Read and listen to messages
preached from the pulpit of First Baptist Church

Read and listen to messages
preached from the pulpit of
First Baptist Church

Read and listen to messages
preached from the pulpit of
First Baptist Church

Noah | Building in a Broken World | Hebrews 11:7

We live in a world that often feels upside down. Truth is questioned, righteousness is mocked, and sin is celebrated openly. It is easy to assume that living faithfully for God requires ideal conditions, a strong culture, or widespread spiritual revival. Yet Scripture reminds us that faith has never depended on favorable surroundings. Faith shines brightest when the world grows darkest.

Hebrews 11 introduces us to Noah, not as a perfect man, but as a man who walked by faith. Before there was an ark, before there was a flood, there was a man who believed what God said and ordered his life around it. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Noah’s story teaches us how to live faithfully in a broken world.

1. The Corruption That Surrounded Noah

To understand Noah’s faith, we must first understand the world in which he lived. Genesis 6:5 gives God’s own assessment of humanity at that time:
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

This was not a culture that merely drifted from God. It was a society saturated in violence, perversion, and rebellion. Sin was normal. God was ignored. Yet in the middle of that darkness, the Bible gives a powerful contrast: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). One man stood out, not because he was flawless, but because his heart was directed toward God.

The danger for believers is not simply that culture grows darker. The greater danger is that we slowly adjust to that darkness. Noah did not excuse himself by saying everyone else was doing it. He did not blend in to avoid attention. He chose to live differently, and that difference began with a heart that was loyal to God.

2. The Character That Distinguished Noah

Scripture tells us that Noah was a just man and that he walked with God. That phrase is simple but powerful. Noah did not merely talk about God or acknowledge God occasionally. He walked with God day by day.

God is still looking for men and women who are completely His. Not just on Sunday, but on Monday, Tuesday, and every day of the week. Faith is not an event. It is a walk. Just as physical health requires daily steps, spiritual strength requires daily fellowship with God through His Word and prayer.

Noah lived righteously in a fractured culture. He did not wait for society to improve before he obeyed God. He simply walked with God where he was. That same call rests on us today. We cannot blame our environment, our upbringing, or the people around us. God is still seeking individuals who will walk with Him.

3. The Conviction That Revealed Noah’s Faith

Hebrews 11:7 shows us that Noah’s faith was not merely internal. It produced action. God warned him of things not yet seen, and Noah moved with reverence and obedience. His faith was revealed in three clear ways.

Faith heeds God’s unseen warnings.
Noah had never seen rain like the flood God described. There was no visible evidence, only God’s Word. Yet that was enough. The Word of God still gives us unseen warnings today about sin, bitterness, pride, and the love of money. Faith does not wait for visible consequences. Faith believes God’s warnings and acts on them.

Faith obeys despite unpopular surroundings.
Noah built an ark in a dry world. We can only imagine the mockery and laughter he endured. Yet he kept building. Faith often calls us to stand alone, to forgive when others hold grudges, to prioritize worship over convenience, and to follow God when it is not popular. Faith chooses obedience even when the world does not understand.

Faith does all God says.
Genesis 6:22 gives a remarkable testimony: “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Partial obedience would have cost Noah everything. An ark built halfway would not have saved his family. In the same way, we cannot choose which parts of God’s Word to follow. True faith responds with full obedience, trusting that God’s commands are always right.

Noah built an ark in a dry world because he believed God. Every board he cut, every nail he drove, every step of preparation declared the same truth: I believe God. Long before the storm came, Noah had already settled in his heart that God’s Word was enough.

Reflection Question

Is there an area of your life where you are adjusting to the culture instead of walking by faith? What step of obedience is God calling you to take today, even if it feels difficult or unpopular?

Read Story

Pastor JD Howell

4 min read

Noah | Building in a Broken World | Hebrews 11:7

Noah | Building in a Broken World | Hebrews 11:7

We live in a world that often feels upside down. Truth is questioned, righteousness is mocked, and sin is celebrated openly. It is easy to assume that living faithfully for God requires ideal conditions, a strong culture, or widespread spiritual revival. Yet Scripture reminds us that faith has never depended on favorable surroundings. Faith shines brightest when the world grows darkest.

Hebrews 11 introduces us to Noah, not as a perfect man, but as a man who walked by faith. Before there was an ark, before there was a flood, there was a man who believed what God said and ordered his life around it. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Noah’s story teaches us how to live faithfully in a broken world.

1. The Corruption That Surrounded Noah

To understand Noah’s faith, we must first understand the world in which he lived. Genesis 6:5 gives God’s own assessment of humanity at that time:
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

This was not a culture that merely drifted from God. It was a society saturated in violence, perversion, and rebellion. Sin was normal. God was ignored. Yet in the middle of that darkness, the Bible gives a powerful contrast: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). One man stood out, not because he was flawless, but because his heart was directed toward God.

The danger for believers is not simply that culture grows darker. The greater danger is that we slowly adjust to that darkness. Noah did not excuse himself by saying everyone else was doing it. He did not blend in to avoid attention. He chose to live differently, and that difference began with a heart that was loyal to God.

2. The Character That Distinguished Noah

Scripture tells us that Noah was a just man and that he walked with God. That phrase is simple but powerful. Noah did not merely talk about God or acknowledge God occasionally. He walked with God day by day.

God is still looking for men and women who are completely His. Not just on Sunday, but on Monday, Tuesday, and every day of the week. Faith is not an event. It is a walk. Just as physical health requires daily steps, spiritual strength requires daily fellowship with God through His Word and prayer.

Noah lived righteously in a fractured culture. He did not wait for society to improve before he obeyed God. He simply walked with God where he was. That same call rests on us today. We cannot blame our environment, our upbringing, or the people around us. God is still seeking individuals who will walk with Him.

3. The Conviction That Revealed Noah’s Faith

Hebrews 11:7 shows us that Noah’s faith was not merely internal. It produced action. God warned him of things not yet seen, and Noah moved with reverence and obedience. His faith was revealed in three clear ways.

Faith heeds God’s unseen warnings.
Noah had never seen rain like the flood God described. There was no visible evidence, only God’s Word. Yet that was enough. The Word of God still gives us unseen warnings today about sin, bitterness, pride, and the love of money. Faith does not wait for visible consequences. Faith believes God’s warnings and acts on them.

Faith obeys despite unpopular surroundings.
Noah built an ark in a dry world. We can only imagine the mockery and laughter he endured. Yet he kept building. Faith often calls us to stand alone, to forgive when others hold grudges, to prioritize worship over convenience, and to follow God when it is not popular. Faith chooses obedience even when the world does not understand.

Faith does all God says.
Genesis 6:22 gives a remarkable testimony: “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Partial obedience would have cost Noah everything. An ark built halfway would not have saved his family. In the same way, we cannot choose which parts of God’s Word to follow. True faith responds with full obedience, trusting that God’s commands are always right.

Noah built an ark in a dry world because he believed God. Every board he cut, every nail he drove, every step of preparation declared the same truth: I believe God. Long before the storm came, Noah had already settled in his heart that God’s Word was enough.

Reflection Question

Is there an area of your life where you are adjusting to the culture instead of walking by faith? What step of obedience is God calling you to take today, even if it feels difficult or unpopular?

Read Story

Pastor JD Howell

4 min read

Sermon Series

Rejoice | Isaiah 54

When we come to Isaiah 54, we arrive at a chapter that rings with a single clear call: rejoice. What makes that call so powerful is what comes just before it. Isaiah 53 shows us the suffering Savior, the Man of sorrows, the One wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. Then, without delay, Isaiah 54 opens with a command to sing. The suffering of Christ leads to the rejoicing of the redeemed.

