

05/24/2026

Memorial Day

05/21/2026

May 21, 2026
The Importance of Prayer Partners
The Lord doesn't expect us to fight our battles alone—be willing to accept or give help when needed.
Ecclesiastes 4:9-12

Try holding your arms up in the air for as long as you can. No matter how strong you are, you’ll eventually find it impossible to keep them raised.

In Exodus 17:8-16, Moses was faithfully praying on a hill while his soldiers were below, fighting the Amalekites. As long as his arms were raised, the Israelites prevailed. But he couldn’t maintain this posture on his own for very long. He needed Aaron and Hur to hold up his hands.

The Lord never expected Moses to do the job by himself. Nor does He expect such a thing of us—that isn’t how He operates. God has built His church in such a way that the world will recognize Christians by their love toward one another (John 13:35). We are ultimately dependent on God, but as believers, we’re likewise interdependent upon each other. Everybody needs an Aaron and a Hur—people who can hold us and help us in our intercessions before the Lord.

Ask God to bring people into your life who can faithfully and lovingly lift you up in prayer without judging you or expecting anything in return. And ask the Lord to open your eyes to those around you who need an Aaron and a Hur in their life.

05/20/2026

May 20, 2026
Building a Firm Foundation
When you feel shaken, remember these unchanging truths about God.
Lamentations 3:21-23

Our faith isn’t built on feelings or wishful thinking—it rests on something far more solid. Let’s look at seven foundational aspects of Christianity:

God is. Faith must be built on the simple confession that the Lord is—He is real. He exists and is indeed God (Heb. 11:6).

God is love. He’s intimately concerned with your life and wants to engage in a relationship with you.

God is just. His justice is absolutely perfect—even when He lovingly disciplines us.

God is all-knowing. He knows your heart, your pain, and your questions. You cannot shock or surprise Him.

God is everywhere. You never have to wonder where He is. Wherever you are, He is right by your side.

God is all-powerful. There is nothing greater than God. Regardless of how enormous your challenges and heartaches seem to be, you can overcome them in His power.

God is faithful. No matter how far you stray, He never gives up on you. Whatever you have done, He will always welcome you home.

When doubts arise or circumstances shake you, return to these truths, all of which are solid and unchanging.

05/19/2026

May 19, 2026
Standing on a Firm Foundation
When life's storms hit, only Christ provides the firm foundation needed for us to stand our ground.
Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15

When the apostle Paul described the armor of God, he included every piece a Roman soldier would wear—including footwear (Eph. 6:13-18). The wording indicates that the armor’s purpose lies in its ability to help us “stand firm.” After all, what good is armor if it can’t help you keep your footing?

Paul identified the shoes as “the preparation of the gospel of peace” (v. 15). The Roman soldier’s sandals had sturdy metal studs embedded in the soles. These hobnails provided sure footing on rough terrain and in the chaos of battle. With his feet secured in this way, the warrior had an obvious advantage: the ability to stand his ground. This part of his uniform enabled him to hold his position no matter what dangers he faced on the battlefield.

That is precisely what our heavenly Father wants for His children: to be able to stand firm in the face of troubles. When storms come—and they will—we need more than good intentions or positive thinking. We need something solid beneath us. This is possible only when we plant our feet firmly on Jesus Christ and trust in the gospel of peace He has given us. With Him as our foundation, we can stand strong.

05/17/2026

Matthew 6:9-13
What to Say When We Pray
Pastor Brent McFarland

Address

501 South 4th Avenue
Beech Grove, IN
46107

Telephone

+13177862719

Website

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