Sermons on Joel:

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

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

Christ Has The Listening Sheep In His Hands

Contributed by Joel Pankow on May 8, 2025

Jesus is the Good Shepherd to speaks lovingly to his sheep, holding them in His hands.

5.11.25 John 10:22–30 22 Then the Festival of Dedication took place in Jerusalem. It was winter, 23 and Jesus was walking in the temple area in Solomon’s Colonnade. 24 So the Jews gathered around Jesus, asking, “How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly.” ...read more

Scripture: John 10:22-30

Denomination: Lutheran

The Call Of Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 16, 2025

While Jesus announces for the first time to his disciples his call to the cross, He calls us to confess who he is and calls us to live a crucified life.

I would guess that we are probably similar in that we get so many unwanted calls each day. Somehow, I’ve been getting calls for some group who says they can get me on Social Security Disability. Other times I’ve been on the list for VA loans - except I’m not a veteran. I’ve received calls for ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:18-27

Denomination: Baptist

Adventures In Missing The Point Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jul 7, 2025

As Jesus makes a turn toward Jerusalem, we learn that the disciples still have so much to learn - but so do we.

In his book Mere Christianity, CS Lewis uses an illustration to note how different it is to learn something than it is to apply that thing. His illustration centered on the difference between a map and being out on the water. In two dimensions, a map can look quite straight forward. You can see ...read more

Scripture: Luke 9:23-62

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

Teach Us To Pray Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 11, 2025

Following a time of prayer, one of Jesus' disciples asked Him to teach them how to pray. Luke records an abbreviated version of the Lord's prayer and then includes elements that encourage us to be bold in our prayer, promising provision and presence from God.

Over the last couple of sections of Luke’s gospel, we’ve considered the importance of loving God with all that we are and loving others. We’ve also reflected on the value of sitting before Jesus in order to just be with Him and learn before we get in to the practice of serving. It seems like in ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:1-13

Denomination: Baptist

Truly Following Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 18, 2025

There are a variety of reasons why some people follow Jesus - some for benefits, some to slander, some to argue, some bandwagon followers, but what does it take to be a true follower of Jesus?

It seems like nearly every week I run into people who have some sort of faith. They say that believe in Jesus or at least call themselves Christians, but don’t attend a church. Their faith is very personal, private, and even comfortable. They choose to follow Jesus on their terms, as long as He ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:14-36

Denomination: Baptist

Beware Of Hypocrisy Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 25, 2025

In His encounter with Pharisees and Scribes, Jesus discusses the characteristics of hypocrisy. To His disciples He notes the promises of hypocrisy with a stern warning. And yet, in the gospel, we find great hope for hypocrites.

It seems like nearly every month (maybe even more frequently if we look hard enough), we receive news about some Christian leader who fails morally, gets caught, and is removed from ministry. Whether it’s pastors, professors, performers, or politicians - failure happens. We see hypocrisy ...read more

Scripture: 2 Chronicles 24:20-21, Galatians 5:1, James 5:16, Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 8:1, Romans 5:1, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Isaiah 53:4, Proverbs 10:9, Revelation 20:11-14, Hosea 6:6, Psalm 32:1-7  (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