That truth confronts us in a very practical way. If we have been saved by the grace of God, if our sins have been forgiven and our eternity secured, there ought to be joy flowing from our lives. That joy is not rooted in circumstances, personality, or comfort. It is rooted in the character of God and the finished work of Christ. Isaiah 54 does not merely describe blessings. It calls us to respond to them.

The chapter reveals several reasons we are called to rejoice, each rooted in who God is.

1. A Call to Joy Because of God’s Magnanimous Grace

Isaiah begins with a striking command:

“Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:1)

This verse paints a picture of someone who had known emptiness and shame, yet now is called to sing because of overflowing blessing. God’s grace does not merely reverse loss. It multiplies blessings. He does not merely remove shame. He replaces it with a song.

Every believer has seen this grace. There have been moments when God blessed us even when we were not walking as closely with Him as we should. His goodness has been larger than our faithfulness. That is the heart of God. When we understand how abundant His grace truly is, rejoicing becomes the natural response.

2. A Call to Courage Because of God’s Victorious Sovereignty

Isaiah also gives this command:

“Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame…” (Isaiah 54:4)

God calls His people to boldness because their future is not defined by their past. Israel had known failure, reproach, and judgment, yet God declared that shame would not have the final word. The same is true for us. In Christ, our past does not control our destiny.

We can live with courage because God is sovereign. The One who fights our battles is the Lord of hosts, the commander of heaven’s armies. Our confidence is not in our strength but in His power. When we truly believe that God reigns, fear begins to lose its grip, and courage begins to grow.

3. A Call to Forgiveness Because of God’s Compassionate Restoration

Isaiah speaks of the Lord calling those who felt forsaken and grieved in spirit. This reveals a God who restores and receives. He does not cast aside those who come to Him in repentance. He forgives again and again.

That truth carries a practical application. If God has forgiven us so freely, how can we hold on to bitterness toward others? Unforgiveness binds the heart and quenches the Spirit’s work in our lives. But when we remember how much we have been forgiven, we find the strength to extend that same grace to others.

Many believers struggle with the same sins and weaknesses year after year. Yet each time they come to God in sincerity, they find forgiveness. That is His character. And as recipients of such mercy, we are called to reflect that mercy in our relationships.

4. A Call to Continued Trust Because of God’s Unshakable Faithfulness

Isaiah gives one of the most comforting promises in the chapter:

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.” (Isaiah 54:10)

Mountains feel permanent. Hills seem immovable. Yet God says even these could disappear before His faithfulness would fail. His kindness is not fragile. His promises are not temporary. His covenant rests upon His unchanging character.

Because God is faithful, we can trust Him in every season. There will be times of sorrow, but joy comes in the morning. There will be valleys, but His presence remains. The believer’s life is anchored not in circumstances but in the steadfast character of God.

Living as the Rejoicing Redeemed

The New Testament reminds us that this rejoicing flows from our union with Christ. As Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20). When Christ lives in us, joy is no longer something we must manufacture. It becomes the natural fruit of His life within us.

There is a great difference between merely attending church and truly living in Christ. Some people know the hymns, the standards, and the language of Christianity, yet their spirit is heavy and joyless. Others speak simply of the Lord, but their lives radiate gratitude and peace. The difference is not in their circumstances but in their fellowship with Christ.

Isaiah 53 takes us to the cross. Isaiah 54 calls us to the chorus of the redeemed. Once we have seen the suffering of our Savior and the character of our God, rejoicing should not feel forced. It should flow from a heart that has been with Jesus.

Reflection Question:Is the joy of Christ flowing out of your life, or have you allowed burdens, bitterness, or distraction to silence your song? What would it look like this week to return to rejoicing in the grace and faithfulness of God?

Feb 16, 2026

5 min read

Author: Pastor JD Howell

Faith-Filled Characters Sermon Series

Noah | Building in a Broken World | Hebrews 11:7

We live in a world that often feels upside down. Truth is questioned, righteousness is mocked, and sin is celebrated openly. It is easy to assume that living faithfully for God requires ideal conditions, a strong culture, or widespread spiritual revival. Yet Scripture reminds us that faith has never depended on favorable surroundings. Faith shines brightest when the world grows darkest.

Hebrews 11 introduces us to Noah, not as a perfect man, but as a man who walked by faith. Before there was an ark, before there was a flood, there was a man who believed what God said and ordered his life around it. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Noah’s story teaches us how to live faithfully in a broken world.

1. The Corruption That Surrounded Noah

To understand Noah’s faith, we must first understand the world in which he lived. Genesis 6:5 gives God’s own assessment of humanity at that time:
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

This was not a culture that merely drifted from God. It was a society saturated in violence, perversion, and rebellion. Sin was normal. God was ignored. Yet in the middle of that darkness, the Bible gives a powerful contrast: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). One man stood out, not because he was flawless, but because his heart was directed toward God.

The danger for believers is not simply that culture grows darker. The greater danger is that we slowly adjust to that darkness. Noah did not excuse himself by saying everyone else was doing it. He did not blend in to avoid attention. He chose to live differently, and that difference began with a heart that was loyal to God.

2. The Character That Distinguished Noah

Scripture tells us that Noah was a just man and that he walked with God. That phrase is simple but powerful. Noah did not merely talk about God or acknowledge God occasionally. He walked with God day by day.

God is still looking for men and women who are completely His. Not just on Sunday, but on Monday, Tuesday, and every day of the week. Faith is not an event. It is a walk. Just as physical health requires daily steps, spiritual strength requires daily fellowship with God through His Word and prayer.

Noah lived righteously in a fractured culture. He did not wait for society to improve before he obeyed God. He simply walked with God where he was. That same call rests on us today. We cannot blame our environment, our upbringing, or the people around us. God is still seeking individuals who will walk with Him.

3. The Conviction That Revealed Noah’s Faith

Hebrews 11:7 shows us that Noah’s faith was not merely internal. It produced action. God warned him of things not yet seen, and Noah moved with reverence and obedience. His faith was revealed in three clear ways.

Faith heeds God’s unseen warnings.
Noah had never seen rain like the flood God described. There was no visible evidence, only God’s Word. Yet that was enough. The Word of God still gives us unseen warnings today about sin, bitterness, pride, and the love of money. Faith does not wait for visible consequences. Faith believes God’s warnings and acts on them.

Faith obeys despite unpopular surroundings.
Noah built an ark in a dry world. We can only imagine the mockery and laughter he endured. Yet he kept building. Faith often calls us to stand alone, to forgive when others hold grudges, to prioritize worship over convenience, and to follow God when it is not popular. Faith chooses obedience even when the world does not understand.

Faith does all God says.
Genesis 6:22 gives a remarkable testimony: “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Partial obedience would have cost Noah everything. An ark built halfway would not have saved his family. In the same way, we cannot choose which parts of God’s Word to follow. True faith responds with full obedience, trusting that God’s commands are always right.

Noah built an ark in a dry world because he believed God. Every board he cut, every nail he drove, every step of preparation declared the same truth: I believe God. Long before the storm came, Noah had already settled in his heart that God’s Word was enough.

Reflection Question

Is there an area of your life where you are adjusting to the culture instead of walking by faith? What step of obedience is God calling you to take today, even if it feels difficult or unpopular?

Feb 16, 2026

4 min read

Author: Pastor JD Howell

Sermon Series

The Evidence | Hebrews 11:1-6

Faith is one of the most commonly used words in the Christian life, yet it is often one of the most misunderstood. People say, “Just have faith,” or “Keep the faith,” but Scripture does not leave us with a vague idea of what faith is. Hebrews 11 begins with a definition. God wants us to know what true, biblical faith looks like because the Bible tells us plainly, “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). That statement alone shows how important this subject is.

