Sermons on Bill Hybels:

Turning The World Upside Down Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Oct 12, 2021

To turn the world upside down, the Word must first turn us inside out.

In partnership with George Barna, Arizona Christian University just released its annual American Worldview Inventory. The results were disappointing, discouraging, and disheartening. Out of 176 million Americans who identify as Christians, just six percent hold a recognizably Christian ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

Building Bridges, Not Barriers Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Oct 26, 2021

If we’re going to reach unbelievers with the gospel, we must build bridges, not barriers.

Last weekend, Pastor Ed and Sheila, Gary and Kathy Pinger, and Beth and I had the privilege of attending the Keep Believing Ministries retreat. KBM is one of Edgewood’s Go Team Partners. One of the many highlights was learning how the free gospel book, Anchor for the Soul has now been distributed ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:16-34

Denomination: Baptist

Discipleship Is A Process Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 1, 2021

God providentially works through people in process to accomplish His purposes.

Caleb Greggsen pastors an English-speaking church in Central Asia. Recently, he wrote an intriguing article called Friendship: The Foundation of Paul’s Global Ministry in which he wrote: “One of Paul’s most consistent values may surprise us: friendship…consider how in nearly every letter, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 18:1-28

Denomination: Baptist

Doctrine Matters Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 8, 2021

Right beliefs should lead to righteous behavior.

How many of you dreaded pop quizzes in school? This week, I learned this is an actual phobia for some people called “testophobia.” I want to begin with a pop quiz to see how well we understand some key doctrines. 1. The Holy Spirit is… a. An impersonal force b. The soul of Jesus c. The third ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:1-20

Denomination: Baptist

Counting The Cost Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 17, 2021

It’s costly to follow Christ, but the cost is worth it.

This week I was working on this message at a McDonald’s when I met a man who told me to keep the sermon short. Did one of you put him up to this? Before leaving, he passed along some words of wisdom: “The brain can only absorb what the seat can endure.” I’m going to take that to heart today, ...read more

Scripture: Acts 19:21-41

Denomination: Baptist

Finishing Well Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Nov 29, 2021

If you want to finish well, celebrate God’s provision in the past, surrender to His plans in the present, and serve faithfully in the future.

Goodbyes are no fun, are they? We just returned from a few days with our two daughters and their families in Virginia. I cry like a baby every time we leave. In our family, some of our most painful goodbyes were when we left our parents and siblings to serve as missionaries in Mexico City for ...read more

Scripture: Acts 20:17-38

Denomination: Baptist

Prophetic Precision Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Dec 6, 2021

The prophets foretold the coming of Christ with pinpoint precision.

In 1998, an anonymous donor gave a marketing agency $150,000 to create an advertising campaign called “God Speaks.” His desire was to reach people who had drifted away from their faith. The campaign created such a positive response that the Outdoor Advertising Association of America picked it as ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 3:15, Isaiah 7:14

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

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

Rediscovering Rest Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Jan 9, 2023

Because God rested, we must rediscover rest to be refreshed.

Last October, when Lucas and our daughter Megan still lived in New York, we drove to see them for a long weekend. Normally, we leave early in the morning for our east coast road trips, but that week we couldn’t leave until after lunch on Thursday. Our thought was we’d drive until we were tired, ...read more

Scripture: Genesis 2:1-3

Denomination: Baptist

Grace Alone Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 20, 2021

Jesus + Nothing = Everything

Recently, Beth and I stopped by a grocery store to pick up a few items. To save time, we decided to use the self-checkout option [I normally go to a cashier as a way to support jobs]. When I tried to scan the first item, the machine sounded an alarm, and the screen showed an error. As I waited ...read more

Scripture: Acts 15:1-35

Denomination: Baptist

How God Leads Series

Contributed by Brian Bill on Sep 25, 2021

God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect purposes.

Last Sunday, someone told me they saw me run a red light earlier in the week. Apparently, he was driving behind me and witnessed my traffic transgression. I didn’t really know what to say so I deflected and mumbled something about how people drive too fast today. Before I went to bed that ...read more

Denomination: Baptist