In Sermons:

How To Avoid Being A Disciple Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 20, 2025

As Jesus continues his journey toward Jerusalem, he makes some statements that reveal just how costly discipleship is.

The Internet is full of information on how people can do certain things: How to repair a specific broken belt on a lawn mower How to balance a budget How to cook a dish How to pay for college There is also a ton of information on how to avoid certain things: How to avoid debt How to avoid phishing ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:25-35, Luke 12:15, Luke 9:23-25, Matthew 5:13, Luke 6:35, Mark 6:46, Acts 8:21  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Consequential Dinner Conversation With Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 6, 2025

As Jesus shares a meal with several religious leaders, He shares insights into how God's people should act with humility, express generous hospitality, and respond to the gospel call with honor.

Conversations over meals can be consequential in variety of ways. slow down and be together Share stories Get to know one another (Tell me something about you that will help me understand or truly know you better- Dobson) Teach and learn biblical truths Influence CG meals Family meals Wedding or ...read more

Scripture: Luke 14:7-24, Proverbs 25:6-7, Proverbs 29:23, Philippians 2:5-11, Luke 6:32-36, Acts 24:15, Revelation 20:4-5, 2 Timothy 4:8, 1 Peter 5:4, James 1:12, 1 Thessalonians 2:19, Philippians 4:1, Revelation 4:10, Matthew 6:1-4, Deuteronomy 24:5  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Kingdom Of God Vs. The Kingdom Of Man Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 29, 2025

From the beginning of time, the Kingdom of God and His ways has been in a struggle with the Kingdom of Man. We feel it in our day. Jesus experienced it in His day.

Charlie Kirk some would call him a man of God. some would call him a political activist some viewed him as a great example for society others viewed him as a part of the problem for the division Since his assassination a couple of weeks ago, some have asked me why I haven’t said much about Charlie. ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Interpreting The Times Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 22, 2025

In His continuing discussion on having an eternal perspective, Jesus urges His listeners to recognize the times, seek reconciliation through repentance and respond by bearing fruit.

Humanity’s ability to predict the weather has improved over the centuries. Simple observations of general weather patterns and seasonal shifts have evolved into highly technological advancements that allow us to predict or provide some best guesses regarding pending weather events several days in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:20-23, Hebrews 9:27-28, 1 Timothy 2:5-6, Romans 6:23, Romans 12:1-2, Acts 3:19-20, Galatians 5:17-25  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Ready And Waiting Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 15, 2025

Following the charge to not worry about others or about earthly possessions - Jesus seems to make another hint toward toward the cross and toward his time away from his people. In doing this, he calls his people to be ready and waiting while he is gone.

Are we there yet? land marks, milestones along the way long middle section of the book we’ve turned toward Jerusalem Jesus is ultimately preparing his disciples for his departure and preparing them and us to continue ministry in His absence. Even in the midst of the part of Luke in which we find ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:35-53

Denomination: Baptist

Freedom From The Burden Of Worry Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 8, 2025

Fear and anxiety are things that can have an unhealthy grip on our lives. In this passage, Jesus teaches his followers how we can be free from the burden of worrty.

In 1988, Bobby McFerrin released a song entitled “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” It was inspired by the teachings of an Indian Guru who used to tell his followers “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” McFerrin’s song was quickly written and recorded. It was released as an Adult Contemporary song where it made it to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:13-34

Denomination: Baptist

Whom Shall I Fear Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 2, 2025

Things and people that we fear take a variety of forms. Jesus urges us to not fear those who can only do things to us in this life, but to fear Him who has power over eternity - and yet because of His great love, we should not fear Him.

Introduction There are things that all of us fear. What may cause me fear might not be what causes you fear and vice versa. Last night we were visiting with some folks and were reminiscing a bit about one of the fear inducing and adrenaline pumping experiences we had - bungee jumping. Fear, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 12:4-12

Denomination: Baptist

Beware Of Hypocrisy Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 25, 2025

In His encounter with Pharisees and Scribes, Jesus discusses the characteristics of hypocrisy. To His disciples He notes the promises of hypocrisy with a stern warning. And yet, in the gospel, we find great hope for hypocrites.

It seems like nearly every month (maybe even more frequently if we look hard enough), we receive news about some Christian leader who fails morally, gets caught, and is removed from ministry. Whether it’s pastors, professors, performers, or politicians - failure happens. We see hypocrisy ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 24:20-21, Galatians 5:1, James 5:16, Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 8:1, Romans 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:4, Proverbs 10:9, Revelation 20:11-14, Hosea 6:6, Psalm 32:1-7  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Truly Following Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 18, 2025

There are a variety of reasons why some people follow Jesus - some for benefits, some to slander, some to argue, some bandwagon followers, but what does it take to be a true follower of Jesus?

It seems like nearly every week I run into people who have some sort of faith. They say that believe in Jesus or at least call themselves Christians, but don’t attend a church. Their faith is very personal, private, and even comfortable. They choose to follow Jesus on their terms, as long as He ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:14-36

Denomination: Baptist

Teach Us To Pray Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 11, 2025

Following a time of prayer, one of Jesus' disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. Luke records an abbreviated version of the Lord's prayer and then includes elements that encourage us to be bold in our prayer, promising provision and presence from God.

Over the last couple of sections of Luke’s gospel, we’ve considered the importance of loving God with all that we are and loving others. We’ve also reflected on the value of sitting before Jesus in order to just be with Him and learn before we get in to the practice of serving. It seems like in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

The Good Portion Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 5, 2025

What is the necessary, good thing in our relationship with Jesus?

I have a problem - a problem with serving food. I always want the bigger portion - if I’m pouring drinks for Danielle and me - I’ll take the one that’s a bit more. If I’m plating food, I’ll put a bit more on my plate. Now, I know she eats less than I do - basically everyone in my house eats less ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:38-42

Denomination: Baptist

The Extent Of Love Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jul 21, 2025

We are call to love God with all that we are and to love others as ourselves, but how? This sermon looks at the extent of loving God and loving others and reflects on the vast extent of Jesus' love for us.

Luke 10:25–37 ESV And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How do you read it?” And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:25-37

Denomination: Baptist

On Mission For The King Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jul 14, 2025

After missing the point of who Jesus is and what He's doing, the disciples are sent on another mission trip. Here they learn about both the manner and the mindset of the mission.

As we seek to minister for Christ here in and around Poolesville, as we support missionaries in other contexts, I think this same manner and mindset will be helpful. If you have you Bibles, open them to Luke 10. I’ll read the passage for us in order to help us gain a full picture of what’s ...read more

Scripture: Luke 10:1-24

Denomination: Baptist

Adventures In Missing The Point Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jul 7, 2025

As Jesus makes a turn toward Jerusalem, we learn that the disciples still have so much to learn - but so do we.

In his book Mere Christianity, CS Lewis uses an illustration to note how different it is to learn something than it is to apply that thing. His illustration centered on the difference between a map and being out on the water. In two dimensions, a map can look quite straight forward. You can see ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-62

Denomination: Baptist

The Call Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 16, 2025

While Jesus announces for the first time to his disciples his call to the cross, He calls us to confess who he is and calls us to live a crucified life.

I would guess that we are probably similar in that we get so many unwanted calls each day. Somehow, I’ve been getting calls for some group who says they can get me on Social Security Disability. Other times I’ve been on the list for VA loans - except I’m not a veteran. I’ve received calls for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:18-27

Denomination: Baptist