At the end of Hebrews 11:1, the Bible calls faith “the evidence of things not seen.” That word evidence reminds us that faith is not a blind leap into the dark. Biblical faith is a response to what God has revealed about Himself. We do not see everything, but we are not without proof. God, in His kindness, has given us witnesses, testimonies, and evidence so that our faith can rest in what is true and certain.

In this passage, the Lord presents three pieces of evidence that show why faith in Him is reasonable, right, and pleasing to Him.

1. The Evidence in Creation

Hebrews 11:3 says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” The first evidence God gives us is the world around us. Creation itself testifies that there is a Creator.

When we look at the order of the universe, the complexity of the human body, and the precision of nature, we are reminded that these things did not happen by accident. The design we see points to a Designer. Every sunrise, every living cell, every detail of the natural world declares that God exists and that He is powerful beyond our imagination. Before there was matter, there was God. Before there was time, there was God. Everything we see owes its existence to Him.

This matters because our faith is not only about believing that God created the world. It is about trusting the Creator with our lives. The One who spoke the universe into existence is able to save, to guide, and to sustain us. When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, we are placing our faith in the same God who framed the worlds by His word. Creation gives us confidence that He is worthy of our trust.

2. The Evidence in Abel

Hebrews 11:4 tells us, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Abel’s life is presented as another witness, another piece of evidence.

Abel’s sacrifice was accepted not merely because of what he brought, but because of the faith behind it. God is not impressed by activity alone. He looks at the heart. Abel trusted God, and that faith shaped his obedience. Even today, thousands of years later, Abel’s testimony still speaks. His life reminds us that God sees faithful obedience, even when others misunderstand it.

There are times when you will obey God, and no one else will understand your decision. Your motives may be questioned. Your choices may be criticized. But God never misreads the heart of a person who is seeking to follow Him by faith. Abel’s example assures us that faith is never wasted. God sees it, and He uses it to encourage others long after our own lives are finished.

3. The Evidence in Enoch

Hebrews 11:5–6 points us to another witness: Enoch. The Bible tells us that Enoch walked with God and that he pleased God. Then the Scripture explains how he pleased God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Enoch’s life teaches us that God is pleased not merely by what we do, but by the faith that leads us to do it. It is possible to attend church, to give, to serve, and even to speak about spiritual things without truly trusting God. Faith changes the motive behind the action. Faith says, “God, I trust You enough to obey You, even when I do not see the outcome.”

Walking with God is still the calling of every believer. We walk with Him as we read His Word, pray, worship, and obey what He has shown us. Day by day, step by step, we learn to trust Him more. Faith is not about perfection. It is about trust. God is not looking for flawless people. He is looking for people who will believe Him enough to follow Him.

Living by Faith Today

God has not asked us to live by blind hope. He has given us evidence. Creation declares His power. Abel declares that God sees faithful obedience. Enoch declares that faith is what pleases God. The question is not whether God is trustworthy. The question is whether we will trust Him.

Have you trusted Him for salvation? Have you trusted Him in your daily decisions, in your fears, in your relationships, and in your prayers? Faith shows itself in the choices we make. It shows itself when we forgive, when we obey Scripture, when we step forward in obedience even though we feel uncertain.

Reflection Question:If someone examined your choices this past week, would they find evidence of faith? What step of faith is God calling you to take today?

Feb 9, 2026

5 min read

Author: Pastor JD Howell

Sermon Series

Rejoice | Isaiah 54

When we come to Isaiah 54, we arrive at a chapter that rings with a single clear call: rejoice. What makes that call so powerful is what comes just before it. Isaiah 53 shows us the suffering Savior, the Man of sorrows, the One wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. Then, without delay, Isaiah 54 opens with a command to sing. The suffering of Christ leads to the rejoicing of the redeemed.

That truth confronts us in a very practical way. If we have been saved by the grace of God, if our sins have been forgiven and our eternity secured, there ought to be joy flowing from our lives. That joy is not rooted in circumstances, personality, or comfort. It is rooted in the character of God and the finished work of Christ. Isaiah 54 does not merely describe blessings. It calls us to respond to them.

The chapter reveals several reasons we are called to rejoice, each rooted in who God is.

1. A Call to Joy Because of God’s Magnanimous Grace

Isaiah begins with a striking command:

“Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:1)

This verse paints a picture of someone who had known emptiness and shame, yet now is called to sing because of overflowing blessing. God’s grace does not merely reverse loss. It multiplies blessings. He does not merely remove shame. He replaces it with a song.

Every believer has seen this grace. There have been moments when God blessed us even when we were not walking as closely with Him as we should. His goodness has been larger than our faithfulness. That is the heart of God. When we understand how abundant His grace truly is, rejoicing becomes the natural response.

2. A Call to Courage Because of God’s Victorious Sovereignty

Isaiah also gives this command:

“Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame…” (Isaiah 54:4)

God calls His people to boldness because their future is not defined by their past. Israel had known failure, reproach, and judgment, yet God declared that shame would not have the final word. The same is true for us. In Christ, our past does not control our destiny.

We can live with courage because God is sovereign. The One who fights our battles is the Lord of hosts, the commander of heaven’s armies. Our confidence is not in our strength but in His power. When we truly believe that God reigns, fear begins to lose its grip, and courage begins to grow.

3. A Call to Forgiveness Because of God’s Compassionate Restoration

Isaiah speaks of the Lord calling those who felt forsaken and grieved in spirit. This reveals a God who restores and receives. He does not cast aside those who come to Him in repentance. He forgives again and again.

That truth carries a practical application. If God has forgiven us so freely, how can we hold on to bitterness toward others? Unforgiveness binds the heart and quenches the Spirit’s work in our lives. But when we remember how much we have been forgiven, we find the strength to extend that same grace to others.

Many believers struggle with the same sins and weaknesses year after year. Yet each time they come to God in sincerity, they find forgiveness. That is His character. And as recipients of such mercy, we are called to reflect that mercy in our relationships.

4. A Call to Continued Trust Because of God’s Unshakable Faithfulness

Isaiah gives one of the most comforting promises in the chapter:

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.” (Isaiah 54:10)

Mountains feel permanent. Hills seem immovable. Yet God says even these could disappear before His faithfulness would fail. His kindness is not fragile. His promises are not temporary. His covenant rests upon His unchanging character.

Because God is faithful, we can trust Him in every season. There will be times of sorrow, but joy comes in the morning. There will be valleys, but His presence remains. The believer’s life is anchored not in circumstances but in the steadfast character of God.

Living as the Rejoicing Redeemed

The New Testament reminds us that this rejoicing flows from our union with Christ. As Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20). When Christ lives in us, joy is no longer something we must manufacture. It becomes the natural fruit of His life within us.

There is a great difference between merely attending church and truly living in Christ. Some people know the hymns, the standards, and the language of Christianity, yet their spirit is heavy and joyless. Others speak simply of the Lord, but their lives radiate gratitude and peace. The difference is not in their circumstances but in their fellowship with Christ.

Isaiah 53 takes us to the cross. Isaiah 54 calls us to the chorus of the redeemed. Once we have seen the suffering of our Savior and the character of our God, rejoicing should not feel forced. It should flow from a heart that has been with Jesus.

Reflection Question:Is the joy of Christ flowing out of your life, or have you allowed burdens, bitterness, or distraction to silence your song? What would it look like this week to return to rejoicing in the grace and faithfulness of God?

Faith-Filled Characters Sermon Series

Noah | Building in a Broken World | Hebrews 11:7

We live in a world that often feels upside down. Truth is questioned, righteousness is mocked, and sin is celebrated openly. It is easy to assume that living faithfully for God requires ideal conditions, a strong culture, or widespread spiritual revival. Yet Scripture reminds us that faith has never depended on favorable surroundings. Faith shines brightest when the world grows darkest.

Hebrews 11 introduces us to Noah, not as a perfect man, but as a man who walked by faith. Before there was an ark, before there was a flood, there was a man who believed what God said and ordered his life around it. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Noah’s story teaches us how to live faithfully in a broken world.

1. The Corruption That Surrounded Noah

To understand Noah’s faith, we must first understand the world in which he lived. Genesis 6:5 gives God’s own assessment of humanity at that time:
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

This was not a culture that merely drifted from God. It was a society saturated in violence, perversion, and rebellion. Sin was normal. God was ignored. Yet in the middle of that darkness, the Bible gives a powerful contrast: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). One man stood out, not because he was flawless, but because his heart was directed toward God.

The danger for believers is not simply that culture grows darker. The greater danger is that we slowly adjust to that darkness. Noah did not excuse himself by saying everyone else was doing it. He did not blend in to avoid attention. He chose to live differently, and that difference began with a heart that was loyal to God.

2. The Character That Distinguished Noah

Scripture tells us that Noah was a just man and that he walked with God. That phrase is simple but powerful. Noah did not merely talk about God or acknowledge God occasionally. He walked with God day by day.

God is still looking for men and women who are completely His. Not just on Sunday, but on Monday, Tuesday, and every day of the week. Faith is not an event. It is a walk. Just as physical health requires daily steps, spiritual strength requires daily fellowship with God through His Word and prayer.

Noah lived righteously in a fractured culture. He did not wait for society to improve before he obeyed God. He simply walked with God where he was. That same call rests on us today. We cannot blame our environment, our upbringing, or the people around us. God is still seeking individuals who will walk with Him.

3. The Conviction That Revealed Noah’s Faith

Hebrews 11:7 shows us that Noah’s faith was not merely internal. It produced action. God warned him of things not yet seen, and Noah moved with reverence and obedience. His faith was revealed in three clear ways.

Faith heeds God’s unseen warnings.
Noah had never seen rain like the flood God described. There was no visible evidence, only God’s Word. Yet that was enough. The Word of God still gives us unseen warnings today about sin, bitterness, pride, and the love of money. Faith does not wait for visible consequences. Faith believes God’s warnings and acts on them.

Faith obeys despite unpopular surroundings.
Noah built an ark in a dry world. We can only imagine the mockery and laughter he endured. Yet he kept building. Faith often calls us to stand alone, to forgive when others hold grudges, to prioritize worship over convenience, and to follow God when it is not popular. Faith chooses obedience even when the world does not understand.

Faith does all God says.
Genesis 6:22 gives a remarkable testimony: “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Partial obedience would have cost Noah everything. An ark built halfway would not have saved his family. In the same way, we cannot choose which parts of God’s Word to follow. True faith responds with full obedience, trusting that God’s commands are always right.

Noah built an ark in a dry world because he believed God. Every board he cut, every nail he drove, every step of preparation declared the same truth: I believe God. Long before the storm came, Noah had already settled in his heart that God’s Word was enough.

Reflection Question

Is there an area of your life where you are adjusting to the culture instead of walking by faith? What step of obedience is God calling you to take today, even if it feels difficult or unpopular?

Sermon Series

The Evidence | Hebrews 11:1-6

Faith is one of the most commonly used words in the Christian life, yet it is often one of the most misunderstood. People say, “Just have faith,” or “Keep the faith,” but Scripture does not leave us with a vague idea of what faith is. Hebrews 11 begins with a definition. God wants us to know what true, biblical faith looks like because the Bible tells us plainly, “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). That statement alone shows how important this subject is.

At the end of Hebrews 11:1, the Bible calls faith “the evidence of things not seen.” That word evidence reminds us that faith is not a blind leap into the dark. Biblical faith is a response to what God has revealed about Himself. We do not see everything, but we are not without proof. God, in His kindness, has given us witnesses, testimonies, and evidence so that our faith can rest in what is true and certain.

In this passage, the Lord presents three pieces of evidence that show why faith in Him is reasonable, right, and pleasing to Him.

1. The Evidence in Creation

Hebrews 11:3 says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” The first evidence God gives us is the world around us. Creation itself testifies that there is a Creator.

When we look at the order of the universe, the complexity of the human body, and the precision of nature, we are reminded that these things did not happen by accident. The design we see points to a Designer. Every sunrise, every living cell, every detail of the natural world declares that God exists and that He is powerful beyond our imagination. Before there was matter, there was God. Before there was time, there was God. Everything we see owes its existence to Him.

This matters because our faith is not only about believing that God created the world. It is about trusting the Creator with our lives. The One who spoke the universe into existence is able to save, to guide, and to sustain us. When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, we are placing our faith in the same God who framed the worlds by His word. Creation gives us confidence that He is worthy of our trust.

2. The Evidence in Abel

Hebrews 11:4 tells us, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Abel’s life is presented as another witness, another piece of evidence.

Abel’s sacrifice was accepted not merely because of what he brought, but because of the faith behind it. God is not impressed by activity alone. He looks at the heart. Abel trusted God, and that faith shaped his obedience. Even today, thousands of years later, Abel’s testimony still speaks. His life reminds us that God sees faithful obedience, even when others misunderstand it.

There are times when you will obey God, and no one else will understand your decision. Your motives may be questioned. Your choices may be criticized. But God never misreads the heart of a person who is seeking to follow Him by faith. Abel’s example assures us that faith is never wasted. God sees it, and He uses it to encourage others long after our own lives are finished.

3. The Evidence in Enoch

Hebrews 11:5–6 points us to another witness: Enoch. The Bible tells us that Enoch walked with God and that he pleased God. Then the Scripture explains how he pleased God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Enoch’s life teaches us that God is pleased not merely by what we do, but by the faith that leads us to do it. It is possible to attend church, to give, to serve, and even to speak about spiritual things without truly trusting God. Faith changes the motive behind the action. Faith says, “God, I trust You enough to obey You, even when I do not see the outcome.”

Walking with God is still the calling of every believer. We walk with Him as we read His Word, pray, worship, and obey what He has shown us. Day by day, step by step, we learn to trust Him more. Faith is not about perfection. It is about trust. God is not looking for flawless people. He is looking for people who will believe Him enough to follow Him.

Living by Faith Today

God has not asked us to live by blind hope. He has given us evidence. Creation declares His power. Abel declares that God sees faithful obedience. Enoch declares that faith is what pleases God. The question is not whether God is trustworthy. The question is whether we will trust Him.

Have you trusted Him for salvation? Have you trusted Him in your daily decisions, in your fears, in your relationships, and in your prayers? Faith shows itself in the choices we make. It shows itself when we forgive, when we obey Scripture, when we step forward in obedience even though we feel uncertain.

Reflection Question:If someone examined your choices this past week, would they find evidence of faith? What step of faith is God calling you to take today?

Sermon Series

Chapter Study | 2 Timothy 2:15

When it comes to studying the Bible, there is a quiet assumption that slips into church life if we are not careful. It sounds spiritual, it sounds respectful, and it even feels humble. It says, “That is the pastor’s job.” As if studying the Bible deeply belongs to the pulpit, but not to the pew. Yet the command in Scripture does not fall only on preachers. It lands on God’s people.

