Sermons on Dr Benjamin Gilbert:

A Covenant Community Communicates Clearly Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 30, 2024

As James closes his letter to exiles, he concludes with instructions on three different topics - communication (oaths), prayer, and care. This sermon looks at the first of those in the context of a covenant community.

In the run up to the 1988 Presidential Election, Vice President George H.W. Bush famously said “Read my lips: no new taxes.” He was running on a platform of consistency. He sought to take the policies and success of the Reagan years into a new term. He, in essence, swore an oath, made a promise ...read more

Scripture: James 5:12, Romans 12:5, Ephesians 4:25, Matthew 5:34-37, Matthew 23:16-22, Matthew 19:22, Zechariah 8:14-17, Psalm 32:3-4, 1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9-10  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

A Covenant Community Prays Fervently Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 7, 2024

One of James' final instructions to the exiled believers is on the topic of prayer.

Introduction In his profound book on the importance of prayer in the life of a congregation, John Onwuchekwa shares this quote - which is attributed to several different people including Martin Luther: To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. Martin ...read more

Scripture: James 5:13-18

Denomination: Baptist

A Covenant Community Cares Faithfully Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 22, 2024

As James concludes his letter to exiles, he does so with one final exhortation regarding how a Christian community should care for those who have fallen away from the faith.

Paul Confronts Peter approx. AD 40 Peter was eating with a group of Gentile believers - maybe a church picnic. He had shared the gospel with Gentiles and had received confirmation from the Holy Spirit that salvation is for them too. Some guys from James came to the same picnic - these guys where ...read more

Scripture: James 5:19-20, Psalm 119:11, Galatians 2:11-14, 2 Samuel 12:1-15

Denomination: Baptist

The Call Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 22, 2024

Psalm 66 is a corporate Psalm of Thanksgiving or Praise in response to the work of God in the lives of the people of Judah. This introductory message looks at the first four verses and the summons to praise - reflecting on the context of praise, the command to praise, and the content of our praise.

Psalm 66:1–4 ESV Shout for joy to God, all the earth; sing the glory of his name; give to him glorious praise! Say to God, “How awesome are your deeds! So great is your power that your enemies come cringing to you. All the earth worships you and sings praises to you; they sing praises to ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:1-4, Exodus 14:21, Joshua 3:14-17, Philippians 4:6, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Corinthians 15:54-57, James 2:19  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

Can I Get A Witness? Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Oct 28, 2024

When God’s people testify to what God has done, others are invited to witness and respond.

Introduction Last week, we began considering the relationship between praise and thanks and how we are called in this Psalm to verbalize or express our gratitude. That expression should include some discussion of God’s attributes and the affect that he has on us, on creation, and even on his ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:5-7, Psalm 19:1, Romans 1:19-20, Psalm 145:4-5

Denomination: Baptist

Testing, Trust, And Thanks Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Nov 4, 2024

This central part of Psalm 66 urges us to recognize God's presence in our lives in the midst of pain and prosperity and respond with personal piety.

In the year 715 BC, Shalmanezer, the King of Assyria besieged the Northern Kingdom of Israel. For three years, his army starved the nation of Israel until finally they surrendered. In 712 BC, the northern Kingdom crumbled, Israelite citizens were marched off to a foreign land, and Assyria began ...read more

Scripture: Psalm 66:8-15, 2 Kings 17:7-23, 2 Kings 18:11-12, 2 Kings 18:1-3, Romans 6:2, Hebrews 10:24-25, Psalm 1:1-2, Matthew 6:6, Colossians 3:16, Deuteronomy 6:5-6, Malachi 3:10, Galatians 6:10, Matthew 28:19-20, 1 Peter 2:12, Hebrews 12:1-2  (view more)  (view less)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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