Sermons on Dr Benjamin Gilbert:

Unexpected Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 5, 2025

Jesus faced some things that we may see as unexpected as he dined with a Pharisee and welcomed a motley group of followers.

There are a variety of ways in which we set expectations. Sometimes cultural norms - like a handshake or a hug - set certain expectations. Sometimes we have expectations based on tradition - for example how to set a table or what you do on holidays. You may have performance expectations set by ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Do You Hear? Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 12, 2025

How do you respond to what you hear from the Word of God?

Do you hear what I hear? Noel Regney was born in France in 1920. He studied music in conservatories in both Paris, France and Strasbourg, Germany. Though being French, he was drafted into the Nazi army during WWII. He did not like the what the party stood for and secretly worked as a part of ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:4-21

Denomination: Baptist

Fear Or Faith Factor Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 19, 2025

As Jesus crosses Galilee, facing a storm and interacting with a demon-possessed man, some people respond to Jesus in fear and others in faith.

From 2001-2006, the reality-TV game show Fear Factor brought contestants and viewers alike face to face with fears that they did not know they had. From death-defying stunts, to eating gross concoctions and so much more, contestants faced their fears in order to win challenges in the hopes of ...read more

Scripture: John 16:33, Matthew 28:20, John 14:1-3, Hebrews 13:5, John 14:16-17, John 10:10, Luke 8:22-39  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

The Parable Of The Tenants Series

Contributed by Gilbert Sefaranga on Mar 30, 2019

Biblical parables reveal hidden truths concerning the Kingdom of God. Judgment, behavior, and/or Biblical principles. An interesting thing about the Parables that Christ taught is the fact that what He often seeks to reveal is hidden.

33 “Listen to another parable: There was a landowner who planted a vineyard. He put a wall around it, dug a winepress in it and built a watchtower. Then he rented the vineyard to some farmers and moved to another place. 34 When the harvest time approached, he sent his servants to the tenants to ...read more

Scripture: Luke 20:9-19, Matthew 21:33-46

A New Kind Of King For A New Kind Of Kingdom Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Apr 17, 2025

On Palm Sunday, people clamored for Jesus to be their King. In the sermon on the plain, Jesus seems to lay out some things that help us to see who the Kingdom people are, what they should value, and how they should live.

Today is a day that has become known as Palm Sunday, celebrating the day of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Here, near the end of his earthly ministry, people had watched in wonder at 2-3 years of authoritative teaching, profound miracles, and even resurrections. They had become enamored ...read more

Scripture: Luke 6:17-49

Denomination: Baptist

The Problem Of Suffering And The Panacea Of Our Savior Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Apr 21, 2025

When in Jesus' ministry of healing and teaching, he addresses the reality of the suffering that we experience and solves the root problem of our suffering - sin.

It’s not uncommon for people to ask the question, “why do bad things happen to good people?” Or to state it another way, “if God is good, why do bad things happen?” It can sometimes feel like the worst things in life happen to some of the best people. At times it can feel like God is out to get ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

Finicky Faith Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Apr 28, 2025

John, while in prison, sent representatives to Jesus to ascertain whether or not he is the one - Jesus provided proof and then affirmed John’s ministry, sinners repented, Pharisees rejected/scoffed, Jesus confronted the finicky faith of the generation

During World War II, a congregation in London faced bombings nightly. In the midst of fear, their pastor encouraged them to gather for prayer. One night, after a particularly intense bombing, he found a soldier praying with fervor. When asked why he prayed amidst such chaos, the soldier replied, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 7:18-35

Denomination: Baptist

Twelve Years Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on May 27, 2025

A lot can happen in twelve years. In Luke 8:40-56 we learn of two different groups of people who had completely different experiences and yet encountered Jesus in profound ways.

Solomon Northrup was born around 1808 in New York to a former slave. His father, who eventually married a woman of mixed ethnicities, had been emancipated in the will of his deceased owner. They had two sons who were born free. Solomon took after his father in learning how to work the land, but ...read more

Scripture: Luke 8:40-56

Denomination: Baptist

Faith And Fealty Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Dec 1, 2025

As the disciples as Jesus to increase their faith, Jesus urges that faith is more a matter of quality than quantity. Our ultimate responsibility is faithful obedience.

