In Sermons: showing 1-11 of 11

Rough Beginnings Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 11, 2023

In this sermon, we consider the back story of the letters to the Thessalonians - the founding of the church. It's tumultuous beginning helps us to understand a bit of the environment into which the new church was planted and some of the ongoing struggles they faces.

Pre-quals Every story has a back story. We may not always gain insight into the back story, but there are things impact characters and cultures. When George Lucas wrote the original Star Wars series, he had in his mind some of the events leading up to the movie that many of us were first ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1

Denomination: Baptist

Yoked Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 5, 2023

Our unity as a biblical community is strengthened because we are yoked together - knitted together as members of one another with practical ethics that we are intended live out in order to foster that community.

YOKED Joel Gilbert / General CommU.N.I.T.Y. / Ephesians 4:25–32; Ephesians 5:1–2   Introduction There are organizations for people with any number of interests. Often, membership in these societies comes with an expectation for some advocacy or education, financial support, or simply ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Transforming Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 28, 2023

We are not who we once were and are not yet whom God is creating us to be. We are together as a church - being transformed or renewed.

The Second Best Day of My Life ? December 31, 1994 After 5 years of on and off dating, nearly 2 years of engagement Danielle and I got married. We assembled at her home church with close to 300 guests, 10 attendants, a few musicians, many family members, a Bible teacher, and a pastor We got dressed ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-22, Romans 12:2

Denomination: Baptist

Intimate Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 28, 2023

As we continue to reflect on what it means to be a biblical community, we've seen so far that we are united and the there are norms of that community. In this sermon, we'll reflect on the intimacy or nearness that we experience as a church.

? Possible Intro: ? The pandemic and our nation’s value of rugged individualism have wreaked havoc in our lives - more than we realize. ?I was listening to a podcast this week that contained a conversation between Russel Moore and Sam Alberry. Both are believers and apologists. Both attend ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-3, Romans 5:5

Denomination: Baptist

United Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 28, 2023

As a church, we are in the process of transitioning from traditional Sunday School classes to home-based community groups. In this process, we are going to take a few weeks to consider what it means for us to be a biblical community. We begin with the consideration that we are united.

Introduction Series on biblical community in preparation for the launching of community groups next month we will look at a variety of passages, but most of our time together will be in the book of Ephesians Background Diversity There were cultural, ethnic, and religious divisions in the city - ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

The Wedding At Cana Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 19, 2023

Jesus' sign of turning the water to wine reveals a bit of how he addresses our earthly and eternal needs.

Introduction I have a problem. I don’t like things on my hands. As a result I wash my hands too often when I’m cooking. Now, you may not see that as a problem, after all, cross contamination of various foods is never good. But I do. The other day, Danielle and I were preparing dinner together. ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

The First Disciples Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 19, 2023

As Jesus begins his ministry, he calls out several men to follow him. This sermon considers the first disciples that Jesus calls.

We all like to follow someone at various times in our lives. We may be motivated by curiosity, fear, ambition, knowledge, information. Sometimes our following is a simple and non-committed social media follow - we might just want to be in the know. Other times our following results in a certain ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-51

Denomination: Baptist

Nobody, Somebody, Everybody Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 19, 2023

If John the Baptist was on social media, what would he post? What would he share about himself? He might truly resonate with the song by Casting Crowns - "Nobody, Somebody, Everybody."

I’m not very good at social media, but you probably already know that if you’re on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I don’t post very often - except to give away bread. When I do, I don’t take very good pictures - in fact I sometimes re-do old pictures - especially of bread. I suppose in some ...read more

Scripture: John 1:19-34

Denomination: Baptist

Prologue Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jan 9, 2023

John's introduction to his Gospel beautifully and artfully lays the foundation for the rest of his book as he provides insight into the nature, work and witness of the Word - Jesus Christ!

What is a prologue? If we were to take that apart, it divides neatly into two words pro- meaning before logos - meaning word or saying So, in a very real sense, a prologue is a word that happens beforehand - a fore-word Composers, Filmmakers, and Authors alike have utilized preludes, ...read more

Scripture: John 1:1-18, Exodus 34:6-7, Genesis 1:1-2

Denomination: Baptist

Fully Alive By Faith Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jan 9, 2023

The Gospel of John was written with a specific purpose. This brief overview of the book will serve as an introduction to our study of the entire book over the next several sermons.

Who is Jesus? Who does the world say Jesus is? who do you believe Jesus is? Near the end of his Gospel, John clearly delineates the purpose or premise of his account of the life of Jesus. John 20:30–31 ESV Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not ...read more

Scripture: John 20:30-31

Denomination: Baptist

Serving Jesus' Way Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 29, 2022

When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, he broke cultural conventions but also provided an example for his followers to emulate.

Surprised by Underwhelming Expectations I rarely introduce myself as Pastor. It’s not that I don’t want people to know the role I play, but I don’t want my title to become a barrier. Sure, it may open some conversations, but it may also hinder others as people might think I’m some holy man - ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Baptist