Sermons on A Misinformation Bill:

Breaking Down Barriers Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Oct 24, 2020

Peter’s response to these religious rule-keepers is a model for us as we face criticism or complaints. We’ll see that Peter’s answer is more pastoral than argumentative. I see seven correctives to help us handle criticism.

This week I shared something positive on Facebook and got pulverized. The criticism came quickly and repeatedly. Normally I’m more careful about posting about controversial matters so I wasn’t prepared for all the venomous vitriol and overwhelming opposition. One person simply replied, “Oh ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:1-18

Denomination: Baptist

Ordinary People Unleashed Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 2, 2020

God unleashes the extraordinary through ordinary people.

An ordinary Sunday School teacher named Ed was concerned for a young man in his class named Dwight, so he shared Christ with him in the back room of a shoe store. Dwight got saved and eventually became a well-known evangelist. Years later, when preaching in the British Isles, Dwight told the ...read more

Scripture: Acts 11:19-30

Denomination: Baptist

The Power Of Earnest Prayer Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 7, 2020

God often does the unexpected when we’re earnest in prayer.

A week ago, I listened to the Voice of the Martyr’s podcast called VOM Radio and learned about Petr Jasek, a believer from the Czech Republic, who was imprisoned in Sudan for 14 months. He served as the Africa Regional Director for Voice of the Martyrs and traveled to Sudan on their behalf. BTW, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:1-19

Denomination: Baptist

God Always Gets The Glory Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 14, 2020

Make the glory of God the story of your life.

Over 8 years ago, Beth and I had the privilege of going to Israel. We were impacted by the people we went with and the places we visited. Our team consisted of 30 Asian believers from seven different countries and was led by friends of ours who teach at the East Asia Theological Seminary. It ...read more

Scripture: Acts 12:20-25

Denomination: Baptist

Carry Each Others Burdens Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 27, 2021

We show we care when we bear one another’s burdens.

How many of you remember the TV commercial from the late 80s and early 90s which showed an elderly woman lying on the floor shouting, “Help me, I’ve fallen, and I can’t get up?” That catchphrase has become part of our vocabulary but it’s not very funny for those who have faltered, fallen, and feel ...read more

Scripture: Galatians 6:1-5

Denomination: Baptist

Bearing With One Another Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 29, 2021

Because Jesus bears with us, we can bear with one another.

Several weeks ago, Edgewood hosted a simulcast event from Voice of the Martyrs called, “Imprisoned for Christ,” featuring three men who were jailed for Jesus. We were urged to pray for persecuted believers to remain firm and faithful. During this event, I learned of a brand-new book by Todd ...read more

Scripture: Romans 15:1-6, Ephesians 4:2

Denomination: Baptist

Easter Is Everything

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 5, 2021

Because Easter is everything, Jesus must be everything to you.

The word “everything” refers to “something that is extremely or most important.” If you believe someone or something is everything, you’re saying that person or that thing is most important in your life. Barry White made these words popular in a song from 1974: “My first, my last, my everything ...read more

Scripture: John 20:11-18

Denomination: Baptist

Daily Embrace The Lord's Will Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 10, 2021

A disciple must die to his own desires daily.

Recently, over 60 people from all generations gathered for a two-hour time of prayer in the Worship Center led by Pastor Kyle and the Mainspring ministry. 15 people led this guided prayer time, following the acrostic CHAT (Confession, Honor, Ask and Thanks). There were times of silent and ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23

Denomination: Baptist

Follow Jesus By Obeying Him Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 15, 2021

A disciple is one who follows Jesus no matter what.

Video: That’s My King I’ve watched this video many times over the years, and we’ve played it a couple times in services as well. It’s from a sermon by Shadrach Meshach Lockridge (isn’t that the best biblical name ever?). Different sections jump out at me each time… I wish I could describe Him ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-26, Matthew 4:19-22, Matthew 9:9

Denomination: Baptist

Join In The Mission Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 24, 2021

When we are faithful, God will make us fruitful.

Where I grew up, our neighbors had a vineyard. I remember playing football in our backyard and stopping to eat so many grapes I would get a stomachache. Also, I have memories of throwing grapes at my sisters – they left great stains on their pretty dresses! For some reason the owner of these ...read more

Scripture: John 15:1-8

Denomination: Baptist

Care For One Another Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Feb 28, 2021

God has placed you to live out your purpose in this place for His pleasure.

The Bible lists 59 “One Another” statements, showing how God expects us to behave toward other believers. In fact, it’s impossible to live this out unless we are in community with Christians. In a culture filled with vitriol and anger, Christ-followers are to live and love like Jesus. Today, ...read more

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 12:14-26

Denomination: Baptist

Be United With One Another Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 8, 2021

Jesus is praying for us to be a community of unity.

One weekend, a pastor was giving a children’s sermon to all the kids in church. A bright-eyed three-year-old girl was listening intently as he explained how God wanted them all to get along and to love one another. She was tracking with her pastor until he said, “God wants us all to be one.” The ...read more

Scripture: John 17:11, John 17:20-23

Denomination: Baptist

Accept One Another

Contributed by Brian Bill on Mar 16, 2021

Since we are accepted by Christ, we must accept one another.

According to LifeWay Research, when asked about their most significant struggle this past year, pastors pointed to the disunity in their congregation caused by COVID and the various protocols put in place. Many factors no doubt play a role in this problem, but one statistic may underscore a ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Trusting God No Matter What

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 6, 2020

Prayers of lament can lead us to praise the Lord.

• Why does God seem so far away? • When will this shelter-in-place end? • Why did I lose my job? • Why did He take away my loved one? • Why doesn’t God stop this virus? • Why do I worry so much when I know I should be worshipping? Please turn to the Book of Habakkuk. The best way to find this ...read more

Scripture: Habakkuk 3:16-18

Denomination: Baptist

Easter Matters

Contributed by Brian Bill on Apr 13, 2020

One of the results of the resurrection is we no longer have to live in fear. We could say it like this: When in dread, remember Jesus rose from the dead; He will come near when we are quarantined with fear!

Easter Matters John 20:19-22 Rev. Brian Bill April 11-12, 2020 The very first Easter did not take place in a crowded worship space filled with singing and praising. On the very first Easter the disciples were locked in a house. Instead of sheltering in place, they were shaking in place. ...read more

Scripture: John 20:19-22

Denomination: Baptist