Faith is an interesting issue. Over the years, I’ve heard stories of people who seemed to demonstrate great faith as they recounted the ways that God has answered prayer. One such person was George Mueller. He lived from 1805-1898. In an era when people would pay “pew rents” in order to have ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:5-10, Deuteronomy 32:20, Habakkuk 2:4, Mark 4:30-32, 1 Corinthians 15:58, Matthew 25:21, Matthew 11:29  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Contrasting Characteristics Of The Kingdom Of God Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Dec 8, 2025

In response to a question from the Pharisees, Jesus discusses some contrasting realities of the Kingdom of God

Thoughts of kingdoms Human drawn Boundaries (interesting, we don’t see any boundaries when looking from space) Leaders Governing systems and structures Maybe languages when it comes to thinking about the Kingdom of God, what does that mean? As we have on a few other occasions in our study of Luke, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:20-37, Luke 7:18, Amos 5:18-20, Romans 12:1-2, 2 Peter 3:8-9, Luke 12:40, Acts 1:7, Acts 1:8, Acts 1:11, Ephesians 2:1-9, 1 Timothy 3:16  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Don't Give Up! Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Dec 15, 2025

Jesus shares the parable of the persistent widow in order to provide encouragement and hope for His followers.

Winston Churchill speech - never give up There are so many areas of life in which people can feel discouraged: weight activities Luke 18:1–8 ESV And he told them a parable to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart. He said, “In a certain city there was a judge who neither ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:1-8, Revelation 6:9-10, Isaiah 55:8-9, Romans 3:10-12, Romans 5:8, John 3:16, 1 John 4:10, Matthew 6:6, James 5:16, 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 2 Thessalonians 3:13, Galatians 6:9, Ephesians 3:13, 2 Timothy 4:8  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Tale Of Two Kinds Of Wisdom Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 3, 2024

James focuses on the leaders of the church as he calls into question the source of wisdom - essentially noting that wisdom from God is drastically different than wisdom of the world.

There are decisions that all of us make on a daily basis. Some of those are minor and relatively inconsequential, others are major and potentially life altering. Some impact only us (or so we think), where others reap ramifications on our families, church, workplaces, school, community, and more. ...read more

Scripture: James 3:13-18, Galatians 5:22-23, James 1:2-8, James 2:14-26, James 3:1-12, Colossians 3:2, Matthew 11:29, Hebrews 12:2, Isaiah 53:5, 1 Peter 2:21-22, Isaiah 9:6, John 17:4, John 10:10, John 3:16-17  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

This Is War Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 9, 2024

As we continue to pursue the "true religion" that James encourages us to embody, we come face to face with a war that we face. Sure, there are battles with culture, but this war is within.

One of my favorite bands is the group “Switchfoot.” While I like their sound (it is unique and often very easily identifiable), what I like most is their lyrics. Switchfoot is a band that is made up of Christians. Their lyrics and songs have made their way onto both Christian and secular charts ...read more

Scripture: James 4:1-12, Luke 16:13, Matthew 7:7-8, Exodus 34:14, Exodus 34:6-7, Psalm 37:4, Matthew 5:3-4, 1 John 1:9  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Hubris Or Humility Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 16, 2024

There are so many factors that come into play when we make plans, but how often does the Sovereign will of God affect our plan making? In this passage, James challenges us to avoid hubris and embrace humility by submitting to God’s sovereignty in making plans.

Mistakes along the way? In February of 1995, nearly 30 years ago, the Holy Spirit spoke to me in a clear way that has impacted the course of my life - and yet it has not been without mistakes and missteps. He urged me to go to the church the Danielle grew up at and help out with the youth ...read more

Scripture: James 4:13-17, Acts 16:6-10, Isaiah 55:8-9, Luke 22:42-44, Luke 12:16-21, Proverbs 16:3  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Partiality, Patience, Presence Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 23, 2024

Jesus could return at any time, therefore we should be just in our dealings and patiently endure injustice.

On the night before Jesus was crucified, He told his disciples John 14:3 ESV And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. Jesus went to the cross, leaving them hope beyond the cross, hinting at the resurrection and eternal ...read more

Scripture: James 5:1-11, John 14:3, Matthew 24:36-44, Genesis 4:10, Proverbs 13:22, 1 Timothy 5:8, 1 Timothy 6:6-10, Matthew 6:19-21, James 1:27, Hebrews 11:36-40, 1 Corinthians 15:50-58  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist