Sermons on Natalie Gilbert:

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

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

Scandalous Grace Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Nov 17, 2025

Jesus urges His followers to be aware of stumbling blocks - whether they are in our path or blocks that we might place in the paths of others. He calls us to demonstrate radical forgiveness - modeled after his scandalous grace.

In response to the ridicule of the Pharisees and their propensity to greed and service to mammon, Jesus turns aside to his disciples with some very important and challenging comments. He begins by noting that they and we should… Recognize Reality (1-3a) Luke 17:1 ESV And he said to his disciples, ...read more

Scripture: Luke 17:1-4, 1 Corinthians 8:4, 1 Corinthians 8:7-13, Galatians 5:13-14, 1 John 2:10, James 5:19-20, 1 Corinthians 1:21-24, Hebrews 4:15, 2 Corinthians 5:21  (view more)  (view less)

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

The Christian Religion According To Jesus Series

Contributed by Joel Gilbert on Dec 22, 2025

Jesus helps us to see that His followers should be marked by humility, faith, and devotion.

What is a good Christian like? Is it someone who doesn’t as the saying goes “drink or smoke or cuss or chew or date/marry people who do”? Is it someone who faithfully attends church? Is it someone who waits until marriage to engage in sexual activity? Is it someone who is morally upright? Is ...read more

Scripture: Luke 18:9-30, Romans 7:21-24, Proverbs 22:6, Genesis 15:6, Colossians 3:5, Exodus 20:1-17, Luke 16:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Baptist

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