Sermons on Natalie Gilbert:

Nobody, Somebody, Everybody Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 19, 2023

If John the Baptist was on social media, what would he post? What would he share about himself? He might truly resonate with the song by Casting Crowns - "Nobody, Somebody, Everybody."

I’m not very good at social media, but you probably already know that if you’re on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. I don’t post very often - except to give away bread. When I do, I don’t take very good pictures - in fact I sometimes re-do old pictures - especially of bread. I suppose in some ...read more

Scripture: John 1:19-34

Denomination: Baptist

The First Disciples Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 19, 2023

As Jesus begins his ministry, he calls out several men to follow him. This sermon considers the first disciples that Jesus calls.

We all like to follow someone at various times in our lives. We may be motivated by curiosity, fear, ambition, knowledge, information. Sometimes our following is a simple and non-committed social media follow - we might just want to be in the know. Other times our following results in a certain ...read more

Scripture: John 1:35-51

Denomination: Baptist

The Wedding At Cana Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Jun 19, 2023

Jesus' sign of turning the water to wine reveals a bit of how he addresses our earthly and eternal needs.

Introduction I have a problem. I don’t like things on my hands. As a result I wash my hands too often when I’m cooking. Now, you may not see that as a problem, after all, cross contamination of various foods is never good. But I do. The other day, Danielle and I were preparing dinner together. ...read more

Scripture: John 2:1-12

Denomination: Baptist

Serving Jesus' Way Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 29, 2022

When Jesus washed the feet of the disciples, he broke cultural conventions but also provided an example for his followers to emulate.

Surprised by Underwhelming Expectations I rarely introduce myself as Pastor. It’s not that I don’t want people to know the role I play, but I don’t want my title to become a barrier. Sure, it may open some conversations, but it may also hinder others as people might think I’m some holy man - ...read more

Scripture: John 13:1-17

Denomination: Baptist

United Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 28, 2023

As a church, we are in the process of transitioning from traditional Sunday School classes to home-based community groups. In this process, we are going to take a few weeks to consider what it means for us to be a biblical community. We begin with the consideration that we are united.

Introduction Series on biblical community in preparation for the launching of community groups next month we will look at a variety of passages, but most of our time together will be in the book of Ephesians Background Diversity There were cultural, ethnic, and religious divisions in the city - ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 2:11-22

Denomination: Baptist

Intimate Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 28, 2023

As we continue to reflect on what it means to be a biblical community, we've seen so far that we are united and the there are norms of that community. In this sermon, we'll reflect on the intimacy or nearness that we experience as a church.

? Possible Intro: ? The pandemic and our nation’s value of rugged individualism have wreaked havoc in our lives - more than we realize. ?I was listening to a podcast this week that contained a conversation between Russel Moore and Sam Alberry. Both are believers and apologists. Both attend ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:1-3, Romans 5:5

Denomination: Baptist

Transforming Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Aug 28, 2023

We are not who we once were and are not yet whom God is creating us to be. We are together as a church - being transformed or renewed.

The Second Best Day of My Life ? December 31, 1994 After 5 years of on and off dating, nearly 2 years of engagement Danielle and I got married. We assembled at her home church with close to 300 guests, 10 attendants, a few musicians, many family members, a Bible teacher, and a pastor We got dressed ...read more

Scripture: Ephesians 4:17-22, Romans 12:2

Denomination: Baptist

Yoked Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 5, 2023

Our unity as a biblical community is strengthened because we are yoked together - knitted together as members of one another with practical ethics that we are intended live out in order to foster that community.

YOKED Joel Gilbert / General CommU.N.I.T.Y. / Ephesians 4:25–32; Ephesians 5:1–2   Introduction There are organizations for people with any number of interests. Often, membership in these societies comes with an expectation for some advocacy or education, financial support, or simply ...read more

Denomination: Baptist

Rough Beginnings Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Sep 11, 2023

In this sermon, we consider the back story of the letters to the Thessalonians - the founding of the church. It's tumultuous beginning helps us to understand a bit of the environment into which the new church was planted and some of the ongoing struggles they faces.

Pre-quals Every story has a back story. We may not always gain insight into the back story, but there are things impact characters and cultures. When George Lucas wrote the original Star Wars series, he had in his mind some of the events leading up to the movie that many of us were first ...read more

Scripture: Acts 17:1-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1

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