Faith Baptist Church

05/21/2026

Pass The Salt

Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men. Matthew 5:13 Salt is necessary for both physical and spiritual life. Only God could design the chemical makeup of salt: sodium (deadly and explosive) combined with chlorine (noxious and also deadly) makes something necessary for life, preservation, and purity. Likewise, by God’s divine chemistry of the cross, we as Christians have become new creatures with significant importance to the world around us. Matthew 5:13 , “You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt loses its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is then good for nothing but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot by men.” In this passage, Jesus calls His followers “salt of the earth.” Once we understand the importance of salt in Jesus’ time and in our own, we’ll better understand our role as salt and light to this desperate world. This passage first clarifies the dynamics of pure salt. Salt seasons, preserves, and heals; likewise, we are called to preserve truth and to have a zest about our lives that heals this sick world. But salt also burns and penetrates; it is an irritant that permeates everything it touches. We cannot fear our nature to irritate this corrupt world and permeate Jesus Christ with everything we touch. This passage also warns us about the dissipation of polluted salt. Salt that is filled with impurities is worthless and harmful. It kills crops and poisons water. The only safe place for polluted salt is the roadway—it makes for good cement and nothing more. There is a demand for preserving salt. If there were ever a need, a time, and an age for salt to work, it is now. Things once considered sin are now considered sickness and socially acceptable practices. Banning prayer in public schools, legalizing abortion, an increase in su***de rates and drug use in teens… this world—specifically our country—is in desperate need of some salt. Not only is God America’s biggest and only hope, God is America’s biggest threat. The only hope to keep this country from moral decay is the salt of the earth—God’s people. It’s not too late for a revival to sweep this nation, if only we will repent of our sins and become salt with savor. This world needs some salt. Do you bear the salt and light in which we have been called to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

05/18/2026

Why God Is Still Waiting

The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” 2 PETER 3:9 Why has Jesus not come in our day and our age? God’s waiting for more people to be saved. Peter wrote that many would say, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation” (2 Peter 3:4). Peter continued on, “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance” (2 Peter 3:8-9). It could be that the reason Jesus didn’t come yesterday is because God wants you saved today. It could be that God is keeping the door open one more time. But remember, in Noah’s time the flood did come. And even now the raging waters of God’s wrath are furiously pounding against the dam of His mercy. He has promised that one day Jesus Christ will come, and it will be too late for many as it was too late in Noah’s day. Have you made sure you have valued God’s grace and not dismissed His patience? How should this reality motivate us to tell others about Jesus? Have a conversation with someone this week about God’s patience evidenced by the delayed coming of Christ.

05/18/2026

A Healthy Mindset

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things arelovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there beany praise, think on these things. 9Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you. Philippians 4:8 Have you ever taken the time to track the progression of a thought that has snowballed out of control? For example, have you heard from a friend that he or she is struggling with a health issue, and before you know it, you’ve convinced yourself that you, too, have the same problem? Sometimes, all it takes is an evening news report, a passing comment from a friend, or a strategic thought fed to you from the enemy to transform what started as a mere sound bite into something wildly out of control. That is because truth and reason were not in place to set boundaries. Thoughts are potent, and the world around you regularly influences them. In Philippians 4:8, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Christian Church of Philippi, urging them to consciously and carefully fix their thoughts on what was pleasing to God. And make no mistake about it; it takes a great deal of concerted effort to maintain a constant stream of right-thinking. In fact, it’s an impossible feat without God. He is the source of all that is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy. So when you choose to think about these things, it means you are deliberately setting your mind on Jesus Christ. Here are some practical ways you can fix your mind on Jesus today. Try turning on music that proclaims God’s goodness and love, filling your mind with truth. Before you flip on the TV or scroll through social media, resolve to examine if what you are allowing into your heart and mind live up to the standard given in Philippians 4:8. If not, then predetermine to turn it off. Ask God to help you recognize any lies the enemy is trying to feed you and choose to exchange them for God’s truth and promises in your life. Memorize Philippians 4:8 and use it as a filter before engaging with anything that may lead your thoughts down a destructive path. Stop right now to pray through the words of this verse, asking God to reveal additional ways you might set your mind on what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy.