Paul told Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15). Approved unto God. That is the target. The goal of Bible study is not to impress people, win arguments, or collect information. It is to please the Lord. If God is pleased, it does not matter what man says. If God is displeased, then it does not matter how spiritual we look; we need to change. All of us should be challenged to step into the Word a little deeper, not as a competition, not as a comparison, but as obedience. God does not bless half-hearted obedience. He blesses a heart that follows where He leads.

One of the simplest, most helpful ways to begin is a chapter study. A chapter study is not the only way to study the Bible, but it is an excellent way to train your mind and heart to let Scripture speak for itself. It slows you down. It forces you to pay attention. It helps you see what God is saying, not merely what you want Him to say.

1. A Chapter Often Gives Intended Context

Verses have an address. They live inside paragraphs, paragraphs live inside chapters, and chapters are often built around connected thoughts. While chapter numbers were added later and are not inspired, they are still very useful. Most of the time, they help us follow a line of thought.

This matters because context guards us from a danger that is common today. It is the habit of grabbing a verse and using it like a weapon or a slogan, without paying attention to its meaning in its surroundings. You can create a serious error by pulling Scripture out of its “meaning location.” A chapter study helps prevent that. It helps us hear what God is actually saying, not just what we want to hear.

It also helps us understand the layers of Scripture. God spoke to real people in real situations, and some promises were given to specific individuals in specific moments. If we ignore that, we can misapply a passage and end up in error. You can learn from every story in the Bible, but you must learn it rightly. The principle may apply even when the specific situation does not. A chapter study keeps your feet planted on solid ground.

2. A Chapter Can Reveal Repeated Themes and Key Words

God does not repeat Himself by accident. When you read a chapter carefully, you start noticing words that keep appearing, ideas that keep resurfacing, and truths that are being emphasized. That repetition is the Holy Spirit underlining something for you.

When you slow down in a chapter study, patterns begin to show up that you would miss if you only skimmed a verse here and there. The Lord is often pointing your attention to what matters most. Repetition is one of His teaching tools, and a chapter study helps you recognize it.

3. A Chapter Often Shows Spiritual Progression

A chapter can show movement. Sometimes it is growth and victory. Sometimes it is a decline and a warning. Either way, you see how spiritual decisions play out over time.

When you trace a chapter, you can ask helpful questions that sharpen your understanding: What problem is being addressed? How does God respond? What change is expected? Those questions keep you from reading the Bible like random quotes. They help you read it like God intended, as truth that exposes the heart and directs the life.

4. A Chapter Equips Us for Real-Life Application

The Bible was not given to fill our heads only. It was given to shape our lives. You can apply biblical truth at work, at home, in conflict, in temptation, and in suffering. Scripture is meant to be lived.

That is why these three questions are so important when you study: What does this teach me about God? What does this reveal about me? What must I change? God reveals Himself through His Word, and the Word also reveals us. Sometimes it shows us an ugly attitude, a proud spirit, or a stubborn will. That can sting, but it is mercy. God is not trying to shame you; He is trying to grow you.

A Practical Example of Chapter Study

To model this, we walked through a chapter study in James 1. James begins with a greeting, then he moves through several connected areas of spiritual life. When you read the chapter as a whole, you see a repeated theme: spiritual maturity.

First, James teaches spiritual maturity in trials. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2–3). Trials test faith, and faith under pressure produces patience. That patience is not meant to stay small. God wants it to finish its work in you. He is not merely trying to get you through trouble. He is trying to build you through trouble.

Then James addresses spiritual maturity in the face of temptation. He makes it plain that God is not the source of sin. Temptation does not come from a holy God trying to trip you up. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13). James shows the pathway of sin and how it grows when we entertain it. That is not written to condemn you. It is written to warn you, so you can fight it early and win.

Finally, James teaches spiritual maturity in response to the Word of God. He calls us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. He warns that hearing without doing is self-deception. The Word is like a mirror. You look into it, and it shows you what you are, but the goal is not to glance and walk away unchanged. The goal is to keep looking, keep obeying, and keep growing.

In the middle of that chapter is a verse that captures the aim of the whole process. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). That word “perfect” carries the idea of completeness, maturity, being fully grown. God is not only interested in getting you saved. He is interested in making you whole. He wants your faith mature, your reactions mature, your tongue mature, your obedience mature, and your love mature.

The world offers limited answers to our brokenness. It tries to explain pain, manage guilt, soothe anxiety, and satisfy desire, but it cannot complete what only God can complete. God provides the complete answer. He teaches you how to walk through trials, how to overcome temptation, and how to respond rightly to His Word. He does not just patch cracks. He grows you into spiritual maturity.

Reflection Question

Are you treating Bible study like “the pastor’s job,” or are you studying to be “approved unto God” for yourself? What is one step you need to take this week so that God can keep growing you toward being “perfect and entire, wanting nothing”?

Sermon Series

Rejoice | Isaiah 54

When we come to Isaiah 54, we arrive at a chapter that rings with a single clear call: rejoice. What makes that call so powerful is what comes just before it. Isaiah 53 shows us the suffering Savior, the Man of sorrows, the One wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities. Then, without delay, Isaiah 54 opens with a command to sing. The suffering of Christ leads to the rejoicing of the redeemed.

That truth confronts us in a very practical way. If we have been saved by the grace of God, if our sins have been forgiven and our eternity secured, there ought to be joy flowing from our lives. That joy is not rooted in circumstances, personality, or comfort. It is rooted in the character of God and the finished work of Christ. Isaiah 54 does not merely describe blessings. It calls us to respond to them.

The chapter reveals several reasons we are called to rejoice, each rooted in who God is.

1. A Call to Joy Because of God’s Magnanimous Grace

Isaiah begins with a striking command:

“Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 54:1)

This verse paints a picture of someone who had known emptiness and shame, yet now is called to sing because of overflowing blessing. God’s grace does not merely reverse loss. It multiplies blessings. He does not merely remove shame. He replaces it with a song.

Every believer has seen this grace. There have been moments when God blessed us even when we were not walking as closely with Him as we should. His goodness has been larger than our faithfulness. That is the heart of God. When we understand how abundant His grace truly is, rejoicing becomes the natural response.

2. A Call to Courage Because of God’s Victorious Sovereignty

Isaiah also gives this command:

“Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame…” (Isaiah 54:4)

God calls His people to boldness because their future is not defined by their past. Israel had known failure, reproach, and judgment, yet God declared that shame would not have the final word. The same is true for us. In Christ, our past does not control our destiny.

We can live with courage because God is sovereign. The One who fights our battles is the Lord of hosts, the commander of heaven’s armies. Our confidence is not in our strength but in His power. When we truly believe that God reigns, fear begins to lose its grip, and courage begins to grow.

3. A Call to Forgiveness Because of God’s Compassionate Restoration

Isaiah speaks of the Lord calling those who felt forsaken and grieved in spirit. This reveals a God who restores and receives. He does not cast aside those who come to Him in repentance. He forgives again and again.

That truth carries a practical application. If God has forgiven us so freely, how can we hold on to bitterness toward others? Unforgiveness binds the heart and quenches the Spirit’s work in our lives. But when we remember how much we have been forgiven, we find the strength to extend that same grace to others.

Many believers struggle with the same sins and weaknesses year after year. Yet each time they come to God in sincerity, they find forgiveness. That is His character. And as recipients of such mercy, we are called to reflect that mercy in our relationships.

4. A Call to Continued Trust Because of God’s Unshakable Faithfulness

Isaiah gives one of the most comforting promises in the chapter:

“For the mountains shall depart, and the hills be removed; but my kindness shall not depart from thee, neither shall the covenant of my peace be removed, saith the LORD that hath mercy on thee.” (Isaiah 54:10)

Mountains feel permanent. Hills seem immovable. Yet God says even these could disappear before His faithfulness would fail. His kindness is not fragile. His promises are not temporary. His covenant rests upon His unchanging character.

Because God is faithful, we can trust Him in every season. There will be times of sorrow, but joy comes in the morning. There will be valleys, but His presence remains. The believer’s life is anchored not in circumstances but in the steadfast character of God.

Living as the Rejoicing Redeemed

The New Testament reminds us that this rejoicing flows from our union with Christ. As Paul wrote, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…” (Galatians 2:20). When Christ lives in us, joy is no longer something we must manufacture. It becomes the natural fruit of His life within us.

There is a great difference between merely attending church and truly living in Christ. Some people know the hymns, the standards, and the language of Christianity, yet their spirit is heavy and joyless. Others speak simply of the Lord, but their lives radiate gratitude and peace. The difference is not in their circumstances but in their fellowship with Christ.

Isaiah 53 takes us to the cross. Isaiah 54 calls us to the chorus of the redeemed. Once we have seen the suffering of our Savior and the character of our God, rejoicing should not feel forced. It should flow from a heart that has been with Jesus.

Reflection Question:Is the joy of Christ flowing out of your life, or have you allowed burdens, bitterness, or distraction to silence your song? What would it look like this week to return to rejoicing in the grace and faithfulness of God?

Faith-Filled Characters Sermon Series

Noah | Building in a Broken World | Hebrews 11:7

We live in a world that often feels upside down. Truth is questioned, righteousness is mocked, and sin is celebrated openly. It is easy to assume that living faithfully for God requires ideal conditions, a strong culture, or widespread spiritual revival. Yet Scripture reminds us that faith has never depended on favorable surroundings. Faith shines brightest when the world grows darkest.

Hebrews 11 introduces us to Noah, not as a perfect man, but as a man who walked by faith. Before there was an ark, before there was a flood, there was a man who believed what God said and ordered his life around it. Hebrews 11:7 says, “By faith Noah, being warned of God of things not seen as yet, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his house; by the which he condemned the world, and became heir of the righteousness which is by faith.” Noah’s story teaches us how to live faithfully in a broken world.

1. The Corruption That Surrounded Noah

To understand Noah’s faith, we must first understand the world in which he lived. Genesis 6:5 gives God’s own assessment of humanity at that time:
“And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

This was not a culture that merely drifted from God. It was a society saturated in violence, perversion, and rebellion. Sin was normal. God was ignored. Yet in the middle of that darkness, the Bible gives a powerful contrast: “But Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD” (Genesis 6:8). One man stood out, not because he was flawless, but because his heart was directed toward God.

The danger for believers is not simply that culture grows darker. The greater danger is that we slowly adjust to that darkness. Noah did not excuse himself by saying everyone else was doing it. He did not blend in to avoid attention. He chose to live differently, and that difference began with a heart that was loyal to God.

2. The Character That Distinguished Noah

Scripture tells us that Noah was a just man and that he walked with God. That phrase is simple but powerful. Noah did not merely talk about God or acknowledge God occasionally. He walked with God day by day.

God is still looking for men and women who are completely His. Not just on Sunday, but on Monday, Tuesday, and every day of the week. Faith is not an event. It is a walk. Just as physical health requires daily steps, spiritual strength requires daily fellowship with God through His Word and prayer.

Noah lived righteously in a fractured culture. He did not wait for society to improve before he obeyed God. He simply walked with God where he was. That same call rests on us today. We cannot blame our environment, our upbringing, or the people around us. God is still seeking individuals who will walk with Him.

3. The Conviction That Revealed Noah’s Faith

Hebrews 11:7 shows us that Noah’s faith was not merely internal. It produced action. God warned him of things not yet seen, and Noah moved with reverence and obedience. His faith was revealed in three clear ways.

Faith heeds God’s unseen warnings.
Noah had never seen rain like the flood God described. There was no visible evidence, only God’s Word. Yet that was enough. The Word of God still gives us unseen warnings today about sin, bitterness, pride, and the love of money. Faith does not wait for visible consequences. Faith believes God’s warnings and acts on them.

Faith obeys despite unpopular surroundings.
Noah built an ark in a dry world. We can only imagine the mockery and laughter he endured. Yet he kept building. Faith often calls us to stand alone, to forgive when others hold grudges, to prioritize worship over convenience, and to follow God when it is not popular. Faith chooses obedience even when the world does not understand.

Faith does all God says.
Genesis 6:22 gives a remarkable testimony: “Thus did Noah; according to all that God commanded him, so did he.” Partial obedience would have cost Noah everything. An ark built halfway would not have saved his family. In the same way, we cannot choose which parts of God’s Word to follow. True faith responds with full obedience, trusting that God’s commands are always right.

Noah built an ark in a dry world because he believed God. Every board he cut, every nail he drove, every step of preparation declared the same truth: I believe God. Long before the storm came, Noah had already settled in his heart that God’s Word was enough.

Reflection Question

Is there an area of your life where you are adjusting to the culture instead of walking by faith? What step of obedience is God calling you to take today, even if it feels difficult or unpopular?

Sermon Series

The Evidence | Hebrews 11:1-6

Faith is one of the most commonly used words in the Christian life, yet it is often one of the most misunderstood. People say, “Just have faith,” or “Keep the faith,” but Scripture does not leave us with a vague idea of what faith is. Hebrews 11 begins with a definition. God wants us to know what true, biblical faith looks like because the Bible tells us plainly, “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6). That statement alone shows how important this subject is.

At the end of Hebrews 11:1, the Bible calls faith “the evidence of things not seen.” That word evidence reminds us that faith is not a blind leap into the dark. Biblical faith is a response to what God has revealed about Himself. We do not see everything, but we are not without proof. God, in His kindness, has given us witnesses, testimonies, and evidence so that our faith can rest in what is true and certain.

In this passage, the Lord presents three pieces of evidence that show why faith in Him is reasonable, right, and pleasing to Him.

1. The Evidence in Creation

Hebrews 11:3 says, “Through faith we understand that the worlds were framed by the word of God, so that things which are seen were not made of things which do appear.” The first evidence God gives us is the world around us. Creation itself testifies that there is a Creator.

When we look at the order of the universe, the complexity of the human body, and the precision of nature, we are reminded that these things did not happen by accident. The design we see points to a Designer. Every sunrise, every living cell, every detail of the natural world declares that God exists and that He is powerful beyond our imagination. Before there was matter, there was God. Before there was time, there was God. Everything we see owes its existence to Him.

This matters because our faith is not only about believing that God created the world. It is about trusting the Creator with our lives. The One who spoke the universe into existence is able to save, to guide, and to sustain us. When we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ for salvation, we are placing our faith in the same God who framed the worlds by His word. Creation gives us confidence that He is worthy of our trust.

2. The Evidence in Abel

Hebrews 11:4 tells us, “By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.” Abel’s life is presented as another witness, another piece of evidence.

Abel’s sacrifice was accepted not merely because of what he brought, but because of the faith behind it. God is not impressed by activity alone. He looks at the heart. Abel trusted God, and that faith shaped his obedience. Even today, thousands of years later, Abel’s testimony still speaks. His life reminds us that God sees faithful obedience, even when others misunderstand it.

There are times when you will obey God, and no one else will understand your decision. Your motives may be questioned. Your choices may be criticized. But God never misreads the heart of a person who is seeking to follow Him by faith. Abel’s example assures us that faith is never wasted. God sees it, and He uses it to encourage others long after our own lives are finished.