05/15/2026

Why We Hesitate to Trust

At times when God's instructions don't make sense, will you obey anyway? And it came to pass, that, as the people pressed upon him to hear the word of God, he stood by the lake of Gennesaret, And saw two ships standing by the lake: but the fishermen were gone out of them, and were washing their nets. And he entered into one of the ships, which was Simon's, and prayed him that he would thrust out a little from the land. And he sat down, and taught the people out of the ship. Now when he had left speaking, he said unto Simon, Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a draught. And Simon answering said unto him, Master, we have toiled all the night, and have taken nothing: nevertheless at thy word I will let down the net. And when they had this done, they inclosed a great multitude of fishes: and their net brake. And they beckoned unto their partners, which were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came, and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus' knees, saying, Depart from me; for I am a sinful man, O Lord. For he was astonished, and all that were with him, at the draught of the fishes which they had taken: And so was also James, and John, the sons of Zebedee, which were partners with Simon. And Jesus said unto Simon, Fear not; from henceforth thou shalt catch men. And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him. Luke 5:1-11 This passage takes place on the Sea of Galilee after the optimal time of the day for fishing has passed. The fishermen are cleaning their nets along the shore. But at Jesus’ request, one lowers his into the water. All of Peter’s expertise tells him that fishing at such an hour will be useless, but he does what Jesus asked. And the reward for his trust is a record-breaking (and net-breaking) catch. As believers, we want to be like the disciple, overcoming our doubts and courageously following God. But sometimes, if what He’s asking of us seems unreasonable, we might rely on human logic to decide whether to trust Him. There could also be a tendency to hesitate in situations for which our knowledge or experience seems to contradict His plan.
There is a time for seeking knowledge and godly counsel, but when the Lord makes His will clear, we are meant to act Psalm 119:60 And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28 and who never makes mistakes. The next time you find yourself doubting, think about what is causing you to hesitate. Then you can pray specifically to overcome the faith hurdle, knowing that God blesses the steps we take to follow Him.

05/15/2026

04/28/2026

Because He Lives
The resurrection can seem like a distant event—something from another time, another world. To the natural mind, it’s simply impossible. Yet here’s what’s remarkable: this historic miracle, this display of God’s love and power, shapes our daily lives in the most practical ways. Have you ever talked to someone who thought the resurrection of Jesus Christ was nonsense? The Bible says even the apostles—the men closest to Him on earth—had trouble believing (Luke 24:11), so we shouldn’t be surprised if our friends and neighbors wonder why we get together each week to talk about “a dead man.” How about you? Do you truly believe that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, was crucified, buried, and walked out of the tomb? We know this, not only because the Word of God declares it, but because He lives within our hearts. We sense His presence and power in our lives. Let’s look at the tremendous advantages we have in Christ and what it means to us personally that He lives. Because He lives, we don’t have to suffer from loneliness in our hearts. Jesus said to His disciples, I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you. (John 14:18). Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you. (John 14:17) And he said unto them, It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth. And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. (Acts 1:7-9). We have all been in situations when we felt alone and wondered where God was. Yet He’s exactly where He said He would be—living within us in the presence and power of the Holy Spirit. Because He lives, we don’t need to wonder whether God will provide for us. The Lord Jesus promised that God would meet our needs as we seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment? Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature?And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.(Matt. 6:25-33). No situation is too large for His sovereign hands to handle. He may not provide in the way or timing we hope for, but our Father has our best interests at heart. Jesus is always with you as you await God’s perfect provision. Because He lives, we can pray with confidence. Many people pray and merely hope God listens. But to pray with true confidence is to believe that Jesus Christ—who went to the cross and paid your sin debt in full—has ascended to the Father, where He is seated at His right hand, making intercession for you. Consider 1 John 5:14-15: And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. Because He lives, we can be at peace during the most difficult times in our lives. He said: Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.(John 14:27). When you’re going through adversity, He is your anchor. He’ll never require you to face any difficulty apart from His loving presence or without His power. Because He lives, we can face death courageously. When you trust Jesus Christ, the gift of eternal life becomes yours. That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (Rom. 10:9-10). How grateful we are that God made His message so simple: Trust Jesus for what He did on the cross and know that He left an empty tomb. This should give you an awesome sense of assurance that we are His and will enjoy Him in heaven for eternity. I hope this will remind you that the resurrection isn’t just about what happened two thousand years ago—it’s about the living Savior who walks with you today. Because He rose from the dead, you never face anything alone. Whatever you’re walking through this month, remember that you serve a risen Lord who knows your needs, hears your prayers, and will never leave your side.

04/28/2026

BEYOND YOUR PAST Satan will try to get us to dwell in our past decisions. He is trying to hold us back from getting closer to Jesus as well as keeping us from what God has purposed for our lives… I have learned that he uses others to remind us of our past or he gets in our head in order to convince us that we aren’t worthy or enough for God to use…After all that is Satan’s only job to get us to take our eyes off of God and His word in order to destroy us and His plans. And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. – John 1:14 The blood of Jesus doesn't give us amnesia about our past—it gives us life beyond our past. We remember where we've come from, but it no longer defines where we're going. John 1:14 shows us the key: letting God's Word take full residential control of our inner world. We might prefer that He only visit occasionally, but to be who He's called us to be, we have to give Him complete access. When we do this, when we let His truth fill our thoughts and His presence permeate our hearts, that's what releases the power of His blood to heal past hurts and empower us for future purposes. Can you remember every difficult detail of your childhood, and see those experiences no longer control your decisions or limit your possibilities. God's Word has taken up residence in our heart and transformed how we see ourselves and our future. If you are battling within yourself today - let God in your heart and let God's Word take full control.

04/23/2026

What Can You Do for God?

The Lord works powerfully through our small acts of kindness. But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:20-21 What does it mean to serve God? Many of us have a distorted idea of service—to the point that we overlook opportunities right in front of us. For example, we might think joining the mission field or preaching a sermon is the only way to have a real impact. Those things are important, but the truth is, serving the Lord usually involves what’s happening in our life on a daily basis. Don’t underestimate what God is doing in your seemingly ordinary day, whether that involves volunteering in your community, loving a new neighbor, caring for someone in need, or offering a listening, compassionate ear. You may not think these are important work, but they most certainly are. What you say to people, how you treat others, and the way you handle adversity are like stored-up treasures—God uses these things to reveal Himself to the world. When you live righteously, love those around you, and demonstrate kindness, compassion, and gentleness, you are bearing witness for Him (Matthew 5:16).
How is God serving His purpose through you? Before starting your day, say this prayer: “Lord, I choose Your way. Accomplish Your will in me, whatever that takes.” When you do, things will happen in your life that you never expected—God will bless you beyond all measure (Galatians 6:9).

04/21/2026

When Blessings Bite Back

And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together: for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. Genesis 13:6 Something nobody warns you about is that success can cause just as many problems as failure. Abraham and Lot have survived the hardship of Egypt together. They've weathered storms, displacement, and uncertainty. And they made it through just fine. But now? God has blessed them both with flocks, herds, silver, gold, and suddenly their herdsmen are brawling in the fields. The very abundance God gave them is tearing the family apart.There are two tests in life: adversity and prosperity. Someone said there are a hundred men that can stand adversity, but only one can stand prosperity. Adversity drives you to your knees. Prosperity has a way of convincing you that you no longer need to be on them. Instead of worshipping with grateful hearts, you become self-reliant.You start protecting what you have and grasping for more.And that is exactly what happens here. God has blessed both of these men so abundantly that their blessings have outgrown the land, and now someone has to make a decision.This week, take an honest look at where prosperity might be creating pride or conflict in your life. Bring that to God. Let the blessings He gives you send you back to the altar, not away from it.

04/14/2026

Seek-Knock- And You Will Find

When the Lord says, “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you,” He is revealing more than a promise about outward blessings. He is inviting us into a life of continual turning toward Him. Heaven is not opened by a single moment of belief alone, but by a living relationship in which the heart keeps reaching, keeps listening, and keeps consenting to be led. To ask is to pray from humility, admitting that we do not contain wisdom or goodness in ourselves. To seek is to hunger for what is true, not merely for what is convenient. To knock is to persevere when the way forward feels shut, trusting that the Lord is already working at the threshold of our lives. His delays are not indifference. Often they are mercies preparing us to receive what we once would not have understood. The Lord’s goodness is never cruel, empty, or mocking. “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone?” If imperfect human love still knows how to answer need with care, how much more does Divine Love desire to nourish the soul with what is truly life-giving. Yet the gifts God gives are deeper than the natural mind first imagines. Sometimes we ask for comfort, and He gives strength. We ask for escape, and He gives endurance. We ask for an easier road, and He gives a truer heart. What comes from Him is always bread, even when at first it does not look like what we expected. The Lord answers prayer not only by changing circumstances, but by changing us. He opens our understanding. He softens selfish impulses. He leads us away from appearances and into reality. As we keep asking, seeking, and knocking, we begin to discover that the greatest gift is not merely receiving something from God, but receiving more of God within our willing, thinking, and living. That is why this teaching flows so beautifully into the command, “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you.” A heart that truly turns to the Father cannot remain hard toward the neighbor. If we long for patience from heaven, we must become patient on earth. If we hope for mercy, we must learn mercy. If we desire to be heard by God, we should also hear one another with kindness and sincerity. Prayer that rises upward should become charity that moves outward. Do not be discouraged if you still feel needy, unfinished, or outside the door. Spiritual life begins there. Ask honestly. Seek faithfully. Knock persistently. The Father is not irritated by your return to Him. He is pleased by it. And every time you turn toward what is good and true, some door within you begins to open.

04/14/2026

Are You Extending Grace To Those Who Have Wronged You

Question asked to me: “don’t you ever get tired of being the bigger person? Having such a big heart, and forgiving people all of the time? You’re so patient with everyone. Don’t you get tired???” Me: No, never. If I were to get tired of forgiving, and not extending grace to others, my Heavenly Father will not be able to forgive me. I fully intend on spending eternity in Heaven, so I follow the instructions of the Lord. Matthew‬ ‭6:14-15‬ ‭“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” It is the difference between arrogance and humility. The humble know that they are not perfect, sin everyday, and need God’s grace, forgiveness and mercy. Humility is critical to receiving God’s grace. The arrogant are haughty, stiff necked, and prideful. Many even forget that there is a God and they become their own God. Either way, God instructs us of how he deals with both. Do not allow pride to grow in your heart. Be continually on the alert and in prayer. Sow in the spirit and not the flesh to conform to the image and likeness of Christ. Let God be glorified in your life! Proverbs‬ ‭16:5‬ ‭“The Lord detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.” Proverbs‬ ‭16:18‬ ‭“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall.” Proverbs‬ ‭11:2‬ ‭“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs‬ ‭15:33‬ ‭“Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord, and humility comes before honor.”