3. The Evidence in Enoch

Hebrews 11:5–6 points us to another witness: Enoch. The Bible tells us that Enoch walked with God and that he pleased God. Then the Scripture explains how he pleased God. “But without faith it is impossible to please him” (Hebrews 11:6).

Enoch’s life teaches us that God is pleased not merely by what we do, but by the faith that leads us to do it. It is possible to attend church, to give, to serve, and even to speak about spiritual things without truly trusting God. Faith changes the motive behind the action. Faith says, “God, I trust You enough to obey You, even when I do not see the outcome.”

Walking with God is still the calling of every believer. We walk with Him as we read His Word, pray, worship, and obey what He has shown us. Day by day, step by step, we learn to trust Him more. Faith is not about perfection. It is about trust. God is not looking for flawless people. He is looking for people who will believe Him enough to follow Him.

Living by Faith Today

God has not asked us to live by blind hope. He has given us evidence. Creation declares His power. Abel declares that God sees faithful obedience. Enoch declares that faith is what pleases God. The question is not whether God is trustworthy. The question is whether we will trust Him.

Have you trusted Him for salvation? Have you trusted Him in your daily decisions, in your fears, in your relationships, and in your prayers? Faith shows itself in the choices we make. It shows itself when we forgive, when we obey Scripture, when we step forward in obedience even though we feel uncertain.

Reflection Question:If someone examined your choices this past week, would they find evidence of faith? What step of faith is God calling you to take today?

Sermon Series

Chapter Study | 2 Timothy 2:15

When it comes to studying the Bible, there is a quiet assumption that slips into church life if we are not careful. It sounds spiritual, it sounds respectful, and it even feels humble. It says, “That is the pastor’s job.” As if studying the Bible deeply belongs to the pulpit, but not to the pew. Yet the command in Scripture does not fall only on preachers. It lands on God’s people.

Paul told Timothy, “Study to shew thyself approved unto God” (2 Timothy 2:15). Approved unto God. That is the target. The goal of Bible study is not to impress people, win arguments, or collect information. It is to please the Lord. If God is pleased, it does not matter what man says. If God is displeased, then it does not matter how spiritual we look; we need to change. All of us should be challenged to step into the Word a little deeper, not as a competition, not as a comparison, but as obedience. God does not bless half-hearted obedience. He blesses a heart that follows where He leads.

One of the simplest, most helpful ways to begin is a chapter study. A chapter study is not the only way to study the Bible, but it is an excellent way to train your mind and heart to let Scripture speak for itself. It slows you down. It forces you to pay attention. It helps you see what God is saying, not merely what you want Him to say.

1. A Chapter Often Gives Intended Context

Verses have an address. They live inside paragraphs, paragraphs live inside chapters, and chapters are often built around connected thoughts. While chapter numbers were added later and are not inspired, they are still very useful. Most of the time, they help us follow a line of thought.

This matters because context guards us from a danger that is common today. It is the habit of grabbing a verse and using it like a weapon or a slogan, without paying attention to its meaning in its surroundings. You can create a serious error by pulling Scripture out of its “meaning location.” A chapter study helps prevent that. It helps us hear what God is actually saying, not just what we want to hear.

It also helps us understand the layers of Scripture. God spoke to real people in real situations, and some promises were given to specific individuals in specific moments. If we ignore that, we can misapply a passage and end up in error. You can learn from every story in the Bible, but you must learn it rightly. The principle may apply even when the specific situation does not. A chapter study keeps your feet planted on solid ground.

2. A Chapter Can Reveal Repeated Themes and Key Words

God does not repeat Himself by accident. When you read a chapter carefully, you start noticing words that keep appearing, ideas that keep resurfacing, and truths that are being emphasized. That repetition is the Holy Spirit underlining something for you.

When you slow down in a chapter study, patterns begin to show up that you would miss if you only skimmed a verse here and there. The Lord is often pointing your attention to what matters most. Repetition is one of His teaching tools, and a chapter study helps you recognize it.

3. A Chapter Often Shows Spiritual Progression

A chapter can show movement. Sometimes it is growth and victory. Sometimes it is a decline and a warning. Either way, you see how spiritual decisions play out over time.

When you trace a chapter, you can ask helpful questions that sharpen your understanding: What problem is being addressed? How does God respond? What change is expected? Those questions keep you from reading the Bible like random quotes. They help you read it like God intended, as truth that exposes the heart and directs the life.

4. A Chapter Equips Us for Real-Life Application

The Bible was not given to fill our heads only. It was given to shape our lives. You can apply biblical truth at work, at home, in conflict, in temptation, and in suffering. Scripture is meant to be lived.

That is why these three questions are so important when you study: What does this teach me about God? What does this reveal about me? What must I change? God reveals Himself through His Word, and the Word also reveals us. Sometimes it shows us an ugly attitude, a proud spirit, or a stubborn will. That can sting, but it is mercy. God is not trying to shame you; He is trying to grow you.

A Practical Example of Chapter Study

To model this, we walked through a chapter study in James 1. James begins with a greeting, then he moves through several connected areas of spiritual life. When you read the chapter as a whole, you see a repeated theme: spiritual maturity.

First, James teaches spiritual maturity in trials. “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience” (James 1:2–3). Trials test faith, and faith under pressure produces patience. That patience is not meant to stay small. God wants it to finish its work in you. He is not merely trying to get you through trouble. He is trying to build you through trouble.

Then James addresses spiritual maturity in the face of temptation. He makes it plain that God is not the source of sin. Temptation does not come from a holy God trying to trip you up. “Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man” (James 1:13). James shows the pathway of sin and how it grows when we entertain it. That is not written to condemn you. It is written to warn you, so you can fight it early and win.

Finally, James teaches spiritual maturity in response to the Word of God. He calls us to be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. He warns that hearing without doing is self-deception. The Word is like a mirror. You look into it, and it shows you what you are, but the goal is not to glance and walk away unchanged. The goal is to keep looking, keep obeying, and keep growing.

In the middle of that chapter is a verse that captures the aim of the whole process. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:4). That word “perfect” carries the idea of completeness, maturity, being fully grown. God is not only interested in getting you saved. He is interested in making you whole. He wants your faith mature, your reactions mature, your tongue mature, your obedience mature, and your love mature.

The world offers limited answers to our brokenness. It tries to explain pain, manage guilt, soothe anxiety, and satisfy desire, but it cannot complete what only God can complete. God provides the complete answer. He teaches you how to walk through trials, how to overcome temptation, and how to respond rightly to His Word. He does not just patch cracks. He grows you into spiritual maturity.

Reflection Question

Are you treating Bible study like “the pastor’s job,” or are you studying to be “approved unto God” for yourself? What is one step you need to take this week so that God can keep growing you toward being “perfect and entire, wanting nothing”?

Sermon Series

Faith for Today | Hebrews 11:1

When we talk about faith, it is easy to admire it from a distance. We respect it in the lives of Bible characters. We applaud it in the testimonies of others. We even celebrate it as a theme or an idea. But Hebrews 11 does not present faith as something reserved for history or for heroes of the past. It presents faith as something present, active, and necessary right now. The opening words make that unmistakably clear: “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Hebrews 11:1). Faith is not something we had once. Faith is something we live in today.

This chapter is often called the hall of faith, but it is not a hall of perfection. The men and women listed here were not flawless. Some made serious mistakes. Some failed in ways that would seem to disqualify them from being used by God. Yet God includes them because the qualification was never perfection. The qualification was faith. God does not require a perfect life to use someone. He requires a faith-filled life. Faith for today means choosing to trust God in the present, even when circumstances are unclear and outcomes are unknown.

Faith does not wait for ideal conditions. It operates in the here and now, often with incomplete information. We are reminded that we walk by faith, not by sight. Faith gives foundation to hope, not wishful thinking, but confident expectation. God has never broken a promise, and He never will. Because of that, faith becomes the solid ground on which hope stands.

1. Confidence in Eternal Life Through Jesus Christ

Biblical faith begins with a clear object, and that object is not vague or self-defined. Faith is anchored in God, and ultimately in His Son, Jesus Christ. Hebrews 12:2 reminds us that we are “looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.” He begins true faith, and He completes it. No system, no religion, and no personal effort can do that. Only Jesus can.

The foundation of faith is the gospel. “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). Faith places its full weight on what Christ has done. His death, burial, and resurrection secure our eternity. When a person places their faith in Jesus Christ alone, their eternal destiny is settled. That brings confident expectation, not fear or uncertainty.

Because of Christ, we live knowing that heaven is real. Salvation does not depend on our daily performance but on Christ’s finished work. God does not excuse sin, but He does secure the believer. Faith for today means living with the assurance that eternity is in God’s hands, not ours.

2. Confidence in God’s Sovereign Purposes

Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith often involves trusting God’s plan when it does not make sense. Noah built an ark without ever seeing rain. God asked him to obey before explaining all the details. That is often how faith works. Faith trusts God’s purposes even when the path feels confusing.

The Bible assures us, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). That does not mean all things feel good. It means God is always at work. Faith refuses to let circumstances preach louder than Scripture.

When trials come, it is easy to assign motives to God instead of trusting Him. Faith says, “Lord, I will trust You with this, even if You never explain it.” Faith believes that God’s purposes are good, even when life feels heavy and unanswered questions remain.

3. Confidence in God’s Sufficient Grace in Temptation

Faith is not only about eternal matters. It affects daily decisions, especially when temptation arises. Hebrews 11 points us to Joseph, a man who faced intense temptation yet chose faithfulness. He believed God was greater than the moment.

Scripture promises, “There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13). Faith believes that promise and acts on it.

Faith takes up the shield God provides. “Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked” (Ephesians 6:16). When faith is active, temptation does not have the final word. God’s grace is sufficient, and He always provides a way to stand.

4. Confidence in God’s Daily Direction

A life of faith trusts God not only with eternity and temptation, but also with daily direction. Faith believes that God orders our steps, even when we cannot see the whole road ahead. Faith chooses obedience over clarity and trust over control.

Walking by faith means believing that God is involved in everyday decisions. He is not distant. He is personal, present, and purposeful. Faith says, “Lord, lead me today,” and then follows when He does.

5. Confidence That God Hears and Answers Prayer

Faith also shapes how we pray. Hebrews 11 reminds us that prayer is an expression of trust in God’s character. We do not always see immediate answers, but faith believes that God hears every request.

Some prayers are answered quickly. Others are answered over time. Some are answered in ways we do not fully see until eternity. Faith continues praying, trusting that God is faithful. We do not have to see the result today to know that God is at work.

Faith for today is not theoretical. It is lived. It shows up in salvation, in suffering, in temptation, in direction, and in prayer. The question is not whether we talk about faith, but whether we are walking in it.

Reflection QuestionAre you living by faith today, or are you relying on what you can see and understand? What step of faith is God calling you to take right now?

Sermon Series

Foundation | Hebrews 11:1

When we talk about faith, most people assume they already understand it. Faith is a familiar word. We use it easily, admire it in others, and often attach it to optimism, effort, or even last-ditch hope. But Hebrews 11 opens in a surprising way. God does not begin with a story, a hero, or an illustration. He begins with a definition. Before showing us faith in action, He tells us what faith actually is. That matters because if we misunderstand faith at the beginning, we will misunderstand everything that follows.

Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” This verse is not written to correct the world’s idea of faith. It is written to correct the church’s understanding of faith. God knows that before we can live by faith, we must know what faith is. Faith is not optimism, passivity, or a last resort. Biblical faith is a living, present confidence in God that shapes how we think, pray, and live right now.

1. Faith Is for Today, Not Someday

The verse begins with three simple but powerful words: “Now faith is.” Faith is not something reserved for the future. It is not faith that will be, or faith might become. Faith exists now. It is present, active, and real. God is not describing an ideal we grow into later. He is declaring a present reality for every believer.

Faith does not wait for perfect conditions or complete information. It operates in the here and now, often when clarity is missing. We want all the details before we move forward, but faith steps forward trusting God even when the path is unclear. That is why Scripture tells us we walk by faith, not by sight. Faith is required in uncertainty. Faith is exercised before the outcome is known. If there is uncertainty in your life today, God is calling you to trust Him now, not later.

2. Faith Gives a Foundation to Hope

Hebrews 11:1 says faith is “the substance of things hoped for.” The word substance carries the idea of a foundation or support. Hope is the structure, but faith is the foundation holding it up. Hope says, “I want this to be true.” Faith says, “I am ordering my life because I believe it is true.”

Faith is not wishful thinking. It is confidence rooted in God’s character. Hope without faith collapses under pressure, but hope built on faith stands firm. Faith treats future promises as present realities. It lives as if God’s Word is already settled, because it is. If our faith is real, it will show up in how we pray, how we plan, and how we obey. Faith moves us to pray boldly and trust God for things only He can do, so that when He answers, there is no doubt who deserves the glory.

3. Faith Is Confident Expectation, Not Uncertainty

Biblical hope is not crossed fingers or vague optimism. It is a confident expectation anchored in the faithfulness of God. Faith does not say, “I hope this works out.” Faith says, “God is faithful no matter how this turns out.” Faith rests not in circumstances, but in the unchanging character of God.

That kind of faith produces calm confidence even in difficult seasons. It allows believers to obey God without guarantees and trust Him without conditions. Faith is not reckless. It is resolved. It believes that God’s purposes are good, even when His ways are hard to understand.

4. Faith Confirms What Cannot Be Seen

The verse ends by saying faith is “the evidence of things not seen.” Evidence is proof. Faith does not deny reality, but it trusts what God has said even when it cannot yet be seen. Just as we believe in wind or electricity because we see their effects, faith gives conviction about invisible spiritual realities.

Faith takes God at His Word and lives accordingly. It plugs life into God with confidence, trusting that He is at work even when nothing appears to be happening. Faith does not require sight to move forward. It trusts the One who sees all things.

Hebrews 11 reminds us that faith is not abstract. It is practical. It shapes daily decisions. It determines how we respond to hardship. It guides how we pray, give, serve, and obey. Faith is not just something we claim. It is something we live.

Reflection Question:What in your life right now can only be explained by faith in God, not by sight, logic, or comfort? If someone examined your life, what evidence would they see that you are truly walking by faith today?

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About Pastor JD Howell

Pastor J.D. Howell is a faithful and passionate servant of God whose heart beats for preaching the truth of God’s Word and shepherding God’s people with love and integrity.

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First Baptist Church of Bridgeport | All Rights Reserved

About Pastor JD Howell

Pastor J.D. Howell is a faithful and passionate servant of God whose heart beats for preaching the truth of God’s Word and shepherding God’s people with love and integrity.

Home

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Subscribe now to get timely updates and in-depth insights designed to keep you in touch with First Baptist Church.

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© 2026

First Baptist Church of Bridgeport | All Rights Reserved

About Pastor JD Howell

Pastor J.D. Howell is a faithful and passionate servant of God whose heart beats for preaching the truth of God’s Word and shepherding God’s people with love and integrity.

Home

Sermons

About

Authors

Contact

Newsletter

Subscribe now to get timely updates and in-depth insights designed to keep you in touch with First Baptist Church.

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© 2026

First Baptist Church of Bridgeport | All Rights Reserved